Leadership Bios
Expert Drywall is led by a passionate team that is committed to delivering excellent customer service. Our committed leaders work hard to inspire trust and confidence in our clients by providing unparalleled project delivery. Their collective experience is one of Expert’s strongest assets. Many key employees have been with the company for 15 to 35 years. We are well-known for our award-winning senior managers, field superintendents, and safety engineers, backed by exceptional master crafts-people.
Executive Leadership
-
Alec McDade Co-President/Principal -
Josh O’Connor Co-President/Principal -
Leif Biffle Vice President/Principal -
Ryan Miller Vice President/Principal -
Martin Holberg Sr. Advisor -
James McDade Sr. Advisor
Project Management & Estimating
-
Mark Leavitt Senior Project Manager / Estimator -
John Bauer Senior Project Manager / Estimator -
Drew Hatland Project Manager / Estimator -
Brad McCracken BIM Manager / Project Manager -
Christian McDonald Project Manager
Field Leadership
-
Myles Rotter General Superintendent -
Tom Wilkinson General Superintendent -
Todd Vranich Taping Superintendent -
Dean Rotter Field Superintendent
Safety Leadership
-
Brad Lockridge Safety & Health Director -
Shelley Sigurdson Safety Director
Technical & Operations Support
-
Matthew Jacobsen Warehouse Manager
Alec McDade
Co-President/Principal
Alec joined Expert Drywall’s team in 2021 as a project manager and estimator. He brings a degree in construction management from Washington State University and seven years of previous experience working for one of Seattle’s premier general contractors. He has delivered ground-up and tenant improvement projects for high-end commercial clients and leverages his perspective as a general contractor to ensure exceptional quality and execution in the field.
Alec is known for his ability to solve complex problems across diverse teams and develop long-term relationships through reliability, responsiveness, and proactive communication. He always takes ownership of his projects from initial estimate through construction completion.
Alec's role consists of business development, risk management, contract administration, corporate governance, finance and accounting. He also continues to estimate and manage projects for his key clients.
When he’s not at work, Alec enjoys spending time hiking, golfing, boating, and skiing with his wife and children.
Josh O’Connor
Co-President/Principal
Josh joined Expert Drywall in 2006 as warehouse truck driver after which he was accepted into the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program. He spent the next nine years of his career as a carpenter apprentice, journeyman, lead-man and later a project foreman for the company. In 2014, Josh became a project manager and estimator. He has worked on many of Expert Drywall’s more complex light-gauge framing projects including high rise apartment buildings and award-winning medical facilities. Josh’s leverages his field experience as a project manager and estimator to ensure his project are complete with exceptional quality and execution.
Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons while trying to fit in a round of golf every now and then.
Josh's role consists of field operations, contract administration, and project management oversight. He also continues to estimate and manage projects for his key clients.
Leif Biffle
Vice President/Principal
Leif joined Expert Drywall’s team in 2013. Leif brings a wealth of field expertise to his approach to project management and estimating. Having joined Expert Drywall in 2013, he has been involved in a variety of significant projects including Rainier Square Tower, Microsoft Campus Modernizations, CHI Franciscan and Providence Hospitals, and Federal work.
Leif focuses on building strong relationships with all project team members and stakeholders and supports the success of every individual on the team. He has a passion for finding solutions that improve efficiency and continually researches and evaluates equipment, tools, and software to increase Expert Drywall’s productivity and performance.
Leif’s role consists of Corporate Policy, Information & Technology and Company Safety Program & Policies. He also continues to estimate and project manage for key clients.
As an avid Northwest outdoorsman and aviation enthusiast, Leif can often be found on the ski slopes and snowmobiling in the winter and the water in the summer during his free time.
Ryan Miller
Vice President/Principal
With a hands-on background in carpentry and framing, Ryan joined Expert Drywall in 2005 after receiving a degree in construction management from Central Washington University. Ryan has successfully delivered many significant projects including Ninth & Lenora Apartments, West Edge Apartment Tower, Stadium Place Apartments South Tower, Rainier Square Apartments, and more than a dozen Amazon projects.
Ryan believes that building long-term trusting relationships is the key to project success and maintaining Expert Drywall’s superior reputation. He is known for highly effective pre-job planning that identifies potential issues early and results in getting things done right the first time in the field.
In Ryan’s role as Chief Estimator he oversees the estimating staff, bid strategy, and cost analysis to ensure accurate, competitive and timely proposals. He brings a disciplined approach to evaluating risk, scope and project feasibility while working to foster and build relationships with our clients.
Ryan enjoys a variety of Pacific Northwest outdoor activities with his wife and three kids, including biking, skiing, and exploring beaches in the summer. He also spends time with his kids on the softball and baseball fields while coaching little league teams
Martin Holberg
Sr. Advisor
In January 2026, Marty has transitioned from company owner to a Senior Advisor role. In his new role, he will continue mentoring the company's new ownership team.
Marty began his career with Expert Drywall in 1982 after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Building Construction Management from Central Washington University. Marty was named chief estimator in 1986 and in 2002, became a 50-percent company shareholder with Jim McDade. Together, they continue to hone their skills as company leaders and ensure that Expert Drywall remains an industry leader. During his 31 years at Expert Drywall, Marty has taken a leadership role in estimating and managing projects on several of the Pacific Northwest’s signature buildings including Safeco Field, The Seattle Art Museum, the Boeing 777 Office Building, and Providence Regional Medical Center’s Medical Office Building.
Marty represents the Northwest Wall & Ceiling Contractors Association as a board member and is its representative on the Board of Trustees for the Carpenters Trusts of Western Washington.
James McDade
Sr. Advisor
In January 2026, Jim has transitioned from company owner to a Senior Advisor role. In his new role, he will continue mentoring the company's new ownership team.
Jim began his career with Expert Drywall in 1984, spending the first three years working as a stocker and truck driver before moving into the office as a project engineer and estimator. In 2002, he became a 50-percent shareholder with Martin Holberg.
Over the past 35 years, Jim has been instrumental in driving Expert Drywall’s growth by developing long-term client relationships and opportunities to work on pivotal projects such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Headquarters and Microsoft Washington Village.
As a hands-on leader actively involved in estimating and managing projects, Jim’s success is founded on a passion for building complex, challenging projects while nurturing trusting relationships with all team members. He’s known for prioritizing safety, quality, and cost-effective solutions that contribute to Expert Drywall’s reputation for excellent customer service.
Away from the office, Jim enjoys spending time with his wife Cathy, their growing family, and friends on the beaches in Maui and Gearhart, Oregon.
Mark Leavitt
Senior Project Manager / Estimator
Mark joined Expert Drywall in 1997 after providing his expertise to two other commercial drywall contractors in Seattle. He enjoys the challenge of working on difficult, complex, and bidder-designed projects of all sizes. He recently assisted with two award-winning projects: the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters building in downtown Seattle and the Port of Seattle Consolidated Car Rental Facility near Sea-Tac Airport. Both projects won coveted Project of the Year Awards from the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau (NWCB).
Mark had the opportunity to estimate, secure, and complete ground-up projects in Maui and the Big Island, HI, and at the same time completed a similar project in Juneau, AK. He started working in estimating/project management in 1985 after spending seven years in the field as a union drywall carpenter. He completed his carpenter union apprenticeship at South Seattle Community College.
Mark enjoys meeting new people and building on old and new relationships with local general contractors.
Mark shares his life with wife Debbie Jo and daughter Kasey Jo. When he is not chained to his office computer, he likes gardening, landscaping, woodworking, and working around the house. They also have two dogs, Nikki and Shmoo, who conspire to keep them from getting much sleep.
John Bauer
Senior Project Manager / Estimator
John joined Expert Drywall in 2008 as a senior project manager/estimator. He gained foundational experience working as a project engineer, cost engineer, and field superintendent for a national general contractor. In 1993, he transitioned to specialty contracting to be the top estimator/salesman for a leading drywall, plaster, and fireproofing subcontractor.
After receiving his degree in Construction Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, John went on to attend the University of Washington’s Project Management Certificate Program and the Project Management Institute’s Leadership Institute.
Drew Hatland
Project Manager / Estimator
Drew began his career at Expert Drywall in 2013 as a warehouse truck driver before entering the Carpenters Apprenticeship Program. Over the next decade, he worked his way through the field as an apprentice and journeyman, building his skills on some of the region’s most high-profile projects. His portfolio includes Amazon Block 14, Block 19, Block 20, and Rainier Square Tower—projects that helped shape Seattle’s skyline and gave Drew invaluable hands-on experience.
In 2025, Drew transitioned into the office as an estimator and project manager. In this role, he combines his detailed field knowledge with a strong understanding of project delivery from start to finish. His practical experience allows him to anticipate challenges, foster strong client relationships, and manage projects with a focus on accuracy and efficiency. Drew values teamwork and brings a collaborative approach to everything he does.
Outside of work, Drew enjoys spending time with his wife and their two dogs. He is an avid golfer and a dedicated University of Washington football fan, often attending games with family and friends.
Brad McCracken
BIM Manager / Project Manager
Brad joined Expert Drywall in 2004 after more than two decades working for major specialty contractors across Washington. With a background in finish carpentry, framing, and complex layout, he has built a reputation for his strong sense of constructability and attention to detail. Brad is certified in Robotic Total Station operation, Autodesk Point Layout, Autodesk Revit Architect, and MWF StructSoft.
Since stepping into the role of in-house BIM Manager in 2013, Brad has been responsible for creating detailed 3D models, coordinating prefabrication, managing clash detection, and overseeing Total Station layout. His work has been key to many of the company’s most complex projects, including the Boeing Customer Experience building, which earned a Wall and Ceiling Award in 2016. In addition to his BIM expertise, Brad also serves as a project manager, applying his technical skills with a focus on customer service.
Away from the office, Brad enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and time with their two sons and three grandchildren. He can often be found skiing, biking, hiking, camping, boating, or scuba diving.
Christian McDonald
Project Manager
Driven by relationships and people, Christian believes all of partners on a project need to be successful for the team to succeed. Throughout his career, he has gained experience in overseeing all aspects of construction projects, from the General Contractor background. Working initial planning and budgeting to hands-on management and final delivery. His leadership skills, coupled with his ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors, and team members, have consistently resulted in successful and timely project completion.
When not at work, Christian is a Level 1 PSIA Ski Instructor, a WIAA certified Baseball Coach, and enjoys spending time with Family and Golfing.
Myles Rotter
General Superintendent
Dean has been with Expert Drywall for more than 40 years, starting as a warehouse utilityman delivering material to job sites and working his way up to becoming one of our most exceptional superintendents. Early on, he entered the carpentry apprenticeship program and quickly earned a foreman position through outstanding performance. Dean has managed many significant projects for Expert Drywall including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Headquarters, Kinects Apartment Tower, West Edge Apartment Tower, and Amazon Block 20.
Dean maintains an impeccable reputation due to his strong work ethic and the pride he takes in his work. He truly embraces the family-like atmosphere at Expert Drywall.
Dean and his wife enjoy spending time with their two daughters, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. He also enjoys classic cars, fishing, and camping in Eastern Washington.
Tom Wilkinson
General Superintendent
Tom is a member of the company’s senior leadership team and oversees Expert Drywall’s construction operations. Tom has been with the company since 1979, starting as a truck driver and working his way up to become a senior superintendent. He has gained the trust of Expert’s owners, project managers, and many general contractors in the Pacific Northwest.
Tom has vast experience in the construction of several major medical projects, high-rise residential buildings, and retirement facilities. He is a valued team member and problem-solver and is known for providing great customer service. Tom welcomes a challenge and works with the construction team to come up with solutions to problems at an early stage. Often the issue is identified and corrected before the problem arises. He takes pride in driving every project and is proactive with schedules.
Tom and his wife Tracy, who love to travel, have two sons who both work for Expert. Tom enjoys doing home projects with his family and helping raise his grandchildren.
Todd Vranich
Taping Superintendent
Todd started working for Expert Drywall in 1984 while he was still in high school. Since then, he has performed nearly every position in the firm. He started in the warehouse as a utility man then worked in various positions including framing and hanging drywall, fireproofing, and drywall finishing.
He moved back to the warehouse for 12 years as the manager, which included equipment and material distribution and facility maintenance. He is now a taping foreman working on some of the company’s most challenging and high-profile projects, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Washington Square Condominiums.
Todd is married and keeps up with three sons and a daughter. He lives on several acres in Woodinville and enjoys gardening and getting outdoors to hunt and fish.
Dean Rotter
Field Superintendent
Dean has been with Expert Drywall for more than 40 years...
Dean maintains an impeccable reputation due to his strong work ethic...
Dean and his wife enjoy spending time with their two daughters and grandchildren...
Brad Lockridge
Safety & Health Director
Brad joined Expert Drywall in 2009 as a utility worker and quickly entered the company’s apprenticeship program. After journeying out, he advanced through the roles of lead and foreman before being appointed safety manager in 2025. His years of field experience on high-profile projects give him a unique perspective on the challenges and responsibilities crews face every day.
As safety manager, Brad leads the company’s health and safety programs. He develops and implements company-wide safety protocols, site-specific safety plans, and employee training programs. His responsibilities also include conducting jobsite inspections, tracking safety trends, and updating practices to reflect both regulatory changes and workforce needs. Brad combines real-world experience with a proactive, solutions-focused approach, and is dedicated to fostering a strong, positive safety culture across all projects.
When he is not on a jobsite, Brad enjoys camping, hiking, and beach trips with his wife and two sons. He values time spent outdoors and brings the same commitment to safety and well-being to his personal life as he does to his work.
Shelley Sigurdson
Safety Director
Shelley started working at Expert Drywall in 1987 as a drywall finisher apprentice. Shelley is responsible for oversight and implementation of the company’s health and safety programs. Her rule is: “The safer the workers are, the more successful the project will be.”
Shelley works with all employees to eliminate worksite incidents by integrating preplanning construction activities with safety, starting at the prebidding stage and carrying through until the end of each project. Her safety duties include, but are not limited to: inspections for workplace hazards; safety committees to promote employee involvement; and education, training, and communications to maintain a high level of awareness on safety.
In 1994, Shelley started her teaching career as an instructor for health and safety at the Painters and Allied Trades Apprenticeship School. It was there she realized she had a passion for safety and knew she could make a difference. She has earned the respect of the crew and management teams at Expert Drywall and many general contractors in the Pacific Northwest.
Shelley enjoys volunteering at her daughter’s high school and being the best mom she can be. Shelley and her daughter both love music and the arts.
Matthew Jacobsen
Warehouse Manager
Matthew has been an integral part of Expert Drywall for more than two decades, playing a vital role in keeping projects moving forward seamlessly. He began his career in the company’s warehouse, where his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility quickly set him apart. Within a few years, his leadership skills and attention to detail earned him promotion to warehouse manager—a position he has held proudly for nearly 20 years.
In this role, Matthew oversees the systems and processes that ensure crews have the tools and materials they need, when they need them. He is known throughout the company for his reliability, calmness under pressure, and ability to resolve challenges quickly. Whether solving last-minute logistics issues or mentoring new team members, Matthew is the person many rely on to keep operations running seamlessly. His steady leadership and organizational skills make him a cornerstone of Expert Drywall’s success.
Outside of work, Matthew is a devoted husband and father who enjoys spending time with his family. He practices taekwondo with his son on their local team, and the family often spends time together at the driving range or sharing meals at home.