Our Team

Peter Saladino

Chairman

Summary of Qualifications

Peter is a passionate champion for every Charter client. With more than 20 years of experience in the field and the boardroom, he’s especially skilled at keeping owners, architects, and field staff on the same page—and projects on time and on budget. Peter holds a B.S. in construction management from the University of Washington.

Professional Accomplishments

• Created the company’s emergency response and restoration team in 2009
• Grew the company from an entrepreneurial endeavor to a professionally managed, two-state company with more than 300 employees
• Named Charter’s president and majority shareholder in 2008
• Served as company vice president for 10 years
• Established the company’s Oregon operations in 2004
• Developed and led the company’s construction defect repair team in 1997

Eric Jackson

President

Summary of Qualifications

Eric is a natural team builder who lives to exceed client expectations. He began his career at Charter as a carpenter apprentice, earning promotions to project engineer and project manager before spearheading the company’s successful expansion into Oregon. Eric has a BA from Evergreen State College and a certificate in construction management from the University of Washington.

Professional Accomplishments

• Named vice president of Oregon operations and shareholder in 2008
• Led the company’s Oregon expansion in 2004
• Managed construction of the Newman Center, winner of the AGC Construction Excellence Award for New Construction in 2003
• Served as project engineer for construction of the Paradise Employee Dormitory, winner of the AGC Grand Award for Construction Excellence in 2001

Brian Johnson

Vice President / Remediation Team Leader

Summary of Qualifications

Brian graduated from Brigham Young University’s Construction Management Program. He has worked as an estimator and project manager on both commercial and construction defect repair projects. Brian has personally managed more than 20 major projects. He has overseen more than 40 as a senior project manager and team leader. Brian now oversees all estimating and construction operations for the construction defect repair team. He also performs work for projects in litigation and is an expert for projects with special needs. 

Professional Accomplishments

• Helped establish Charter’s Construction scheduling systems
• Won AGC Construction Excellence award on Lochshire Condominiums project
• Established Charter’s CDR cost database, historical cost database, and current estimating systems
• Has been involved in over 500 estimates and 100 bids
• Established and manages Charter’s project manager training program

Selected Projects

• Point Nautica Condominiums – Project manager during the construction defect remediation that involved new stucco and complicated flashing details. The project was compounded by a sprinkler pipe which froze one week before the project began.
• Lochshire Condominiums – Managed the complete exterior remediation of 100 townhomes; included replacement of courtyard waterproofing, topping, planters and irrigation.
• Highlands Condominiums – Managed the replacement of all roofing, sheathing and insulation to repair attic mold issue; upgraded site drainage and landscaping; remediated siding.
• Fairway Lane Townhomes – Team leader during the envelope and structural repairs to 48 townhomes in Snoqualmie.  Work included new shear walls and redesigned load paths to restore the structural integrity of the buildings.
• Cedar Ridge Condominiums – Project manager during the renovation of these 20 year old condominiums; included replacing sheathing and adding new structural hold-downs.
• Metropolitan Park Apartments – Managed the decay repair and siding replacement at the 6 story apartment building in downtown Seattle.
• Garden Court Condominiums – Project manager for this project; included roofing, siding, window replacement, and installation of a new rainscreen system to allow for ventilation behind the new siding.
• Jacobs Creek Condominiums – As team leader, oversaw the remediation of building envelope defect to 106 units in Sammamish; included repairs and replacement of mechanical systems providing heat to many of the homes.

Dawn Stephens, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Summary of Qualifications 

As Charter’s Chief Financial Officer, Dawn Stephens develops and leads the overall financial solutions and strategies that will ensure the ongoing success of Charter Construction and the projects its employees manage. While overseeing the day-to-day financial processes and operations of the company, Dawn also works closely with the human resources department from benefit development to plan execution. Dawn’s career as a finance professional for several construction and real estate firms throughout the northwest has spanned over 25 years. In 2006, Dawn joined Harbor Properties, Inc., first as Corporate Controller and later becoming CFO. Dawn served for six years as corporate controller for a large multi-state general contractor headquartered in Seattle. During her tenure, she was an integral part of creating a service oriented accounting function during a period of strong growth.


Professional Accomplishments

• B.A. – Business Administration, Washington State University
• Certified Public Accountant – Washington
• Past President of the Puget Sound Chapter of the Construction Financial Managers Association
• Serves on a variety of focus committees benefiting the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Wes Snowden

Disaster Solutions and Reconstruction Team Leader

Summary of Qualifications

Involved in the construction field for more than 30 years, Wes Snowden has held positions of superintendent, estimator, sales manager, company owner and vice-president. Bringing his expertise to Charter Construction, Wes has developed a construction defect repair team unparalleled to the rest. He assists insurance companies, engineering firms, attorneys and private owners with fact-finding, troubleshooting and defect resolution. He has testified countless times as a cost expert witness in trial for multi-family and commercial court proceedings in both Washington and Oregon. Wes’s familiarity with construction defect repair and the construction industry has made him a respected and knowledgeable professional within the field of insurance repair. He has been instrumental in launching Charter’s 24 hour full-service insurance team, specializing in technically demanding and schedule-intensive insurance remediation projects.

Professional Accomplishments

• Procured over $215 million in CDR and insurance work
• Led investigations on over 450 commercial and multi-family projects
• Developed highly acclaimed CDR informational program and presents routinely in Washington and Oregon

Selected Projects

• Ward Place Condominiums - Complete strip and reclad of original siding on this four building complex, installed new rain screen system as efficiently as possible to limit tenant disruptions.
• Devonshire Townhomes - 30 unit high-end residential complex located in Portland, OR that required a complete redesign and replacement of the existing cedar siding, entry columns and decks to incorporate better waterproofing details.
• Carillon Heights - Renovation of a four-building high-end condominium complex on Kirkland’s waterfront; extensive rot was repaired throughout the building; siding was stripped and reclad with Hardiplank siding.
• Victoria Park – Complete strip and reclad of exteriors of 84-unit condominium project in Everett; extensive interior seismic upgrades.
• Garden Grove – Renovation of 101-unit Everett condominium, including strip and reclad of vinyl siding and renovation of all units’ exterior decks.
• Renton Ridge – Removal and reconstruction of stair towers on four, four-story condominium units; reconstruction of all exterior decking; installation of new shearwalls, hold-downs and other seismic components; selective siding replacement to meet limited budget.
• Spinnaker Point – Re-piping of 87 condominium units in Auburn complex to repair and replace failed clamps; completed work in accelerated three-month timeframe.
• King's Square North Condominiums - Significant water damage from poorly designed waterproofing systems at deck areas required the removal of stucco, concrete topping slabs and damaged framing to repair to this 13-unit complex located in Portland, OR.
• Seawind Condominiums - Charter worked closely with the client from this project’s conception to setup financing, design and pre-construction services. Crews replaced the 30 year-old complex’s siding, repaired dry rot and structural damage and replaced deck coatings with proper flashing detail to impede future water intrusion.
• Woodlands Condominiums - Charter created a fast paced schedule to remove the building’s existing failed hydronic heating system and install new electric wall units.
• Chinook Manor - Chinook Manor went through an extensive refinish, where Charter crews repaired years of water damage. New siding and vinyl windows were installed. Decks were repaired and updated with new coatings and new railings were installed.

Luke Hagler

Commercial Team Leader

Summary of Qualifications

Luke Hagler’s wide breadth of knowledge and nearly 20 years of experience gives him an edge on all types of projects. With a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management and a minor in architecture from the University of Washington, Hagler fully understands the path a project takes throughout the design phase and is able to communicate effectively with project design teams.

Luke brings field experience as a laborer and carpenter, as well as an intense knowledge of computer programs and applications. He is proficient in Constructware, Timberline, WinEst, P3 estimating software, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project and Access software.

Professional Accomplishments 

• Excels in fast-track, complicated projects requiring close teamwork, quick thinking and astute decision making
• Certificate in Real Estate Development from the University of Washington 
• Charter’s commercial team senior estimator and pre-construciton manager
• Excels at project budgeting and value engineering

John Ellertson

Custom Homes Operations Manager

Summary of Qualifications

John Ellertson combines practical and academic construction experience as Charter’s Custom Homes Operations Manager. His extensive homebuilding experience stems from over twenty-five years of field and project management experience coupled with a dual degree in Construction Management and Architecture from the University of Washington. His familiarity with the role of the designer brings a fresh perspective to the project team as well.

John’s main emphasis on project management is the team. By placing special emphasis on encouraging new ideas and cultivating a creative team atmosphere, Charter’s custom homes team can attract and retain quality, skilled people while satisfying the needs of clients resulting in successful projects.

Ellertson grew up in a family owned construction company, allowing him to experience many aspects of the construction process early on. His extensive experience building and remodeling high-end homes has honed an eye for detail and a strong work ethic.


Professional Accomplishments 

• LEED Accredited Professional
• AGC Construction Project Management Course, Dallas, TX 2008
• B.S. in Construction Management from the University of Washington 
• B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington
• Participated in ASC Region VII Student Competition, placing first in the 2004 Design-Build competition.

Jeanne Crouch

Director of Business Development

Summary of Qualifications

Jeanne was so impressed by Charter Construction as a homeowner and HOA Board Member during the HOA’s construction defect repair lawsuit and remediation project that she joined the company as Director of Sustainable Growth a year later, in 2009. She brings 25 years of management, international banking, management consulting, and environmental business experience to her position, which seeks to enhance Charter’s position in the industry, deepen its relationships within the community, and steer its activities in an ever more sustainable direction. Jeanne thrives on motivating others to succeed, and balances inspiration with accountability and results. Jeanne holds a B.A. in business and economics and a M.S. in economics/agricultural economics.

Professional Accomplishments

• MS Economics/Agricultural Economics, Colorado State University 
• BA Business and Economics, Principia College
• Board of Governors, City Club of Portland 
• Community Associations Institute (CAI Oregon) Volunteer of the Year
• Former Chair - CAI Membership Committee 
• Co-Developed CAI Oregon Habitat for Humanity Community Association Program and Association Scholarship Program
• Volunteer, International Executive Service Corps 
• Co-Founder, Environmental Training & Consulting International, Inc. 
• C0-Developer and Trainer, Smithsonian Environmental Leadership Course 

Ed Coke

General Superintendent - Washington

Ed brings more than 30 years of award winning expertise to his position as Charter’s general superintendent. Highly regarded for his problem-solving approach, Ed has developed a well-respected reputation for coordinating and motivating employees and subcontractors to perform their duties in a professional and timely manner.

Ed possesses broad experience in all phases of field project management and has an extensive background in commercial and custom residential construction as well as architectural restoration and commercial renovation. 

As general superintendent, Ed is responsible for overseeing field quality control and working with superintendents and project management to ensure that the needs of each project are met. He also oversees field operations for Charter’s four diverse teams and their jobsite labor flow.

Ed is one of a select few at Charter to be part of The Black Hats, an honorary group of employees who show selfless sacrifice, expert problem solving, inventive thinking and collaborative approaches. In his free time, Ed is a drummer and plays across musical genres in jazz, rock and middle-eastern groups. He has played on Charter's Chihuahuas softball team for 20 years and in 2014 the team took home the trophy! He is in a loving relationship with his beloved Linda and they have 5 children and 2 grandchildren who they love dearly.
 

Professional Accomplishments:

Ed has been responsible for many of the award winning projects that Charter has built, which include:

The Newman Center, which received: AGC Award for Construction Excellence in 2003 

The Bloedel Reserve Education Center, which received:
AIA National Honor Award, 1992
AGC Grand Award for Construction Excellence, 1992
AIA Seattle Chapter Award, 1992
American Wood Council Design Honor Award, 1992
AIA Honor Award, Northwest Region, 1994

Salish Lodge Spa, which received:
AGC Award for Construction Excellence, 1997
AIA Project of the Month, 1996
AIA Seattle Chapter Commendation Award, 1996
AGC Safety Award, 1997 

Selected Projects

Salmon Bay Marine Center- A 3 year development that transformed an old marine yard to a bustling commercial center with 5 individual building ranging from 10,000- 25,000 sq ft.

Capitol Hill Residence- Designed by Balance Architects, this uniquely modern, green residence that has been featured in several national design publications, made use of geothermal heating and over 40 solar panels for a majority of its energy needs. 

Tobias Residence- A gorgeous glass, concrete and steel home overlooking downtown Seattle. Its minimalistic and expansive approach makes it one of the more unique homes in Seattle.

One Pacific Residence- A 5,500 sq ft penthouse, that embraces a sweeping 365-degree view of Seattle using marmorino plaster, anigre paneling and casework and amazing stone flooring.

More than what we at Charter can say about Ed, here‘s what just a few of the owners he has worked with over the years have to say about him.

Tobias Residence
“Charter's dedication to the project exceeded our already high expectations for both quality and efficiency. Our home is beyond perfect. Charter stuck to our budget and we moved in a few weeks before our scheduled move-in date. The entire building process was such a pleasure and we look forward to more projects with them in the future.”

Capitol Hill Residence
“We have enjoyed and appreciated the level of professionalism, follow through, and stellar execution demonstrated every step of the way. We not only love the home built for us, on time and on budget, but we appreciate having had an opportunity to work closely with such high class and fun people to realize one of our longstanding dreams.” 

Bloedel Reserve Education Center
“When Charter takes on a job, I know that satisfaction is guaranteed. Charter Construction did a superb job building the Bloedel Education Center. Their pride, professionalism and attention to detail were crucial to the success of the project. The building turned out beautifully.”

Salmon Bay Marine Center
“Charter Construction has been a pleasure to work with. They are good communicators, good coordinators, and good partners and have been financially responsible throughout the project. And most important to us, they have been a great contractor.”

Millennium Tower Residence
“The entire process from beginning to end working with Charter was an absolute pleasure.  Your team brought the project in on time and under budget. I would recommend Charter without qualification based on this experience. My thanks for your performance, your professionalism and above all, your dedication to excellence.”

Salish Lodge Spa
“Working with Charter Construction has been an opportunity to work with the best.  Charter was a true partner on this project bringing a high level of professionalism, quality craftsmanship and the attention to detail that a custom project like the Spa demands. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you all. It is my sincere opinion that you are one of the finest organizations in the city.”

“The project schedule was significantly reduced, impacts to daily operations were minimal, and the lost revenue during the course of the projected was unbelievably minimal. It was the members of Charter’s team that week after week accomplished the goals set forth, went beyond the expected completing the unexpected, and made this project a success that was beyond our expectations. Again, I thank you and your team for your efforts as it is truly an honor to work with a team that exemplifies excellence and without a doubt, lives up to your motto of “Whatever it takes.” 

Interbay Public Golf Course
“Ed and his crew fully recognize the advantages of working as a construction team, readily seeking input from the owner and designer, freely offering expertise when they have it. Charter has a great combination of qualified office and field staff which pushed a difficult project, from start to finish in a timely and cost efficient manner.”

Lakeshore Drive Residence
“This has been the best relationship I have ever had with a general contractor. There were no hassles. They provided superior quality workmanship on time and on budget, and they also have great follow-up. Charter has the right attitude about working together with the architect and owner to solve problems with an uncompromising understanding of quality. You have been responsive, responsible and fun to work with.”

Terry Baird

General Superintendent - Oregon

35 years is no easy feat, and for Terry Baird, his excitement and commitment are as unwavering as it was the day he began. Those years have taught Terry a thing or two: there are no impossible jobs, but maybe a few that are difficult. Starting as a framer of custom homes, Terry went on to manage his own company - The Northwest Framers - where he employed up to 90 people. It was there, Terry discovered the most useful tool in his toolbox: communication. He teaches by example, only asks people to do jobs he would do himself, and above all promotes an atmosphere of continual learning and respect. Charter is lucky to have him on board as General Superintendent of Oregon. It is the experienced employees like Terry, that allows Charter Construction to continue to give the high-level of work and customer service to our clients.

Professional Accomplishments 

• Teaches Forklift and Scaffold Awareness training for new Charter employees
• Perfected skills as a union carpenter, advancing to journeyman level
• Supervised crew on award-winning Paradise Employee Dormitory job

Elske Finnoe

Safety Director

Summary of Qualifications

Elske has been involved in safety her entire career. Her first position was on a timber production line where her responsibilities included machine maintenance and monitoring and fire fighting. In her next position, in addition to supervising a staff of eight, she provided oversight of quality control, safety enforcement and training. Having developed more extensive safety management experience, Elske became the safety coordinator for a large contractor where she was instrumental in improving the safety modification rates for the company.

In 2009, Elske joined Charter as its Safety Director. Deeply committed to improving systems, training, and creating concise  procedures, Elske has been a driving force in Charter’s continued commitment to safety. With strong support from management, she is helping Charter to continually improve its safety record and achieve the company’s safety goals.  

Professional Accomplishments

• First aid, respirator fit test and medical evaluation, forklift & flagger certified
• 8 hour Susan Harwood Focus for Safety Training
• Intro to Construction Mentoring Program
• 80 hours Supervisory Training
• Facilitation and Business Skills Training, WA State University
• General Studies Courses, Colville Community College
• Developed OSHA 10/30 training programs for Charter employees

Joe Cimaomo

HR Manager

With more than 30 years in the Human Resources (HR) field, Joseph Cimaomo was at the top of Charter Construction’s list of possible candidates for the position of Human Resources Manager when it opened up in 2017. Once Joe was able to meet with the Charter team in May 2017 and get an overall picture of our company vision and direction, he knew that accepting the position at Charter would be an excellent career move for him. Prior to working for Charter, Joe worked in HR in the power generation industry and retail home improvment industry and he has always had an avid interest in building.

Joe’s well-rounded, extensive background in HR includes:

• Leading HR teams                                 
• Labor relations                       
• Employee relations
• Hiring                                                         
• Risk management                 
• Benefits
• Project management                           
• Budget management           
• Training
• All aspects of recruiting—including developing key recruiting strategies
• Utilizing social media as a powerful tool for recruiting

Joe has been involved with many professional organizations during his time in the HR industry. He has been a member of SHRM since 1997, he served on the Board of Directors for the Independent Energy Human Resource Association and he was also the organization’s Vice President of Conference Planning. Currently, he is on the Board of Directors of Hire America’s Heroes. Joe is also very involved in his local community. He is a member of Kiwanis and has worked as a volunteer with the local police department for more than fifteen years.