Haydon Leadership

Meet Katie, CEO for Haydon. Katie was born in beautiful Winnemucca, Nevada, but grew up in Phoenix. She attended Xavier College Prep for high school, ASU for a BS in Accountancy, and Thunderbird for her MBA in Global Management. Upon graduation from ASU, Katie accepted an accounting position at a large publicly held corporation, then years later worked as Controller of a small, privately held Phoenix-based land development company. The diversity of experience between these two organizations and depth of knowledge gained throughout her accounting career is something she calls upon every day. However, it was her time at Thunderbird, School of Global Management that she describes as “memorable” and “life-changing”. It was Thunderbird that really opened her eyes to the importance of culture, the global mindset that was instilled in her through her studies and is what laid the foundation for her approach to leadership. Upon graduation, Katie packed one suitcase and moved to Madrid, Spain to start a new life as a newly minted MBA. As she attempted to perfect the Spanish language (an ongoing goal) and traveled to over 27 countries, Katie learned an appreciation for culture, acceptance, and gained a worldly education.

The economy of 2009 meant Spain was not issuing work visas, so it was time to start a new adventure. Katie returned home to the family business and in 2010 joined the accounting department at Haydon. Through the years, Katie has held many positions in the organization, continually learning the business. But it was her intentional focus, development, and continuous improvement of the culture and people at Haydon, that made her Executive Vice President. As EVP her main responsibility is strategy: to position the company for sustainability and growth for the next generation. Her passion for the business and the people who work at Haydon is unwavering and obvious to anyone who know her.

Katie is extremely active in the community and is a member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Westmarc, Leadership West, Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, Arizona Builders Alliance, The Consul Corps of Arizona, Canada Arizona Builders Council, and Junior League of Phoenix. Her philanthropic work spans across these organizations but her heart is with the Esperanza School for Homeless Children, which is her preferred organization for charitable efforts. Katie was recognized by the Construction Financial Management Association as a 2020 Emerging Leader and was featured as one of the 20 Young Leaders Shaping Commercial Real Estate in 2020, by AZ Big Media.

When Katie is not engaging with the people at Haydon or in the community, you can find her with her family or traveling, which is still one of her greatest pleasures and passions.

Matt Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer & President of Haydon Companies, grew up in Sisters, Oregon. He has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.

After graduating from OSU, Matt moved to Arizona to accept a job offer with Arizona Game and Fish. He soon found an opportunity working for the Sheet Metal Union as an apprentice on Bank One Ballpark which today is known as Chase Field. In 2000, after a few years as an apprentice, upon his enrollment to ASU, he found an internship opportunity with Haydon Companies. As an intern, Matt was able to experience every stage of a project from estimating to its completion. From there, Matt’s consistency and determination to overcome challenges has propelled him forward and shaped him into the leader he is today.

“It’s not about where you start; it’s about where you finish,” Matt says. He knows that it was the intentional mentorship that he received in his early years at Haydon that helped shape his professional career. Providing mentorship and developing young professionals is one of his favorite parts of the job. Matt understands that sharing lessons learned from years of experience with the next generation is vital to the future of the construction industry and for Haydon.

As COO & President of Haydon Companies, Matt has many responsibilities in making key decisions that will impact the future of the company. His job is to provide strategic vision for growth and provide the necessary resources to Haydon to continue to be a high-caliber competitor in the construction industry. The values he lives by — hard work, perseverance, and embracing challenges — are evident in the success and growth of Haydon.

When Matt is not providing strategic vision for growth for the company or pioneering methods for entering new market sectors, you can find him with his family at his daughters’ swim meets or golfing with his son.

Meet Eddie, Chief Information Officer & Chief Administrative Officer at Haydon. Eddie was raised in Tucson, Arizona and was always fascinated by numbers as a child. When a summer internship in college led him into a position in IT, he was immediately drawn in. His mathematical skills, along with his passion for technology launched him into a career lasting over two decades.

Eddie joined Haydon in 2012 to lead the development of our IT department, the same year we made the shift from consultant-based IT to a full in-house team. Throughout the past twelve years, Eddie has grown and evolved the IT department at Haydon immensely.

As Chief Information Officer & Chief Administrative Officer, Eddie is responsible for internal and external support services. He ensures these services are in alignment with the companies’ strategic objectives and that services are delivered in compliance with their stated Service Level Agreements and Customer Satisfaction requirements.

When Eddie is not getting his hands on the greatest tools for Haydon, you can find him spending his free time exploring the local events around town with his family.

Joe Malone, Executive Vice President for Haydon’s Civil and Building Groups, grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management at the Del E Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.

Joe got his start in construction in 5^th grade. Joe’s dad worked on a lot of drill rigs and would take Joe to work with him. At a young age, he was around heavy equipment frequently and as he got older, he would work summers at his uncle’s residential construction company doing roofing projects, small additions, and demos. During his junior year of high school, he visited Arizona for a college tour of Arizona State University. After he graduated high school, he moved to Tempe, Arizona to attend the Del E Webb School of Construction.

In 2005, Joe began interning at Haydon Companies with the takeoff department while completing his courses at ASU. Upon graduation, Joe was hired on full-time as a Project Engineer with the Civil Division. From there, he was promoted to Senior Project Engineer, and made his way up the ranks to his most recent promotion in 2025 to Executive Vice President & Partner.

As Executive Vice President, Joe has the privilege of providing leadership and guidance to Project Engineers, Project Managers, Project Directors, and Superintendents in the Building and Civil Groups at Haydon and is also very involved with the Summer Internship for college students. He strives to work with each team to make sure that the Haydon Fundamentals are upheld in every aspect of a project, from start to finish. Ownership is a fundamental value that Joe lives his life by and conducts himself professionally. Ownership for Joe means stewarding the “weight of leadership by taking ownership of decisions made and mistakes of the whole team.”

When Joe isn’t providing guidance and leadership to project teams, you’ll find him traveling with his wife and daughter, hunting outdoors, building jeeps for rock crawling, or volunteering with a nonprofit organization.

Chance, a native of the Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula, Montana, discovered his passion for construction while working for a general excavation company during college, which led him to get his Construction Engineering Technology (CET) degree at Montana State University in Bozeman. In 2008, after earning his CET degree, Chance made Phoenix his home and got professionally licensed as a Professional Engineer in Arizona in 2015.

Guided by Noam Chomsky’s thought-provoking quote, “colorless green ideas sleep furiously,” Chance embodies a questioning mindset, always seeking to challenge himself and improve. He values advice such as “don’t worry about titles, titles come with experience” and embraces the concept that “there is no 99-yard line,” implying that in tasks, reaching the end isn’t the crucial point; it’s the final 1%-10% that truly counts. Achieving the first 90% may seem substantial, but it often accounts for only 60%-70% of the effort. It’s the last 10% that distinguishes excellence and gives a project its finished appearance.

Outside the office, Chance, along with his wife and two daughters, enjoy quality family time. They explore the diverse landscapes of Arizona and southern California through their shared love for camping.

Beyond his professional expertise, Chance is a hobbyist woodworker and DIY enthusiast, always willing to tackle new challenges. Whether excelling in activities or learning from occasional setbacks, Chance’s commitment to continuous improvement and attention to detail sets him apart as a valued member of our team.

Meet Cindy, Chief Financial Officer at Haydon. Growing up in Phoenix, Cindy spent several summers working for her father’s business, learning about public accounting, and what it really means to be a business owner. An alumna of Xavier College Prep, Cindy played varsity golf the first year the team took first place at the state tournament. She went on to graduate from Claremont McKenna College with a degree in Economics/Accounting in 1985, returning to begin her accounting career on the audit staff of Price Waterhouse in Phoenix. Cindy continued to work in public accounting, achieving the rank of Audit Manager with Virchow, Krause & Co. In 1994, she left public accounting to accept the position of CFO and Treasurer of a client, H.E.R.C., Inc., who was making a public offering. Cindy later worked for Schuff Steel as their controller and as CFO for Pulice Construction.

With a wealth of experience in public accounting and construction, she arrived at Haydon with a broad network of peers across accounting departments in construction companies and has worked to further build that community of supportive professionals. Believing that in order to be truly effective, she must continually travel outside of the organization to broaden her idea of what is possible, she vows to, “always stay in motion and to always be growing.” Cindy’s thirst for knowledge and idea-sharing has spread to the rest of Haydon, making the workplace even more collaborative.

Cindy is a proud member of the Valley of the Sun chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA), having served as the chapter president from 2006-2007.

When Cindy is not managing the financial accounting department at Haydon, you can find her traveling abroad with her family, swimming laps in her pool, working on home improvement and DIY projects, or trying a new recipe in the kitchen while drinking wine and bingeing on Netflix. She is an avid reader of all things non-fiction, believing that the truth is always more interesting than anything fictional.

Skyler Roussel brings more than 25 years of experience—and heart—to Arizona’s construction industry. A Valley native and one of nine siblings, Skyler learned early on the importance of hard work, resilience, and community. His introduction to carpentry came through his older brother, and by his teenage years, he was already framing homes—laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong calling.

Skyler’s career has been shaped by both practical know-how and strategic vision. After years in the field and earning his degree in Construction Management from Arizona State University, he transitioned from boots-on-the-ground roles into executive leadership. Today, as Executive Director of Strategic Growth at Haydon Companies, he leads company-wide initiatives that expand market presence, strengthen client relationships, and spark collaboration across Haydon’s five divisions and three subsidiaries.

Known for his approachable leadership style and sharp insight, Skyler believes true growth happens at the intersection of people, purpose, and long-term vision. He’s passionate about mentorship, often investing time in the next generation of industry professionals and future leaders.
Skyler’s commitment to impact extends far beyond the office. He actively serves as a board member for both the Town of Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department and the Town of Queen Creek Transportation Advisory Committee, where he contributes to decisions that directly improve the quality of life for local residents. He’s also an engaged member of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association’s Awards Selection and Vendor Committees. In addition to civic leadership, he dedicates his time to youth sports as a coach for the San Tan Youth Football League, where he mentors young athletes and promotes character development through teamwork and sportsmanship.

For Skyler, construction isn’t just about structures—it’s about legacy. Whether he’s shaping a project plan, guiding a strategic initiative, or giving back to the community, Skyler leads with purpose and a deep commitment to building something that lasts.

Dean Marten grew up in Bowling Green, Ohio, where his early exposure to construction came from working summers with his father’s company specializing in windows, siding, and doors. That experience sparked a lasting passion for the industry, eventually leading him to earn his undergraduate degree in Construction Management and Technology from Bowling Green State University.

Today, Dean serves as an Executive Director at Haydon, where he focuses on mentorship, teamwork, and delivering excellence across projects. He’s guided by one of his favorite quotes: “Know when to row your boat and when to rest your oars.”

Outside of work, Dean finds balance through hot yoga, cheering on his kids in youth sports, and keeping family and colleagues laughing with his best dad jokes.”

Heather Marin, a Chandler, Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University’s Del E. Webb School of Construction, brings nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry to her role as Executive Director of Project Controls at Haydon. Known for her integrity, technical expertise, and customer-first mindset, Heather has built a career defined by operational excellence and a deep commitment to quality workmanship.

At Haydon, Heather plays a key role in ensuring visibility into overall project performance—supporting executive-level planning and driving excellence across scheduling, warranty, quality, and financial oversight. Her work minimizes risk and reinforces client confidence from preconstruction through completion.

Heather’s leadership roots run deep. After starting as a Project Engineer, she rose to become an Operations Director and was recently recognized in her new promotion as Executive Director of Project Controls. She was also featured in the Arizona Woman Who’s Who in 2009 for her contributions to the industry. 

Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family, camping up north, and relaxing along the Colorado River during the summer. She is also passionate about mentoring women in construction and helping them succeed in the field.

Christian Davis serves as Executive Director of Preconstruction for Haydon Companies’ Building Division, where he leads strategy, budgeting, and early-phase planning across a diverse range of commercial and mixed-use developments. Since relocating to Phoenix in 2020 after more than 15 years in the Atlanta market, Christian has become a key voice in shaping Arizona’s built environment, particularly as it relates to the evolution of entertainment-driven, community-centric spaces.

With over 22 years of experience in construction, and a degree in Construction Management from Southern Polytechnic State University, Christian’s leadership is defined by deep collaboration, cost intelligence, and delivery innovation. His portfolio includes large-scale projects in retail, healthcare, hospitality, and entertainment, including recent work on live-work-play districts and redeveloped commercial sites, core themes of today’s event.

At Haydon, Christian plays a central role in helping developers and municipalities reimagine aging retail corridors and entertainment zones, translating vision into constructible reality through preconstruction excellence. His team’s recent projects, like The Village at Prasada and Verrado Marketplace, reflect his ability to deliver complex, high-impact projects on time and with purpose.

Outside of work, Christian enjoys traveling with his wife, Sara, staying active through competitive bodybuilding, playing golf, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He’s also a dedicated dog dad who enjoys spending time outdoors with his four-legged companion. Whether mentoring junior talent or supporting clients through evolving market conditions, Christian’s genuine passion for people and places continues to influence the growth of Phoenix’s retail and entertainment spaces.

Nick Pfeifer, Executive Director of Operations Support Services at Haydon, brings a strong engineering foundation and a hands-on leadership style to his role. Originally from Libby, Montana, Nick holds a Bachelor of Science in General Engineering from Montana Tech and an MBA from the University of California, Davis. 

At Haydon, he leads the Operations Support Services department, ensuring that project teams are equipped with the tools, equipment, and resources they need to build efficiently and effectively. His work plays a vital role in supporting field operations and helping teams deliver high-quality results.

Nick is guided by the wisdom, “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones,” a reflection of his belief in thoughtful, steady progress and the importance of foundational support.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys woodworking, golfing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Most of his time, however, is joyfully spent chasing his two kids—an 11-year-old daughter and a 13-year-old son. His practical mindset, family focus, and commitment to operational excellence make him a valuable leader within the Haydon team.

Originally from Michigan but raised in Arizona for most of his life, Zach grew up with construction in his blood. His father worked in the industry and owned his own company, where Zach learned the carpentry trade at an early age. After high school, he chose to further his passion by earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.

Today, Zach serves as a leader in the Building Division, where he oversees field operations and manpower as Executive Director – Building Field Operations. In this role, he focuses on supporting project teams, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and collaboration needed to deliver their projects successfully. With his background in hands-on trade work and formal construction management, Zach bridges the gap between field and office—always with a focus on teamwork and execution.

Outside of work, you can find Zach enjoying the outdoors, whether it’s hunting, woodworking, or hiking/ backpacking through Arizona’s trails.

A Tempe native, Chris Baniszewski brings deep local roots and a strong legal foundation to his role as General Counsel at Haydon. After completing his undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University, Chris earned his law degree from Arizona State University, where he discovered his knack for navigating intricate legal challenges.

Chris’s path into the construction industry was unexpected—but pivotal. “I never worked a day of construction in my life,” he says with a laugh. Early in his legal career at Warner Angle, one of the partners, Steve Jackson, had a strong construction practice and asked Chris to assist with a few matters. He quickly realized how much he enjoyed construction law and working with contractors. Eager to learn more, he asked to be further involved—and Steve became his mentor, guiding him through the complexities of the industry. That was nearly 30 years ago, and Chris has been immersed in construction law ever since.

At Haydon, Chris leads the Legal and Risk departments, overseeing contracts, insurance, claims, and regulatory compliance. His focus is on creating proactive strategies that protect the company’s interests while fostering trusted partnerships across every project.

Guided by the timeless wisdom, “It’s better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt,” Chris is known for his thoughtful approach and commitment to clarity, precision, and integrity.

Outside of work, Chris enjoys golfing and hiking with his wife. Whether on the trails or at the tee, he embraces challenges with focus and resilience—qualities that make him a valued leader and advisor within the Haydon team.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Drew is a proud native who began building his foundation in construction at an early age. While in high school, he worked alongside his family’s construction business, gaining hands-on experience with electrical crews, underground conduit installation, and framing teams. During college, Drew furthered his industry knowledge by working for an estimating company, producing quantity takeoffs for contractors across the nation—from his dorm room.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, Drew briefly explored a career in commercial real estate brokerage before returning to his true passion: construction. Since then, he has specialized in alternative delivery methods—including Job Order Contracting (JOC), Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), and Design-Build—successfully delivering more than 350 projects valued at over $200 million.

In his current role as Executive Director of Special Projects at Haydon Companies, Drew leads the Special Projects Business Unit by building cohesive teams, cultivating lasting client relationships, and driving strategic growth. His portfolio spans Job Order Contracts, Master Service Agreements, and unique projects that demand innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence—always with a focus on efficiency and long-term success.

Guided by Stephen Covey’s principle, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply,” Drew’s leadership philosophy centers on listening first. He believes great leadership begins with seeking to understand clients, teammates, and partners before responding. This approach allows him to foster trust, strengthen relationships, and empower his teams to reach their highest potential.

Outside of work, Drew enjoys the outdoors and cherishes time with his family. Whether playing sports with his son and daughter, golfing when the schedule allows, or camping in Northern Arizona, he finds balance and fulfillment in staying active and connected with nature.

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sarah grew up surrounded by the construction and engineering industries. Her father owned a structural engineering company where she spent much of her childhood learning the business firsthand, and her grandfather worked as a superintendent in commercial construction. These early experiences sparked a natural interest in building and set the stage for her future career.

Sarah earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Memphis and began her career as a project engineer for a commercial developer and general contractor. This role provided her with valuable insight into the development and construction process, shaping her path forward in the industry.

In her current role as Executive Director of Mission Critical, she helps build and execute mission-critical projects, including data center work. She thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, bringing precision, collaboration, and dedication to every project.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family, cooking new recipes, and diving into a good book.

Originally born in Granger, Utah, Jeff considers Kirtland, New Mexico, his hometown, where he spent his formative years and developed the work ethic that would shape his career. After graduating high school, Jeff moved to Phoenix to pursue a path in architecture at the University of Phoenix, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He also obtained Architectural Design and Computer-Aided Design certificates from the Phoenix Institute of Technology. His background uniquely blends design, technical expertise, and construction management, allowing him to approach projects with both creative and operational insight.

While attending school at night, Jeff worked as a laborer on the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Canal with Granite Construction. His father served as the project’s General Superintendent and hired him with one clear condition: once Jeff graduated, he would be fired to ensure he did not stay in construction. True to his word, that is exactly what happened. However, the pull of the industry proved stronger than expected. After brief roles as an architectural designer, Jeff returned to construction as a project manager and has remained in the industry ever since.

Today, Jeff serves as Executive Director of Public Safety and Municipal at Haydon, where he is leading the establishment and growth of this sector. In this role, he is focused on building strong client partnerships, developing teams, and delivering high-quality public safety and municipal facilities that serve and protect communities.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys fishing, financial planning, sharing family meals, and spending time in Show Low with his wife and dogs.

Originally from Princeton, Indiana, Doug Schmits found his path into construction at an early age. During high school, he spent his summers working as a home builder and remodeler, where he discovered a natural aptitude for building and a passion for seeing projects take shape from the ground up. That early hands-on experience solidified his decision to pursue construction as a career.

Doug went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from Purdue University, where he strengthened his technical foundation and leadership skills. His combination of field experience and formal education has shaped a career grounded in practical execution and strategic thinking.

Today, Doug serves as Executive Director – Water and Wastewater at Haydon, where he leads the creation and growth of the company’s municipal and utility infrastructure projects. In this role, he oversees the planning and delivery of water and wastewater projects, including treatment plants, pump stations, pipelines, and related civil work.

Outside of work, you will find Doug traveling, attending concerts, cruising, playing golf, and watching sporting events of all kinds.