Haydon Leadership

Katie Haydon brings a people-first, forward-thinking approach to her role as Chief Executive Officer of Haydon. With a deep connection to both the company and the Phoenix community, she leads with a focus on culture, long-term strategy, and positioning Haydon for sustainable growth for generations to come.

Born in Winnemucca, Nevada, and raised in Phoenix, Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Arizona State University before beginning her career in accounting. Her experience ranged from a large publicly held corporation to serving as Controller for a privately held Phoenix-based land development company, giving her a broad financial and operational foundation that continues to influence her leadership today.

Katie later earned her MBA in Global Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management, an experience she describes as life-changing. Following graduation, she packed one suitcase and moved to Madrid, Spain, where she immersed herself in the culture, worked to perfect her Spanish (an ongoing goal), and traveled to more than 27 countries. Those experiences broadened her perspective on people, culture, and connection, ultimately shaping her approach on leadership and business.

Katie returned to Arizona and joined Haydon’s accounting department in 2010. Over the years, she held multiple roles across the organization, gaining a deep understanding of the business while becoming increasingly focused on what she believes is at the heart of Haydon’s success: its people. Her intentional investment in culture, leadership development, and continuous improvement ultimately led her to become CEO.

Today, Katie is responsible for setting Haydon’s strategic direction and ensuring the company is positioned to thrive well into the future. Her leadership is grounded in preserving what makes Haydon special while creating opportunities for its people, strengthening the business, and thoughtfully preparing the organization for its next chapter.

Beyond Haydon, Katie is deeply engaged in the Greater Phoenix community. She is involved with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, WESTMARC, Leadership West, Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors, Arizona Builders Alliance, Consular Corps of Arizona, Canada Arizona Business Council, and Junior League of Phoenix. Her philanthropic involvement spans numerous organizations, with a special commitment to the Esperanza School for Homeless Children.

Katie’s leadership has earned recognition from the Construction Financial Management Association as a 2020 Emerging Leader and from AZ Big Media as one of 20 Young Leaders Shaping Commercial Real Estate.

Outside of Haydon and her community involvement, Katie enjoys spending time with her family and traveling, a passion that continues to fuel her curiosity, perspective, and appreciation for people and cultures around the world.

Matt Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer & President of Haydon Companies, grew up in Sisters, Oregon. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Sciences from Oregon State University and 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, currently known as Chase Field. In 2000, after a few years as an apprentice, upon his enrollment at ASU, he found an internship opportunity with Haydon. As an intern, Matt experienced every stage of a project, from estimating to completion. From there, Matt’s 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 shaped 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, 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 for 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 the company’s growth or pioneering methods for entering new market sectors, you can find him spending time with his family.

Joe Malone is Executive Vice President at Haydon, where he provides strategic oversight for the company’s Building and Civil groups. He works closely with Haydon’s executive leadership, sector leaders, and operational leaders to establish priorities, evaluate performance, allocate resources, develop talent, and position the organization for continued growth and success.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Joe developed an interest in construction at an early age. His father was a mechanic who worked on everything from vehicles to heavy equipment, and Joe spent summers working for his uncle’s residential construction company on roofing, demolition, and small addition projects. Those early experiences shaped his appreciation for the construction industry and the people who build within it.

Joe moved to Arizona after high school to attend the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He joined Haydon as an intern while completing his degree and began his full-time career as a Project Engineer in the Civil Division. Since then, he has advanced through a variety of project, operational, and executive leadership roles across the company.

In his current role, Joe helps guide the strategic and operational direction of Haydon’s Building and Civil groups. He partners with sector and division leaders to strengthen project execution, support profitable growth, build long-term client relationships, and ensure the organization has the leadership and resources needed to succeed. He is also actively involved in leadership development, succession planning, major pursuits, and the evaluation of new market and geographic opportunities.

Joe remains committed to developing the next generation of construction professionals and continues to support Haydon’s college internship program and emerging leaders throughout the organization.

His leadership philosophy is grounded in ownership and accountability. Joe believes leaders must take responsibility for their decisions, support their teams, and own the collective performance of the organization.

Beyond Haydon, Joe serves on the Executive Council for the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University and is an active member of the Scottsdale Charros. He has also been recognized as a 40 Under 40 honoree for his leadership and contributions to the construction industry and Arizona business community.

Outside of work and community involvement, Joe enjoys traveling with his wife and daughter, hunting, off-roading and rock crawling, and spending time in the garage.

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.

Meet Cindy, Chief Accounting 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.

Bringing a wealth of experience in public accounting and construction, she joined Haydon with an established network of accounting professionals across the construction industry and has continued fostering a strong, supportive community among those peers. Believing that true effectiveness requires looking beyond the organization to expand her perspective on what is possible, she lives by the philosophy to “always stay in motion and always be growing.” Cindy’s passion for learning and sharing ideas has influenced the broader Haydon team, helping create an even more collaborative workplace.

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.

Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Greg grew up outside of Washington, D.C., before eventually settling in the Arizona desert. His passion for business, finance, and global markets shaped his academic path, leading him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics and an MBA with a focus in Finance from Arizona State University, as well as a Master of Global Management in International Finance from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.

With more than two decades of financial leadership experience across companies spanning multiple industries, Greg brings a broad, strategic perspective to Haydon. Before joining the company, he served as CFO of a multi-state marketing services holding company and most recently worked in management consulting. In his role at Haydon, Greg leads the finance function with a focus on long-term strategy, organizational performance, and providing the financial insight needed to support smart decision-making and sustainable growth.

Guided by Dwight D. Eisenhower’s belief that “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity,” Greg views integrity as essential to both leadership and financial stewardship. He believes effective finance leadership goes beyond managing numbers, requiring transparency, accountability and a forward-looking mindset that helps organizations navigate complexity and uncover opportunity.

Outside the office, Greg enjoys spending time with family, staying active in his community, and pursuing hobbies such as golf, skiing, tennis, and pickleball. When not on the move, he can often be found with a good book in hand.

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.

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 a Vice President 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.

As Vice President of Advanced Markets, Christian Davis leads the strategic growth and development of Haydon’s Mission Critical and Advanced Manufacturing sectors. He works closely with clients, design partners, and project teams to identify opportunities, align preconstruction and operations early in the project lifecycle, and position projects for long-term success. His leadership is focused on strengthening strategic client relationships, advancing market strategy, and building the internal resources and operational framework needed to deliver some of the industry’s most technically complex facilities.

With more than 22 years of construction experience and a degree in Construction Management from Southern Polytechnic State University, Christian brings a collaborative, solutions-driven approach to every project. Throughout his career, he has helped guide the planning and execution of complex developments across multiple sectors, with recent experience supporting mission-critical infrastructure, advanced manufacturing facilities, industrial projects, and large-scale commercial developments. His expertise in preconstruction, cost planning, risk management, and early project alignment enables clients to make informed decisions and establish a strong foundation for successful project delivery.

Christian is passionate about building lasting partnerships and creating environments where collaboration drives innovation. As demand continues to grow for resilient infrastructure that supports AI, advanced technology, and domestic manufacturing, he is committed to helping clients deliver facilities that power the future.

Outside the office, Christian enjoys traveling with his wife, staying active through competitive bodybuilding, playing golf, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and spending time outdoors with their dog.

Chris Baniszewski, born and raised in Tempe, 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.

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 (OSS) division, ensuring the 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 a firm believer that operational excellence starts with a strong foundation.  Especially in today’s environment of rapidly developing technology – having strong systems and processes in place positions Haydon for long-term success.

Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, either woodworking, traveling, or spending as much time outdoors as possible.

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.

Grant Fletcher brings more than 20 years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, and project delivery across commercial construction. Originally from Southern California, Grant earned his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University and discovered his passion for construction while serving as an estimating intern on a major Disney California Adventure project.

Today, as Executive Director of Civil Preconstruction at Haydon, Grant leads the Preconstruction team, overseeing estimating, proposal development, and preconstruction strategy from pursuit through project handoff. He works closely with clients, design partners, and operations teams to develop accurate budgets, identify value-driven solutions, and position projects for long-term success. His leadership helps ensure every project begins with a strong foundation built on collaboration, accountability, and thoughtful planning.

Known for his relationship-focused leadership style, Grant believes the best projects are built through trust, communication, and teamwork. He is passionate about mentoring others and creating processes that help both clients and project teams succeed.

Outside of work, Grant enjoys traveling with his wife and three children, coaching and supporting his kids in sports, and spending time outdoors boating and off-roading. A guiding principle throughout both his career and personal life comes from his late father: “It’s all about relationships. Luke 10:27”

Jason Stejskal brings decades of construction experience and a lifelong curiosity for how things are built to his role as Executive Director of Building Preconstruction. Brought up in Colorado Springs, Jason’s interest in construction began early, from building with LEGOs and Lincoln Logs to learning the fundamentals of drafting and construction in an industrial arts class. That curiosity eventually led him to Colorado State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management.

Throughout his career, Jason has worked across the Southwest in a wide range of markets in both project management and preconstruction, ultimately finding his passion in preconstruction more than 15 years ago.

For Jason, great preconstruction goes far beyond estimating. It’s about working collaboratively to uncover challenges, identify what may not yet be shown on the plans, and develop solutions that set a project up for success well before construction begins.

He is committed to supporting his team, creating opportunities for growth, and ensuring each person has the resources and balance they need to succeed. Relationship-driven and deeply loyal, Jason approaches leadership through a simple principle: treat others the way you want to be treated.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, and their families. You can also find him relaxing by the pool, working on puzzles, exploring, fishing, or, more often than not, on the golf course.

Skyler Roussel brings more than 25 years of experience and a deep commitment to Arizona’s construction industry and the public spaces that bring communities together. A Valley native and one of nine siblings, Skyler learned early the value of hard work, resilience, and connection.

Some of his first lessons in service came poolside as a lifeguard for the Town of Gilbert, where he spent his early years looking after one of the gathering places local families relied on. That experience sparked a lasting appreciation for the spaces where communities connect. Around the same time, his older brother introduced him to carpentry, and by his teenage years, Skyler was already framing homes and laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in construction.

That combination of building spaces and caring for the people who use them has shaped his path ever since. After years of hands-on experience in the field, Skyler progressed into executive leadership. Today, as Executive Director of Parks and Recreation at Haydon, he leads the growth and strategic direction of the company’s parks and recreation initiatives, strengthening client partnerships, expanding market opportunities, and advancing projects that enhance communities across Arizona.

Known for his approachable leadership style and thoughtful perspective, Skyler believes meaningful growth happens when people, purpose, and long-term vision come together. Mentorship is an important part of that philosophy, and he regularly invests his time and experience in developing the next generation of industry professionals and future leaders.

His commitment to Arizona communities extends well beyond his role at Haydon. Skyler serves as a board member for both the Town of Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department and the Town of Queen Creek Transportation Advisory Committee, contributing to decisions that shape quality of life for residents. He is also an active member of the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association’s Awards Selection and Vendor Committees. His passion for mentorship has carried into the field as well, where he has coached in the San Tan Youth Football League, helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, and character through sports.

The connection to community spaces carries into his life outside of work. As a lifelong skateboarder, Skyler still skates parks throughout Arizona, always looking for the next challenge. He also enjoys snowboarding, working on classic trucks, and spending time outdoors hunting, camping, and fishing with his wife and three boys.

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 with his wife and family attending concerts, cruising, playing golf, and attending/watching sporting events of all kinds.

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 Phoenix Institute of Technology where he earned certificates in both Architectural Design and Computer-Aided Design & Drafting. Later, he also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. 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.

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.