Michels Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Michels has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, legal, and business administration.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Michels provides innovative construction solutions for large-scale utility and infrastructure requirements, making heavy civil and utility construction its core business.

Leadership Roles at Michels

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Irwin Allen
  • Chief Financial Officer - Jason Kozelek
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Joe Michels
  • President - Michael Hess
  • President - Christopher Galm
  • President - Matthew Smith
  • President - Daniel Britz
  • President - Craig Vandaelle
  • Chief Operations Officer - Troy Schneider
  • Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Business Administration - David Stegeman
  • Irwin Allen - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Irwin Allen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Michels, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Allen guides Michels Corporation's expansion across diverse markets, including pipeline, power, underground cable, utility services, trenchless, road, civil, marine, and water infrastructure. This leadership role involves fostering innovation in large-scale utility and infrastructure construction projects, ensuring the company maintains its position as a premier provider of heavy civil and utility construction solutions. Allen's oversight extends to driving financial performance and operational efficiency across all business units, aligning departmental objectives with the company's long-term growth targets. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating key stakeholder relationships and championing the family-owned company's core values throughout its extensive operations. Irwin Allen ensures the company's continued success by adapting to evolving industry demands and maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction and project delivery excellence.

    Jason Kozelek - Chief Financial Officer

    Jason Kozelek, the Chief Financial Officer at Michels, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. Kozelek oversees all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and compliance with regulatory standards. This role is critical in supporting Michels Corporation's extensive operations in energy and infrastructure construction, providing financial insights to drive decision-making across pipeline, power, underground cable, and civil works. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to identify investment opportunities, manage capital allocation, and optimize financial strategies to support the company's growth objectives. Kozelek's expertise is vital in navigating the financial complexities of large-scale infrastructure projects and maintaining the company's strong financial foundation. Jason Kozelek ensures fiscal discipline and strategic financial management across all market segments.

    Joe Michels - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Joe Michels, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Michels, contributes to the financial strategy and oversight of the organization. Michels supports the Chief Financial Officer in managing the company's financial resources and ensuring fiscal responsibility across its diverse construction operations. This dual role involves collaborating on budgeting, financial analysis, and risk management, particularly within the energy and infrastructure sectors. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer plays a part in maintaining the financial integrity of Michels Corporation's projects, from pipeline and power infrastructure to utility services and road construction. Joe Michels assists in developing financial models that support long-term business objectives and operational scaling. This executive's involvement ensures comprehensive financial stewardship for the family-owned enterprise.

    Michael Hess - President

    Michael Hess, the President at Michels, leads specific strategic initiatives and operational divisions within the company. Hess drives business development and project execution for key market segments, contributing to Michels Corporation's broad capabilities in energy and infrastructure construction. This presidential role involves overseeing teams responsible for delivering complex projects in areas such as pipeline, power, and utility services. Michael Hess focuses on enhancing operational performance and client satisfaction within assigned business units. The President works to ensure alignment with the company's overall mission of providing innovative construction solutions. Hess's leadership supports the company's growth and its commitment to excellence in heavy civil and utility construction.

    Christopher Galm - President

    Christopher Galm, the President at Michels, spearheads critical business units and strategic growth areas. Galm directs operations and business development efforts for specific market sectors, contributing to Michels Corporation's comprehensive service offerings in energy and infrastructure construction. This presidential capacity involves managing teams focused on delivering projects within pipeline, power, underground cable, and civil infrastructure markets. Christopher Galm emphasizes operational efficiency and the successful implementation of innovative construction solutions. The President ensures that projects meet stringent quality and safety standards, aligning with the company's core business in heavy civil and utility construction. Galm's leadership supports the expansion and sustained success of the company's diverse project portfolio.

    Matthew Smith - President

    Matthew Smith, the President at Michels, leads significant operational segments and drives strategic market penetration. Smith oversees project execution and business development for designated areas of Michels Corporation's extensive construction services, including pipeline, power, and utility infrastructure. This presidential function involves managing teams dedicated to delivering large-scale civil and marine construction projects. Matthew Smith focuses on optimizing operational workflows and ensuring client objectives are met with precision and efficiency. The President plays a key part in upholding the company's reputation for providing robust infrastructure solutions. Smith's leadership contributes to the company's ongoing success in the competitive energy and infrastructure construction landscape.

    Daniel Britz - President

    Daniel Britz, the President at Michels, directs key business units and champions strategic growth initiatives. Britz oversees project delivery and market expansion for specific operational areas within Michels Corporation's broad spectrum of energy and infrastructure construction services. This presidential role involves leading teams focused on executing complex projects in road, civil, and water infrastructure markets. Daniel Britz prioritizes operational excellence and the implementation of advanced construction techniques. The President ensures that all projects align with the company's commitment to providing innovative and reliable infrastructure solutions. Britz's leadership is instrumental in maintaining Michels' strong market presence and project success.

    Craig Vandaelle - President

    Craig Vandaelle, the President at Michels, leads critical operational divisions and drives strategic market development. Vandaelle oversees project execution and business growth for specific segments of Michels Corporation's comprehensive energy and infrastructure construction services. This presidential capacity involves managing teams focused on delivering projects in trenchless, underground cable, and utility services. Craig Vandaelle emphasizes operational efficiency and the application of innovative construction solutions. The President ensures projects adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety, reinforcing the company's core business in heavy civil and utility construction. Vandaelle's leadership contributes to the company's sustained success and expansion across its diverse project portfolio.
    Craig Vandaelle

    Troy Schneider - Chief Operations Officer

    Troy Schneider, the Chief Operations Officer at Michels, directs the execution of the company's extensive construction projects and operational strategies. Schneider oversees the day-to-day management of field operations, ensuring efficiency, safety, and quality across all infrastructure and energy projects, including pipeline, power, underground cable, and civil works. This leadership position involves optimizing resource allocation, managing project timelines, and implementing best practices in heavy civil and utility construction. The Chief Operations Officer collaborates with project management teams to deliver complex infrastructure solutions, driving operational excellence throughout the organization. Troy Schneider's focus is on enhancing productivity and ensuring the successful completion of large-scale undertakings, reinforcing Michels Corporation's reputation for reliable project delivery. Schneider ensures seamless coordination of all field activities.
    Troy Schneider
    David Stegeman, the Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Business Administration at Michels, provides critical legal counsel and oversees administrative functions. Stegeman manages all legal affairs for Michels Corporation, ensuring compliance with regulations across its extensive energy and infrastructure construction operations. This dual role involves safeguarding the company's legal interests while also directing business administration functions that support operational efficiency. The Chief Legal Officer & Vice President, Business Administration plays a vital part in contract negotiation, risk mitigation, and corporate governance for projects spanning pipeline, power, and civil works. David Stegeman's expertise ensures robust legal frameworks and streamlined administrative processes, supporting the company's strategic objectives and commitment to ethical business practices. Stegeman's oversight is crucial for maintaining operational integrity.
    David Stegeman

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Michels Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Michels?
    Michels is led by Irwin Allen (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jason Kozelek (Chief Financial Officer) and Joe Michels (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Michels’s executive team?
    The executive team of Michels includes leaders such as Irwin Allen (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jason Kozelek (Chief Financial Officer), Joe Michels (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Michels have?
    Michels has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Michels’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Michels includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, President.