Ronald C. Witt, Sr LEED AP CEO / President
Ron Witt is responsible for overall corporate management of our dynamic general contracting and construction management organization. Mr. Witt has over 35 years of experience in all phases of the construction business. During his 20-year tenure with Sweetwater, Ron has led the firm into an era with larger and more sophisticated new construction, technical and renovation projects. Under his management, Sweetwater has developed a team-oriented, partnering approach to working with our clients as the firm grew to a $100 million dollar a year organization positioned to provide construction management and general contracting services on a wide variety of projects. In addition, Mr. Witt’s background at the U.S. Naval Academy as a Commanding Officer and Captain in the Navy, has enabled him to foster the concepts of integrity, fair dealing and respect for all and has made that a central part of Sweetwater’s corporate culture.
Luke Metz Executive Vice President – Operations
As a distinguished veteran of Sweetwater, Mr. Metz brings 30 years of construction experience to the firm. Mr. Metz is responsible for all internal and external operations, specifically enforcing and maintaining activities such as project labor, scheduling, quality and cost control, and safety. Additionally, Luke developed and coordinates the Sweetwater Project Execution Consistency (SPEC) training for operations and field personnel. He is a graduate of Kean College in New Jersey, and is certified in Quality Management, OSHA, First Aid & CPR.
Ronald C. Witt, Jr. Vice President
Ron Witt, Jr. is responsible for construction management and coordination for a variety of projects. A graduate of Drexel University, he has specific experience with clients in the hospitality industry, with over 14 years of success in estimating, scheduling and cost control. Ron has supervised various-sized projects for corporations and not-for-profit institutions, and brings to each project the team approach and highly developed partnering skills that are the hallmark of Sweetwater.
Gary Coopersmith, LEED AP Vice President
Gary Coopersmith brings 21 years of experience in laboratory, process, and infrastructure projects to his position as head of all business development activities for Sweetwater. As Vice President, he manages the Marketing department. In addition, Gary is responsible for overseeing select projects from pre-construction through completion. Previously working from the owner's perspective, he was employed at two of New Jersey's largest Pharm-Sci operating companies. Mr. Coopersmith holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Lafayette College and an MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Robert J. Chemi Vice President
Bob Chemi is a 25-year veteran of the construction industry and is extremely successful in all aspects of interior construction. In his 11 years with Sweetwater, Bob has become an expert in multi-phase renovations and relocations. Mr. Chemi is responsible for all preconstruction and construction activities in the execution of value engineering efforts, including estimating, constructability analyses, and scheduling. As Vice President of Interiors, Bob oversees each assignment and is responsible for maintaining the project schedule, cost control, quality and safety, to ensure milestones are met. Bob attended Seton Hall University in New Jersey and Catawba College in Greensboro, North Carolina and is active in the Northern New Jersey Associated Builders & Contractors Association.
Kevin J. Fitzgerald Vice President
Kevin Fitzgerald is responsible for Sweetwater’s construction management and coordination, as well as estimating, scheduling and cost control. Mr. Fitzgerald has 30 years of success in major building programs for corporations and institutions. This experience has allowed him to bring added value to all of our clients’ projects. Kevin also has specific expertise in New Jersey’s pharmaceutical sector, having managed projects including office and manufacturing spaces, new construction and renovation. In addition, Mr. Fitzgerald has managed the construction of distribution centers, medical offices, research labs, and educational facilities. Previous to joining Sweetwater, Kevin was a project manager and estimator for several general contracting and construction management firms. Mr. Fitzgerald is a graduate of Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson Universities.
Bettyjane Watkins, LEED AP Director of Business Development
Ms. Watkins is responsible for fostering the growth of Sweetwater -- cultivating relationships with new clients in all markets as well as maintaining and nurturing existing relationships. As a member of the management team, she will participate in the strategic planning process, implement special programs to attract new business and create novel ways to promote and strengthen the Sweetwater brand. She will also act as a client advocate on Sweetwater projects, promoting open and effective team communication. Bettyjane brings 30 years of experience to our company, and is currently working on a Masters Program in Organizational Dynamics.
