Spence Brothers Leadership
Meet Our Leadership Team
Founded in 1893 by brothers Hugh and Matt Spence, the company is now led by third- and fourth-generation family members alongside a team of seasoned construction experts. More than 130 years later, we remain committed to carrying on a legacy of trust, strong relationships, and excellence.
Our leadership team brings a wide range of construction expertise, shaped by decades of hands-on experience and a shared commitment to supporting our people, strengthening communities, and earning the trust of every client. From big-picture strategy to everyday decisions, they guide our teams with clarity, care, and a drive to build important facilities — and lasting partnerships — across Michigan, helping each other and our communities thrive.
Herb Spence III, PE
Chairman of the Board
Herb Spence III brings decades of construction experience and a deep-rooted family legacy to his role as Chairman. As a fourth-generation leader, he began his career in the field as a Project Engineer in Ann Arbor and has since helped guide the company’s continued focus on trust, integrity, and excellence. Herb is recognized across Michigan for his leadership in constructing and restoring important facilities, proudly continuing his family’s longstanding commitment to the communities Spence Brothers serves.
Robert Spence III
CEO & Regional President – Northern Michigan
As CEO and Regional President for Northern Michigan, Robert Spence III leads with the same values that have guided the company for over 130 years: integrity, craftsmanship, and doing the job right. He is deeply committed to building respectful, lasting relationships with clients, subcontractors, and employees alike. A lifelong advocate for the communities Spence Brothers serves, Robert contributes his time as a board member of the City Opera House and Traverse City Light and Power.
Ed Spence III
President & COO
As President and COO, Ed Spence III oversees operations across the entire company, ensuring every Spence Brothers project is delivered with precision, safety, and care. Based in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Ed brings a hands-on leadership style and high expectations to each team he supports. A fourth-generation leader, he is committed to honoring the legacy of those before him by putting client goals first and upholding the firm’s reputation for quality and trust.
Kevin Dailey
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Kevin Dailey directs Spence Brothers’ financial strategy with a focus on transparency, long-term value, and integrity. Based in the Great Lakes Bay Region, Kevin serves the entire company by supporting sound financial decisions and maintaining fiscal strength across all offices and projects. Since joining the company, he has embraced a culture rooted in trusted relationships and responsible growth, helping preserve a legacy built on more than a century of client partnerships.
Brian Keeler
Executive Vice President - Preconstruction
Brian Keeler brings a well-rounded foundation in engineering, business, and field experience to his leadership of Preconstruction Services. Based in the Great Lakes Bay Region and serving projects across the state, Brian holds degrees in Civil Engineering and Business and began his career as a laborer and project engineer. He reflects Spence Brothers’ belief in learning from the ground up and builds trust through collaboration, treating each client’s priorities and investment with great care.
Dave Spence
Executive Vice President - Tradework
Dave Spence leads Spence Brothers’ self-perform concrete operations with decades of hands-on experience and a lifelong passion for the trades. Based in the Great Lakes Bay Region and serving projects across the state, Dave brings deep field knowledge and craftsmanship to every job. Having grown up on job sites alongside his father, he developed an early appreciation for construction that continues to shape his leadership. He now mentors future tradespeople, upholding the company’s standards for safety, quality, and excellence.
John Galnares
Executive Vice President, Project Director
John Galnares leads projects across Northern Michigan, combining decades of project management expertise with firsthand field experience and a strong connection to Traverse City. Having served as both a Project Manager and a Superintendent, John brings a well-rounded perspective to each project. His leadership reflects Spence Brothers’ culture of trust, care, and relationship-building, ensuring consistent results and a positive client experience.
Shane Willis, PE
Executive Vice President, Project Director
Shane Willis leads project teams throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region, having built his entire professional career at Spence Brothers. A licensed professional engineer and University of Michigan graduate, Shane has advanced from Project Engineer to Executive Vice President and Project Director. He leads with a strong focus on quality, collaboration, and community impact, helping teams perform effectively and ensuring every project delivers long-term value for the client.
Bruce Smith
Vice President, Project Director
Bruce Smith brings a versatile background to his leadership in Southeast Michigan, overseeing projects from Spence Brothers’ Ann Arbor office. With experience spanning Project Engineering, Estimating, and Project Management, Bruce applies a well-rounded and practical mindset to every job. A Construction Management graduate from Michigan State University, he focuses on building lasting relationships while upholding high standards for safety, quality, and communication.
Ted Nelson
Vice President, Tradework & Bid Director
Ted Nelson leads Tradework and Bid Management in Northern Michigan, drawing from a strong foundation in carpentry and project delivery. A journeyman carpenter who progressed through estimating and project management roles, Ted brings care, insight, and technical precision to every job. His leadership reflects Spence Brothers’ belief that successful projects are built on relationships and craftsmanship.
Darzi Czuba
Controller, Project Administration Director
Darci Czuba serves as Controller and Project Administration Director, bringing more than 20 years of industry experience and a commitment to operational excellence. Since joining Spence Brothers in 2006, she has helped cultivate a culture rooted in professionalism and client service. Darci ensures seamless support behind the scenes, helping teams deliver consistent outcomes while maintaining the company’s financial integrity.
Don Denomme Jr.
Project Director
With over four decades of experience, Don Denomme Jr. brings national perspective and local dedication to his role in Northern Michigan. His work with both large-scale firms and family-owned companies like Spence Brothers has shaped his belief in blending tradition with innovation. Don leads with integrity, applying time-tested knowledge and a strong client-first mindset to every project.
Chris Touhey, NCARB, LEED AP
Project Director
Chris Touhey brings nationwide experience in architecture, field supervision, and project management to his leadership in Northern Michigan. Known for his calm and thoughtful leadership, Chris is committed to delivering successful outcomes through trust and collaboration. His approach reflects Spence Brothers’ values — treating each project as an opportunity to build lasting impact and relationships.
Jake Golden
Project Director
Jake Golden leads projects across the Great Lakes Bay Region with a rare, dual-perspective leadership style shaped by experience as a Project Manager, Superintendent, Director of Operations, and Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds. He draws on this diverse background to advocate for clients, manage with precision, and deliver projects built for long-term performance. Known for his relationship-focused approach and practical insight, Jake leads with the same values that define Spence Brothers’ legacy of trusted partnerships and forward-thinking solutions.
Matt McSweeney
Project Director
Matt McSweeney leads projects across Southeast Michigan with seasoned technical expertise, long-term thinking, and a steady, client-focused mindset. Known for his calm, reliable approach, he brings practical expertise and a strong sense of responsibility to every team he works with. His leadership reflects Spence Brothers’ values — building with care, exceeding expectations, and fostering relationships that endure.
