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Chief of Commercial Operations

John Ashworth

John has over 40 years of experience in mechanical piping solutions, plant operations, testing, inspection, and certification. A highly accomplished senior executive with domestic and international experience in operations, business development, sales and marketing, acquisition purchase and sales integration, technology development, geographical leveraging, and strategic market planning in developing and emerging geographies.

 

John is a results-oriented, decisive leader with proven success while holding high-level roles with recognized industry leaders in the industrial and TIC space with SGS, Intertek, Furmanite, Team Industrial Services, and T.D. Williamson. John has spent his entire career in the service and product industry providing solutions to difficult problems within piping systems and processes. He understands the importance of the customers' issues being our problems at Branch Construction Group and providing high-quality, timely solutions. John leads the commercial side of the business. 

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Meet The Team

Chief of Field Operations 

J.W. Gordin

JW has over 20 years of management experience specific to Underground Utilities and Commercial Construction. He has headed up the installation of numerous multi-million dollar water infrastructure projects for many municipalities including those located in Harris, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Liberty, and Montgomery counties in Texas.  He has built out and restored water systems in the cities of Bellaire, Laporte, Channelview, Richwood, Clute, Galveston, Huntsville, Bay City, Jamaica Beach and many others.  

 

He has also managed  the installation of new piping systems for many privately held corporations including Petco, Academy, WalMart, CVS, Autozone, and others  as well as the new construction of several shopping malls, restaurants, and movie theatres. JW is fully OSHA certified and holds an Underground Fire Protection License qualifying Branch Construction Group for underground fire protection repair and installation. He has significant training in safety for all aspects of our field operations. JW is well recognized within the industry and has a strong network of advocates within municipalities, engineering,  and new construction arena. JW leads the field operations side of the business. 

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Coleman Ashworth

VP Business Development

Coleman Ashworth, VP Business Development is a seasoned construction executive with over a decade of experience leading sales teams and securing major contracts in plumbing and mechanical systems. As Vice President of Business Development at Branch Construction Group, he specializes in pre-construction strategy, design-build collaboration, and complex project delivery across healthcare, education, industrial, and mission-critical markets.

Coleman has helped secure over $5 billion in construction projects and plays a key role in early project development—reviewing plans, supporting contractor selection, and aligning scope, budget, and schedule. His leadership blends strategic foresight with hands-on client engagement, driving results and building long-term partnerships.

At Branch, he leads commercial efforts with a focus on delivering clarity, confidence, and high-performance solutions to every project. Outside of work Coleman enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors.

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Brian Kramer, P.E.

Construction Manager

Brian brings over 25 years of engineering and construction experience to Branch Construction Group. A licensed Professional Engineer, Brian has a proven track record in project management, cost estimating, engineering, and detailed construction oversight. His strong attention to detail and deep technical knowledge makes him an invaluable asset. Brian’s strength lies in his ability to build and maintain strong client relationships—successfully bridging communication between owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing Texas Hold'em, hunting, fishing, and spending quality time with his family.

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Byron Hughey

Sales Manager

Byron brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in the water and wastewater industry. He currently holds B-level licenses in both water and wastewater operations, along with a C-level license in surface water. Byron’s impressive credentials also include certifications in Customer Service Inspections, On-Site Sewer Facilities, Emergency Preparedness Plans, and several others. Beyond his professional achievements, Byron is a devoted father and an active mentor to high school and college athletes. He is passionate about giving back to his community and lives by the motto: “Work hard to play harder.” 

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Savanah Holcomb

Project Manager

Savanah Holcomb brings a blend of drive, organization, and leadership to every job she supports. With a degree in Process Technology from College of the Mainland—earned with honors—along with multiple certifications, she has a strong foundation in operations and project coordination. Savanah plays a vital role in keeping field teams and subcontractors aligned, ensuring that work progresses smoothly, on schedule, and to company standards.

Her positive energy, hands-on leadership style, and commitment to getting the job done right make her a standout member of the team.

Outside of work, Savanah enjoys cooking, fishing on the bay, and spending quality time with her family—especially when they’re cheering on the Houston Astros. Her passion for teamwork and excellence carries through from the field to her everyday life.

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Anthony Benge

Project Manager

Anthony brings over a decade of experience in underground utilities, along with 10 years in management roles. His strong work ethic, leadership skills, and keen attention to detail make him a valuable asset to the Branch team. As an Assistant Project Manager, Anthony is committed to ensuring project efficiency and success from the

ground up. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys quality time with his family and loves spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and hunting. He’s also an avid bowler with a true passion for the sport.

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Gary McMorris

Superintendent

With over 35 years of experience in heavy civil construction, Gary brings deep expertise and leadership to every project. He has served as a Supervisor and Superintendent for more than 25 years across a wide range of construction disciplines, including pipeline services, bridge and road construction, storm and sanitary sewer systems, treatment plants, flood gates, ditch liners, and pile driving.  

 

Gary also operated his own successful construction business for over five years, demonstrating strong business acumen and hands-on project management.  

 

Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, boating, and spending time at the beach 

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Duane Luther

Superintendent

Duane Luther with over 20 years of experience operating heavy equipment, brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to the Branch Construction Group team. Holding a commercial driver’s license for the duration of his career, he has played a key role in a wide range of underground utility projects.

 

For the past 15 years, he has specialized in operating sewer vacuum trucks, with extensive experience in sewer system cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. In addition to his fieldwork, Duane has spent three years focused on the rehabilitation of lift stations and wastewater treatment plants.

 

Known for his dependability and work ethic, he’s committed to delivering safe, high-quality results on every project.

Outside of work he enjoys fishing, barbecuing, and spending time with friends and family

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Melissa Freeman

Controller

Melissa is a seasoned financial leader with over 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, budgeting, and job costing.

 

As Controller at Branch Construction Group, she drives operational efficiency, enforces strong internal controls, and ensures regulatory compliance while maximizing profitability. Known for her expertise in AP/AR, payroll and financial reporting, Melissa delivers strategic insights that support long-term growth.

 

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her husband and children. 

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Maria Plante

Human Resources Manager

Maria brings with her over 25 years of comprehensive experience in Human Resources, recruitment, and business development.

Throughout her career, she has successfully led talent acquisition initiatives, implemented HR strategies that support organizational growth, and built strong partnerships that have driven business success. Her ability to balance strategic planning with a personal touch has made her an exceptional leader and a trusted advisor within the company. 

Her wide-ranging expertise and proactive approach have made a significant impact on our operations and team culture, contributing to the continued growth and success of the firm. Whether she's navigating complex HR challenges or mentoring team members, her commitment to excellence and people-first mindset shine through. She loves her work, being a mother of 4, travel and being a grandparent. 

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