The Leadership Team

Kirsten Potter, Principal/Owner of The Raymond Group, oversees all facets of the business and its business units. Kirsten graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Communications. She has experience in communications, having worked for a leading West Coast news network, and in sales overseeing over 130 sales representatives. Prior to her current role, Kirsten worked for Raymond in several capacities. In 1997, she joined the Raymond Board of Directors, helping to guide the company’s strategic planning and decision making.

Nicolle (Nikki) Winsor is Principal/Owner of the The Raymond Group, responsible for all facets of the business and its business units. Nikki holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University. Nikki first began at Raymond in 1989, working in project management and marketing. She joined the Raymond Board of Directors in 1997 to help oversee the company’s management and operations, while providing oversight and accountability.

Travis Winsor is responsible for the growth, development, and profitability of all Raymond operations. He graduated from the University of Southern California in 1989 with a degree in Business Administration. He went on to earn both his M.B.A. and Juris Doctor from Pepperdine University. After passing the California State Bar, he practiced civil litigation for five years thereafter. Travis brought his education and experience to Raymond in January of 1997 when he began working as an Estimator and Project Manager. Travis now leads Raymond as one of the West Coast’s top drywall, framing, and specialty-themed finish subcontractors.

David Shedd is responsible for overseeing all estimating, sales, project management, and engineering activities across The Raymond Group companies. David has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Williams College and an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. He has vast experience in the construction, building materials manufacturing, and industrial distribution industries, and holds considerable expertise in lean production, business development, marketing, and strategic planning. He has had opportunities as a paid public speaker and has published two books on business management.

Steve Sylvester is responsible for providing overall direction for the financial and administrative operations of all Raymond companies and affiliates. Steve brings extensive finance and accounting experience to The Raymond Group, having served in both public and private company sectors, and in a wide variety of construction and real estate industries, including commercial, industrial, retail, multi-family, home building, property management, and mechanical construction. Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting from Vanguard University of Southern California and is a Certified Public Accountant. Steve is a former Board of Directors Member of the CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association).

Michael Potter joined Raymond in 1999 with more than 13 years of construction experience. He began as an Estimator/Project Manager in our Southern California office and, in 2008, was tapped to lead Raymond’s San Diego team as Vice President and Area Manager. Michael now oversees Raymond’s engineering department, helping to ensure fluidity between the operations and engineering activities, ultimately bringing value to Raymond’s customers.

Jan Jensen brings over 20 years of diverse experience in human resources to The Raymond Group. Skilled in coaching, compensation and benefits, training, payroll, and employee relations, Jan provides direction to all aspects of Raymond’s human resource functions, responsible for maintaining and improving Raymond’s administrative processes associated with benefits, legal compliance, and union relations.

D’wana Smith is the Operations Controller at The Raymond Group and takes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the accounting business unit. She works in collaboration to ensure the integrity of the business unit and the reporting of the company’s financial results.

D’wana has over 35 years of experience in Accounting, Credit, Leadership and Management, primarily within the construction industry.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach, and a Credit Business Association (CBA) designation.

D’wana is results driven and brings technical expertise, leadership, professional integrity, and innovation to The Raymond Group. She is a proud supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, California and served the organization as a Gala Committee Member in 2016 and 2017.

Kim Whitney is Communications Manager for the Raymond Group, responsible for ensuring consistent and clear messages, both externally and internally, in line with organization philosophy, mission and values through all communication channels. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Diego State University, as well as a Master’s in Communication Management from the University of Southern California. Kim started with Raymond in 2008 and, prior to her current role, has held positions in human resources and operations.

Ed Hanley is the Director of Safety for The Raymond Group, responsible for developing and implementing all elements of Raymond’s Safety Program, so as to maintain a safe and healthy work environment in both field and office operations. Ed has over 25 years of experience in the industry, overseeing safety operations.

Dan Huff, Director of Information Technology, is responsible for the planning, management, and implementation of technologies and systems at The Raymond Group. Dan has over 30 years of experience working in the IT industry and has a strong background in business-process reengineering and systems consulting. Dan came to Raymond in 1995 and continues to help Raymond streamline operations, expand, and improve profitability.

David Holthaus is the Vice President & Area Manager of Raymond’s Southern California region, overseeing all aspects of project management, estimating, and field operations. David came to Raymond in 2007 as a Project Engineer and worked as a Project Manager/Estimator before his most recent role as Director of Project Management. David holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from San Diego State University.

As Director of Project Management for Raymond’s Southern California region, Bryan is responsible for regulating the efficiency of work flow and production within the operations department. Bryan began his career with Raymond in 1998. He works closely with the region’s area manager to ensure organizational cohesiveness.

As Director of Business Development for Raymond’s Southern California region, Mike is responsible for establishing and maintaining client relationships, as well as introducing Raymond into new market sectors. Mike uses over 35 years of personal experience in construction management to provide knowledgeable insight to Raymond customers.

Eric Westlund is the General Superintendent for Raymond’s Southern California region. Eric is responsible for coordinating the work efforts of all field operations, while also providing the necessary leadership to maintain Raymond’s high value of quality and pride of workmanship in the field. Since 1992, Eric has lead Raymond in positions such as General Foreman and Project Superintendent.

Forrest Shaffer, Vice President & Area Manager, is responsible for the growth, development, and profitability of Raymond’s San Diego operations. Forrest came to Raymond in January of 2005 as a Project Manager. Displaying Raymond’s core values and work ethic, he was quickly promoted to Director of Project Management in 2006.

Ken Jensma is the General Superintendent for Raymond’s San Diego region, serving as liaison between the field, office, general contractor, architect, and owner. Utilizing over 25 years of construction experience, Ken oversees all aspects of project production. Prior to assuming his current position in 2010, Ken served as Area Superintendent for Raymond for 14 years.

Ray Gilbert is Vice President/Area Manager of Raymond’s Northern California region; responsible for overseeing operations and business relationships with clients in the area. Ray began with Raymond in 2005 as a Project Engineer and quickly moved up to the Project Manager/Estimator position. In 2013, Ray took the responsibility of Director of Project Management for Raymond’s Southern California operations, showcasing a strong ability to lead and think strategically.

Darrell Jones is the Chief Estimator of Raymond’s Northern California office, responsible for the creation of budgets and estimates by the region’s estimating department. Darrell uses his 22+ years in the construction industry to coordinate resources and establish standards and best practices. Prior to assuming his current position, Darrell served as Senior Estimator for Raymond for 5 years.

Chris Skillman leads Raymond’s Northern California field operations, overseeing the work efforts of all projects. Chris brings over 35 years of construction experience to the General Superintendent position, where he has held various leadership positions such as Project Foremen and Superintendent, as well as Estimator and Project Manager.

Alex Movel is the Vice President & Area Manager at George M. Raymond Company. Responsible for the profitability of the Las Vegas region, Alex oversees all estimating, project management, and field operation activities. Alex brings over 30 years in the construction industry to his current position, from working in the field as a Carpenter Foreman and Superintendent to overseeing projects as an Estimator and Project Director. Alex’s broad experience helps him lead the Las Vegas region to successful project turnovers, assuring the utmost efficiency.

As Chief Estimator, Tim Burnham is responsible for controlling, and providing direction for, all of Raymond’s estimating capabilities and activities in Las Vegas. Tim started in construction in 1988 in the field, having worked as a union carpenter and superintendent, and began his career in estimating in 2000. Tim’s detailed knowledge of construction and excellent estimating ability help him lead the Las Vegas estimating department and drive sales success for the division.

Sean Michel is the General Superintendent at George M. Raymond Company. Sean has been with Raymond since 1994, showing hard work and dedication through various field positions along the way. Sean now lends his many years of experience to overseeing all construction activities for all projects in the Las Vegas region.