Meet the Team: Journey Group Announces New Leadership Structure

This article was originally published by Jodi Schwan of SiouxFalls.Business

This paid piece is sponsored by Journey Group.

As Journey Group continues to expand its operations and grow its team, it became evident that the company’s organizational structure needed an update to better align with its current size and goals.

CEO Randy Knecht acknowledged a need for evolution.

“We had some catching up to do,” he said. “We put the pieces in place in 2023 and are excited to roll out our new structure.”

With more than 400 employees spread across six divisions and multiple communities, Journey Group now boasts a revamped organizational framework designed to support its present identity and future aspirations.

“We now have an organizational structure that reflects and supports who we are today and who we strive to become in the years ahead,” Knecht said.

The new structure is comprised of a corporate leadership team, responsible for strategic vision and direction, and a senior leadership team tasked with operationalizing and executing the company’s plans.

At the helm of the corporate leadership team is Knecht, whose primary focus as CEO is on growth and strategy.

Journey’s corporate leadership team: Front row, Marlyn Bergeson and Brian Gramm; back row, Heather Zweifel, Randy Knecht, Darin Hage and Chanda Knutson

He leads the corporate leadership team that also includes:

• Darin Hage, chief operating officer. Hage, who previously was vice president of Journey Construction, joined Journey more than 25 years ago and will lead the execution of the company’s vision as the new COO, as well as lead the senior leadership team.
• Brian Gramm, chief financial officer. Gramm, who joined Journey in 2021, has more than 20 years of leadership experience, including founding and managing several professional service firms with clients throughout the Midwest and spearheading major consulting projects for multiple Fortune 1,000 companies.
• Heather Zweifel, chief people officer. Zweifel, who joined Journey Group this month, brings over 20 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to Journey Group, specifically in the areas of human resources, operational leadership and employee/client experience and engagement.
• Marlyn Bergeson, executive vice president. Bergeson, who has 38 years of operational leadership experience with Journey Group, will focus on building successful teams. He is entering his final year with the company before he plans to retire.
• Chanda Knutson, executive administrative assistant. Knutson, who joined Journey Group last year, brings over 10 years of experience in administrative duties as well as a plethora of skills in management, event coordination, meeting preparation, project management and budget planning and reviews.

“We’re heavily investing in organizational development, and this new structure reflects that,” Knecht explained. “Our emphasis on developing and training individuals sets us apart, along with the commitment to improving our company culture to attract and retain top talent.”

The senior leadership team includes three division leaders and nine key department directors.

Members include:

• Tony Wiseman, president, Journey Construction.
• Jared Gusso, president, SFC Civil Constructors.
• Ryan Kerkvliet, president, Black-Top Paving.
• Dave Van Nieuwenhuyzen, vice president, business development, Journey Construction.
• John Massie, director, technology.
• Brian Meyer, director, accounting.
• Ethan Rozeboom, director, risk management and legal.
• Sarah Vicuña, director, human resources.
• Joel Van Ekeren, director, safety.
• Rebecca Sevening, director, marketing.
• Shane Weisgram, director, financial planning and analysis.
• Mark Sarcen, director, fleet.

“The goal of the senior leadership team is to communicate across the organization, address challenges or issues organization wide and unify us across the company,” Knecht said.

“In summary, we’ve focused on expanding our team and enhancing our bench strength. With this new structure, we’re well equipped to meet our customers’ growing needs and to develop and invest in our people.”

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