UMC proudly announces UMC’s major projects director, Steve Russo, PE, has been appointed as one of the Specialty Subcontractor Representatives on Washington State’s Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Capital Projects Advisory Review Board (CPARB). Russo, known for his expertise and distinguished career, brings invaluable insights and leadership to UMC. This position on CPARB reinforces UMC’s commitment to civic involvement in advancing the mechanical contracting industry through alternate and innovative delivery means.

"I am appreciative and humbled by this appointment,” Russo said. “Over the life of my term, I intend to be as influential as possible to help advance our industry interests. I hope to leave behind a legacy of positive contributions that I and others can be proud of.”

The CPARB, established by the 2005 Legislature under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 39.10, serves to evaluate alternative public works contracting procedures and advise state policymakers on enhancing the quality, efficiency, and accountability of such methods. Since its inception by the Legislature in 2007, CPARB, alongside numerous stakeholders, has played a pivotal role in effecting substantial revisions to RCW 39.10. Comprising 25 members representing a diverse array of stakeholders, including public hospitals, disadvantaged businesses, architects, general contractors, specialty contractors, school districts, cities, counties, safety advocates, building trades, ports, and higher education institutions, the board also features two State senators and two State representatives. All members are appointed by the governor.

Serving the CPARB is the Project Review Committee (PRC), which is responsible for reviewing and approving public entity applications to determine if the General Contractor/Construction Manager (GC/CM) or Design Build (DB) delivery method can be utilized in public works construction. UMC has benefited from these alternate delivery methods through such projects as the University of Washington and U-district Sound Transit stations, the Newhouse Building Replacement project, and most recently Western State Hospital.

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington (MCAWW) was integral to this legislation's development. Russo will be working closely with the MCAWW to ensure that their vision is maintained and that this process is beneficial to the building trades industry.