Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Announces Four New Team Members

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute logoThe Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) announces the addition of four new employees to its roster. Three employees will be regional managers and one at CRSI’s national headquarters. All employees offer diversity and longevity to the Institute.

“Each of these professionals brings expertise that will complement our current team,” stated Danielle Kleinhans, President and CEO of CRSI. “We are excited to fill out our promotion and communications staff with these passionate and skilled individuals.”

Region Managers

Kevin Bott, Western Region Manager

Kevin Bott joined CRSI as its newest employee in August 2019 as Western Region Manager after 13 years of experience as a structural engineer in Tampa, Fla. Mr. Bott’s design experience includes an assortment of structures, which include football stadiums, hospitals, theme park and entertainment structures, and parking garages. He recently worked as a forensic engineer for litigated claims, which mainly involved water intrusion and the building envelope. Mr. Bott also executed storm damage assessments and repair protocols for buildings damaged by hurricanes.

Mr. Bott will utilize his expertise in his promotion of reinforced concrete and CRSI in the Southwestern United States. He will also work closely with Pacific Northwest Manager, Paul Dye, in promoting CRSI to the entire Western Region of the US.

Mr. Bott received a Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame. He also obtained a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Mr. Bott can be reached at [email protected].


Paul Dye, Pacific Northwest Manager

Paul Dye was hired as Pacific Northwest Manager in April 2019 and is responsible for the promotion and operations of the Pacific Northwest Region. With over 37 years of experience, Mr. Dye has held various roles in the reinforcing steel industry almost entirely located in the Pacific Northwest. Prior to his position at CRSI, Mr. Dye spent the last 15 years as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Precision Rebar & Accessories, Inc. (a CRSI member company) in Vancouver, Wash. He also held positions as Regional Manager for Graham Steel in Vancouver and as project manager for Western Coating in Ogden, Utah. Mr. Dye offers his vast knowledge of promotion, operations, sales, estimating, detailing, and fabrication to those he meets throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Mr. Dye can be reached at [email protected].


David Shepherd, AIA, Midwest Region Manager

David Shepherd, AIA, also joined the CRSI team in April 2019 to promote the benefits of reinforced concrete. As the Midwest Region Manager, he is responsible for the processes and promotion of the Midwest Region. A licensed architect, Mr. Shepherd has over 35 years of experience in the construction industry. Prior to CRSI, he spent 18 years at the Portland Cement Association where he most recently held the position of Director of Sustainable Development, and previously as Residential Technology Program Manager.

Mr. Shepherd also worked for a commercial general contractor, was a construction manager for a leading real estate investment/management company, and a principal of a residential design/build business. Mr. Shepherd received a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Architecture from the University of Illinois.

You can reach David Shepherd at [email protected].

National Headquarters

Lara Jackson, Communications Associate

Hired as the Communications Associate in June 2019, Lara Jackson writes, edits, and also provides design assistance for CRSI’s communications, marketing, and membership vehicles. She also offers administrative support.

Ms. Jackson has over 20 years of marketing and communications experience at various companies and nonprofit organizations covering an array of topics – from mechanical engineering to health care to sustainability. An article Ms. Jackson wrote about dangerous drug interactions with the now-banned drug ephedra was bestowed a Silver Merit Health Award. Ms. Jackson has also been a freelance writer/editor and blogger. She also received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Northeastern Illinois University.

You can reach Lara at [email protected].

About the Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute (CRSI) began in 1924. It is also a technical institute. Additionally, it is a Standards Developing Organization (SDO) that stands as the authoritative resource for steel reinforced concrete construction. CRSI is among the Nation’s oldest trade associations. It also offers many industry-trusted technical publications, standards documents, design aids, reference materials and educational opportunities.

CRSI’s members represent over 80% of the U.S. manufacturers, fabricators and placers of steel reinforcing bar and related product. Hence the over 600 locations in 49 states, and with over 15,000 employees. Members produce, fabricate and also install approximately 9 million ton of reinforcing steel per year using scrap steel in efficient manufacturing operations. The estimates say, however, that the industry impacts over 75,000 people in steel transportation and placement in North America.

The CRSI membership also includes professionals across the country who involve themselves in the research, design, and construction of steel reinforced concrete. CRSI staff also comprises a nationwide region network of industry professionals.

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