A Multi-Talented Team, up for any Challenge!

Deirdre Barrett

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Marketing

Deirdre Barrett is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Marketing. She has overall responsibility for the expansion and implementation of DEI, Corporate Communications and Marketing Strategy, including engagement of trade organizations and governmental entities. Deirdre also manages the Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise outreach, in collaboration with the compliance and project management teams. The development and management of community and municipal partnerships, including higher education, workforce training, chambers of commerce, cities and municipalities is how she builds BLOCK success.

With over twenty-five years of brand marketing experience, Deirdre enjoys managing the integration, implementation, and measurement of BLOCK’S brand strategy, including brand website and social media. She is also inspired by the BLOCK stakeholders she meets, who are passionate about revitalizing urban communities, with affordable housing and economic development.

Deirdre earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Spelman College. She has a Masters of Business Administration degree in Marketing from Clark Atlanta University. She has one adult child.

Leading with a BLOCK focus on "life-long learning", Deirdre was recently accepted into a Doctoral program in Ethical Leadership and Social Justice, at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Hien Ngo

Assistant Estimator

Hien Ngo is an Assistant Estimator. He builds BLOCK success by reviewing architectural plans and writing the specific scope of work by trade. Hien is also responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships, including getting quotes from suppliers and contractors; and determining the total cost of a specific scope of work for the BLOCK project. He enjoys problem solving and encouraging subcontractors to become solution focused.

While he was in college, he renovated a house and interned for a construction company.

Hien earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from University of Louisiana Monroe and Civil Engineer degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Viet Nam. Hien and his wife, Mia Pham have one dog, Churro. They enjoy taking him to walk at the park after work. Leading with a BLOCK, “life-long learning” spirit, Hien is currently studying in the Master of Construction Management program at the University of Houston.

Jason Keller

Managing Partner

Jason Keller is the Managing Partner for BLOCK Companies. Over the past 31 years, he has built a reputation of outstanding client service and an unwavering commitment to delivering beyond client expectations. As an award-winning construction industry veteran, he has valuable experience in every facet of multi-family, affordable housing and commercial construction. BLOCK clients benefit from his attentiveness, tenacity and his desire to get the job right every time. Jason builds success by treating people the way he wants to be treated.

Whether it’s affordable housing for Katrina evacuees or revitalizing a senior living landmark in Houston, his dedication to a broad range of projects is unparalleled. As a General Contractor, Jason believes it is rare to be given an opportunity to provide economic empowerment and revitalize communities; by building affordable housing and advancing sustainable living. He feels privileged to be given a unique opportunity to build affordable housing.

Jason has worked in construction since he was 15 years old. After graduating from college, he began his career in estimating, overseeing apartments, retail, office buildings, schools, rehabilitation, public works plants, prisons, hospitals, airport terminals, historical projects, demolition, warehouses, and athletic field projects, ranging in size from $50,000 to $100 million. Jason has held additional construction roles, including, Superintendent, Project Manager, Safety Director and Vice-President.

Jason and his wife, Joan have five adult children and two dogs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Hunting and Fishing is where he finds his peace. Leading with a BLOCK adventurous spirit, Jason just recently jumped off the side of a mountain and glided downward to the base.

Rhonda Matherne

Senior Project Coordinator

Rhonda Matherne is the Senior Project Coordinator. Rhonda provides the highest level of service to BLOCK. She builds success with her execution of full project management coordination for the construction team to ensure the smooth running of the construction administration, including contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, change orders and payment applications. Her work ethic, uncompromising perfectionism and can-do attitude are winning attributes.

Rhonda believes that affordable housing offers all the basic amenities and facilities with quality, lasting construction, but at a price point that is affordable by aspiring customers.

Rhonda has one son, a daughter-in-law and one grandchild.

Leading with the BLOCK focus on family, Rhonda enjoys working in the yard and spending time with her family.

Kenneth Lail

General Superintendent

Kenneth Lail is a General Superintendent. Kenneth builds BLOCK success by being a leader on the jobsite, assisting the field team to complete jobs on time and within budget. He works with Supers and Project Managers to make sure projects run as smoothly as possible.

Kenneth enjoys being a valuable team member of many projects. Being a part of many projects at one time. Each time he is thrilled to watch the transformation of an idea.

Kenneth believes affordable housing is very important as everyone deserves to live in a nice place. He says it is heartwarming to see the reaction on the faces of residents.

Kenneth and his wife, Heather have six children. Two of their children work for BLOCK.

Tyler Guerrero

Assistant Project Manager

Tyler Guerrero is an Assistant Project Manager. Tyler builds BLOCK success by working closely with Project Managers on multi-family projects. He assists with the coordination, scheduling, and relationship building. Tyler enjoys seeing the finished product along with his team while knowing how much time and hard work went into the finished product.

While studying at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, he participated in construction internship programs, working closely with commercial superintendents.

Tyler feels that affordable housing presents an opportunity to help those in need. Individuals who can’t have financial freedom, independence, stability will be able to reduce their everyday stresses and enjoy life.

Tyler and his wife, Magen have two young children and a Maltese, named Allie. Leading with a BLOCK focus on living an active lifestyle, Tyler loves watching and participating in sports.

Amanda LeBlanc

Director of Compliance | Project Coordinator

Amanda LeBlanc is the Director of Compliance. She ensures BLOCK follows MWSBE, Section 3 and apprenticeship hiring standards on all BLOCK affordable projects. Amanda collaborates with internal and external teams to accomplish BLOCK standards for economic empowerment in the municipalities in which BLOCK builds. She is a valued leader and expert in federal labor wage compliance and reporting. She has over ten years of affordable and compliance expertise. Amanda provides monthly compliance reporting for BLOCK projects in all states. BLOCK stakeholders often seek her wise counsel. Amanda enjoys working with municipal leaders, project owners and subcontractors. She stands out as a key BLOCK leader because she is hard working, highly organized and extremely efficient.

Amanda builds BLOCK success by training subcontractors and vendors on compliance and emphasizing the importance of following the regulations and requirements.

Amanda has two young children and her dog, Dexter. Leading with the BLOCK adventurous spirit, Amanda just started bow fishing.

Adam Town

Director of Pre-Construction Services

Adam Town is the Director of Pre-Construction Services. He coordinates every aspect of estimating, including budgeting and proposal development for all multi-family projects. Adam enjoys working with the dedicated estimators and building BLOCK success. He identifies his key professional strengths as team development, organizational and communication skills. Adam acknowledges that it is widely known that the country has a shortage of affordable housing. He says it is a great feeling to try and help fill a void for people in need. Adam was most proud to manage the pre-construction process with the construction team at McCormack Baron Salazar, recently, on the largest project to date for BLOCK Companies.

Adam grew up in construction working with his grandfather, the renowned Louisiana architect A. Hays Town, and his father A. Hayes Town, Jr. He owned and operated his own high-end custom residential home building business before joining Block. In previous roles with Block, Adam was a Senior Estimator, developing subcontractor and vendor relationships, as he identifies as one of the keys to success.

Adam earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He and his wife, Molly have three adult children and one black labrador, Lily.

Leading with the BLOCK tradition of “letting the good times roll”, Adam recently attempted to make Boudin. He said it wasn’t great, but he will try again soon.

Mark Stafford

Controller

Mark Stafford is the Controller. His primary responsibility is to maintain the financial information of BLOCK as well as assist management with determining the direction of the company. Mark also works closely with BLOCK financial partners including, the banks, bonding company, and CPA firm to ensure critical needs are met. He also enjoys strategic planning for the future and the close working relationships with fantastic co-workers. He is a loyal team member, with a willingness to learn. Mark has extraordinary spreadsheet skills.

Prior to joining the Block Companies team, Mark worked at TOPCOR Companies, LLC and Subsidiaries managing the financial and accounting functions for the specialty contractor generating annual sales in excess of $75 million. Mark has over thirty years of progressive financial leadership in the construction industry.

He appreciates the charm of older neighborhoods, that provide a great history. He believes in the importance of revitalizing neighborhoods and ensuring affordability.

Building BLOCK success through internal relationships, especially with the partners, has been critical to his role. Planning and developing BLOCK financial reporting process has been a team effort. He has been integral to establishing and building BLOCK financial infrastructure success. Mark is proud to have been involved with the first and subsequent CPA audits of BLOCK financial records. He has improved the process of one-year and three-year job volume projections.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University. He is a CPA and CFMA(Construction Financial Management Professional). Mark has been married to his wife, Sheila, for thirty-nine years and they have two adult children and one Labrador, named Louie.

Leading with a BLOCK ‘life-long learning” spirit, Mark has discovered a wealth of podcasts, that he listens to that cover various topics that are really encouraging and informative.

Xavier Davis

Field Engineer

Xavier Davis is a Field Engineer. Xavier builds BLOCK success by assisting the superintendent and project manager. In his current role, he records the daily log into Procore, including photos and receipts. He also logs daily shipments. He enjoys being able to learn the different aspects of construction.

Xavier believes it is vital to build affordable housing because many people are not able to afford a house. He feels that rebuilding the community and keeping the same culture will result in the current and new residents appreciating their community.

Xavier is close to his family and they love to gather and talk about what is happening in their lives.

Jennifer Blunschi

Estimator

Jennifer Blunschi is an Estimator. She builds BLOCK success for all pre-construction services, including estimating, interpreting bid proposals, scope definition, buyout and procurement, and construction feasibility. She also facilitates the communication of the project process between the owner, architect and general contractor. Jennifer has twenty-three years of experience in construction with a diverse background in multi-family properties, ground-up construction, remodeling and buildouts, hospitality developments, K-12 and higher education, high-rise multi-use developments, and natural disaster management and recovery.

Jennifer attended Southern Poly State University and Kennesaw State University. She and her husband Brett, have two children and three family pets. Leading with the BLOCK spirit of community engagement, Jennifer is an Election Commissioner for the Ascension Parish Clerk of Court.

Andrew Bellefeuille

Senior Project Manager

Coming Soon!

Dee Keller, J.D.

Corporate Counsel

Dee Keller is the Corporate Counsel. Dee handles a variety of commercial and corporate transactional matters including legal relating to subcontracts , purchase orders, client contracts, litigation arising from operations and the selection and management of outside law firms. She enjoys working with Block team members, the governmental agencies, and the project owners, in order to deliver affordable housing projects to the communities, in which Block has the privilege to build success.

Dee has had an extraordinary legal career working with Bracewell & Patterson, LLC and the FDIC. She has represented clients in Oil and Gas, Real Estate Investment and Finance. As the head of the Contract division at the FDIC, she worked on federal, state and local taxations, real estate and financial transactions including debt restructure, corporate law and commercial litigation. Dee’s key professional attributes are analyzing data, drafting legal documents and team problem solving.

Dee says that there is an undeniable need for more affordable housing and for updating underutilized areas across our great country. BLOCK is committed to working with governmental agencies in order to address these needs. It is an honor to play a role in achieving this goal. Dee believes each project is unique, as are the people needed to create its' success. She learns new things and creates new relationships with every project.

Dee earned a Bachelor of Art degree in Finance from the University of Mississippi and she has a Juris Doctorate from Tulane University. She and her husband, Stephen have four adult children, two sons in law, one daughter in law, and three grandchildren. Leading with a BLOCK focus on “life-long learning” of all sorts of things, Dee recently started taking cooking classes.

PJ Simpson

Vice President of Operations | Junior Partner

P.J. Simpson is the Vice President of Operations and Junior Partner for BLOCK Companies. PJ has the distinction of being the first employee of BLOCK. He has been a key contributor to the BLOCK success. He oversees all aspects field operations, safety, project budgets, and quality control. He enjoys leading and inspiring the construction team in their career development. With a solid expertise in multi-family construction, PJ has the detailed perspective needed to manage complex projects, while maintaining quality controls and budgets.

PJ builds success daily with how he communicates with all stakeholders, employees, peers, owner reps, architects and subcontractors. As Vice-President of Operations, he expertly navigates situations and relationships that result in a positive BLOCK operational culture. PJ has served as Lead Estimator, Project Manager, Safety Director, and Operations Manager. His keen attention to detail, tenacity and client relations are unsurpassed. His experience in construction includes, multi-family, commercial, municipal, highway, bridge and industrial.

PJ and his wife, Jenn have two young children. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Louisiana State University.

Leading with a BLOCK family spirit, PJ and his wife enjoy watching their children grow and experience new things in their young lives, including first smiles, learning to ride a bike, learning to bowl and how to catch a fish. These wonders of parenting have been his best experiences.

Casey Graham

Assistant Project Manager

Casey Graham is an Assistant Project Manager. Casey builds BLOCK success by working closely with subcontractors to ensure they have all the tools they need to execute an efficient and on-time project.

Casey has prior construction experience in affordable housing and multi-family. He enjoys being able to work with an enthusiastic team that employs passion towards one goal, positive change for the community, no matter the challenge. He appreciates the ability to view his projects and know that he has played a key role in project completion.

Casey believes affordable housing is important to revitalizing communities because it gives everyone a chance at achieving the American dream. With affordable housing, he feels people are given the ability to produce a better environment for their families and create a safer atmosphere. Casey also states that affordable housing creates better school systems, attracts more businesses, which creates more jobs for the people in the community to thrive.

Casey comes from a large family. They have three French bulldogs and a Teacup Chihuahua.

David Perrilloux

Project Manager

David Perrilloux is a Project Manager. David builds BLOCK success by supporting the field team proactively to ensure the efficiencies of day-to-day project management. He also collaborates with the field team on project information and as issues present themselves. Having 35 years of construction experience and a vast range of leadership skills, David adds great value to our team. His ability to keep a project moving has been an asset. In prior roles, he served as a Superintendent, Project Manager, Development Coordinator, working and assisting project superintendents in building apartments.

David believes affordable housing contributes to significant economic impacts, including increases in local purchasing power, job creation and new tax revenues.

David and his wife, Kim have two teenagers. Leading with the BLOCK “LSU loving” spirit, David, loves attending LSU sporting events. He also loves hunting and fishing

Kathlene Dilley

Finance Coordinator

Coming soon!

Will Keller

Assistant Project Manager

Will Keller is an Assistant Project Manager. Will builds BLOCK success by providing support to the Project Manager and Superintendent, by reviewing design and bidding documentation, overseeing progress, and evaluating project submittals. He also writes subcontractor contracts to facilitate efficient work throughout project duration.

Will enjoys being able to converse with superiors and subcontractors on a day-to-day basis and draw from the knowledge they have gained through years of work. He is also excited to have the chance to be on the jobsite, watching the building from ground up.

While a Mechanical Engineering student at LSU, Will worked for BLOCK as a Field Engineer. He was also a mechanical engineering intern at Sasol Chemical Complex, R&D and CF Industries. Will has also been a football coach at a local middle school.

Will believes that everyone should have an opportunity to live in a place where they can feel safe and comfortable. He also says that newer developments in areas with a higher median income can allow people to have greater opportunities to better themselves, as well as their family.

Will is the middle child of Managing Partner, Jason Keller. Will credits his father as an unbelievable mentor, both professionally and personally. His “nearly human” pet is Izzy, a Blue Heeler/Australian Shepard mix. Leading with a focus on the BLOCK family spirit, Will is celebrating his recent engagement to Hannah Gale.

Robert Puig

Assistant Project Manager

Coming Soon!

Leslie Harper

Assistant Project Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Bob Ryan

District Manager | Houston

Bob Ryan is the District Manager of the Houston office. He is responsible for construction management for all Texas affordable housing projects. His greatest example of building BLOCK success is a client stating that they looked forward to future work with BLOCK. The client stressed that their desire to return to work with BLOCK was due to the efforts of the construction project team. Bob is an outstanding manager with exceptional people skills. He is a listener, first; followed by a keen perception to mitigate issues. Bob says building is never boring. He enjoys the day-to-day challenges.

Bob believes that building affordable housing generates an opportunity to give back and provide service; with more hiring and employment options, along with beautiful housing. During his forty-year career, Bob has been involved with the construction of over 27,000 units in fourteen states and thirty-four cities. He has served in various leadership roles, including Senior Vice-President, Regional Vice President and Executive Vice-President. He also has General Contracting licenses in North Carolina, Virginia and Alabama.

Bob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering Technology from the University of Houston. He and his wife, Judy have one son and two grandchildren. They also have two rescue dogs. Leading with the BLOCK focus on family, Bob and his lovely wife recently celebrated twenty-six years of marriage.

Lydia Knoerr

Office Manager | Project Coordinator

Lydia Knoerr is the Houston Office Manager and Project Coordinator. Lydia has the primary responsibility of ensuring that the Houston office is running efficiently. She also is a dedicated contributor to building BLOCK success . She supports the field operational team by providing weekly budget updates. She is also responsible for contractual execution.

Lydia and her husband, Billy have two adult children.

Preston Howell

Assistant Estimator

Coming Soon!

Natasha Gray

Project Coordinator

Natasha Gray is a Project Coordinator. She is an attribute to BLOCK Operations as a collaborative member of the Project Coordination team. With her dedication and quick turnaround, she has contributed to building BLOCK success in multi-family. One of her key responsibilities with BLOCK is the adherence to Davis Bacon Prevailing Wage certified payroll regulations. She enjoys her role because of the sense of pride and accomplishment she experiences as a member of the BLOCK team. She also appreciates her personal and professional growth.

Natasha and her husband, Clint have five children and three pets. Natasha loves horseback riding and maybe circling a barrel or two.

Chris Conti

CSP Safety Supervisor

Coming Soon!

Andrew Leslie

Senior Project Manager

Andrew Leslie is a Senior Project Manager. Andrew builds BLOCK success by managing a team of project managers, engineers, superintendents, forty plus subcontractors, material and manpower. He is responsible for delivering apartment units over a phased, predetermined project schedule, while ensuring project communication flows to and from the owner/developer.

Andrew started his construction career in 2008. His experience includes commercial, multifamily, market rate, affordable and schools. He has had responsibility for 22 projects and nearly 3000 units of affordable housing.

Andrew enjoys seeing the result of years of construction and planning leading to the once empty space, now being a home. He loves driving by decades later, and saying, “I helped build that”.

Andrew believes affordable housing is the cornerstone for millions of Americans. He says the new community construction breathes new life into a neighborhood and beyond.

Andrew and his wife, Jessica have two young children.

Sen Smith

Project Manager

Sen Smith is a Project Manager. Sen facilitates project management and field teams in cooperation towards one goal. He deploys his skills to positively reinforce open communication and continuous administration support.

Sen grew up in the construction industry. His previous roles have ranged from laborer, framer, plumber, insulation, roofer to assistant superintendent, and project manager. Sen is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran. He is experienced in identifying the problem, seeing the solution, and executing the resolution.

Sen builds BLOCK success by putting his whole heart and mind in what he loves to do. He wants to have an impact in the communities that BLOCK is building multi-family projects. He wants to affect positive change.

Sen has three “wild” young children.

Taylor Perkins

Finance Coordinator

Coming Soon!

Jairo Miranda

Assistant Project Manager

Coming Soon!

Hillary Percle

Assistant Project Manager

Hillary Percle is an Assistant Project Manager. Hillary builds BLOCK success by being focused on solutions. She assists the Superintendent and Project Manager in ensuring the project has everything it needs in order to be completed on time and within budget. Her main responsibility is to manage all the documentation of the project and to be of assistance as needed.

Hillary believes that everyone deserves to have a home they want to come home to. She says affordable housing makes this possible to those who could not afford nice housing otherwise.

Hillary and her husband, Darren have a young daughter and a son on the way. Her pet’s name is Miller.

Aaron Leondar

Assistant Project Manager

Aaron Leondar is an Assistant Project Manager. Aaron builds BLOCK success in his current role supporting the Superintendent and the Project Manager on several projects. His construction experience includes, luxury retail, senior living, residential and multi-family. Aaron has a passion for living spaces, so he loves getting to build these spaces as a profession.

Aaron believes housing is fundamental to being human. He is proud to be able to build affordable housing to help give people a place of their own where they need it.

Aaron has two Dachshunds and a yellow Lab that keep him busy.

Cody McKernan

Project Manager

Cody McKernan is a Project Manager. Cody builds BLOCK success by providing a level of team trust for BLOCK internal and external teams. He handles projects from start date to final completion. Cody’s daily tasks include, issuing subcontracts, managing project budgets, and reviewing current job progress to ensure a high standard of performance. Prior to BLOCK, Cody worked for a roofing and construction company as a Project Manager.

Cody enjoys his daily interactions with fellow employees. In his role, he also works with clients to finalize their planning and help to establish protocols.

Cody reminds us that affordable housing offers a place for people to go, feel safe and call home. Being able to give that to someone who may have not had the same benefits in life, is truly rewarding.

Cody and his fiancé, Mallory have two dogs, Bubba and Penny.

Paul Webb

Senior Project Manager

Paul Webb is a Senior Project Manager. Paul builds BLOCK success by managing several projects while mentoring Assistant Project Managers. As a Senior Project Manager, Paul has successfully built multifamily projects in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana and Florida.

Paul says that he loves fulfilling people's dreams in their communities. Paul and his wife, Gayln have three adult children, ten grandchildren, and two great grands on the way. Leading with the BLOCK family focus, he and his wife spend their vacations visiting their children.

Sandra Pegram

Compliance Administrator

Sandra Pegram is a Compliance Administrator. She is responsible for ensuring BLOCK success in compliance with regulatory guidelines, as required by the municipalities. She manages subcontractor compliance training, communications and reporting cycle for BLOCK affordable housing projects. Her expertise and attentiveness allow her to provide support tools and resources to the BLOCK team. Sandra enjoys cultivating and building relationships with subcontractors, BLOCK Team and government agencies.

Sandra has two adult children and one adoring pet.

Stephen Keller

Senior Partner

Stephen Keller brings more than 39 years experience, including HUD, Section 8, tax credit, and conventional housing projects in the construction and management industries. He leads the Block Builders’ team in the multi-family building sector and in navigating the complexities of both conventional financing and affordable housing projects.

In 1982, Stephen moved to Houston to manage N&J Constructors’ Houston office. The company focused on commercial and multi-family construction. It was there that Stephen first worked with Everett Jackson. In 1988, Stephen and Everett created Creekstone Companies, a fully integrated real estate investment group, offering real estate acquisition, development, construction and property management services. Creekstone has constructed more than $1.7 billion in commercial and residential properties in more than 15 states. In addition, Creekstone currently manages 1,795 multi-family units, one lifestyle center, and one power center.

In 2008, he joined Block Builders with his brother, Jason, in order to leverage their project professionals and extensive relationships with subcontractors and vendors. With Block Builders, Stephen handles everything from development, estimating, management and client service. Stephen’s reputation of high-quality construction – be it a high-end luxury development or housing that provides a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities for low and moderate incomes – ensures his clients they will receive only the best for their project from start to finish.

Stephen is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, the National Apartment Association, the International Conference of Shopping Centers and the Houston Association of Building Contractors. He is a member of the Louisiana State University Laboratory School Foundation and a past member of Southwest Bank of Texas’ advisory board.

Stephen has a degree in building construction from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a nationally recognized building construction program.