THE LADDER

Ken Macdonald has been named principal of major environmental projects at Las Vegas-based Universal Engineering Sciences. Macdonald has led environmental projects such as the Hoover Dam Bypass, the Grand Canyon Colorado River Management Plan and the Horizon Lateral.

“Ken strengthens our environmental team and expands our abilities to provide clients innovative solutions in every phase of their project,” Trent Anderson, regional vice president of the West at UES, said in a news release. “We’re thrilled to have him on board as we expand our environmental department and capabilities.”

The engineering and consulting firm specializes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, special inspections, and environmental consulting.

The Nevada State Museum appointed Josef Diaz as its curator of history and material culture, a senior curator role that is part of the Division of Museums and History within the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Diaz will be responsible for the preservation, research and programming of the state’s collection of artifacts. He comes from the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and New Mexico History Museum, both in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the talented and growing staff at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, and to be able to build and expand on the great work that has been done,” Díaz said.

“I look forward to working with director, Hollis J. Gillespie and curator Maggie Bukowski in developing thoughtprovoking programs and exhibitions and getting to know the community.”

The PENTA Building Group promoted Chris Brooks to vice president of pre-construction. Brooks will oversee all aspects of pre-construction from developing estimates to coordinating with owners, design consultants and trade partners.

He will also oversee the commercial contractor’s marketing and virtual design and construction teams.

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