Western Specialty Contractors announced the promotion of Sr. Vice President of Operations Tom Brooks to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective Jan. 1, 2018. Brooks replaces COO Jim Rechtin, Sr., who retired from Western after 46 years of service.

Brooks will utilize his more than 20 years of construction industry experience to oversee and manage all aspects of day-to-day operations, plus implement strategies for continued bottom line growth. He plans to work closely with Western’s  President Jeff Kelley to develop and propose new programs that support the company's short- and long-term objectives.

"Tom has demonstrated strong business acumen, along with the ability to lead and mentor others," said Kelley. "I am very excited for Tom and I look forward to new opportunities in 2018 and beyond."

Brooks started with Western in 2012 as Vice President - Operations and Business Development, then was promoted to Sr. Vice President of Operations in 2016.

Brooks has a degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University - North Central Campus and an AAS in Electrical Engineering Technology from Southern Illinois University. He was a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, a veteran of Desert Storm and a graduate of the Military Police Academy. He is a member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), Construction Users Round Table (CURT) and U.S. Green Building Council.