Chief Saftey Officer

Dustin rusch

Mental health has been overlooked for way too long! I've spent a career caring for the physical safety of the people I work with. Connecting mental health and wellbeing with physical safety has become very personal to me. I know firsthand how much strength it takes to pull yourself out of a dark place mentally. Nobody escapes life's challenges. Life is not always going to be easy. Some days are going to be really hard. I want to be a person that is there for someone else when life gets hard and can be overwhelming.

Director of Human Resources

kelsea murphy

As an HR leader, I see how mental wellness shapes relationships, performance, and safety, and I’ve also seen its importance in my own life and the lives of those that I love. I started this initiative because our employees and their families deserve care that’s as real as the work they do. I want to replace silence with support, because talking openly turns ‘something we mask’ into ‘something we handle, together’ — and that’s the type of workplace I’m committed to leading.

Construction Superintendent

tony glaser

I believe mental health affects every single person in one way or another - both those afflicted and the people who love and support them. It is important to normalize the topic so everyone feels safe and accepted. My goal is to foster an environment where employees have the foundation to support the scaffolding allowing access to grow, be safe and thrive. We have an incredible opportunity to create a healthier workplace and home where our heavy burdens don’t need to be carried alone. I am proud to assist Ahern in this initiative.

HR Business Manager

Kimberly wachholz

Mental health matters to me not just because of the work I do, but because I’ve seen how deeply it affects people I care about. In my role in Human Resources, I often talk with people during some of their toughest moments, and mental health comes up a lot. Those experiences have shown me how important it is to feel supported. I truly believe everyone deserves to feel seen and heard, and no one should ever have to go through their struggles alone.

Field Operations Manager

Mark Hersey

Mental Health matters to me because it affects every part of life-how we think, feel, and connect with our family, friends, and co-workers. We work very hard to make improvements for future generations in physical well-being, and mental health should be no different. I believe it’s time to remove the stigma around mental health so that people can feel safe asking for help and supporting one another without judgment.

General Manager

Gavin barfknecht

Mental health matters to me because I’ve seen firsthand how it impacts families, including my own. Through our family experiences over the past few years, I’ve learned the value of breaking down stigma, having open conversations, and connecting people to the right resources. These lessons have shaped my commitment to supporting others and promoting awareness within our workplace. My passion is to help create an environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help and knows they are not alone.

Sheet Metal Field

aaron bergman

Mental health matters to me for a multitude of reasons. It’s one of the most prevalent issues in our lives today. One that is shared with an extremely high number of individuals who most likely do not realize how many others are going through similar situations. Having gone through struggles with mental health myself, it is a cold and secluded state of mind. Standing in my shoes today being able to look back on what I went through and knowing how much just having someone in your corner or reaching out could change the outcome of a life. I couldn’t possibly sit idly by and not do everything in my power to help someone going through issues themselves.

Internal Comm Specialist

Sierra trojan

I’m a firm believer that even if you’ve never dealt with mental health struggles, you know someone who has. How can we still have such a stigma surrounding a topic that impacts everyone? I want to be a part of the movement that normalizes talking about mental health, and that creates a culture where people feel no shame in seeking support.

Safety Coordinator

kenzie klug

Mental health matters to me because I’ve spent much of my life navigating my own challenges, and it took me far too long to learn that reaching out for help truly works. No one should feel like they have to struggle in silence. I want to help others get support sooner than I did and feel empowered to speak openly. It’s important to me to build an environment where conversations about mental and emotional wellbeing are just as natural as those about physical health and safety.

Fire Protection Designer

andrew bosin

Mental health matters to me because it is often overlooked, even though it remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is such a difficult topic and a hard conversation to have, but without these conversations, individuals will keep ignoring the obvious signs within themselves and others. I am very proud to be a part of this committee, where our goal is to help break that silence, promote awareness, and educate people on the importance of mental well-being.

Human Resources Specialist

Erin navis

Mental health shapes how we show up in every part of our lives—at work, at home, and with the people who matter most. I’m passionate about helping create a culture where mental well-being is not only talked about openly but truly prioritized for everyone. Caring for our mental health isn’t optional; it’s essential and acknowledging that is the first step toward building a more supportive culture.

Creative Specialist

Sheyanne horstman

I joined the mental health committee as I have gone through many transitions in life that have challenged my mental health. The resources provided through Ahern, including Lyra and EAP resources, have helped me through tough times on my sobriety and grief journeys. I want others to know they are not alone and that someone you work with could be going through the same thing. We don't have to hide behind shame or guilt, and talking about it to someone else can make a big difference.