STAFF DIRECTORY

SteveSteven M. Waalkes, P.E.
Executive Director/CEO

Steve has worked for the concrete industry in Michigan since 2006, starting with MCPA and continuing his role through the merger of MCPA and MCA in 2009. He is an expert in the design, specification, and construction of concrete pavements and other concrete-related products, and has assisted contractors, ready-mix suppliers, and other MCA members with troubleshooting and technical support regarding concrete issues. Steve has also given workshops and presentations around North America on concrete practices, technology, and research.

Steve has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Calvin University and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois, and a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) Western Branch. He is a Past President of the Michigan Section of ASCE and ASCE Western Michigan Branch, and a past board member of the ACI West Michigan Chapter. 

Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


HeatherHeather Smith
Director of Marketing & Membership

Ms. Smith joined MCA in May 2013. Her primary role involves promoting the use of concrete in the commercial and industrial markets. She works predominately with MCA producer members and flatwork promotional teams, and also assists with non-traditional paving market opportunities. Heather graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and was employed by the Barry County Road Commission in Hastings, Michigan for 10 years, working with 16 township boards and managing various county road and bridge construction projects.

Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


MarkMark Meddaugh
Director of Construction & Education

Mr. Meddaugh joined the MCA in June of 2024, taking on the Director of Construction and Education role. He brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in the concrete industry that spans his entire career or more than 20 years.

Starting out as a general laborer on a construction crew and a MDOT co-op, he quickly progressed to roles such as quality manager in a concrete manufacturing facility and a concrete admixture sales/technical representative for Master Builders (BASF).

His journey led him to become a Quality Control Manager with a Ready-mix and Aggregate producer, and eventually the Concrete Product Quality Control Director and Assistant Technical Director for another concrete products manufacturer.

Through these diverse experiences, Mark has gained a deep understanding of the complexities that our members face daily in the concrete industry. 

Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


David R. CookDavid Cook
Director of Certification & Training

Mr. Cook joined MCA in December 2019 as the assistant director of training and certification. In his position, Mr. Cook teaches certification classes and does laboratory demonstrations for the various American Concrete Institute and Michigan Concrete Association certification programs. Additionally he helps out the consulting members of the MCA with technical support, and recommended best practices.
Mr. Cook’s previous work experience is with civil, geotechnical, and construction materials testing consulting firms working predominately on large scale Federal, industrial, and commercial projects as a project administrator, and the laboratory manager of the construction materials testing facilities. Mr. Cook has repeatedly maintained and certified an AASHTO (CCRL & AMRL), FAA, USACE accredited laboratories for permanent locations, and temporary field labs.
In addition to his work experience, Mr. Cook is a State of Michigan registered Code Official and Building Inspector. Holds a NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) Level II Concrete certification. And carries several other ACI (American Concrete Institute) certifications.
He is also a voting committee member to several ASTM specifications. And is a member of the Board of Director of the Greater Michigan Chapter of ACI.

Based in: Lansing Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


Katie Izzi
Asst. Director of Certification

With her diverse background in concrete and education, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that will surely enhance our mission. Katie most recently served as an Engineering Inspector II with the Road Commission of Oakland County, where she has honed her skills in inspecting concrete & aggregates to ensure compliance with established specifications. Her proactive approach to monitoring construction sites and training fellow employees demonstrates her commitment to quality and collaboration.

Her career path reflects a strong foundation in operations and management, having previously held roles such as Account Clerk and Store Manager, where she efficiently managed resources and collaborated effectively with teams. Katie’s certifications, including MDOT Aggregate Level I and MCA Concrete Level I, underscore her technical expertise in the concrete industry.

A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Katie also pursued further education at Wayne State University, enhancing her skills in bilingual education and ESL.

Based in: Lansing Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


Corrina Ruthig
Accounting/Office Administrator

Ms. Ruthig is the Accounting Administrator for the Michigan Concrete Association. She started working for the MCA in 2004. Prior to joining MCA, she worked for Builders’ Redi-Mix for 20 years as a Financial Supervisor and was responsible for all accounting functions. Her responsibilities at MCA include managing and administering all aspects of the accounting and financial reporting. She also coordinates the creation and maintenance of the annual directory, manages the association's membership, the meeting planning for the annual conference/workshop and overseeing the daily functions of the office.

Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email


Lisa Clegg
Administration / Certification Assistant

Ms. Clegg is the Receptionist and Certification Assistant for the Michigan Concrete Association. She started working for the MCA in 2014. Her responsibilities at MCA include administering all aspects of the certification course registration and processing of exam results. She also assists with the daily functions of the main office in Okemos. 

Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email