Steven 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.
Heather Smith
Director of Marketing & Membership
Heather Smith joined the Michigan Concrete Association (MCA) in May 2013. She is the Director of Marketing and Membership. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University and spent her first 10 years in the industry working for the Barry County Road Commission as a Project Manager. Her primary role involves promoting the use of concrete in the commercial and industrial markets. She works with MCA producer members and flatwork promotional teams, and also assists with non-traditional paving market opportunities.
Mark 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).
Chris Nelson
Director of Engineering
Chris brings with him a strong passion for engineering, creative problem-solving, and fostering collaborative relationships with both engineers and contractors.Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lawrence Technological University, where he concentrated on transportation and construction. His early career was spent managing road and bridge projects across state, county, and municipal levels. In the years that followed, he shifted focus to education and business development, working with the civil and structural engineering community to support post-installed anchor and rebar design for a leading global manufacturer of tools and anchors.
David Cook
Director of Certification
Mr. Cook joined MCA in December 2019 as the assistant director of training and certification. 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.
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.
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.
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.