Chris Mela
Accounting Manager
Chris leads GLY’s Accounting department with an enthusiasm for a supportive and tight-knit team culture. He views accounting as a new puzzle to solve each day and enjoys working through the challenges that accompany them. In his spare time, you can find Chris continuing to exercise his mind while reading, writing, and playing board games and video games.
Tess Wakasugi-Don
Principal+Senior Project Manager
LEED AP
Tess has built her career at GLY, from humble beginnings as an intern, advancing steadily to a promotion in 2019 to firm principal. She is a dedicated, selfless leader who pays careful attention to every project’s specific vision, technical complexities, and goals. Tess is very effective at coordinating the efforts of design professionals, construction teams, corporate stakeholders, and owners while integrating various service providers into project delivery. She chairs GLY’s internal DEI committee, which focuses on social equity education, employee engagement, and strategies to improve diversity and inclusion on GLY’s projects. Her three young sons inspire her daily to feel empowered, to work hard, and to make time for fun.
Cameron Cole
Senior Project Engineer
A Bellevue native, Cameron built the foundation for his career through several internships at GLY and earning a BS in Construction Management from Weber State University. His project experience thus far has focused on downtown Bellevue, including the Lincoln Square Expansion and West Main mixed use development. Off the jobsite, he’s an avid outdoorsman – hunting, fishing, skiing, and backpacking – and volunteering as a member of the King County Search and Rescue team. He recently stepped up to serve on the Coal Creek YMCA board of advisors.
Mike Martel
Senior Project Manager
Associate DBIA™, LEED AP BD+C
Mike joined GLY in 2013 as a Project Engineer and has steadily increased his responsibilities, becoming a Project Manager in 2020. He holds a BS in Construction Management from the University of Washington, where he later returned to earn a Commercial Real Estate Certificate. That’s just one example of Mike’s passion for continuous learning—and sharing with his teammates. He’s especially versed in the latest developments in 3D modeling and navigating the complex processes of advanced BIM visualization. After a long week at work, Mike burns off steam by running, cycling, and skiing.
Joaquin Aburto
General Foreman
Joaquin approaches each day on the jobsite with a people-first attitude, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative team culture in finding efficient solutions and creating a learning environment for everyone. One of his favorite aspects of construction is that he leaves each workday having learned something new from his teammates. When he’s not out in the field, you can find Joaquin adventuring in the PNW with his 5 kids.
Steven Li
Senior Estimator
With a 30+ year career in the construction industry, Steven is an Experienced Senior Estimator known for his expertise in Value Engineering, Integrated Project Delivery, Project Engineering, CPM Scheduling, and Constructability. Holding a Master of Engineering in Construction Management and Management Information Systems from the University of British Columbia, as well as an MBA from the University of Singapore and a Bachelor's degree in Building Construction from Shanghai Jiaotong University, Steven brings a wealth of global knowledge to every project. Outside of work, Steven is passionate about staying active and enjoys hiking, jogging, cycling, and other outdoor activities. He’s also training in Filipino martial arts, focusing on Arnis, and is preparing for his black belt test — a journey that combines physical skill with cultural heritage. He is dedicated to promoting human health and wellness, with a personal interest in biology and neuroscience, particularly in areas like weight management and mental well-being. A Seattle resident for over 22 years, Steven roots for the Seattle Seahawks and cherishes time with his wife and teenage daughter.
Allison Jackson
Human Resources Generalist
After earning an Associate's Degree in Communications/General Studies from Shoreline Community College, Allison joined GLY in 2019 as a Business Services Coordinator. Her passion and motivation quickly stood out, earning her the annual Team Player award in 2020, voted on by her peers. Today, Allison serves as our Human Resources Generalist, where she plays a key role in recruiting and retention initiatives. Outside of work, she is an avid outdoor enthusiast, loves attending concerts, and can often be found cheering on local sports teams.
Joe Walker
Project Executive
Joe is a self-motivated, engaging and results-driven construction professional with over 30 years of planning, scheduling, value engineering, and estimating experience on high profile and complex construction projects. His years and variety of experience in the industry makes him a valuable member of the GLY team. He can tackle whatever scope of work is required. His work experience throughout the United States [OR, CA, NV, FL, MD, NJ, NY…to name a few] has taught him there’s no place like home. Joe has four children with his wife—and high school sweetheart—and loves to go hunting and fishing whenever he can.
Benji Dimer
Project Manager
LEED Green Associate
Since joining GLY in 2017, Benji has distinguished himself as a trustworthy team leader who is continuously learning all he can. He is often the first to arrive and last to leave—by choice!—as he truly enjoys his work and is always willing to take on new challenges, mentor others, and push himself to keep learning and growing. Benji can also often be found biking and enjoying the outdoors.