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Recently BizTimes released their Most Notable awards for 2022, and we are proud to have two winners. Mike Griffin won Notable CFO and Diann Balke won Notable Office and Operations Manager. Keep reading to learn more about our awesome award winners!
Mike Griffin
Mike has been the CFO for JP Cullen since 2017. He is responsible for all finance and accounting along with risk management, information technology, and human resources. Mike is a critical member of our executive team, helping JP Cullen shape policies to ensure JP Cullen is a best-in-class general contractor. He is a member of the strategic planning team and has contributed to building the business plan for one of the firm’s most successful years in the history of the 130 year company. Mike is the leader of the COVID-10 Task Force Team. He consistently ensures JP Cullen developed protocols to ensure they could keep employees safe along with keeping the company moving forward on critical construction projects. Outside of work, Mike is on the board for the American Heart Association Hard Hat for Hearts and is an active member of the CFMA peer group.
“Mike joined JP Cullen after over a decade in the public accounting realm and what impresses me the most about him is his willingness to learn the critical aspects of success for a construction business,” says George Cullen, Co-President. “In his close to five years here, he has not only demonstrated his deep understanding of these areas but is also a crucial leader in helping our company achieve success.”
Diann Balke
Diann has been with JP Cullen since 2007, starting as the office receptionist for two days (yes, two days) and then immediately applying for the Administrative Assistant position for the Estimating team. In 2013, Diann became Executive Assistant for JP Cullen’s Vice President, Larry Rocole, and now, Shannon Metoxen. In her role, Diann not only completes executive assistant administrative duties but also goes beyond her role by reviewing contracts and organizing office operations and procedures. Diann served as the Vice President of JP Cullen’s Support Group through December 2021. This group includes administrative and support staff for the company. Diann helped with organizing the quarterly meetings and provided training to the group. Diann has played a vital role in onboarding new employees and training project teams on using Microsoft Teams as the world moved to more virtual meetings and needed more collaborative tools. With her ability to learn new programs quickly, Diann has become an expert in our best practices for Microsoft Teams for the company. Outside of work, Diann is heavily involved in her community. She serves on many committees for Good Shepherd’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and School. Some being their annual Harvest Festival, Thanksgiving Lunch and Pizza Fundraiser. Diann and her family participate in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk every year in remembrance of her father. She also is the assistant coach for her children’s cross-country and softball teams.
“I have had the honor of working alongside Diann for many years. During that time, I found Diann to be enthusiastic about the work that she does. She has made the work personal for her, and it shows. She genuinely wants to help all those around her, personally and professionally. She leads by example and is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and dive in. And, not too proud to ask for help when needed. She is a role model, one we are immensely proud to have on our team,” says Wendy Booth, Executive Assistant for JP Cullen’s Industrial Division.
