Daniel M. DeGraaf, P.E.
Executive Director/CEO
Michigan Technological University, BSCE
April 2006 to present - Executive Director/CEO
July 2000 to April 2006 MCPA,
Director of Engineering – West Michigan
Working to promote concrete pavement in local markets.
Foreman, superintendent, estimator, project manager & General manager with the following companies over 23 years:
• Eisenhour Construction Co. (IHC)
• Kiewit Western Company
• Rieth-Riley Construction Company
• Hunt Paving Company
As a contractor, estimated and constructed concrete pavements in 20+ States.
Based in: Okemos Office
Phone: (517) 347-7720
Email: ddegraaf@miconcrete.net
Steven M. Waalkes, P.E.
Director of Engineering – West Michigan
Mr. Waalkes is the Director of Engineering - West Michigan for the MIchigan Concrete Association. In that role, he assists owners, engineers, inspectors, and contractors with the design, specification, and construction of concrete pavements and other concrete-related products. Steve also assists contractors and other members with troubleshooting and technical issues regarding concrete design, construction, and rehabilitation. Steve has also given workshops and presentations around North America on concrete pavement practices, technology, and research.
Prior to his current position, Steve was with the American Concrete Pavement Association for six years as the Managing Director of Technical Services and the Director of Engineering & Rehabilitation. Mr. Waalkes has also worked for a consulting engineering firm and has taught university-level highway engineering courses. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in Engineering from Calvin College and a Masters 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, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.
Based in: West Michigan Office
Phone: (616) 633-9629
Email: swaalkes@miconcrete.net
Heather Smith
Director of Engineering - Private Markets
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: hmsmith@miconcrete.net
Elizabeth Taylor, P.E.
Director of Engineering - Southeast Michigan
Beth has been involved in the construction industry in SE Michigan since she graduated from the University of Michigan in 1994. As an engineering consultant, she has an extensive background in geotechnical analysis, field testing and laboratory testing. In addition to her technical abilities, Beth was responsible for business development, and she also functioned as a liaison between County and State officials from EGLE & MDOT as it relates to road, infrastructure, and storm water management projects.
On the local agency side Beth has managed the extensive construction programs, survey crews and inspection staff for both Oakland and Wayne Counties. Another part of her duties included interacting with the community representatives, stakeholders, and the general public as it related to road and bridge projects.
Based in: Lansing Office
Phone: (517) 230-2856
Email: etaylor@miconcrete.net
Bill Foster, P.E.
Engineer of Technical Services & Training
Mr. Foster joined MCA in 2016. His role is to serve as the examiner and classroom/online instructor for the various American Concrete Institute (ACI) and MCA certification programs offered by the Association. In addition, he provides technical support to the members of the MCA.
Directly out of college, Mr. Foster was employed by a geotechnical engineering and materials testing consultant located in Southeast Michigan. He served in various roles including staff engineer, department/branch manager, division manager and regional engineer, with responsibilities throughout Michigan, northern Indiana and northwest Ohio. Other employers prior to joining the MCA included a land development consultant with offices in southeast Michigan, a stint as a self-employed construction materials consultant and just prior to the MCA, served as the pavement engineer for Detroit Metro and Willow Run airports.
Mr. Foster is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with degrees in Civil Engineering and Civil Engineering Technology and a certificate in Building Construction. He is a professional engineer (PE) in the states of Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Mr. Foster enjoys hunting and fishing along with riding his motorcycle. He is a native and a resident of the city of Ann Arbor.
Based in: Lansing Office
Phone: (517) 930-0376
Email: bfoster@miconcrete.net
David 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) 230-2856
Email: dcook@miconcrete.net
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: cruthig@miconcrete.net
Lisa Clegg
Receptionist / 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: lclegg@miconcrete.net
