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  6.  | Eli Ward Joins R&M’s Construction Services Department

Eli Ward Joins R&M’s Construction Services Department

Jun 17, 2020 | Engineering, Right Moves

Eli Ward recently joined R&M Consultants as Staff Engineer in the firm’s Construction Services department. In this role, Ward will support ongoing construction administration projects throughout Alaska. He will oversee day-to-day construction operations, including serving as the Owner’s On-Site Representative, corresponding with construction contractors, issuing change orders and directives, processing pay estimates, performing field engineering, and managing R&M field staff.

“Eli is a great fit for R&M,” said Paul Hetzel, R&M’s vice president of Construction Services. “He jumped right in and started making a difference day one. He brings an energy and understanding of the engineering and construction industry beyond typical of an EIT of his standing.”

Ward has four years of experience in geotechnical engineering, materials inspection, and construction services. He began his career working for the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, supporting horizontal construction projects and geotechnical investigations for highway and airport projects. He also spent about a year-and-a-half with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources in the Alaska Dam Safety Program. Ward moved into the private sector last year, where he has completed geotechnical investigations and analysis in support of a variety of projects.

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Since joining R&M, Ward has been involved with Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway Improvements and Glenn Highway Capacity Improvements, Phase II. He is currently working on the Crooked Creek Airport Improvements project, which has entailed field lab preparation, materials testing, and inspections.

“R&M is a small Alaska company that provides great work for our clients,” said Ward. “What I’ve come to enjoy the most is that the company has close connections between all levels that seem to get lost on the large company scale. All of my coworkers are awesome people to work with.”

Ward has a bachelor’s in geological sciences from UAF and is Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction certified in aggregate, concrete, embankment, and density. Outside of work, one can usually find Ward working inside his house on remodels, landscaping outside, or helping friends with any projects they have. He also enjoys hiking and biking with his significant other and their dog, as well as adventuring inside and outside of Alaska.

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In This Issue
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF ALASKA + INDUSTRY SUPPORT
January 2026
In our first issue of 2026, we are again featuring two special sections: Junior Achievement of Alaska and Industry Support.

We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.

And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.

Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!

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