HOUSTON, TX The Houston, Texas, office of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announces its Vice President of Operations, Ben Johanneman, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Rice Design Alliance (RDA). The RDA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of architecture, urban design and the built environment in the Houston region.

Johanneman is new to the board this year and will serve until May 2019. In his three-year term, he will assist with the strategic planning process and implementing the board's goals in addition to participating in policy setting and supporting the executive director in funding assistance and resources to operate the organization. Other responsibilities include recruiting and orienting new members and taking on special committee assignments.

Johanneman has been with McCarthy for 16 years, and he has extensive experience in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. He has led some of the most challenging, award-winning projects in the firm's history including The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Alkek Hospital Expansion. Johanneman's expertise includes problem solving and process improvement, developing long-term goals into actionable strategy, team building, client relations and mentoring high potential employees.

He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky, is a recognized U.S. Green Building Council LEED Accredited Professional, and he holds an American Society of Healthcare Engineers Healthcare Construction Certificate. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Greater Houston Partnership.