New Employees 2023

L&M is very excited to welcome Nathan Connolly to the Quotes team for the Pittsburgh office. Nathan is coming from the hospitality industry where he has 4 years of experience with Aramark as a Premium Supervisor and Catering Manager. Nathan attended California University of Pennsylvania where he studied Sport Management and Event Planning and Management. In his free time, Nathan coaches hockey at West Virginia University and loves spending time with his wife and pets. Nathan is also a very big Pittsburgh sports fans and loves to watch all sporting events.

L&M welcomes Sarah Mathias to the Specification Sales team for the Pittsburgh office.  Sarah comes to us with over 25 years of experience in the design/hospitality world. She spent the last 7 years as an Executive Territory Manager representing 11 manufacturers in the hospitality industry. She specializes in calling on architects, designers, food service dealers, and end users assisting them with product knowledge and solutions for their project needs. When not working, Sarah loves spending her free time with her husband Matt, and daughter Piper.

The L&M Team welcomes Steve Holland to Inside Sales for the Altoona office. Steve spent the past 5 years with a lighting manufacturer in procurement & sales roles, where he most recently worked in quotations, customer service, & post-sales. He currently resides in Hollidaysburg with his wife, Molly & daughter, Margot. Steve spends most of his free time with his family, either hanging out at home or going on adventures.

L&M is very excited to announce that Tim Sikora is joining us in the Controls Department as a Field Technician. Tim brings 6 years of experience working as an IBEW LU #5 Journeyman Electrician, and prior to that for the Department of Labor & Industry. Through the IBEW, Tim earned an Associates degree in Science of Electrical Construction Technology from CCAC, and has extensive experience in the field working with our lighting and lighting controls systems. In his free time Tim enjoys being with his family, listening to and playing/recording music, tinkering with his home automation devices, and home-brewed espresso. 

New Employees 2022

The L&M team is very excited to welcome Melissa Morini as a Lighting Controls Project Manager. Melissa worked as a warehouse manager for an electrical distributor for 5 years, learning the ins and outs of the business. She brings these skills with her to L&M along with a background in customer service. Melissa is originally from Johnstown, PA, and moved to Pittsburgh 10 years ago. In her free time Melissa enjoys relaxing at home with her husband Andrea, building Legos with her son Lorenzo, and playing with their massive puppy Lucian. Her family loves to watch Disney/Marvel movies together with popcorn!

The L&M Team is excited to welcome Emily Hope to Quotations! Emily graduated from Wright State University in May of 2019 with a BFA in Design/Technology with a concentration in lighting design. Since graduation, she has gained 4 years of project management skills and is excited to bring what she has learned to the L&M team in her new role. In her free time, she enjoys board games, video games, and working on sharpening her tech skills at local theaters. She currently lives in Moon Township with her fiancé, Matt, and her corgi puppy, Toby.

LaFace & McGovern is excited to welcome Erin Nath to the team as Specialty Lighting Sales and Applications. Erin comes to us with 16 years of lighting manufacturing experience in quotes, marketing, and sales. She studied Technical Theater with an emphasis on Lighting Design at West Virginia University, and later obtained an MBA from Point Park University. She enjoys reading, crocheting, and spending time with her husband Ken and two kids.

LaFace & McGovern is proud to welcome Brooke Beuhler to the team as a Project Manager. Brooke graduated from Penn State in May of 2022, where she studied Information Sciences and Technology with a focus in integration and application. Throughout her time at Penn State, she learned many new project management skills and is excited to put them to use at L&M! During her free time, Brooke enjoys walking her dog, spending time with her family and friends, and cooking new recipes

LaFace and McGovern is excited to welcome Brad LaVallee to the team in an Outside Sales role. Brad worked in the electrical subcontractor field for the past 12 years as a Project Manager/Estimator in the commercial and health care fields. He grew up in the Metro Detroit area and moved to Pittsburgh in April of 2019. Brad enjoys golf, video games, and concerts. He currently lives in Brookline with his girlfriend and 2 dogs Bentley and Lincoln.

We are excited to announce that John Sodini has joined LaFace and McGovern as Inside Sales. John graduated from Pittsburgh Technical College with a certificate in Electrical Technology and completed his internship at LaFace and McGovern as a field technician. John brings his knowledge from his internship and beyond into his new role at L&M. In his free time, John enjoys lifting weights and meal prepping.

New Employees 2021

We are delighted to announce that C.J. McDermott has joined LaFace and McGovern as an Inside Technical Specialist in the Controls Department. C.J. comes to us with a diverse background in technical roles in related industries, from work as a production foreman leading theatrical and architectural projects, and most recently a service technician that analyzed and repaired complex electrical and mechanical systems. In his free time, C.J. enjoys finish carpentry, video games, and karaoke. C.J. was born and raised in Pittsburgh, and currently lives in Brentwood with his wife Trista and 2 cats.

We are pleased to announce Grace Murphy has joined the Lighting Controls Department as a Project Manager. Her previous work experience at PVSEC and her focus on efficiency and providing quality CUSTOMER service brings a great asset to the team. When not at work, Grace enjoys spending lots of time with her fur-kids, horseback riding, and hiking!

LaFace and McGovern is pleased to announce that Don Kosanovich has joined our team as the Director of Business Relationships and Development.

Don comes to us with over 33 years of Distribution experience in multiple markets across the US. Don is a Graduate of Robert Morris University with a degree in Business / Marketing. He enjoys cooking with his wife and two children, as well as spending time on the links golfing, and traveling.

New Employees 2020

We are excited to announce LaFace & McGovern of West Virginia welcomes Bill Thomas as a member of the quotations department. Bill has traveled around WV and the surrounding states with over 15 years in the construction trades, 10 of those years spent in Electrical as a licensed journeyman. When not working, he enjoys kayaking with his wife and spending time with their dogs in Charleston.

LaFace and McGovern welcomes Megan Dallessandro as Project Manager to the Lighting Controls Department. Megan Graduated from Cal U with a BS Degree and Minor in Management. She has previous work experience at Crown Castle as a sales coordinator to the project manager and as a certified pharmacy technician. Megan loves spending her free time with her 3 dogs, at the barn with her horse, and Trap Shooting.

We are excited to announce that Marco Corradi has joined the Quick Quotes Department at LaFace & McGovern.  He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Major in Communication with a Related Field in Medical and Public Relations. Marco has held positions in inside and outside sales and has recently left the car industry to join L&M. When not working he enjoys going to Steelers & Penguin games and trying out new restaurants.

We are delighted to announce that Chris Zervanos has joined LaFace & McGovern as a member of the project management department.  Chris is a Penn State University graduate who has 20 years in the construction industry and was recently employed for 13 years in the lighting industry working as a project manager for a local lighting representative.  Chris is the proud father of three and is a self-admitted geek/nerd hybrid who enjoys sci-fi, technology, history, the performing arts, movies, travel, and golf.

New Employees 2019

We are pleased to announce that Susanna Wagoner has joined LaFace & McGovern of West Virginia’s Team as a member of the Inside Support department.   Susanna grew up in East Africa and moved back to the states a few years ago.  New to the industry, Susanna is excited to acquire the knowledge and understanding to excel in her role as a strong asset with us.  When not working, Susanna enjoys spending her free time with family.

We are pleased to announce that Abby Bare has joined LaFace & McGovern of West Virginia’s Team as a member of the Inside Support department. She is a WV native who just recently graduated from Marshall University with an RBA degree and a minor in Psychology. Abby has 2 years’ experience in merchandise sales, and for the last three years has been working for a family owned local restaurant that has been opened for 81 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, kayaking, swimming, and taking her German Shepherd, Zyla, on hiking trails.

LaFace and McGovern welcomes Ryan Kelly as Inside Technical Support in the Lighting Controls Department. Ryan is a Graduate of Grove City College with a B.S.E.E. (Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering) degree. He brings technical background with him from several industries: industrial heating, manufacturing, and nuclear power. In his free time, Ryan enjoys spending time skiing, swing dancing, salsa dancing, and playing the piano and guitar.

Chris Neidhardt has joined LaFace & McGovern as Lighting Controls Inside Technical Support/Field Service. He will be assisting the inside team with technical documentation and the Lighting Control Field Technical Specialists with Field Service. His 18 years of experience in the industry brings knowledge in distribution, purchasing, and electrical contracting as a PM and Estimator. During Chris’s free time he enjoys baseball and scouting with his sons.

We are excited to announce that Melanie Provost has joined the L&M Team to the newly formed claims department position. Melanie graduated with a BA in Business Marketing from Waynesburg University. She spent her first 10 years as a Marketing Communications Manager, then went into Inside Sales with a Pittsburgh based distribution company where her duties included repair claims, customer service, purchasing and customer account tracking. Melanie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, attending basketball, soccer, and baseball games.

We are excited to announce that Ashlee Martin has rejoined LaFace & McGovern of West Virginia’s Team as a member of the quotations department. Her first years in the industry were spent here with us doing quick quotes, project management, and customer service. During her time away from the industry, Ashlee has taken on leadership/employment rolls as a Staffing Specialist which will help her to excel in her new role with us. When not working, Ashlee spends her time with her daughter Lily who the WV office has watched grow up!

We are pleased to announce that Russ Sovek has rejoined LaFace & McGovern’s Outside Sales Team. Russ has over fifteen years of experience in the electrical and lighting industry and served in the US Navy as an electrician. In addition, Russ also brings twenty years of experience in sales. Please join us in welcoming back Russ Sovek to the Team at L&M.

New Employees 2018

LaFace and McGovern would like to welcome Mandi Hrabley to the team. She will be part of the inside sales staff. Her extensive background in the industry consists of working for an electrical contractor and most recently a project manager for a local lighting representative. She has obtained an MBA as well as degrees in Accounting, Human Resources, and Project Management. The combination of Mandi’s experience and existing industry relationships will be an asset to the L&M team.

Dave Gozzard has joined the LaFace & McGovern outside sales team. After High School Dave was enlisted in the US Coast Guard until 1995. He then took on a career in the electrical distribution market and most recently was employed with Hite/Mayer as a lighting specialist. LaFace & McGovern is excited to have him apply his solid industry experience to help grow business in the northern territory of Butler and Erie as well as the institutions in and around the Pittsburgh area. When he’s not working Dave enjoys golfing, hunting, and refereeing soccer. Please join us in welcoming Dave.

We are excited to announce that Paul Mackey has joined the Outside Sales Team of L&M. His primary role will be to call on our distributor partners in both Western PA and WV territories as an Outside Sales Stock and Flow sales person. He brings 30 years of experience and knowledge of products in decorative, light commercial, and custom lighting manufacturers with Heartland Lighting Associates. Paul’s business relationships and reputation in the industry coupled with the L&M team will create a strong addition to LaFace & McGovern.

We are pleased to announce that Lynn Rucker Wessel, who has 30 years’ experience in the electrical industry, has rejoined the L&M Team as a Project Manager after 24 years. Her first years in the industry were spent working with a distributor, then the lighting business here at LaFace & McGovern, and then she relocated to Orlando where she gained experience in customer service, quotes, and project management. Let’s re-welcome Lynn to the Team at L&M.

An End of An ERA

After 40 years of exceptional and dedicated employment with LaFace and McGovern, Steve Barczyk has decided to leave to enjoy retirement as of June 30th, 2017. Steve started with the company way back in October 1977. His hard work and never-quit-until-the-job-was-done attitude earned him the respect of the manufactures we represented, the customers he served, and his coworkers. He leaves Laface and Mcgovern having made many friends and connections for us within the industry, and we know that whoever takes over in his place will have some big shoes to fill. Steve was certainly one of a kind and he will be missed.

Help us congratulate Steve in all that he has accomplished and wish him the best in his retirement!

Steve Barczyk lighting controls tech photo

Leadership Team

The leadership team of LaFace & McGovern Associates, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Harry McGovern to CEO and Jim Mullet to President. Their continued leadership, along with Craig Lockwood, Brian Miedel, and Tim Leonard, will further establish L&M as the industry leading lighting and controls agency in Western PA and West Virginia.

L&M lighting leadership team photo

New Employees 2017

We are pleased to announce that Nic Nee has joined the L&M team in an Inside Sales position; specifically Quick Quotes and Customer Service. Nic comes to us from Hickman Electric with a contractor background. Nic is a graduate of Peters Township High School and earned a Bachelors of Arts Sports Business degree with a minor in Photography and Art. Welcome to the team Nic!

LaFace and McGovern is pleased to welcome Christie Howard as the Director of First Impressions. This includes duties as receptionist and administrative assistant, event planning, making reservations, managing social media sites, etc. Christie comes to us with a degree in business. Her years of experience in sales, customer service, and most recently the office manager for one of our electrical contractor clients will bring value to the daily relationships made at L&M.

L&M is excited to announce Tara Pakler to our outside sales team. Tara comes to us with a background in interior design, graduating from Chatham University with a MA in Interior Architecture. She spent the early part of her career working for Pittsburgh architectural firms, and the last 8 years working with decorative lighting specification and antique lighting restoration on the showroom side of the industry. Let’s welcome Tara who will be a strong addition to our agency.

We are pleased to announce Patrick Wilson has accepted an offer to join LaFace & McGovern as office manager. Patrick is a graduate of the University of Houston and comes to us with 15+ years of management experience in the hospitality industry all over the United States. He will be joining us after 7 years as an Assistant General Manager at Valley Brook Country Club. In addition to some of Steve’s customer service duties, Patrick will also assist with the company’s HR, training, and website.

L&M WV welcomes Grace Smith to the team. Grace , a graduate of Florida State University and a Florida native, joined the LaFace and McGovern of WV team beginning Jan 26th in a part time role. As of March 20th she accepted a full time position with the agency. In addition to her Bachelors Of Arts from FSU, Grace has experience in customer service as well as project management in the publishing industry. Grace will be cross training for a variety of roles in the next few months including front line phone support, customer service, project management, and other inside sales functions.

New Employees 2016

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Barry Hostetler in an outside sales role covering the Altoona, State College, Johnstown, Indiana, Dubois, Clearfield, and Somerset areas of our market. He will be responsible for calling on electrical wholesalers, contractors, end users, and specifiers in that area of our territory. We believe Barry will be a tremendous asset to our team in the Altoona office. Barry and his family have been a long time residence of Windber where he is very active in community, school, and church. Barry held a position as a Senior Electrical Designer at HF Lenz Company in Johnstown. He was with HF Lenz the past 20 years.

L&M of WV welcomes Ashlee Martin to their inside team. Ashlee brings to us a diverse background with experience in office/clerical, customer service, sales and accounting.

Our L&M Controls Department has added Mike Melilli to our Field Technician Team. He comes to us with a strong industry background with work experience both at the Electrical Contractor level as well as the end user at the corporation level. He will be working with Mike Brusco and Mike Howard.

New Employees 2014

Emilio Lombardi will be joining the L&M team in PA office in a role of inside sales/quotations. Although Emilio did not come from within our industry, he has a diverse background of experience in many areas and a BA in Business Administration from RMU that we felt helpful for a long career with us. His drive and enthusiasm alone will help him become a successful addition to the company. Please join us in welcoming Emilio to L&M.

LaFace and McGovern is pleased to announce Emilie Maynard has joined the L&M WV team in an outside sales role. Prior to joining LaFace & McGovern, Emilie Maynard worked as an Interior Designer for Edward Tucker Architects, Inc. in Huntington, WV. Her work at the architectural firm included a wide range of experience from residential, commercial and healthcare, with a specialization in lighting design. This design niche can be attributed to her previous position as a Lighting Showroom Manager and a focus on lighting while studying Interior Design.

Emilie graduated from the College of Design at the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design in 2005. Upon graduation, Emilie returned to Huntington and started her own Interior Design Firm, EGM Designs. She resides in Huntington with her husband and three children.

Please join me in welcoming Emilie to L&M.

New Principles 2013

At the end of January, Tim Leonard and Brian Miedel joined Harry, Jim and Craig as principals of the Company. Their years of experience in the business will give added strength to our management team. Congratulations gentlemen!

L&M would like to announce our newest member to the Specialty Lighting team.

Ken Lager has returned to the Pittsburgh region after spending the last 14 years traveling around the world installing theatrical rigging.
A graduate of Kutztown University of PA studying technical theatre and lighting, he moved onto work as a Technical Director for a few different theaters in PA, AZ, and NJ. He also worked with Pook Diemont & Ohl as a theatrical rigging installer. While working there, he oversaw installations at prestigious locations such as Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall in NYC, Holland America Cruise Lines, the American University in Cairo and flagship retail stores in NYC.

He can be reached at klager@laface-mcgovern.com, and his phone extension is 4980. Welcome aboard Ken.