Barry Underwood
Vice President​

Mr. Barry Underwood oversees the project management team while playing a vital role in the development and growth of the organization. Prior to joining the River City Contractors team, Barry worked for many years with William and Rowe in various roles such as VP of Arc Services Group and VP of Pre-Construction Services.  Barry began his career in 1997 graduating from the University of North Florida with a focus in commercial construction.​

Education: BA in Building Construction Management​

Achievements: City of Jacksonville – Chairman of the Jacksonville Historic Preservation

Commission

Angela Lawton
Director of Strategic Planning

With over 10 years of experience in an administrative role backed with extensive experience in event planning, coordination and project management Angela provides constant revolving knowledge for the Avant Construction Group, allowing the executive team to continue in a forward motion while having a hold on all current activities or items requiring resolution. As a graduate of the UCF with a focus on Business Administration, her creative thinking, customer service skills and knowledge of various software provides her the ability to support our clients and executives in all aspects as needed. Angela is a Florida native and spends her personal time with her family or on the beach.

Derek Cece
Director of Construction​

With over 12 years in the construction business, Derek has focused his knowledge on Trade Management.  With an M.S. in Construction Management, Derek specializes in green construction and building science.  Serving on the design development team and having worked on LEED, Passive House and Living Building Challenge projects, Derek brings a fresh twist to the design/build team.​

Randy Wampler
Director of Construction​

With over 23 years’ experience in the construction industry, Randy has expertise in multi-family and senior living projects. Randy brings to the team expertise in estimating, logistics and construction management.  Accreditations: State of Florida Certified Building Contractor CBC042404, USACE – Construction Quality Management for Contractors, OSHA – 10 Hour Certification​

Robin Barnes
Project Manager​

With over 11 years in the construction trade, Robin has worked in a variety of roles gathering knowledge from each making her a diverse Project Manager with a specific focus on residential and small business interior renovation. Robin’s specific expertise lies in the management interior renovations.

Lawrence Prince
Project Manager

Lawrence comes to Avant Construction Group with over 10 years of experience and specific expertise in defining and implementing operational direction with core focus on P&L, project management, expanding staff capabilities, and resolving critical company obstacles.
Lawrence moved to Jacksonville this month to take the position, and we are thrilled to have him part of our company’s future and a new resident of our wonderful city!

Peter Rexroth
Project Manager

Joining our team from Texas, Peter is a welcome addition to our Project Management Team.  Having experience on projects upwards of $5M, he brings a wealth of knowledge on overall projects relating to commercial work.  From managing budgets and schedules to negotiating with subcontractors, Peter is seasoned in all facets of the job.  His experience and work results can be seen in such projects as McInyre’s Bar, Fry Road Retail Center, Heights Water Works, and Long Point Urban Office Complex all located in the Houston / San Antonio areas.

Scott Callaway
Project Manager​

Scott is a retired Senior Chief from the US Navy.  His time in the military has given him extensive experience in leading teams, working with various forms of technology, and working within changing environments. 

Scott is currently working on his continuing education and will become a certified Project Manager with a focus on construction.

Ellen Cottrill
Director of HR and Communication

Ellen has worked alongside her husband, Alan, since 2006.  Having recently completed her master’s in communication management, she now fills the role of HR and Marketing manager.  Always conscious of current events, community needs, and business development, Ellen strives to ensure the passions and talents of each team member are highlighted to provide the best for our clients. Originally from Philadelphia, she has lived in Jacksonville since 1999. She and Alan have a large, blended family of six-grown children and seven grandchildren, to date.

Trisha Myers
Executive Assistant

Trisha brings to our team her knowledge from an administrative perspective, supporting Alan and the senior leadership team, in addition to working with project managers as a construction administrator.

Trisha has worked in an administrative role in various industries for over 10 years. Her knowledge of various software programs, the need for excellent customer service, and her attention to detail is a great asset.

Trisha has been in the Jacksonville area for many years. She and her husband are excited as they build their new home in Clay County and raise their two small children.

Tori Collins
Project Analyst

Having worked in the sign industry as well as the nonprofit industry, Tori’s experience includes work with such national organizations as 7-Eleven and Girl Scouts. Tori brings with her expertise in time-management, vendor coordination and excellent organization skills. Tori has called Jacksonville home for over 20 years. Her ties to the community and her knowledge of service, and national experience needs brings in a well-rounded sense of urgency coupled with excellent customer service to our local clients. Tori spends her personal time with her family and enjoys the outdoors.

Wes Owens
Construction Administrator

Wes joins the Avant Construction Group team with enthusiasm as he brings a fresh and exciting attitude to the team along with his construction and administrative experience combined.  Supporting our mid-size projects and working with two of our project managers, Wes enjoys the multiple tasks, staying focused and driving his team with his excellent organizational skills, tactical responses to budgeting and work with subcontractors for the greater good of the client.  Wes brings to our team over 7+ years of construction experience in an administrative role with an emphasis on job costing, budgets, and organization.

Tracy Franklin
Construction Administrator

Tracy is a native of Upstate New York, relocating to Jacksonville by way of New Jersey.  She is a respected Air Force Veteran whose son is currently serving in the Air Force as well.  With 16 years in the Property Management field, Tracy has experience in working with HOAs and Condo Associations.  She brings to the team her 7 years of experience in the construction industry coupled with experience in administration, customer service, developing relationships, and working with vendors.  In her personal time, she is typically baking, reading, and catering to four-legged children.