Board of Directors
Committed to excellence, Cadence McShane's Board of Directors offers valuable guidance based upon each member's vast industry and business experience and market insights.
Neal L. Harper
Mr. Harper possesses 15 years of experience with Cadence McShane, in addition to his extensive construction experience prior to joining the firm. As President of Cadence McShane, Mr. Harper is responsible for the firm’s operations in Dallas, Houston and Austin. His knowledge and practical application of the construction process drives Cadence McShane’s successful project performances across numerous property types. Mr. Harper is an expert at assembling experienced design and construction teams to deliver the service and quality construction our clients have come to expect. He is also responsible for strategic planning and growth and guides the investigation of additional opportunities for regional and national expansion. Mr. Harper holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Ball State University.
John S. Bakalar
Mr. Bakalar has 40 years of business experience gained while holding several highly regarded financial and general management roles. He spent 21 years at Skokie, Illinois-based Rand McNally & Company where he eventually served as the first non-family President of the firm in its 137-year history. During his tenure at Rand McNally, Mr. Bakalar was responsible for strategy, overall leadership, management development, cultural transformation, acquisitions and divestures and operational excellence for the firm. He has also held positions at First Chicago Investment Corporation and Action for Boston Community Development. Currently, Mr. Bakalar serves as a director for numerous firms, including one publicly traded company. He is an active civic participant as an advisory board member for BUILD, Inc., a trustee for North Shore Country Day School Foundation and a board member for Friends for Health. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Stanford University.
Derek R. McClain
Mr. McClain joined Trammell Crow Company in 1998 as General Counsel and was the Chief Financial Officer of Trammell Crow Company from October 2000 through the $1.9 billion sale of the company to CB Richard Ellis in December 2006. Prior to joining Trammell Crow, Mr. McClain was a partner with Vinson & Elkins LLP, where he practiced corporate and securities law. Mr. McClain currently serves as an independent director and chair of the Audit Committee of both DAVACO, Inc. and Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. He graduated in 1977 from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a computer science concentration and received a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of California (Berkeley) School of Law and Graduate School of Business in 1981. He is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and former member of the State Bar of Texas.
J. Stanley Pepper
Mr. Pepper has more than 30 years of experience in general management roles in closely-held businesses. He spent the majority of his career at Pepper Construction, a Chicago-based business started by his grandfather in 1927 and now one of the largest private companies in the city. Mr. Pepper joined the company in 1976 after graduating from college. He was named Director of Marketing in 1981 and later appointed Vice President of Business Development. In 1984, he was appointed President, and, in 1995, was elected CEO. While Mr. Pepper was leading Pepper Construction, the company expanded into Texas, California, and Indiana. Mr. Pepper joined Lake Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, in 2006.
Daniel P. McShane, Esq.
Mr. McShane serves as Corporate Counsel for Cadence McShane Construction. He oversees the company’s legal matters on a national basis and provides in-house legal advice to the firm, offering guidance in the strategic decision-making process. Mr. McShane previously served as an Associate in the Real Estate Department of Chicago-based Winston & Strawn, LLP. He attended Colgate University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology, and the University of Notre Dame Law School where he earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude.
James A. McShane, P.E.
Mr. McShane serves as Chairman of the Board of Cadence McShane Construction. Through Mr. McShane's leadership, creativity and intuitive knowledge of the construction industry, he has helped propel Cadence McShane into one of the nation's premier construction firms. He has also provided the guidance and financial acumen that has allowed the firm to expand to serve a growing national client base. As Chairman, Mr. McShane continues to provide insightful strategic thinking and direction, supporting Cadence McShane's continued track record of growth and expansion. Mr. McShane holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Marquette University.
Melvin D. Meyer, C.P.A.
A Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Meyer is responsible for overseeing the finances of Cadence McShane Construction. He directs the firm’s overall financial planning process and manages the firm’s relationships with the financial community. Mr. Meyer oversees Cadence McShane Construction’s treasury function and provides periodic financial reports to the Board of Directors and senior management team. He also provides oversight of the company’s risk management and insurance programs as well as the company’s human resources and technology departments. Mr. Meyer holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Illinois University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Northern Illinois University.