Proven, experienced leaders.
Robert J. Bruce – Chairman / CEO
With over 42 years of experience in electrical construction and outstanding qualifications, Robert J. Bruce is a valued resource for strategic planning and business development at Bruce & Merrilees. He has jump-started much of the growth and diversity that Bruce & Merrilees has seen over the last 58 years. Mr. Bruce also continues to keep Bruce & Merrilees focused on new technology and growth through development and education.
Jay H. Bruce – President
Jay Bruce brings over 14 years of corporate, project, and construction management experience to Bruce & Merrilees Electric Company. He has served in several management roles with the company and has been involved with various projects throughout the United States. As president of the company, Mr. Bruce monitors overall project planning and assures that performance goals for safety, quality control, customer service, schedule, and budget are all achieved.
Prior to joining Bruce & Merrilees, Mr. Bruce worked in the heavy civil and environmental construction industry, including serving as Project Manager on several multi-million-dollar heavy civil and environmental remediation projects throughout the country. He has also performed many specialty projects, including tunnel installation, landfill development, landfill closure, and deep soil mixing. He holds bachelor's degrees in civil engineering and business.
Gary L. Bruce, P.E. – Vice President, Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Bruce has over thirty-five years experience in electrical construction. With his eminent qualifications and experience, Gary is most valuable as a consultant for the varied areas of Bruce & Merrilees construction projects.
He established Bruce & Merrilees' on-going PCB testing and evaluation program. He also operated the Gas Chromatograph while the lab staff became familiar with its operation and still provides advice on its operation and maintenance.
Mr. Bruce provides design expertise and advice for the design and installation of all capacity substations, service entrances, distribution lines, transmission lines and industrial control schemes. Through training and experience, he provides a ready source of information on power system equipment during troubleshooting and maintenance.
Prior to joining Bruce & Merrilees, Mr. Bruce worked for McDonald-Douglas, and with the U.S. Navy in the design, construction and testing of sophisticated radar systems.
Justin L. Bruce – Vice President, Business Development
Justin Bruce brings over 8 years of corporate, project, and sales and marketing experience to Bruce & Merrilees Electric Company. He has served in the sales and marketing / business development role for the company and has been involved with various projects throughout the United States. As vice president of the company, Mr. Bruce maintains industry and political contacts to keep Bruce & Merrilees at the forefront of the industry.
Prior to joining Bruce & Merrilees, Mr. Bruce worked in sales and marketing for the hospitality industry, including serving as Sales Manager for two four-season resorts in north central Colorado. He holds an MBA and a bachelor's degree in business management.
Jonathan R. Bruce – Chief Operating Officer
Jonathan Bruce brings over 13 years of corporate, project, construction management, and development experience to Bruce & Merrilees Electric Company. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Bruce is in charge of all day-to-day operations of the company. He makes sure that all project teams are adequately supported to maximize resource efforts and profitability.
Prior to joining Bruce & Merrilees, Mr. Bruce worked in real estate development and construction of commercial and residential properties. He served as Project Manager on several multi-million-dollar building projects throughout the Washington, D.C., area, and later was a principal in a real estate development and construction company in New Castle, PA, where his responsibilities included overall company operations, real estate leasing, and construction management. He holds a bachelor's degree in building construction.
Debby Van Kirk, CPA – Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Van Kirk brings deep experience and industry knowledge as a controller and divisional business manager in the construction industry. Her expertise includes job cost and standard cost accounting with a strong project accounting background as well as government contract accounting and negotiations.
Ms. Van Kirk's strategic financial management for B&M includes managing the annual budgets, monthly forecasts and backlog reporting, as well as audit, tax and cash management.
Prior to joining Bruce & Merrilees, Ms. Van Kirk worked for Balfour Beatty Construction as Divisional Business Manager/CFO. Other experience includes serving as Controller for Weavertown Environmental Group, IT Corporation, Alaron Corporation, as well as senior auditing and accounting supervisor positions at Defense Contract Audit Agency and Govatos Dunn & Borcz respectively.
Bruce & Merrilees Electric Company
is a leading project management and services firm providing the highest level of customer service to all industries, from power plant upgrades and new installations to highway lighting, signing, and traffic signal intersections, as well as 24/7 electrical service and maintenance