John M. Hanson, Principal
jhanson@hansonfinebuilding.com
John is the founding principal of Hanson Fine Building and is primarily responsible for the company’s business development and financial management. He ensures that issues are sufficiently addressed at the early stages of a project to create a seamless hand-off to the production staff. He also monitors projects in production to ensure that our clients’ expectations about their project’s scope, budget, and schedule are properly aligned. John received his Bachelors in American Studies and a certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. He served on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Preservation Alliance from 2014-24 and was the recipient of the 2024 Rhoda and Permar Richards award for service to the Alliance. John was elected as a member of the Carpenter’s Company of Philadelphia in 2010. He has three children and lives with his wife in University City. In a former life he was an avid Ultimate player and won the World Club Ultimate Championship in 1989.

Christopher M. Hanson, Principal
chanson@hansonfinebuilding.com
Chris acts as Principal in Charge of many of our large projects and is our resident Sustainability specialist. He works with our clients, architects, Hanson Fine Building project managers and trade contractors to ensure that every job is estimated and executed in accordance to its design and specifications. After earning his Bachelors in American Studies from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Chris obtained a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a LEED accredited professional through the US Green Building Council, and a PHIUS Certified Builder through the Passive House Institute US. In August 2018, Chris joined the Lower Merion Historical Architectural Review Board. He also sits on the boards of the Lower Merion Affordable Housing Corporation and the Lower Merion Conservancy. He lives with his wife and two children in Gladwyne, PA. He has been observed sneaking out of the office early to satisfy his passion for fly fishing.

Kevin S. McDonnell, Project Manager
kmcdonnell@hansonfinebuilding.com
Kevin has been with Hanson Fine Building since 2007. He has worked in both the construction and architectural communities for more than 40 years. As a Project Manager, Kevin communicates with owners, architects, sub-contractors, and workers, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of our larger remodeling, preservation, and new construction projects. Besides managing his specific projects, Kevin also assists with estimating and design throughout the company. Kevin earned a B.S. in Architecture through Temple University. He is a certified green practitioner through Green Building United (formerly Delaware Valley Green Building Council) and holds a Master Composter certificate from Penn State University. Kevin’s extensive skills in photography are put to good use on a daily basis at his job sites. He is happily married (47 years in October 2024), has four children and seven grandchildren, and he loves drawing, painting, yoga, photography, walking, and gardening.

Kevin J. Davey, Estimator
kdavey@hansonfinebuilding.com
Kevin joined Hanson Fine Building in 2017 after working in the architecture field for six years. With his experience in architectural drafting and graphic design, Kevin also generates Hanson's marketing material as well as helping to inform design decisions on various projects. Kevin graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2011. Kevin’s love for photography permeates most aspects of his life and he is rarely seen without one of his trusty old film cameras ready to capture the decisive moment. His strange accent can be attributed to being born in Zimbabwe and growing up in South Africa.

Martin Hickman, Project Manager
mhickman@hansonfinebuilding.com
Martin joined Hanson as a Construction Superintendent in 2020, after subcontracting for the company, primarily on window and door restoration projects, from 2012-2019. Martin graduated from the Preservation Carpentry Program at Boston’s North Bennet Street School in 2011 and is experienced in restoring and replicating exterior architectural woodwork. Martin’s craft knowledge and commitment to the ‘beginner’s mind’ enhances his project leadership, while his past as a subcontractor dictates his management style. Outside of work, Martin has interests ranging from outdoor excursions, art, and music to fine dining, philosophy, and film. He also prioritizes spending time with his young son Jack.

Victor Brubaker, Project Manager
vbrubaker@hansonfinebuilding.com
Victor joined the Hanson team in 2022 to provide on-site construction management. Formerly the owner-operator of a residential construction firm, Victor understands how to effectively lead building projects, from managing subcontractors to ensuring every detail is executed to precision. Experience over his 20-year construction career includes both historic renovations and sustainable projects, making him a natural fit to oversee similar Hanson scopes. Victor began his career in architecture school, then detoured to a lengthy tenure in the restaurant industry before shifting to construction. Creative pursuits, such as printmaking and metal sculpture, have marked his free time, along with traveling and eating around the world and technical mountain climbing. Victor’s hobbies have taken him to summits in Peru, Bolivia, and the Ladakh region of northwest India. When he’s not on a job site, you can find Victor hiking with his Shepherd rescue mix, Doc.

Kevin Nixon, Project Engineer
knixon@hansonfinebuilding.com
Kevin joined Hanson Fine Building as a Project Engineer in late 2025, supporting project teams through coordination, documentation, and field engagement across all phases of construction. He is responsible for submittals, RFIs, closeout documentation, warranties, punch lists, and communication with clients, architects, and trade partners, helping maintain continuity between the office and the field. Drawn to Hanson’s commitment to sustainability and thoughtful building, Kevin brings a systems-oriented approach to problem-solving and values clear communication and long-term stewardship. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his partner and their dog, traveling, and taking road trips in their vintage camper van.

Ricky Boebel, Lead Carpenter
rboebel@hansonfinebuilding.com
Ricky has taken a circuitous route to carpentry, but one marked by curiosity and a global perspective. Born in New Orleans, he spent his childhood in New Zealand. He earned a B.S. in Mathematical Economics from Colorado College followed by a stint as a data analyst. Ricky then spent a year in Madagascar with the Peace Corps as a community health advisor. Here he witnessed sustainable systems firsthand as both locals and fellow workers used ingenuity to turn limited resources into tools and necessities. The pandemic prompted Ricky’s return stateside and career explorations in urban farming and design-build construction. After working on an Earth Ship residence, constructing community pantries, and gaining his ETA Renewable Energy Certification as a photovoltaic installer, Ricky combined his interests in quality craftsmanship and sustainable construction. His carpentry skills and methodical approach to building support Hanson’s subcontractor teams and clients. In his spare time, Ricky volunteers with the Neighbors Garden at Hatfield House and enjoys snowboarding, biking, and playing rugby.

Hugh Gomory, Lead Carpenter
hgomory@hansonfinebuilding.com
Hugh returned to Hanson as a Carpenter in 2022 after previously interning with the company over several summers. The Drexel grad earned a B.A. in Global Studies with a concentration in Public Health and Sustainability. Adaptable and a fast learner, Hugh has always enjoyed working with his hands. Being on site for Hanson enables him to see sustainable construction in practice and further develop his building skills. Hugh’s ability to speak fluent Spanish has made him an asset as the crew’s unofficial translator. When he’s not at work, Hugh enjoys playing guitar and soccer.

Sam Amber, Lead Carpenter
samber@hansonfinebuilding.com
Sam gained a diverse construction background, beginning as a teen working for his uncle’s carpentry business. Despite earning a B.A. in Literature and Poetry from Marlboro College, Sam always enjoyed working with his hands. After college, he worked with a timber framing company and a residential general contractor in his home state of Vermont and with a conservation and decorative painting practice doing institutional projects along the East Coast. Sam holds himself to a high standard, never accepting a mistake that isn’t remedied or a problem he won’t try to solve. Colleagues joke that there’s no task on a job site that Sam doesn’t enjoy; in fact, he willingly steps up to do careful craftsmanship or general labor with equal enthusiasm and attention to detail. Sam also enjoys taking pictures to document as spaces transition from old to new or from rough framing to finished home. Outside of work, he enjoys cooking, skateboarding, exploring Philadelphia, and spending time with his partner and pets.

Christine Cookish, Office Manager
ccookish@hansonfinebuilding.com
Christine has managed Hanson’s office operations since 2014, minus a pause for maternity leave. A former kindergarten teacher, she later pivoted to the preservation world and worked as a conservation technician and historic site manager. Christine keeps our financial, HR, computer, and insurance administration in order – and doing so with unlimited patience and organization. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and a Certificate in Historic Preservation and Conservation from Bucks County Community College. Outside of work, Christine enjoys applying her attention to detail and problem-solving skills to sewing and home improvement projects.

Christina Mackenzie, Administrative Assistant
cmackenzie@hansonfinebuilding.com
Christina joined Hanson in 2021 to provide administrative support. Her organization and poise under pressure lend calmness and efficiency to office operations. She also offers a unique perspective on environmental responsibility. Christina holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in psychology with specialization in animal behavior from West Chester University and worked for over a decade as a zoologist for large and small mammals. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her husband and rescue Golden Retriever Finn.