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TowerPinkster Announces New Shareholders

Overacker Jill Horizontal

Jill Overacker, M.A.
Manager of Marketing + Communications

TowerPinkster, an employee-owned and multi-discipline design firm, announced the advancement of four talented employees to join the firm’s shareholder group. The team members are Sara Bergakker, Brendan Brown, Jill Overacker, and Ed Talaga. Each exemplifies the firm’s values and works to create high-quality experiences both for our team and our clients.

“We are thrilled to welcome this next group of leaders to our shareholder group,” said Björn Green, President + CEO of TowerPinkster. “Their leadership, passion, and commitment to client success makes each an ideal candidate to join our growing ownership structure. We are proud of their contributions, the passion they show for our clients, and their commitment to the firm. As we evolve and expand, we continue to strengthen the team by cultivating our next generation of owners and leaders.”

The background of the new shareholders is as follows:

SARA BERGAKKER, PE, LEED AP, WELL AP, CDT

Sara joined TowerPinkster in 2022 as a director and senior mechanical engineer. She has worked in higher education facility design for over 20 years and is passionate about mentoring mechanical designers and engineers in the Grand Rapids office. Sara received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Grove City College. In addition to supporting the mechanical engineering team, Sara has received both WELL AP and LEED AP certifications and is a licensed engineer in 10 states.

BRENDAN BROWN, AIA, NCARB, RID

Brendan is a senior project architect and is registered as both an architect and interior designer in Indiana. Brendan became a part of TowerPinkster during the merger with KovertHawkins in 2021 but had worked for KovertHawkins for more than 15 years. He received both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Ball State University. Brendan sits on the New Albany Historic Preservation Commission and is integral to the success of our historic preservation projects.

JILL OVERACKER, MA

Jill joined TowerPinkster in 2021 as the Manager of Marketing and Communications and brings more than 10 years experience to the role. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Albion College, and her Master of Arts in Public Relations from Michigan State University. Since joining the firm, she has worked on implementing numerous software solutions to streamline and improve the firm’s digital asset management and internal communications. Jill also sits on the RendeZoo Committee for John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids.

ED TALAGA, AIA

Ed is a senior project manager and joined TowerPinkster in 2020. He brought nearly 30 years of experience and industry knowledge. He earned his Master of Arts in Architecture from the University of Michigan. Since joining the firm, Ed has successfully managed many projects across a variety of market sectors. Ed is key to the successful design process on the exciting Grand Rapids Public Museum project that is currently in construction.