Kara Fitzjarrald, President
Kara Fitzjarrald has served as President of Kemper Construction Inc. since 2015, when she purchased the company from its founders, her parents, Bill and Judy Kemper. As a second-generation leader, she continues the company’s family-owned legacy while guiding its long-term growth and strategic direction.
Kara earned her Bachelor’s degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a focus in Construction Management, as well as her Master of Business Administration, from the University of Illinois. She leads financial operations and provides strategic oversight of estimating and project management, ensuring alignment across teams and consistent execution of company standards.
Kara lives in Canton, Illinois with her husband, Dan, and their children, Kate and Jack. She is actively involved in the community, serving as Property Chair for First Christian Church and as a mentor for the Spoon River CEO Program.
Dan Fitzjarrald, Vice-President
Dan Fitzjarrald has served as Vice President of Kemper Construction Inc. since 2015, joining the leadership team during the company’s transition to second-generation ownership. He oversees day-to-day operations and supports project execution across all phases of construction.
Dan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Illinois State University. His experience provides a strong foundation in field operations, scheduling, and coordination across a wide range of commercial and industrial projects.
Dan lives in Canton, Illinois with his wife, Kara, and their children, Kate and Jack. He is actively involved in the community, serving on the Executive Board of the Canton Family YMCA and chairing its Property Committee.
Andrew Arnold, Project Manager
Andrew Arnold brings 15 years of full-time commercial construction experience, along with early industry exposure through a family background in residential construction. He manages projects from preconstruction through completion, with a focus on coordination, scheduling, and client communication.
Andrew earned his Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management with a minor in Business Development from Illinois State University. He holds OSHA 30 certification along with additional credentials in asbestos and mold abatement, and is trained in first aid.
His experience includes large-scale projects in the Chicago market, as well as nine years in the Peoria market before starting at Kemper Construction.
Andrew is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for Rebuilding Together Peoria and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Heather Beaty, Administrative Assistant
Heather Beaty has served as Administrative Assistant at Kemper Construction Inc. for the past three years. She plays a key role in supporting the company’s day-to-day operations and keeping internal processes running efficiently.
Heather manages payroll and accounts payable and provides administrative support across both office and field teams, helping ensure smooth coordination throughout the organization.
Chris Downey, Superintendent
Chris Downey brings over 30 years of construction experience, including more than three decades with Kemper Construction Inc. He oversees field operations with a strong focus on safety, quality, and productivity.
A member of Laborers Local 231, Chris spent 27 years as a foreman before stepping into his current role as superintendent. His background includes extensive industrial work in large scale manufacturing facilities in the Peoria area.
Marty Sepich, General Superintendent
Marty Sepich brings over 50 years of construction experience, including 16 years with Kemper Construction Inc. He provides leadership and oversight across field operations, supporting project teams with deep knowledge of commercial and industrial construction.
Prior to joining KCI, Marty served as Superintendent and Area Safety Director for a large area contractor for 12 years.
His experience spans all aspects of construction, with a strong emphasis on safety, quality control, and field coordination.
Matt Sepich, Superintendent
Matt Sepich has 15 years of construction experience, all with Kemper Construction Inc. He manages field operations with a focus on efficiency, quality, and team coordination.
Matt has a strong background in concrete work, including placement and polishing, as well as industrial painting and floor coatings. He earned his Associate’s degree in Small Business Management from Spoon River College and holds CPR certification and an OSHA 10 card.
He also serves as a Buckheart Township Village Trustee.
Clay Waughtel, Superintendent
Clay Waughtel brings 18 years of construction experience, all with Kemper Construction Inc. He specializes in large-scale concrete work and complex interior renovations, including projects exceeding 100,000 square feet.
Clay served four years in the United States Air Force, including assignments involving presidential proximity and deployments in the Middle East and Northern Europe.
Matt Avery, Superintendent
Matt Avery has 22 years of construction experience, including 13 years with Kemper Construction Inc. He manages field operations with a focus on safety, coordination, and execution.
Prior to joining KCI, Matt worked on projects for area general contractors within multiple industrial and institutional facilities.
He holds OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certifications and served two years in the United States Army.