Leadership at Lewis

Laura Barnard serves as the Director, Project Management at Lewis. In this role, Barnard works with corporate departments across the company to strategize rollouts and support project completions. 

Barnard has been with Lewis for 10 years and served in several leadership capacities during her tenure.  An ISA Certified Arborist with more than 25 years in the industry, Barnard has worked in both utility and vegetation management sectors, providing her with unique perspectives from customer and contractor vantage points.  

Leveraging her range of operational and managerial expertise, Barnard helps to shepherd projects to completion in pursuit of process improvements, increased safety and compliance, and financial savings.  A graduate of Lewis’ Emerging Leaders Program, Barnard points to the intangible aspects of leadership—such as relationship-building, ethics, and acting with integrity—that make Lewis is leader in the industry. 

“By infusing our Operational Principles into every aspect of the company, we are showing our collective commitment to do the right thing—even when it’s hard.” 

Raised in the Rochester, NY region, Barnard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry and Resources Management from the State University of New York College of Environment Sciences and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse, NY.  Her love of the outdoors not only influenced her educational and professional paths but continues to inspire her passion for backpacking, hiking, and traveling.

Jenny Brewster has served as Director of Contract Management at Lewis since 2012. She is responsible for timely and accurate customer billing and revenue recognition, as well as collecting cash within contractual terms. Brewster works as a business partner with the operational and corporate teams to provide excellent customer service.

In 2015, Brewster was recognized as VIP Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women for outstanding performance and dedication to her profession. In 2017 she received the Lewis Leadership Award for her visionary guidance and exceptional management.

Brewster played an integral role in two major software implementations at Lewis and built a strong team of financial and technology professionals to support the company’s growth. Before joining Lewis, she worked at The Sutherland Group in account management.

As a leader, Brewster values transparency and believes in being open and honest with her team. She appreciates the fact that people throughout the Lewis organization have integrity and are responsible and trustworthy.

Brewster earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Medaille University.

“Acting with integrity means being responsible and trustworthy. Without these traits as a foundation, I feel being respectful, inclusive and improvement minded would be a challenge.”

Barry Downes is the Director of Safety and Human Performance at Lewis Services, where he leads the strategic development and technical execution of standardized safety and human performance policies, procedures, and training across the organization. With over 30 years of experience in safety and operations, Downes brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background in vegetation management, utilities, oil, and gas.

Throughout his career, Downes has successfully developed, implemented, and managed safety and training programs across the United States and globally. As a Certified Safety Professional and Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Downes specializes in regulatory compliance and incident investigation. His leadership has driven the creation of company-wide, multi-site safety initiatives that prioritize risk mitigation, foster employee ownership, and uphold the highest safety standards.

A natural mentor and teacher, Downes is committed to developing the next generation of safety professionals. He believes that integrity is paramount when it comes to leading by example and strives to “walk the talk” in his daily interactions. 

“It’s not enough to simply value integrity—we must act with integrity in order to earn the respect and trust of others.”

Downes holds a bachelor's degree from Neumann University and a Master’s in Education with a focus on Instructional Leadership.  He participated in the research project “High Energy: Controlling the Uncontrollable” that studies the principles of energy-based safety and human performance. 

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 35 years, two children, and three grandchildren. An outdoor enthusiast, Downes loves boating, fishing, traveling, and cruising.   

Nick Dujmovich is the Director of Fleet for Lewis Services. In this role, he oversees the management and optimization of the company’s large and diverse fleet, ensuring we provide the Best in Class Fleet Services and Take Care of Our Partners.

Dujmovich joined Lewis with over 16 years of expertise in fleet management, procurement, business process improvement, and change management. As an executive leader with a diverse background in safety and emergency response in the utility and contractor sector, Dujmovich has directed all aspects of asset management, including financial tracking and analysis, equipment utilization, regulatory compliance, and long-term planning. 

Committed to best-in-class safety standards for Lewis employees and customers, Dujmovich embraces change as an opportunity for innovation and continuous process improvement. He believes that “engaged employees are safe employees” and cultivates engagement by building relationships that are predicated on trust and integrity.

“When we engage with our teams, take a sincere interest in their lives, and listen to what’s important to them—we are creating a culture that supports ongoing growth, success, and safety.” 

Dujmovich earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and Executive Leadership certification. He served as a Reserve Training Sergeant for Police, Fire Fighter I & II, and has a long history of providing emergency response during major events for utilities.  Outside of work, Dujmovich enjoys spending time with his wife of 36 years and four adult children. Dujmovich loves the Great Lakes, camping, hiking, and traveling. 

Matthew Hatcher is the Director of Strategy and Corporate Development for Lewis. In this role, he is instrumental in the advancement and execution of Lewis’ strategic vision for the organization.

Hatcher joined Lewis as a senior executive with extensive experience in investment management, and strategic expertise in the oil and gas industry. Founder of an independent consulting and advisory firm, Hatcher provided specialized consultation in the areas of corporate financial planning, capital allocation strategy, and transaction structure and negotiation. Prior to starting his company, he worked for a private investment firm and was responsible for overseeing their oil and gas investment portfolio.

Raised in a small town outside of London, Hatcher was recruited to play golf for St. Edwards University in Texas where he received his undergraduate degree in Finance, and was recently inducted into his college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Hatcher continued his education at the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University and earned an MBA with dual majors in Finance and Strategy. Hatcher remained in the United States after completing his education and was proud to become a U.S. citizen in 2023.

As a Lewis leader, Hatcher is a firm believer in supporting and uplifting those around you.

“When we encourage and empower others in the pursuit of their goals, it is not only fulfilling to witness their success—but it is rewarding to see how the entire organization benefits.

In his spare time, Hatcher enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and two dogs, and is an avid golfer, ski enthusiast, and hiker.

Huntley Hedrick has served as Vice President of Technology at Lewis since 2020. Hedrick is responsible for implementing and maintaining the organization’s current technology systems and planning the adoption of future technologies. He also leads the cybersecurity and data protection programs.

Throughout his career, Hedrick has worked for large corporations building advanced IT processes and tools. Prior to joining Lewis, he led roles at Bausch + Lomb designing next generation networks and a global data center to support a $128M capital project, and spent several years with EDS and Ultralife Corporation leading digital transformation initiatives.

In his spare time, Hedrick participates in endurance motorcycle races and coaches a travel soccer team. Hedrick earned his bachelor’s degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology where he was a member of the Division 1 volleyball team and played in a Final Four.

“As a leader, the critical first step is earning the trust and respect of your team.”

Tim Marion has served as Controller for Lewis since joining the company in 2020. He is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, accounts payable, expense management, business compliance, and payroll processes.

Over the years, Marion has been recognized for multiple accomplishments in his field. At Deloitte, partners selected him to participate in the national leadership development program, which prepared him to work with Deloitte’s top clients. Earlier in his career, Marion won the St. John Fisher Accounting Alumni Rising Star Award.

Outside of work, Marion enjoys spending time with his family and recently started running half marathons at national parks.

Marion believes in leading by example. “It is critical as leaders to be able to lead from the front to set the tone for our teams to rally around.” He believes integrity is the foundation of the company’s “Job Done Right” mantra and the key to maintaining credibility with customers.

Tiffany Passmore serves as Vice President, Insurance & Enterprise Risk Management and is responsible for insurance and claims management, benefits, compliance, and risk mitigation. Passmore has been with Lewis since 2018 and has held several leadership positions during her tenure. 

Before joining Lewis, Passmore served in several risk and safety management roles at companies including Rochester Regional Health and The Flanders Group, where she helped increase profitability while improving safety and compliance.

Passmore is a firm believer in honoring commitments. She appreciates the integrity of Lewis employees and the closely held value of “doing the right thing.”

Outside of work, Passmore loves camping with her family. Passmore earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her master’s degree in human resource training and development from Indiana State University.

“Following through on your word builds trust and credibility and demonstrates respect.”

Steve Polozie has served as General Counsel and Vice President at Lewis since joining the company in 2015. In this role, Polozie oversees all legal matters involving Lewis and its affiliates with the goal of delivering clear, business-minded solutions for complex challenges.

In 2019, Polozie was recognized by the Rochester Business Journal as a Corporate Counsel Award Honoree. Throughout his career he has delivered practical answers to an array of complex strategic, commercial, and legal questions for the companies he has served. Polozie worked for the U.S. government before transitioning to corporate law as general counsel for a national player in commercial landscaping.

Polozie believes respect is critical when interacting with individuals and teams in a business environment; mutual respect can bridge differences and facilitate personal and professional development.

“A big part of respect is taking the time to listen. Listening is the key to understanding, and understanding is the key to identifying and pursuing opportunities, improvements, and even innovations for the team.”

Polozie earned a bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, Illinois.

Steve Powell is Director of Marketing & Business Development for Lewis. In this role, he oversees the company’s marketing strategy, brand development, and growth into new geographic markets and customer accounts.

In addition to his business development expertise, Powell has an extensive background in business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing and new technology introduction. He has led domestic and international initiatives throughout his career, successfully heading significant growth strategies for ACI Worldwide and Eastman Kodak.

As a leader, Powell believes it’s important to recognize teams and individuals for their contributions to the organization’s success. He appreciates how Lewis leaders and employees are constantly focused on continuous improvement.

Powell holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Purdue University. He and his wife enjoy cycling, boating, and time with family and friends.

“Recognizing people for their achievements demonstrates a ‘we, not me’ principle that helps people feel valued.”

Heather Steranka serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) for Lewis. In this role, Steranka is responsible for Lewis’ DE&I initiatives and champions the company’s commitment to providing an inclusive and equitable culture for its employees, customers and community partners.

A Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) with more than 20 years of inclusive leadership and diversity management experience, Steranka previously worked with Nestlé USA, the YWCA Greater Cleveland, Cleveland State University, and Berlitz Languages. During her tenure with these organizations, Steranka developed DE&I curriculum and training modules to increase workforce learning and engagement, improve retention, and create a cultural climate that promotes inclusivity across diverse stakeholder groups.

Steranka earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University. She is also certified as a Qualified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) Inventory Administrator, and a Development Dimensions International (DDI) Facilitator.

Passionate about facilitating authentic connections, Steranka cites INCLUSIVE and RESPECTFUL as her favorite Lewis operating principles as both are essential for creating and maintaining a culture where everyone feels included and valued.

“We may be different from one another regarding race, ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability —but each of us brings something unique and special to the table. As an organization, when everyone feels included and respected, we are stronger, more innovative, and more resilient together.”

Outside of Lewis, Steranka is a published author. Combining her lifelong love of foreign languages and lands, Steranka wrote and illustrated the children’s book “Becky Says WOOF!” in 2019 to introduce children to other countries and cultures through the travels of Becky and her canine companions.

JoAnn Zaccardo serves as the Vice President of Human Resources for Lewis Services and is responsible for the administration, coordination, and compliance of human resource and training functions. Zaccardo has been with Lewis since 2016 and provides leadership, strategic direction, and planning to facilitate efficient operations for Lewis.

Zaccardo has worked in human resources for most of her career, starting out as a foreign exchange clerk for the Eastman Kodak Company. From there, she worked at the Al Sigl Center and the Epilepsy Foundation in Rochester.

At Lewis, Zaccardo led the initiative to move the majority of human resource documents from paper copies to an electronic system. She is passionate about continuous improvement, which aligns well with the Lewis mantra to “always strives to do better.”

Outside of work, Zaccardo enjoys spending time with her family. Zaccardo earned her bachelor’s degree in human resource management from St. John Fisher College.

“I appreciate that Lewis is inclusive and improvement minded. One is impossible without the other.”

Alaina Zieglar serves as the Vice President, Safety and Human Performance for Lewis. In this role, Zieglar is responsible for overseeing the continuous development of Lewis’ total safety culture by coordinating, administering, and implementing comprehensive safety and training programs, including Human Performance tools and best-in-class policies and procedures.

Zieglar is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with more than 18 years of experience in employee safety, human performance, quality assurance, and continuous process improvement. Recognized for her leadership in developing and leading environmental health and safety (EHS) programs across a 21,000 employee enterprise, Zieglar has successfully spearheaded behavior-based safety initiatives within distributed workforces in multiple industries.

Zieglar earned a Bachelor of Science in Safety and Environmental Engineering Technology, is a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, and holds professional certifications in Health, Safety, Emergency Response, and Human Performance Improvement Training.

A strong proponent of cross-functional leadership and team building, Zieglar believes in engaging and empowering team members at all levels. As a leader, she strives to serve as a positive role model by approaching challenges and opportunities with an improvement-minded attitude.

“When we adopt the position of “always learning, always improving,” we not only advance the objectives of our organization—we champion the successes of our team.”

An outdoor enthusiast and avid explorer, Zieglar has taken part in fishing expeditions in Alaska and Panama, enjoys turkey hunting in her home state of Pennsylvania, has traveled in Europe (Budapest ranks as her favorite city at night), and worked briefly in China.