John Whetstone named GMK’s Director of Operations

Based on his 22 years of service to the firm and his expanded involvement in GMK’s operational functions, Mr. John Whetstone has been named to the newly created position of the firm’s Director of Operations.

In this crucial role, Mr. Whetstone will oversee all day-to-day operational aspects of the company strategy; help set organizational strategic goals; define/revise, implement, and ensure compliance with operational policies, guidelines, and procedures; manage company software, information and technology systems, and other hard assets; review/oversee IT and Operations plans/budgets to ensure operational compliance; and facilitate the collaborative flow of operational information among company leadership and professional staff.

“This move is in recognition of John’s continued pivotal role in core company functions,” said Jeff Baker, GMK’s board chairman and president. “He has long been a great asset for our firm, and we congratulate him as he takes on this new challenge.”

Mr. Whetstone began his career with GMK first as a purchasing agent and then as network manager before taking a position as agency network field operations manager for the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services. He returned to GMK is 1999 where he assumed the role of director of information technology. Mr. Whetstone holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and sociology from the University of South Carolina.

GMK Associates, Inc. (www.gmka.com), is a multi-disciplinary planning, design, and construction services firm focused on the government, education, healthcare, utility, senior living, and hospitality industries. Established in 1966, the firm is based in Columbia, SC, with satellite offices in Greenville, SC, and Augusta, GA. GMK employs over 60 professionals and is comprised of five interrelated divisions — architecture, engineering, interior design, design-build, and construction services.

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