Leadership
Building A Higher Standard of Service.
Stratus Construction provides knowledge and experience-based pre-construction services and general contracting to America’s leading multi-family developers. With a foundation of trust, and a passion for excellence, we commit to delivering a higher standard of service through communication, standards, values and outstanding trade partner relationships.
From start to finish, our project teams work directly with clients and their design professionals to solve the complexity and cost challenges in today’s environment.
Tres Jernigan
President
Tres Jernigan
President
Tres Jernigan, President of Stratus Construction, is a distinguished professional engineer with a rich and rewarding career spanning more than two decades in the construction industry. His unwavering passion for construction is the driving force behind his commitment to building strong relationships with clients and industry partners, a quality that sets him apart.
In addition to his current role at Stratus, Tres holds a pivotal role on the executive leadership team at RA-LIN and Associates, Inc., where his expertise extends across various facets of the construction business, including strategic planning, business development, preconstruction services, and construction operations. His influence is particularly felt in projects across the Southeast, where he's been a driving force behind the success of numerous endeavors.
Education has played a significant role in Tres's journey, with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Alabama, where he distinguished himself as a member of the Engineering Honors Society and Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. As a testament to his proficiency and dedication, he carries a Professional Engineer license accredited by the National Society of Professional Engineering.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Tres actively contributes to the industry by serving on the ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) Board of Directors. With an impressive career that spans over 19 years in the construction industry, Tres has successfully managed and overseen construction projects exceeding a remarkable total of $743 million, a true testament to his exceptional leadership and expertise in the field.
Mike Guinan
Sr. Vice President
Mike Guinan
Sr. Vice President
Mike Guinan is a highly accomplished Senior Vice President with a distinguished career focused on delivering creative building solutions tailored to evolving economic landscapes. With over two decades of experience in development, residential, and commercial construction, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his leadership role.
Mike's impressive career is defined by his extensive experience in team leadership, consistently steering his teams towards successful project completions. His remarkable track record includes not only delivering projects on budget but also ensuring outstanding customer satisfaction, a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.
With a remarkable 27 years of experience in the construction industry and over $500 million in completed and managed projects, Mike's leadership and industry insight have been invaluable to his team and organization. His ability to adapt to changing economic climates and his dedication to delivering high-quality construction solutions make him an exceptional leader in the field. Mike Guinan's career is marked by a strong focus on innovation and a commitment to excellence in every project he undertakes.
Amber Nixon
Contract Administrator
Amber Nixon
Contract Administrator
Amber Nixon is an accomplished professional with a unique blend of skills and a diverse background in administrative support roles. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, specializing in Finance and Marketing, she brings a strong financial and detail oriented acumen to her role. Her career is distinguished by a profound commitment to excellence and a passion for supporting both her team and the community.
Amber's expertise extends to the construction industry, where she has a remarkable 20 years of experience in the administrative and compliance support of residential, multifamily and commercial construction. Amber has become a key member of the Stratus Construction team, serving as a Contract and Compliance Administrator. Her dedication and expertise have greatly contributed to the success of the organization.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Amber is a devoted mother of three, an avid runner, and derives immense fulfillment from supporting her team and community. Amber's career is defined by her commitment to excellence, and her personal interests reflect her passion for active engagement and support of those around her.
Chad Diefenderfer
Senior Project Manager
Chad Diefenderfer
Senior Project Manager
With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an impressive 20 years of experience in the industry, Chad has been a vital part of the Stratus team for nearly two years as a Senior Project Manager.
Outside of his professional life, he is a dedicated father of two. His hobbies are as diverse as they are engaging, including hiking, traveling, and various sports. Cherishing time with his family is important to him. He is also a passionate supporter of his favorite sports team - "WAR EAGLE!"
Deion Barnes
General Superintendent
Deion Barnes
General Superintendent
Deion Barnes is an accomplished general superintendent with a career that has flourished over three decades, focusing on the construction of mixed-use residential and commercial buildings. His journey through the construction industry has been driven by an unwavering passion for the craft, and a steadfast commitment to overseeing each jobsite with integrity and assurance.
With an extensive wealth of experience, Deion possesses a profound understanding of how to manage jobsites, coordinate subcontractors, and ensure that construction timelines are met safely and efficiently. His career footprint extends throughout the Southeast, where he has gained valuable insights from the ground up, specializing in large-scale, high-end residential, mixed-use residential, and commercial construction projects.
Deion's commitment to safety is underscored by a range of certifications, including OSHA 30-Hour, Department of Environmental Protection (Inspector), Crane Rigging Safety, Rough Terrain & Forklift Operation, Aerial Lift Safety, and Swing Stage Installation & Safety. These certifications exemplify his dedication to maintaining safe work environments and practices.
With an impressive career spanning 35 years in the construction industry, Deion has spent over three decades managing projects with outstanding results. He has collectively managed and completed construction projects totaling an impressive $386 million, demonstrating his exceptional skills and expertise as a construction professional.