Christine Kendall
Owner
H.E. Callahan Construction Co. has been thriving under Christine’s leadership since she acquired the company in 2015. As the one of the largest female owned business in the state of Maine, she proves there is a place for women in Construction.
Active on the Executive Board of the Association of General Contractors, Christine is engaged in Workforce Development and the changing Contractor requirements within the State of Maine.
Through her career she’s been involved in several iconic projects that helped form the state. The construction of the Alfond Center for Health, the Redevelopment of the old Augusta and Waterville Hospitals to name a few. Her experience working with development teams gives her an understanding of project viability prior to commitment.
In 2021 she started an Architectural Firm to offer turnkey services to H.E. Callahan Construction clients who approached her with a concept to execute. This gives the team the ability to take a project from concept through construction seamlessly, improving the experience for the end user. Christine has 28 years of construction experience and a particular expertise with contracting delivery methods.
EDUCATION
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, BS Materials Engineering
ORGANIZATIONS
- Board President – Association of General Contractors
- American Society for Healthcare Engineers
- CMCC Advisory Board, Building Construction Technology
ACHEIVEMENTS
- Mom of three
- Sugarloafer since 1984
- Marathoner
- Half Ironman Finisher
Jonica Poole
Director of Finance and Administration
With an enthusiasm and appreciation for the art and structure of accounting, Jonica is the Director of Finance and Administration that provides a solid foundation for H.E. Callahan Construction.
In high school, Jonica took classes that changed the trajectory of her career. After taking three different accounting courses with an exceptional teacher, Jonica knew this was her path. After earning her Associate Degree in Business Management from Mid-State College, she worked as a bookkeeper at a project management company. Specializing in accounting, Jonica joined the H.E. Callahan team in May 2013, and has stayed at the company for its strong woman-owned leadership team and collaborative culture.
As the Director of Finance and Administration, Jonica is the backbone of the organization. She handles many things including Human Resources, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, insurance, vendor payments, month-end processing, detailed financial analysis, and other critical administrative tasks. She especially enjoys the flow of accounting, and how there is a debit for every credit.
In her free time, Jonica enjoys spending time with her close-knit group of friends. She’s a skilled quilter and an avid crafter. She also loves gardening, especially in her flower beds.
Wendy J. Collet, MBA
Vice President of Project Management
With an enthusiastic passion for the construction industry, Wendy is leading the Project Management team that drives success for its clients at H.E. Callahan Construction.
High school set the stage for Wendy’s career. As part of a vocational technical school, she joined the drafting program. Everything was done by hand, and she fell in love with her future calling. She earned her Associate of Science in Architectural & Civil Engineering Technology from Central Maine Technical College; her Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from the University of Southern Maine; and her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University.
Wendy has over twenty years of experience working for and with Maine businesses in the fields of service, construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail industries. Specializing in business development and operations, management, professional sales, marketing, and financial analysis, she joined the H.E. Callahan team in November 2017.
As the Vice President of Project Management, Wendy is dedicated to her clients’ and projects’ success. From start to finish, Wendy handles many things including detailed project bids and estimates, working directly with subcontractors, and managing all the intricate logistics of projects each day. She especially enjoys providing the best value to her clients, helping them develop and manage strategic partnerships that can grow their businesses.
In helping others achieve success, Wendy feels that H.E. Callahan Construction does the same for her team. She is proud to be part of this woman-owned business that encourages leadership and innovation every step of the way.
In her free time, Wendy spends time with her family, a crew that knows and loves good food. When they’re not outside or gardening, her family is in the kitchen perfecting their dishes, especially baked goods.
Amanda Denning
Associate Project Manager
With a sharp eye for detail and a strong background in procurement, budgeting, and contract management, Amanda Denning brings a solution-driven approach to every project she supports at H.E. Callahan. Amanda joined the team with extensive experience in both public and private sector purchasing and operations, most recently serving as a Purchasing Analyst within the Facilities and Energy Department for the City of Auburn. Her ability to manage vendor negotiations, oversee multi-phase bids, monitor budgets, navigate Federal funding requirements and strict deadlines has made her a trusted partner across project teams.
As Associate Project Manager, Amanda works closely with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure projects run smoothly- from bid to closeout. She thrives in fast-paced environments, balancing compliance, and cost-effectiveness with ease.
Amanda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern Maine and has completed specialized training in contract negotiation, bid management, and OSHA safety.
Outside of work, she tackles life with her witty personality and a deep love for the energy of live music. Her happy place is often found spending quality time with her daughter, family, and friends. She also enjoys occasional fishing trips and supporting friends at the races.