PEOPLE

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Vergel L. Gay, Jr. FAIA, B.E.D., M.Arch.
Chief Executive Officer
vergel@vergelgayassociates.com

Vergel has over 40 years of owner representation experience and has worked closely with numerous architects and contractors throughout the nation to manage over $4 billion in education, corporate, and civic projects. He is recognized in project management circles as a leader and expert in the management of the planning, design, and construction of projects for owners. In addition, he has managed over 100 construction manager at risk and competitive sealed proposal projects.  Vergel has developed a methodology that includes the use of building information modeling technology coupled with integrated project delivery management principles to fashion a process that maximizes project effectiveness regarding budget and schedule controls.

Prior to founding VGA, Vergel spent over 35 years in various capacities across the industry including serving as the chief facilities planning and construction officer for the Texas A&M University System, the associate vice chancellor for system facilities and university system architect for the University of North Texas System, the executive director of facilities planning and construction for the University of Houston System, and the chief architect of the City of Houston. Vergel began his career as an area manager architect for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Vergel is a registered architect and interior designer who earned a bachelor of environmental design and master of architecture from Texas A&M University.

 

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Cynthia A. Gay Assoc AIA, B.S., M.B.A.
Chief Operations Officer
cynthia@vergelgayassociates.com

Cynthia brings a diverse professional background to the VGA team. Throughout her career she has held leadership positions in the corporate, civic, public school and higher education sectors including tenures with USAA, the City of San Antonio, Cypress Fairbanks ISD, the Houston Community College System, and Texas A&M University. She most recently served as the director of external relations in the division of Marketing & Communications at Texas A&M University. She has extensive experience working with user coordinators for  higher education facilities as well as planning and executing major groundbreakings, dedications, naming ceremonies and grand openings.

Cynthia earned a bachelor of science from Texas A&M University and a master of business administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

 

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Christel A. Gay Nicholson Assoc AIA, B.E.D., M.Arch.
Project Management Director / Creative Director
christel@vergelgayassociates.com

Christel has over 10 years of experience in the areas of project and construction management, project/cost controls, and design management. She is a proven leader and has held positions of increasing responsibility on projects in both the public sector and private industry that have equipped her with the expertise to successfully manage the project delivery process.

Prior to joining the VGA team, Christel served as a project engineer with Skanksa USA Building and Bovis Lend Lease. She has also gained professional experience through roles with Tellepsen Builders, Kendall-Heaton & Associates, and Gensler.

Christel earned a bachelor of environmental design and master of architecture from Texas A&M University.

 

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Courtney A. Gay B.J., M.S., Ph.D.
Marketing & Communications Director
courtney@vergelgayassociates.com

Courtney brings more than 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, corporate philanthropy, and higher education to the VGA team. She has held various roles with professional and collegiate athletics organizations including the Texas A&M University Athletic Department, the National Football League, the Gatorade NBA Development League, the Atlanta Braves, and the University of Georgia Athletic Association.

Courtney earned a bachelor of journalism from the University of Missouri, a master of science from Texas A&M University, and a doctor of philosophy from the University of Georgia.