President/Owner: Mark McDonald

Mark was raised on Green Lake in Interlochen—a true Traverse City native. Upon graduation from Traverse City Central High School (TC Central), he began his career working for a small construction company. He quickly learned all facets of the trade and was offered a position at Brown Lumber—a building material supplier now known as Northern Building Supply—and set up their installed sales program. In 2005, he joined the team at Whiteford Associates Inc. 14 years later, Mark became president of the firm.

Mark has been married for over 32 years to his lovely wife Kristen and they have 3 children. During his free time, he enjoys golfing, boating, playing the drums in his band Mac Daddy, and serving in the worship team in church.

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Licensed Architect: Dave Whiteford

Dave grew up in Traverse City in the most Traverse City way: He was raised on the family cherry farm south of town and graduated from TC Central. Dave went on to study architecture at The University of Michigan. After college, he returned to his hometown and began working at GBKB Architects until he started in his own company in 1978 (Dave Whiteford Design). Dave developed his company (incorporated as Whiteford Associates, Inc. in 1988) into one of the most successful design/build firms in Northern Michigan. Following a successful 40+ years, Dave turned the business over to Mark McDonald in 2019, remaining on board as an architect.

Dave loves his hometown of Traverse City and has supported his community through various local organizations, track and football coaching, service clubs, and the donation of his architectural services in the rebuilding of the Thirlby Field complex.

In his off-hours, Dave enjoys golfing locally and in Arizona, fishing, and spending time with his wife Meg, daughter Chelsea, and extended family and friends.

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Office Manager: Nancy (Whiteford) Oien

A Traverse City native, Nancy Whiteford grew up on her family’s cherry farm and brings a strong work ethic rooted in Northern Michigan values. With decades of accounting and managerial experience gained through college and a long career in the oil and gas industry, Nancy joined Whiteford Associates in early 2014. By 2018, her dedication and expertise earned her the role of Office Manager.

Nancy oversees all aspects of office operations, including accounts payable and receivable, human resources, financial reporting, and sworn statements. Her attention to detail and organizational strength help keep the firm running smoothly behind the scenes.

Outside of work, Nancy enjoys movies, adventures with friends, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She especially cherishes playing games with them and cheering them on at their sporting events.

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Project Manager: Roger Wares

Roger has 15+ years of experience in the construction industry.  A native of Traverse City, he joined Whiteford Associates as a project manager in early 2020 after being self-employed for many years. Roger has an abundance of knowledge of the construction business, well-established relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, and maintains a great rapport with the clients.

Roger also once owned Wares Bares Ice Cream, a business that held a lot of value for him in connecting with his Traverse City community. Off-hours, Roger enjoys boating with his wife Michelle and visiting his parents for an intense game of cards.

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Project Manager: Matt Nemode

Matt was born in Traverse City, MI and graduated from Traverse City Central High School. With a lifelong talent for fixing things, Matt went on to study Construction Management at Northern Michigan University. Matt has been a project manager for 10 years in the Traverse city area. In 2023, he joined the Whiteford Associates team.

When Matt isn’t working, he spends his time with his wife Beth and daughter Jemma. Their family loves to be outside in the summer playing golf and going to the beach.

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Project Manager: Keith Willmes

Keith Willmes brings years of hands-on construction expertise to his role as Project Manager at Whiteford Associates. A Traverse City native, he first made his mark as the owner and operator of KW Kustoms, a finish carpentry business known for precision and craftsmanship. After studying at Lansing Community College, Keith returned north to invest his skills back into the community he calls home.

Blending technical know-how with a down-to-earth approach, Keith is the kind of project manager who ensures every detail is right while keeping collaboration easy and enjoyable. Outside of work, he can be found chasing sunsets with his dog, exploring Northern Michigan’s great outdoors, or traveling the world with his fiancée and daughter.

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CAD Technician: Bob Vieracker

Bob was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in the Midwest. As a teenager he spent time at his parents’ cottage in Northern Michigan, developing a fondness for the area’s four seasons & natural surroundings, which eventually became an integral inspiration in his work designing and planning homes. After graduating from Lawrence Technological University’s School of Architecture and working for some very accomplished residential design firms in suburban Detroit, he started his own residential design and building company located in Milford, MI. and worked on new custom homes, additions and renovations. In 2007, he moved on to design large new mountain style homes out West in Arizona and Idaho.  Eight years later, his heart led him to return to Traverse City working for a couple of different residential design firms before joining Whiteford Associates in 2024.

Bob enjoys time with his family, especially with his daughters and three grandchildren. He’s also a big sports fan and loves going to Traverse City Pit Spitters games. Bob also enjoys nice walks on local nature trails, a refreshing lake swim, visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, travel and sightseeing, and indulging in Traverse City classics like cherry pie and Moomer’s ice cream.

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