Buffalo, NY

About our Buffalo, NY Office

LeChase is bullish on Buffalo. “We see spending across all local sectors – higher education, healthcare, commercial, and mixed-use projects,” explained Regional Operations Manager Jeff Panza. “We are committed to working with developers and partners who are investing in the area… who help make the Buffalo-Niagara Region a great place to live and work.”

Having done projects in Buffalo for the past 35 years, LeChase established an office there in 2014 and continues to grow to keep up with local demand. Today, you can find LeChase teams at work on projects from the heart of Buffalo’s downtown, through the greater metropolitan area and across the Niagara Frontier. Whether a job is new construction, renovation or restoration… large or small… construction management, program management, design-build or self-perform – LeChase is proud to play a role in Western New York’s changing landscape.

Regional leadership and team members

Jeffrey Panza

Regional Operations Manager

As regional operations manager for Buffalo, Jeffrey (Jeff) Panza is responsible for growing LeChase’s business in the Buffalo-Niagara region. He manages local client, employee and subcontractor relationships, oversees daily operations and works to ensure LeChase delivers services and projects that meet or exceed client expectations. Jeff was appointed to his current position in early 2018, having previously served as director of the Buffalo office and director of preconstruction services for the company. He joined LeChase as a project executive in 1999 after almost two decades of experience in the Western New York construction industry. Jeff has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo. He is a member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Developers Advisory Council, and also serves as a board member of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Kulik

Project Executive

Project Executive Chris Kulik manages large or multiple projects for core clients in the Buffalo area, with accountability for quality, value and safety. He is also responsible for overseeing recruitment and training of project team members, and is heavily involved in the region’s business development efforts. Chris began his construction career in 2005 and has since worked on many prominent projects throughout the Buffalo-Niagara region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech, as well as both LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) AP® and DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) certifications.

Salvatore Casuccio

Chief Estimator

As chief estimator, Salvatore Casuccio is responsible for managing preconstruction efforts for projects in the Buffalo region, as well as developing estimates and budgets for both hard-bid and negotiated work. He also supports business development efforts and get-work strategies for the region. Salvatore began his construction career in 2000 and has since earned LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) AP® and WELL AP® certifications. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in civil engineering from the University at Buffalo, where he is currently an adjunct professor for the department of civil, structural and environmental engineering.

”This team has excellent communication skills and each take pride in their work. They each put the quality and safety of the projects at the forefront. I would work with each member again and recommend them to other colleagues. They have good chemistry with each other as well and mentor each other - zero egos live in this trailer. It's refreshing to see and a pleasure to work with.
Stephanie HillerProject Manager | SUCF

”LeChase Field personnel are wonderful. [They] provide daily updates and highlight future work that impacts schedule or requires added oversight.
Thomas RadomskiSenior Civil Engineer | University at Buffalo

”It’s all about the people who actually run the project and you have assigned us a great team. Thanks.
Kirk FitscherVice President of Construction | Ellicott Development