Team

Clay Knighten

Operations Division Leader

Clay was born and raised in Mena, Arkansas and graduated from Mena High School in 2005. Clay received his B.S. from Arkansas Tech University in 2009. During college and after graduating he worked as a wildland firefighter for U.S. Forest Service. In May 2014, Clay accepted a position with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) where he assisted counties and municipalities design and  implement sustainable road and bridge projects throughout Arkansas. Additionally,  Clay helped lead legislative efforts related to conservation funding at the state and federal level. In 2020, Clay stepped away from his position with TNC to lead the Operations Division at Steep Creek. Clay and his family live in Greenbrier, Arkansas.

Dion Reid

Construction Division Leader

Dion was raised in Marshall, AR and graduated from Marshall High School in 2002.  After high school Dion attended the University of Arkansas prior to pursuing a career in the construction industry. In 2008, Dion was hired by an independent contractor tasked with general construction activities at nuclear power plant facilities throughout the United States. In 2014, Dion was promoted to Supervisor, ensuring construction team safety, quality, and efficiency. In 2017, Dion launched his own construction company in Arkansas, focused on conservation related projects for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and private landowners. In 2020, Dion joined Steep Creek to lead the Construction Division. Dion and his family live in Marshall, Arkansas.

OPERATIONS STAFF

Brian Brixey

Strategy and Planning Manager

Brian’s career journey reflects a blend of engineering expertise, business insight, and strategic leadership. He started with a solid foundation in Civil Engineering, graduating from the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. His initial focus on airport design saw him working with clients across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina.

Seeking to broaden his career prospects, Brian pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an emphasis on supply chain management. This educational milestone shifted his career trajectory and opened opportunities in the financial and healthcare sectors, where he honed his skills and gained diverse industry experience.

In 2022, Brian returned to the construction industry, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge from both his technical and business backgrounds. Now, as the Strategy and Planning Manager at Steep Creek, LLC, he applies his expertise to drive organizational growth, strategic initiatives, and long-term planning, effectively bridging the gap between engineering, business strategy, and leadership.

 

JJ Scroggins – Project Manager / Construction Superintendent

JJ serves as a dual-role Project Manager and Construction Superintendent, overseeing field operations and managing construction projects from pre-construction planning through final completion. He ensures projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and aligned with company quality standards and client expectations.  

 

Derek Luu – Fleet & Safety Manager

Derek Luu serves as Fleet & Safety Manager at Steep Creek, where he oversees the company’s vehicles, equipment, and safety programs. He ensures that all fleet operations run efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety across job sites. Derek’s commitment to reliability and workplace safety makes him an essential part of Steep Creek’s ongoing success.

 

Hannah Griffin – Business Operations Coordinator / HR

Hannah Griffin serves as Business Operations Coordinator and Head of Human Resources at Steep Creek. She oversees office processes, manages employee relations, and provides workforce support to ensure both field and office teams operate efficiently. With strong organizational skills and a commitment to team development, Hannah plays a vital role in the success and culture of Steep Creek.

 

Whitney Milum – Accounting Coordinator

Whitney Milum serves as Accounting Coordinator at Steep Creek, where she supports the company’s financial operations with accuracy and efficiency. She manages bookkeeping, assists with budgeting, and helps maintain organized financial records that keep projects and operations on track. Whitney’s attention to detail and commitment to precision make her a valuable part of the Steep Creek team.

 

 

PROJECT SUPERINTENDENTS

Sean Baysinger – Superintendent

Sean brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry to his role as Superintendent. With certifications in Pipe Fusion and Rail Pro, he combines technical expertise with leadership to ensure projects are completed efficiently and safely. Sean’s hands-on knowledge and dedication make him a trusted leader on every job site.

 

Jess Drewry – Superintendent

Jess brings 20 years of experience in the construction industry to his role as Superintendent. Specializing in water and sewer systems, Jess is also a skilled equipment operator with extensive hands-on expertise. His depth of knowledge and commitment to quality make him a strong leader in delivering reliable project outcomes.

 

Jerry Mann – Superintendent

Jerry brings 39 years of experience in the construction industry to his role as Superintendent. He oversees daily field operations and ensures projects are completed safely, on time, and to the highest standards. With decades of hands-on expertise, Jerry provides leadership and guidance to crews while coordinating with project managers and clients, making him a vital part of Steep Creek’s success.