Team
Derrick Van Mell, Principal
Derrick began VMA after many years experience with large real estate firms in Chicago and Boston, where he saw the need to bring a new level of management science and objectivity to planning and managing corporate building projects.
In
1991, Derrick developed Van Mell Associate's
proprietary planning process, an objective
method for project decision-making. He
leads all VMA assignments by facilitating
the planning discussions, coordinating
the technical work, and presenting the
recommendation. He brings different experiences
and perspectives to bear on his clients'
issues. Derrick believes VMA is bound to
all its clients, regardless of size and
type, to help show executive and community
leadership by having the right buildings
in the right places.
In addition to client duties, Derrick lectures at home and abroad and has written widely about project planning and management. His book Buildings Matter, was published in 2005. He has a B. A. in economics from Tufts University, an MBA from Loyola University and an M. A. from Northwestern University. He has been Guest Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin School of Business - Madison. He is also a member of the Healthcare Financial Managers Association and the Chicago Health Executives Forum. He has served on his city's Community Development Authority. He is married and has two children and is an avid tennis player.
A. James (Jim) Gersich, AIA, RLA, WRID, Architect
Jim
is a Principal in Dimension IV - Madison and
functions in several capacities as he has done
on more than 400 successful projects. He is
a Principal-In-Charge and overall design team
Project Manager. He has been an Architect since
1975 and is licensed in ten states. He is also
licensed as a Landscape Architect and Interior
Designer. He has served on the national Board
of Directors of the American Institute of Architects
and is presently on its National Ethics Council.
A past president of AIA-Wisconsin, Jim was
recognized in 2006 with its gold medal. He
has served on several teams to accredit schools
of architecture degree programs for the National
Architectural Accrediting Board. His design
experience includes many building types and
his work has been recognized with numerous
design awards including national design competitions.
He has a Bachelor of Architecture and an MBA.
Jim is tenacious about have a successful design
process as well as an excellent building outcome.
Susan Van Mell, Associate
Susan
Van Mell has over 20 years experience in
market research and brand management and
holds an MBA from Northwestern University's
Kellogg School. Her skills as both a moderator
and quantitative researcher give her the
ability to help clients refine their objectives
and employ the most effective research techniques.
Susan has worked as a free-lance market researcher
for clients including American Girl, Douglas
Stewart, Wisconsin Historical Society, Steep & Brew,
Springs Window Fashions, Gemplers, Dean Foods
and Oscar Mayer. Susan has also held research
and brand positions at Market Facts (Chicago),
Helene Curtis (Chicago) and Murtaugh/Match
(Madison).
John Baeseman , Associate
John
P. Baeseman is a licensed professional engineer
and certified electronic document professional
with 20 years of experience in the document
processing industry. John also serves on
the Advisory Board for Document magazine
and has a patent for inbound mail security
procedures. A graduate of the University
of Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Industrial Engineering, John is currently
Manager of Pitney Bowes’ Workflow Solutions
group. Pitney Bowes’ Workflow Solutions
Group, a professional services group.
Vanessa Balchen, Marketing Manager
Vanessa supports
all of Van Mell Associates's assignments, and
coordinates the firm's marketing. She has extensive
experience in both operations and marketing.
Vanessa joined Van Mell Associates after taking
several years off to raise her children. Prior
to that she worked in the containerized shipping
industry on the west coast. She has a Bachelor
of Arts degree in English from Southern Illinois
University. Vanessa is married, has two boys
and enjoys reading, creative writing, and gourmet
cooking. She is an advocate for local organic
farming.