Our Team

Rico Nelson

Chief Executive Officer

Rico Nelson’s expertise includes organizational and leadership development, talent recruiting and bench strength building, profit and loss management, and strategic business operations leadership. He has planned, designed, and facilitated organizational leadership committees and forums that included all levels of company executives and employees to formulate strategies for long-term business success.

During his career, he has created compelling business plans and driven revenue generation for high-growth companies such as MassMutual Colorado, where he previously served as the agency’s Senior Executive Vice President of Organizational Development.

His additional experience includes tenure as Partner/General Agent, Associate General Agent, Managing Director, and Financial Representative with Wealth Strategies Group—among other roles in the financial services industry. He has also worked in event promotion for the Ministry of Promise Keepers.

During his rise to executive-level leadership, Rico served as public spokesperson for the organizations he’s led, been a main platform presenter for large industry and non-industry events, and cultivated his capacity to engage a diverse community of constituents.

He has partnered with corporate leaders across a wide spectrum and developed enterprise-level solutions, optimized business processes, and achieved operational objectives while increasing profitability and shareholder value. Being chosen to lead high-profile efforts in deadline-driven environments has characterized his success to date.

Conrad A. Dawes Jr.

Chief Operating Officer

Conrad A. Dawes is the Chief Operating Officer for Civil Technology Inc., an MWBE-certified business entity located in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Dawes is responsible for a wide range of disciplines across the organization, including Technology, Human Resources, Legal, and Risk Management.

Conrad is a professional who values action and measurable results rather than promises and words. As a holder of a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, coupled with two decades of military experience, Conrad upholds the core principles of leading people, projects, and resources to produce meaningful outcomes. His leadership approach is grounded in clear planning, realistic goal setting, and disciplined execution.

To further illustrate the depth of Conrad’s education, training, and experience, he previously served as an Adjunct Professor for Air University, where he developed and facilitated a 160-hour executive-level curriculum designed to build critical thinking and enterprise-level perspective among senior leaders throughout the United States Air Force.

Conrad Dawes is a proven leader with over 23 years of leadership experience at the highest levels of the Department of Defense. His experience spans a broad range of responsibilities—from leading acquisition teams responsible for defining and developing requirements for satellite infrastructure, to managing complex portfolios consisting of multiple programs, projects, and operational initiatives.

Education

Associate of Applied Science, Space Operations – Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
Bachelor of Science in Operations Management – DeVry University, Westminster, CO
Professional Management Certificate – Community College of the Air Force, AL
Next Jump Leadership Academy – Boston, MA
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership – Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
Leadership Montgomery Fellowship – Montgomery, AL
National and International Security Leadership Seminar – Washington, DC
Leading Strategically – Center for Creative Leadership, Colorado Springs, CO
Operational Manager/Superintendent Seminar – Montgomery, AL

Paul Pastore

Aviation Group Lead / Director

As the Director of Operations for the Aviation Division at Denver International Airport (DEN), Paul provides leadership and strategic direction to ensure the team operates efficiently while delivering high-quality construction management, inspection, and program support services for DEN and its partners.

Paul brings over 35 years of industry experience, including more than 25 years in project and program management. He has led multidisciplinary teams through the full lifecycle of projects—from design and implementation to commissioning and turnover.

Paul collaborates closely with clients to understand operational needs and translate them into successful project delivery. He manages project teams and resources to ensure appropriate staffing, strong utilization, and successful outcomes. Throughout his career, he has worked with design engineers, project managers, project engineers, administrative staff, and contractors to develop budgets, define project scopes, establish schedules, and oversee construction, inspection, and commissioning activities alongside facility teams.

Paul has coordinated and directed project activities at Denver International Airport (DEN) since the airport’s original construction and has continued supporting major initiatives in recent years. Most recently, he led a team of engineers and designers to investigate, assess, and develop a large-scale energy reduction program currently being implemented at DEN.

His career includes participation in hundreds of projects across multiple sectors, including the startup of an automotive manufacturing facility, construction and renovation of Qwest Data Centers, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, and sports venues such as Coors Field. He also supported the development of a major energy savings initiative at the Auraria Higher Education Campus.

Paul previously led the Property Management team at Qwest, overseeing maintenance and facility operations across 1,700 facilities totaling more than 10 million square feet throughout Colorado and New Mexico.

Education & Credentials

Master of Business Administration – Regis University
Bachelor of Science – Colorado School of Mines
Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.), State of Colorado

Outside of work, Paul enjoys golfing, hunting, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.

MARY CATHERINE CARROLL

Chief of Staff

Mary Catherine serves as an instrumental figure within CTI's executive leadership team, assuming pivotal responsibilities in the organization's day-to-day operations and spearheading the formulation and execution of strategic objectives. With a primary focus on communications, marketing, technology integration, and pursuit of lucrative proposals, she plays a crucial role in driving the company's growth.

Mary Catherine's diverse range of responsibilities encompasses proposal management, adept copywriting, graphic design, digital media oversight, efficient database administration, pioneering VR/AR implementation, business expansion initiatives, and strategic planning. Mary Catherine joined the CTI team in 2022.

SHEILA KING

Finance and HR

Sheila King joined Civil Technology, Inc. in 1991.

Ms. King has managed all phases of administration, finance, and human resources for the company. She oversees all aspects of business operations including personnel, contract administration, and business development. She has participated in the contractual process to establish joint venture relationships and is also involved in marketing, strategic planning, managing payroll, accounting, and financial planning. Ms. King maintains company certification requirements and monitors professional employee requirements on various job sites.