Clockwise from left: Wendy Goodwin, Jane Kaplan Peck, Aline Kenney, Laura Bicknell-Carbone, Alicia Williams, Nancy Garran, Michele Lawlor, Amanda Alphen, and Karen Bressler
BOSTON – June 14, 2016 – Kaplan Construction, a WBE general contractor and construction management firm providing comprehensive building programs across Greater Boston, announced today that its COO, Jane Kaplan Peck, has been named an Outstanding Woman of Family Business by The Warren Group editorial board. Fourteen honorees were recognized on June 8 at the New England Family Business Conference at the historic Omni Parker House in Boston.
The Outstanding Women Award is an annual award that honors the achievements, commitment and dedication of female family business professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment both within their businesses and in the communities they serve.
“It is a pleasure to recognize and honor the hard work and dedication of this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Women of Family Business Award,” said Timothy M. Warren Jr., CEO of The Warren Group. “Each individual’s approach to their profession represents a true passion for their work and an admirable commitment to the communities in which they serve.”
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Kaplan Construction was founded by Jane’s parents, Ken and Cathy Kaplan. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in managerial economics from Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., Jane returned to Boston and joined Leggat McCall Properties as a project assistant/analyst before becoming an assistant project manager at Shawmut Design and Construction. She joined Kaplan Construction in 2006 as an assistant project manager and worked her way up to project manager before transitioning to the role of finance and administrative manager.
In September 2014 Kaplan announced the culmination of a three-year management transition. Nathan Peck was promoted to president and Jane was appointed chief operating officer (COO). Ken and Cathy Kaplan took on new roles as chairman of the board and senior advisor, respectively.
As COO and majority owner of Kaplan Construction, Jane is responsible for the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring Kaplan’s financial security and viability. In this role, Jane oversees business financial planning, working capital management and budget development for the company. She controls all financial activities, which include maintaining banking, brokerage and surety relationships, and manages the information systems for both accounting and project management. Since the transition, Kaplan Construction has been named by the Boston Business Journal as a Best Place to Work for two years in a row and business has grown by 30%.
In October 2014 Jane spearheaded the effort to be certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“My vision for Kaplan Construction as a Women Business Enterprise is twofold: to continue to service our clients in the personal and professional manner we have in the past, and to participate in new opportunities with potential clients who are seeking to meet their own diversity objectives,” said Jane. “I plan to utilize our core principles and build on Kaplan’s 40 years of excellence as we widen our base of satisfied clients.”
In addition to running Kaplan, Jane is actively involved in the Brookline community where she lives and works. She is a member of the board for the Brookline Community Health Center where she sits on their finance committee and was the co-chair of this year’s Believe in Brookline Kids gala.
Jane is a member of Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC) and is on the Board of Trustees for its Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Self-Insurance Group (SIG). She is also a member of CREW Boston.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Shelby, FSMPS, CPSM
Rhino Public Relations
978.985.4541
kaplan@rhinopr.com
Additional coverage:
Brookline Patch
CityBizList
AEC Cafe
Bisnow Boston
Brookline Tab
BBJ On the Move
High Profile Monthly