Leadership

Kris McLean serves as President, CEO, and COO of High Plains Steel Services, providing both the strategic vision and operational leadership that guide the company’s continued growth. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, steel erection, and executive leadership, Kris has successfully built, grown, and led steel construction businesses through every stage of development.

Before joining High Plains, Kris founded and led a structural steel fabrication and erection company that grew to more than $20 million in annual revenue before its successful sale in 2014. That experience, combined with decades in the steel industry, gives him a deep understanding of business strategy, financial management, operations, risk management, and complex project execution.

Today, Kris is responsible for setting the company’s long-term strategy while ensuring High Plains has the people, systems, and resources to execute at the highest level. He oversees company-wide operations, financial performance, major capital investments, technology initiatives, quality systems, and organizational development. Kris also leads High Plains’ relationships with key customers, financial institutions, bonding companies, insurance partners, and other strategic advisors, ensuring the company remains financially strong, operationally disciplined, and positioned for long-term success.

Under Kris’ leadership, High Plains has expanded into a full-service structural steel contractor with AISC-certified fabrication and erection operations, advanced manufacturing technology, and a reputation for delivering complex commercial and industrial projects safely, efficiently, and with exceptional quality.

Jason pioneered HPSS in March of 2012 after nearly 20 years in the construction industry. Jason is an experienced Concrete Foreman, General Contractor Superintendent, NCCER Certified Journeyman Ironworker, NCCER Telescoping Boom Certified Crane Operator, and NCCCO Certified Tower Crane Operator. Jason has previously managed an erection division of over 50 ironworkers, which erected multi-story structures in difficult mountain areas, military bases, and highly condensed urban areas. He has extensive safety training and is a certified Fork and Aerial Lift Operator Trainer.

Jason currently serves as the Crane Operator and one of the company’s Erection Superintendents.

Brian Snider serves as Director of Fabrication Operations at High Plains Steel Services, leading the company’s fabrication, coatings, purchasing, and quality operations. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel fabrication, Brian brings a comprehensive understanding of how to build high-performing operations that consistently deliver quality, schedule, and profitability.

After serving in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Inspector, Brian transitioned into the structural steel industry, where he has held leadership roles overseeing fabrication operations, project management, quality systems, and AISC-certified manufacturing. His experience spans every level of the business, from shop operations to executive leadership, giving him a practical understanding of what it takes to successfully execute complex commercial and industrial steel projects.

Today, Brian is responsible for the overall performance of High Plains’ fabrication division, ensuring projects are planned effectively, operations remain productive and profitable, and fabrication aligns seamlessly with project management and field operations. He oversees the company’s AISC quality management system, develops the next generation of operational leaders, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and leads strategic investments in equipment, facilities, and manufacturing technology. His leadership helps ensure High Plains consistently delivers safe, high-quality steel solutions while protecting schedule, margin, and customer satisfaction.

Mike Hurst serves as Director of Erection Operations at High Plains Steel Services, leading the company’s field operations with a focus on safety, execution, and operational excellence. With more than 25 years of experience in structural steel erection, Mike brings extensive expertise in planning, sequencing, and delivering complex commercial and industrial steel projects.

Mike began his career in the steel industry while attending vocational welding classes in high school before completing advanced training at the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology. He built his career through the Ironworkers trade, gaining experience in reinforcing steel, structural steel, metal decking, welding, and bridge construction while progressing from apprentice to field leadership. His hands-on experience across every stage of steel erection provides the practical foundation for the leadership role he serves today.

As Director of Erection Operations, Mike is responsible for the overall performance of High Plains’ erection division, ensuring projects are executed safely, on schedule, and within budget. He oversees project planning, manpower forecasting, field leadership development, safety performance, and operational execution while working closely with project management, fabrication, and customers to keep projects moving efficiently. Mike is also committed to developing the next generation of field leaders and continuously improving the systems and processes that allow High Plains to consistently deliver safe, high-quality steel construction projects.