Our Team

Specht’s Executive Team possesses an extensive range of skills and decades of experience that ensures every project is handled with the utmost attention and care. We approach each project as though we are the “at risk” developer, regardless of our actual role.The Executive Team, along with our dedicated staff of professionals, is committed to providing the highest quality service to our clients and partners to maximize the value of their real estate assets.
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CHRIS HARTSON

VICE PRESIDENT, CONSTRUCTION / PARTNER
Email: chartson@spechtprop.com
Joined Specht in 2016
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Chris Hartson has been in the real estate development and construction industry since 1994. He started his career as a field engineer working for Charles Pankow Builders, LTD in the state of New York. During that time Chris gained experience working directly with carpenters, laborers, and cement masons on cast-in-place and precast concrete parking structures.

Chris joined Baugh Construction in 1997 as a project engineer and was promoted to a project management position after two years. His responsibilities included budgeting, estimating, scheduling, project safety and forecasting profitability. While working at Baugh, Chris was involved in many successful negotiated and hard-bid projects in the retail, office, and flex-warehouse market sectors.

In 2000, Baugh Construction was acquired by Skanska USA Building and Chris continued as a Project Manager after the acquisition. Chris taught Skanska University courses, led project pursuits, and continued servicing clients such as Specht Development. During that time, Chris managed award winning projects such as the Hillsboro Civic Center, Tyco-Precision Interconnect, Tigard Corporate Center, Wilsonville City Hall, and the Machine Works project in the Pearl District.

After 14 years with Baugh & Skanska, Chris accepted a position at Howard S. Wright as a Project Executive, where he expanded his resume of work to include the $136 million renovation of the 18-Story Edith-Green Wendell-Wyatt Federal Building. This was one of the most watched and energy efficient projects ever constructed for the Federal Government. Chris also completed $43 million renovation and expansion to the University of Oregon Student Recreation center, a new $17 million softball stadium, practice, and office/support facility for the Duck Softball team.

He joined Specht Properties in April of 2016 as Vice President of Construction and manages all aspects of construction for new developments, tenant improvements, and third-party construction projects. Chris’ long history of construction management work with the Specht team makes him an excellent fit for this position.

Chris is a certified Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) professional, and a graduate of Oregon State University’s Construction Engineering Management program. Chris is active in Rotary International, and has been on the Board for the Metropolitan Contractor Improvement Partnership (MCIP) for the past 6 years.