News > Nexus Fuels Midwest Expansion with Appointment of Chicago Office Leader
Chicago, IL, May 6, 2025 – Nexus Engineering Group, a full-service independent engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm, has appointed Joe Arman as Senior Project Manager and Chicagoland Office Manager. In this dual leadership role, Arman will guide the successful delivery of engineering projects while overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic development of Nexus’ Oak Brook, Illinois office.
Under Arman’s leadership, the Chicagoland office will continue to operate as a fully integrated extension of Nexus’ operations, collaborating closely with teams in Cleveland, Maumee, and Midland to ensure seamless service delivery across all markets.
Arman’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Nexus, as the firm continues expanding its footprint in the Midwest. Since opening the Chicago office in 2022, Nexus has deepened relationships with key clients in the utility, oil & gas, and chemical manufacturing sectors, while also tapping into Chicago’s rich talent pool to grow its team.
“Joe has been a cornerstone of our efforts in Chicago since the beginning,” says Tim Hoekenga, Nexus Project Director. “His technical expertise, operational mindset, and people-first leadership approach make him uniquely qualified to drive our next chapter of growth in the region.”
As Senior Project Manager, Arman will oversee the planning and execution of large, multi-discipline utility projects, ensuring alignment across engineering, procurement, project controls, and construction management teams. Simultaneously, as Chicagoland Office Manager, he will lead team development, recruit top talent across multiple disciplines, and foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
“There’s a real opportunity here to shape not just how we execute projects, but how we operate and grow as a team,” says Arman. “This role allows me to bridge technical delivery with long-term vision. I’m focused on creating an environment where our people feel empowered, supported, and inspired to deliver their best work — because that’s how we ultimately serve our clients better.”
Arman’s appointment is central to Nexus’ broader strategy for the Chicago market. The firm sees the region as a key engine for long-term growth, both in terms of expanding its client base and developing cross-functional teams that can support a wide range of energy, utility, and industrial projects.
With plans to increase staff headcount, Nexus will enhance its ability to support regional and national clients from the Chicago office.
“The Chicago region plays an essential role in serving our clients,” says Jeff Herzog, President and Co-founder of Nexus Engineering Group. “With its deep pool of engineering talent and strategic location, it’s perfectly positioned to support our growing Midwest client base. Our goal is to keep building a multidisciplinary team that’s innovative, agile, and aligned with our values.”
With over 15 years of experience in engineering and project management, Arman is known for a leadership style grounded in transparency, empathy, and integrity.
“As a leader, I value open communication, accountability, and inclusivity,” he says. “I want every team member to feel like they belong here and know that their contributions matter. When people feel seen and supported, they produce outstanding work — and that’s what drives our success.”
Looking back on his time at Nexus, Arman is proud of how far the Chicago office has come — and even more excited for where it’s headed. “Helping to establish this office has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” he says. “Now, I’m looking forward to building on that foundation — expanding our capabilities, deepening client relationships, and making a lasting impact in the region.”
Nexus Engineering Group is a full-service, independent engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with offices in Toledo, Ohio, Midland, Michigan, and Oak Brook, Illinois. Nexus is focused on supporting clients’ specific project goals from concept to startup. Since 2005, clients have recognized Nexus as the engineering services firm of choice in the refining, petroleum midstream, chemical, manufacturing, utility, power, energy, and renewables industries.
With more than 250 professionals on staff, Nexus is made up of experienced process, instrumentation and controls, structural engineering, electrical, mechanical engineering, and piping professionals with decades of hands-on conceptual and detailed system design, construction and project management experience.
Nexus delivers project designs that reduce overall risks resulting in safer work environments. By utilizing state-of-the-art software and innovative design tools, Nexus consistently meets client project and investment requirements.