NUCA of Ohio (National Utility Contractors Association of Ohio) is a contractors and suppliers associated industry focused on the underground utility construction sector across the state of Ohio.

What NUCA of Ohio Does

NUCA of Ohio supports companies involved in:

  • Water, sewer, gas, and storm sewer installation

  • Trenchless technology

  • Excavation and site development

  • Utility infrastructure construction

Core Focus Areas

  • Advocacy: Representing the interests of underground utility contractors at the state level.

  • Safety Training: Providing OSHA-based training, damage prevention education, and workforce development.

  • Education & Workforce Development: Apprenticeships, leadership development, and industry education.

  • Networking & Industry Collaboration: Connecting contractors and suppliers to strengthen Ohio’s underground infrastructure community.

  • Regulatory & Legislative Monitoring: Tracking and influencing policies that impact the industry.

 

Tavis Riley
President
Riley Contracting, Inc

 Tavis@Rileytrenchless.com
 (419)541)0073

Monica Varrassi
Vice President 
Turn Key Tunneling

Monica@Tunnelit.net
 (614) 275-4832

Monica works at Turn – Key Tunneling, Inc., an Employee Owned Company, as the Vice President in Columbus, OH.  Monica has over 28 years of Construction experience and is LEED certified.  Outside of work, Monica enjoys her friends & family, traveling, working out, and her Shih Tzu!

Rob Krzys
Treasurer
Benjamin Media

 RobK@benjaminmedia.com
 (440) 225-4582

Rob Krzys is the President of Benjamin Media, Inc., a leading media company specializing in construction, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors. Headquartered in Richfield, Ohio, the organization delivers high-quality content through print, digital, and event platforms to professionals across North America. In his role, Rob oversees strategic operations, content development, and business expansion. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Baldwin Wallace University, with experience in sales, communications, event management, and digital marketing. One of Rob’s proudest moments was receiving the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) Associate of the Year Award in 2022. Rob has a strong emphasis on horizontal directional drilling and trenchless technologies, he fosters industry partnerships to advance sustainable practices and efficiency. Proficient in trade shows, social media strategy, editing, and audience engagement, Mr. Krzys ensures Benjamin Media remains a vital resource for stakeholders navigating complex market dynamics and evolving industry demands.

Michael Wartko 
Contractor at Large
Don Wartko Construction

 Michael@wartkoconstruction.com
 (330) 673-5252

Mike Wartko is a business owner at Don Wartko Construction, Inc, in Kent, Ohio, which specializes in underground utility construction and has a footprint throughout northeast Ohio.  Mike focuses on underground damage prevention, regulatory compliance, legal issues, as well as employee-related matters.  He has 16 years of legal experience as an attorney both in private practice and in the construction industry. As a long-term member of the Northern Ohio Damage Prevention Counsel and the relationships he’s built in underground damage prevention, Mike serves as NUCA of Ohio’s representative to the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Counsel, where he engages in various issues that affect the utility construction industry, including drafting the language of the laws that govern underground construction. Mike joined the board in January of 2026 and is very excited to serve the interests of Ohio’s utility contractors.  


Rikki Robinson
Secretary
Jendco Safety Supply

 Rikki@JendcoSafety.com
 (614) 397-2837

Serves as Co-Chair of Chapter Development for NUCA Ohio and work as an Inside Sales Representative at Jendco Safety Supply, a women-owned PPE and industrial safety distributor based in Central Ohio. With over seven years of experience supporting the construction industry, I partner closely with contractors and safety professionals to ensure job sites are equipped with compliant, high-quality safety solutions. I’m passionate about building strong relationships across the underground utility industry and believe safety starts with people. As Co-Chair, I’m focused on strengthening member engagement, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting continued growth within NUCA Ohio.

Meghan Squires
Director at Large
Benjamin Media

 Msquires@benjaminmedia.com
 (440) 781-6029

Meghan Squires is a Senior Events Manager at Benjamin Media Inc., where she leads the development and execution of B2B conferences and industry events focused on trenchless technology, underground infrastructure, and utility construction.Meghan has been an active leader within the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) for several years. Previous roles within NUCA of Ohio include Executive Director and Secretary where she supported the chapter’s membership growth, industry advocacy, and professional programming. In 2026, Meghan continues her service to the association as Associate At-Large on the NUCA of Ohio Board and was also sworn in as Associate At-Large on the NUCA National Board of Directors.Through her work both professionally and within NUCA leadership, Meghan is committed to strengthening connections between contractors, municipalities, manufacturers, and industry partners. She believes strongly in the power of education, collaboration, and community to advance the underground utility and infrastructure sector.

Jimmy Barbera
Director at Large
Trenchless Rental Solutions

 JamesV@trs.rent
 (330) 962-0632

Tracy Smith 
Executive Director
Riley Contracting, Inc.

 Tracy@RileyTrenchless.com
 (567) 224-6511

Serves as the Executive Director of NUCA of Ohio, supporting contractors and suppliers associated industry across the state. She is dedicated to advancing workforce development, strengthening industry partnerships, and advocating for the underground utility construction industry. Tracy also brings nine years of experience with Riley Contracting, providing valuable industry insight and leadership. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with her three children.