Russ McGillivray
President/CEO
From creating start-ups in new markets to providing senior-level leadership at a billion-dollar company, Russ boasts a wealth of business experience and expertise that guide him as he leads this award-winning team of professionals in producing exciting exhibits. Because Russ believes each project and each client is unique, he places a high value on listening to client needs and designing a custom plan for value-added services and strategies.
Fred Paris
Chief Operating Officer/Principal
As COO, Fred directs the strategic development, operations, and financial focus at Formations. A veteran expert with over 20 years of hands-on management experience, Fred is an insightful business strategist with an established leadership track record in film production, media, finance, and general contracting industries. He has worked in project management, channel sales, business development, and strategic alliances for companies including CBS Broadcasting, Merrill Lynch, and Pavilion Development.
Phil Buettner
General Manager
In the machine of Formations, Phil keeps the cogs turning. As general manager, he is in charge of making sure each project stays on budget and on schedule. With nearly 20 years at the company, Phil is the go-to guy for many of the questions that arise during each project’s design. Phil’s vast experience and expertise in quality control help him tackle challenges of any size. And if he doesn’t know the answer off the top of his head, he’ll use his interdepartmental communication skills to find an answer.
Chad Jacobsen
Senior Exhibit Designer
Chad has been working as a designer on a wide range of museum projects for more than 20 years. He works with clients to transform their stories and ideas into engaging and memorable visitor experiences. It’s his superpower! Highly adaptable (mostly unflappable), Chad is committed to a project’s success from ideation to installation. He works to find solutions
when obstacles arise and implements those solutions quickly.
Stephen State
Senior Exhibit Designer
Stephen has been an essential member of the Formations team for over 20 years and has had a hand in nearly every company project. The one responsible for overseeing all design drawings, shop drawings, and graphic elements, Stephen brings an eagle eye for the little details, ensuring that each exhibit is of the highest quality. Just as importantly, he brings an engaging sense of humor and a belief in open communication, which means the entire process—from design to final production—will be a smooth, enjoyable journey for every client.
Michael Pattullo
Art Director
Michael brings decades of creative experience to every project, with a talent for transforming ideas into visually stunning and accessible exhibit designs. Combining innovation with practicality, his work is attractive, accessible, and often exceeds the standards our clients have come to expect. As head of the graphic design department, Michael is an adept team leader. Sure, he can interpret installation blueprints, but he can also tune in to the needs of clients and coworkers alike. His versatility and problem-solving skills make him an essential part of the Formations team.
Randi Hays
Content Development Manager
Dana Cuellar
Content Coordinator
Christopher M. Smith
AV Producer/Engineer
Certified Technology Specialist
Jeffrey King
Senior Project Manager
Jeff Dowell
Senior Project Director
Kylee Katterman
Graphic Designer & Illustrator
Larissa Kurucz
Scenic Artist & Model Maker
Jordan Geis
Lead Builder
