BEMIDJI, MN — The Bemidji office of Kraus-Anderson (KA) has promoted industry veteran Patrick Weerts to Director of Operations. He replaces Bob Fitzgerald, who is retiring. In his new position, Weerts will lead the day-to-day operations of the Bemidji region, including overseeing all construction projects, marketing programs, and business development initiatives.

Weerts joined KA in 2012 and has served as a Senior Project Manager since 2022. He is experienced in multiple markets including health care, government, K-12 education, and commercial work. Some of his notable Minnesota projects include:

• Sanford Health - Multiple projects including Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Behavioral Health Crisis Center, and Joe Lueken Cancer Center
• Marshall County Central Schools - 93,559-square-foot additions and renovation
• Iron Trail Motors Event Center, Virginia - New 120,000-square-foot convention center and ice arena
• Lakeland Public Television, Bemidji - New 17,624-square-foot television facility with broadcast studio and offices
• Paul Bunyan Communications, Grand Rapids - New customer service and technology center
• North Valley Health Center, Warren - New 43,889-square-foot replacement hospital
• Windom Area Heath - 50,000-square-foot medical office building expansion
• East Conifer Estates, Bemidji - 28,339-square-foot housing for Headwaters Housing Development Corporation

Weerts received his Bachelor of Science in technology management and construction management from Bemidji State University. He also earned his associates degree in telecommunications engineering from Minnesota State & Community Technical College. Weerts is on the board of the Beltrami County Housing and Development Authority and a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering. He is also an alumnus of KA’s Leadership Development Program.