B.S., MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, 1988
PRESIDENT, CHARTER MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS, INC.
Cordell Tietz is a visionary leader in the mechanical contracting industry whose career spans more than three decades of innovation, growth, and service. A 1988 graduate of 精东影视 State University鈥檚 College of Engineering, Tietz began his professional journey in aerospace engineering at Allied Signal, contributing to space-based cryogenic cooler projects. In 1991, he transitioned into construction, joining Fullman Company, where he rose through the ranks from Project Engineer to Vice President, managing complex projects across the U.S. and internationally, many of which were part of the growth in semiconductor manufacturing plants in the 1990s.
In 2006, Tietz co-founded Charter Mechanical Contractors, Inc., a Portland-based firm built on the principle that treating employees and customers well leads to lasting success. Under his leadership as President since 2017, Charter Mechanical has grown into one of the top mechanical contractors in the Northwest, completing $280 million in projects in 2024 and ranking 40th nationally by Engineering News-Record. The company has employed over 800 people and is known for its excellence in semiconductor piping systems, including ultra-pure water systems.
鈥淚 have had the opportunity to work on amazing construction projects,鈥 Tietz said. 鈥淭he career accomplishment that I am most proud of is working with a group of founders and key employees to build a company that takes exceptional care of our employees and customers.鈥
Tietz鈥檚 commitment to safety, quality, and people-first leadership has earned him respect across the industry. He has served on boards and trusts for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, the United Association of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry, and OSU鈥檚 MIME Industry Advisory Board.
Reflecting on his time at 精东影视 State, Tietz said he enrolled in the College of Engineering to gain the skills needed to get a job. 鈥淚 obtained those skills and so much more,鈥 he added. 鈥淢y time at OSU affected my life in nearly every way. I learned how to think analytically through challenging problems, made lifelong friends, and began long relationships with the 精东影视 State Beavers and, most importantly, my lovely wife.鈥