Glastonbury, CT, January 15, 2025 – The S/L/A/M Collaborative (SLAM) is pleased to announce the promotion of three individuals to Associate Principal: Matt Ciaglo, AIA, Dane Hawthorne, AIA, LEED AP, and Jacob Vagts, AIA. Additional promotions within the firm include six staff members to Senior Associate and thirteen staff members to Associate.
Matt Ciaglo, AIA, Associate Principal, has been a dedicated member of SLAM over the course of 20 years, bringing extensive expertise into the healthcare and education markets. In 2015, Matt transitioned to SLAM Construction Services, where he has become an invaluable construction manager. Leveraging his deep understanding of design and construction integration, he has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of SLAM’s design-build projects for clients such as Middlesex Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and Kent School. Matt’s primary responsibilities include managing scope, schedule, and budgets for both new construction and renovation projects. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Dane Hawthorne, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal, a 17-year veteran with the firm, is widely known for his ability to create transformative spaces for collegiate athletics, combining innovation with functionality to enhance team performance and fan experience. His deep involvement in all phases of the project enables him to bring ideas to life through 3D renderings and detailed construction documentation. Specializing in team facilities, Dane also designs revenue-generating fan amenities to elevate the game-day experience. From premium seating to engaging social spaces, Dane’s work delivers memorable moments for fans, while maximizing value for stakeholders. As lead designer for many top collegiate sports clients, Dane’s design analysis and approach to developing solutions have played a primary role in SLAM winning multiple jobs. Dane received his Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and his Master of Architecture from Georgia Tech.
Jacob Vagts, AIA, Associate Principal, has been with the firm for 19 years, contributing as a critical leader in the Sports market. Recognized for his ability to deliver unique designs that result in the creation of beautiful buildings, his vast knowledge and rich understanding of the market make him a dedicated leader who delivers whatever the job requires. As a regular contributor to job pursuits and an integral part of interview teams, Jacob has led the design effort on numerous recent wins, including the University of Notre Dame Shields Hall Football Facility and Clemson University’s Littlejohn Basketball Arena expansion, among many others. A dependable project leader, he represents SLAM to our clients while making it a priority to mentor staff along the way. Jacob received both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Judson College.
Six Senior Associates
Boston – Greg Hill
Denver – Joshua Pendleton
Glastonbury – Craig DeJong, Emily Leyland
Orlando – Dajuane Thomas, Barbara Vallella
Thirteen Associates
Atlanta – Austin Richard
Denver – Steven Niele
Glastonbury 1 – Jeehyun (JC) Choi, Mark Fanelli
Glastonbury 2 – Abigail Ciaglo, Ryan Miller
Iowa – Lee Hanus
Landscape – Ellen Fallon-Senechal
Los Angeles – Cindy Liu
Orlando – Kelly Kleppin
Providence – Jeffrey Bento
Structural – Jamie Littlefield
CS – Greg Losee
