Cumming
, an international project management and cost consulting firm, will expand its East Coast presence with the opening of a New York office, it was announced last week.

The firm has also hired several new employees to head the office.

The New York-based team will specialize in program, project and cost management. John Perez, vice president, will lead the expansion efforts in New York as well as continue to support the healthcare project management team locally and nationally.

Chris Cummings, with 11 years of industry experience, will serve as director. Project manager Donald O’Keefe joins from Sotheby’s Auction House and will be responsible for working out the multi-phase Westchester County Medical Center program. Alan Bates will continue as senior cost manager, where he has worked since 2013.

“Expanding Cumming’s geographical footprint with a New York City office and adding leaders that have deep Tri-State experience, will allow us to better serve our clients as construction in the region continues to rebound,” said Peter Heald, president of the firm.