In a significant move aimed at expanding their market presence and operational efficiency, Swinerton Builders, a top-tier national commercial general contractor, has announced the promotion of three key leaders within the organization. This strategic decision emphasizes the company's unwavering dedication to nurturing talent from within its ranks. Collectively, these promoted individuals bring an extensive wealth of experience, amounting to approximately 68 years, which will be pivotal in steering the company towards its desired objectives and fostering growth within various regions.
According to Ray Haj, Swinerton's chief operating officer and executive vice president, the firm’s strength resides in the commitment and vision upheld by its leaders. "These promotions signify our core value of developing internal talent," he expressed. "Each leader represents the essence of what Swinerton stands for—dedication, expertise, and a passion for what they do. This is a thrilling time for our company, and we are eager to witness how these new positions will influence our trajectory."
Among those elevated is Pete Ruiz, who takes on the role of senior vice president and regional manager for the Central region, with offices located in Denver, Colorado, and both Dallas and Austin in Texas. His journey at Swinerton began as an apprentice carpenter, and over the course of 24 years, he has cultivated a substantial portfolio of experience. Previously, he was at the helm of Swinerton's Orange County/Los Angeles Commercial division, where he honed his capabilities in market differentiation and diversification, positioning Swinerton as a premier self-performing contractor.
In Northern California, Lori Dunn-Guion has risen to the position of senior vice president and regional manager, managing Swinerton's diverse operations, which encompass areas such as Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Silicon Valley. With nearly three decades of experience at Swinerton, Dunn-Guion is recognized for her engineering acumen and team-centered leadership style. She follows in the footsteps of Terry McKellips, upholding a legacy of excellence through the management of high-rise commercial and civic construction projects across the region.
At the Oregon division, Ryan Wasell has been elevated to vice president and division manager. Since joining the company in 2013, Wasell has been instrumental in establishing Swinerton’s foothold in new markets while forging solid relationships with clients. His efforts were pivotal in advancing the Oregon division, which is now recognized among the top 10 general contractors in the state according to Engineering News-Record. Wasell is noted for his deep understanding of estimating principles, a strong commitment to project management standards, and a collaborative approach to fostering a vibrant workplace culture.
With these pivotal leadership changes, Swinerton Builders is strategically positioned to not only refine its operational excellence but also amplify its market presence in critical regions. As the company continues to advance towards its long-term vision, the influence of these leaders will be crucial in nurturing a culture of teamwork and ensuring sustained success into the foreseeable future.
About Swinerton
Founded in 1888, Swinerton has grown to become a premier provider of commercial construction, construction management, design-build, and self-perform services across the United States. Proudly 100 percent employee-owned, it has established a reputation as a trusted partner and builder in the markets it serves, emphasizing ownership, integrity, leadership, passion, and excellence. Swinerton operates 23 offices nationwide, located in cities including Spokane, Seattle, Portland, Boise, Sacramento, and many more. For those seeking further information, please visit
swinerton.com.