W.E. O’Neil Construction has announced significant changes to its leadership team at the 100% employee-owned company. Brian Ramsay is transitioning from CEO to chairman of the board while John Finn will take on the CEO title, moving from his role as COO and president of the California region. These changes coincide with the national construction firm’s 100-year anniversary, with celebrations taking place across W.E. O’Neil’s local offices in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas.

“W.E. O’Neil’s legacy of integrity and client loyalty was established with our company’s first project, the Primate House at the famed Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, and these qualities are reflected in how we have approached leadership at this company throughout our history,” said Ramsay. “Something I’ve witnessed in my nearly 40 years at W.E. O’Neil is our strength in developing people at all levels and building relationships, which speaks to our ability to grow and adapt while maintaining the values that have served us so well over the last century.”

Joining the firm in 1988 as a project engineer, Ramsay was recognized early on for his hard work and ability to foster relationships, rising to the position of CEO in 2014. His tenure is marked by several achievements, including the expansion of the company’s national footprint and its transition to 100% employee ownership.

Finn, who has been with W.E. O’Neil for more than two decades, led the California region through a decade of rapid growth, driving the scale and complexity of projects to new heights and contributing his operational expertise to the firm and projects nationwide. His leadership was instrumental in the company’s expansion into San Diego and Northern California.

Stepping into the role of president of the firm’s five offices in California is Mike Byrne, who was previously the region’s executive vice president. Byrne, who has 30 years in the construction industry including nearly a decade at W.E. O’Neil, is dedicated to developing future leaders and building strong relationships, taking the time to personally connect with both colleagues and clients with genuine care and respect.

In addition, Damian Eallonardo, currently an executive vice president in the company’s Chicago region, has been promoted to president of Chicago and will transition to regional president of the Chicago and Texas regions when 43-year company veteran John Russell, who currently holds that title, retires in June. A board member of the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors, Eallonardo has nearly four decades of experience in the commercial construction industry, having overseen more than $4 billion in construction during his lengthy tenure.

“Over the last 100 years, W.E. O’Neil has built an incredible reputation, which is a key factor in our ability to retain long-term leaders like Brian, John and myself,” said Finn. “We have also been able to attract top talent throughout the industry, including Mike and Damian, who have been able to contribute their experience to our firm having already established themselves in their careers. I’m looking forward to launching the firm’s next 100 years and honoring its legacy as our dedicated and highly skilled teams continue to work with top clients on some of the largest, most exciting projects across all regions.”

Headquartered in Chicago, where it recently received a centennial proclamation from the city, W.E. O’Neil is 100% owned by employees, 46% of whom have been at the firm five or more years. Operating in 12 offices across Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas, the company cultivates a local presence to combine the personalized, high-touch service of a smaller firm with national expertise that allows it to execute projects in any geographic market. Current and recent project highlights include Midfield Satellite Concourse South at LAX, a multistate confidential high-voltage converter station, ElevateT3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, The District in Round Rock in Texas, and Bally’s Baton Rouge in Louisiana, one of many casinos the firm is building. Its clients include top developers and municipal and government organizations with projects in nearly every sector.

About W.E. O’Neil Construction:

W.E. O’Neil has been a leader in the construction industry since its founding in 1925. Today, this 100% employee-owned firm proudly builds upon its historic roots to deliver on its mission of bringing thoughtful leadership to the building experience. The company is structured to benefit its clients with the stability of a strong bonding capacity, financial security and localized regional expertise. It is headquartered in Chicago with operating units in 12 offices across six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Tennessee and Texas.

Images that accompany this release can be found here.