40 Under 40 class of 2024 winners: Meet the contractors

Last week, the editors of Building Design+Construction named the winners of the 19th Annual 40 Under 40 competition. Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named to the class of 2024, eight make their living in the construction profession. Meet the contractors below. 

View the entire 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. Check out the 40 Under 40 class of 2023 and 40 Under 40 class of 2022.

Interested in submitting a candidate for the 2025 40 Under 40 awards? The entry materials will be posted at bdcnetwork.com/home/news/55153978/call-for-entries-bdcs-2024-40-under-40-competition in Q1 2025. Reminders will be posted regularly in the BD+C Daily 5 newsletter. Sign up for our free BD+C Daily 5 daily newsletter.

MEET THE CONTRACTORS: 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2024

• Alissa Bautista
• Kyle Goebel
• Chad Hunter
• Dean Lewis
• Arthur Meyer
• Danielle O'Connell
• Edward Sheeran
• Jeff Wherry

YOUNG RISER

Alissa Bautista  
Preconstruction Manager, Hawaii Division  
Rosendin Electric  
Aiea, Hawaii

AGE: 32

EDUCATION             
Bachelor in Environmental Design, School of Architecture, University of Hawaii – Manoa

Bachelor in Interdisciplinary Studies, Construction Management, University of Hawaii – Manoa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Responsible for all Rosendin Hawaii division’s precon activities

Participates in decisions about project design, value engineering, analysis, and constructability reviews

Key recent projects include $3.2 million reconstruction of Kaiaulu O Kupuohi affordable housing complex that was destroyed by Lahaina fires in August 2023; and the $8 million electrical contract for the Wai Kai Waterfront recreational facility

Named a Power Mover to Watch in 2024 by Building Industry Hawaii

Pacific Business News 40 under 40 honoree (2023)

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Member (and 2024-2025 President), National Association of Women in Construction, Hawaii Chapter 114

Member, Communications Committee, The Rosendin Foundation, which since 2021 has raised more than $1 million for community focused nonprofits

Partnered with Make-A-Wish to build a therapy clubhouse for a child with autism and severe seizure disorder

OFF THE CLOCK             
Member (and 2024 Event chair), Habitat for Humanity Leadership Committee, Wahine Build Initiative

Involved in the Domestic Violence Action Center, which provides housing and other resource support to abused women

Enjoys traveling, interior decorating, and party planning

SECRET LIFE             
As a young girl, worked with her father, an electrical contractor

Celebrated her Filipino heritage for the first time when, in 2018, she traveled to the Philippines, where she visited the house in which her father, Ben, grew up, the church where he was baptized, and the port where a statue honoring Sakada immigrants had been installed

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
“Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”—and—“Know what you don’t know.”

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
Rising to her current position at Rosendin Electric at a relatively young age. “Never in a million years did I think I would be where I am today at 32 years old.”

CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS WHIZ

Kyle Goebel, AGC CM-BIM  
Vice President of Operations  
Suffolk  
West Palm Beach, Fla.

AGE: 33

EDUCATION 
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Construction Management, Ball State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Suffolk’s youngest VP of Operations across 12 national offices

Currently manages all operations, 20 major projects, and 100+ employees

Key projects: the 2 million-sf Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Fla.; Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens; Jacksonville Jaguars practice facility; Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Terminal One Modernization

EXTRACURRICULARS
Member, Design-Build Institute of America, Associated Builders and Contractors

Trustee, Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches

Board member, Business Development Board, Palm Beach County

OFF THE CLOCK
Helps build and remodel houses for Habitat for Humanity, including a recent event during which three homes for veterans were constructed and more than $245,000 was raised for veteran initiatives

Suffolk Team Leader for the 2023 Palm Beach County Food Banks’s Inaugural Meal Build Food Drive. The team built both a 3D model and physical structure that required over 4,300 cans, weighed nearly 4,000 pounds, and took over 10 hours

Volunteer, Boys and Girls Club, Palm Beach and Broward County

Currently working toward his general contractor’s license in Florida

Hobbies: golf, kayaking, paddleboarding, slalom water skiing, wakeboarding

SECRET LIFE
Designed and helped construct several residential projects, including his parents’ retirement home. “Collaborating with them on the design process was incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, this project allowed my brother’s family to move into our childhood home, where he lives with his wife and three kids.”

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
“Becoming the youngest Vice President of Operations across Suffolk’s 12 national offices. This role enables me to leverage my architectural background, construction management expertise, and knowledge of digital project delivery. By integrating data and technology, I can enhance transparency and predictability for our teams, design partners and clients.”

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“Do the right things, with the right people, for the right reasons. It’s that simple. This approach enables you to focus on your work without unnecessary worry. It fosters greater creativity and collaboration, creating a team of like-minded individuals united by a common goal.”

FUNDRAISING FANATIC

Chad Hunter  
Project Director  
Flintco  
San Antonio, Texas

AGE: 34

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Construction Science, Texas A&M University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Opened Flintco’s San Antonio office with just 10 years of industry experience

Has completed over 46 projects ranging from $1 million to $180 million

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Member, Coastal Conservation Association (CCA)

Supports and participates in committee events, fundraisers, and networking events for NAWIC, Hispanic Contractors Association (HCA), Real Estate Council of San Antonio (RECSA), Alamo Colleges Scholarship Foundation, San Antonio ISD (SAISD) Foundation, and Texas State University Construction Advisory Board in the San Antonio Area

OFF THE CLOCK             
Passionate about Texas A&M Aggie football and the Houston Texans

Favorite hobbies include fishing, spending time with family, and completing projects around the house (“Mowing is my favorite part; creating perfectly straight lines across the yard is satisfying!”)

SECRET LIFE             
If given the opportunity, he would be a professional angler

Has an extensive family background in construction and engineering that spanned generations, inspiring his desire to enter the industry

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
From one of his close mentors and former boss: “Always do the research before asking the question.”

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
Transitioning from project manager to director. Additionally, having the opportunity to start and grow Flintco’s new office in San Antonio

MASS TIMBER MASTER

Dean Lewis, PE, SE  
National Director of Mass Timber & Prefabrication  
Skanska  
Seattle, Wash.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Structural Engineering, Washington State University

Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Washington State University        

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
In 2023, named Skanska USA’s first-ever National Director of Mass Timber and Prefabrication, a role with responsibility for all aspects—from preconstruction to operations to QA/QC—for every mass timber project across the U.S.

Mass timber projects include Tieton Timbers, a three-story, 24,000-sf multifamily development in Tieton, Wash.; the eight-story Heartwood workforce housing development in Seattle; and multiple student residence halls at Kresge College for the University of California, Santa Cruz

Involved with and led several “firsts” in mass timber construction in the U.S. and California: first multi-story glulam post and beam with CLT floor project in California; first self-perform installation and fabrication mass timber teams in the U.S.; and the largest higher education multi-building mass timber project in the country 

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Devoted significant time to mass timber research projects, including two USDA Wood Innovation Grants: the Urban Mass Timber Floor Heights Study and the development of a CLT modular prototype for housing

Advisor to Oregon State University’s Tall Wood Institute for Acoustical Testing

Member, Structural Engineers Association of Washington

Past Voting Member, ANSI/APA PRG-320 CLT Manufacturing Standards Committee and AWC Wood Design Standards Committee

Served on NAIOP’s Developing Leaders Committee

OFF THE CLOCK             
Bike rides; family time with his wife and two kids; working on home renovation projects 

SECRET LIFE 
Self-performed the retrofit of his 1920s Craftsman-style house in Seattle, which included tearing off the roof and adding a second story

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?    
“One of my favorite recent projects was the Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth near Portland, Ore., which serves as a classroom and multi-functional campus for children. Those projects are always special because they give students a chance to see and experience mass timber, so when they’re grown, they can recall where they spent a good portion of their childhood in the classroom.”

FLORIDA FLYER

Arthur “AJ” Meyer  
Vice President  
Florida Lemark Corporation  
Miami, Fla.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION             
Master of Science, Construction Management, Florida International University

Bachelor of Science, Construction Management, Florida International University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Between 2016 and 2022, helped grow ANF Group’s footprint in South Florida by 500%. Led market sector and geographic market growth to achieve year-over-year revenue increases of 40% and 42% respectively

Established departmental structure at ANF that included development and implementation of accountability measures, internal processes and measurements

Orchestrated ANF’s first two-day Strategic Planning session that led to a seven-step workplan

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Advisory Council member, Florida Housing Coalition 

Urban Land Institute, Leadership Cohort (2023)

Chair of Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Member, AIPAC South Florida Real Estate Committee

Member, Associated Builders and Contractors

OFF THE CLOCK             
Coaches his son’s flag football team, and Cub Scout adult Pack leader

Active member of Christ Fellowship church meeting

Enjoys fishing in Florida Keys, woodworking, and watching football

SECRET LIFE             
First job was as a lifeguard

Eagle Scout rank, Boy Scouts of America 

While in high school, spent weekends and summers working with brother-in-law on a multifamily construction project in Connecticut

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
While involved in student politics at FIU, his mentor, Joe Velasco, advised him to “listen and observe,” and as a student member of the Board of Governors to build relationships with other board members by finding common ground and shared interests

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
Being recognized by South Florida Business Journal as one of its 40 under 40 recipients in 2023

TECH ENABLER

Danielle O'Connell, LEED AP BD+C  
Senior Director of Emerging Technology  
Skanska  
Boston, Mass.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Design, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Executive MBA Candidate ‘26, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Put together the plan for her Emerging Technology team to support up to 400 projects at any given time. This Technology Enablement Process launched in 2023

Formed Concierge Network within Skanska to sponsor pilot programs and track key performance indicators

EXTRACURRICULAR
Geoweek Board of Advisors (2024–Current)

Co-chair, Skanska Women’s Network (New England chapter)

VDC and Innovation Committee, AGC of Massachusetts

Programming Committee, Women’s Exchange in Leadership and Living

OFF THE CLOCK             
Cooking, and exploring new restaurants

Listening to live music with her husband

Working out: running, yoga, weightlifting, and circuit training

Family time with her husband, two kids, and their dog

SECRET LIFE             
Leveraged her design degree and technology skills to laser scan and develop 3D models of her home to plan and execute a major renovation

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
Reading the book “Who Moved My Cheese?” opened her eyes to the importance of change in daily life and careers, and how change prompts learning and personal growth

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
Autodesk 40 Under 40 Champions of Construction honoree (2022), and being accepted into MIT’s Sloan Executive MBA program (September 2024)

COMMUNITY LEADER

Ed Sheeran, HCC, Associate DBIA  
Project Executive
Gilbane Building Company
New York, N.Y.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION             
Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, Manhattan College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS             
Was promoted to Senior Project Manager and tasked to open a new office for Gilbane in Stamford, Conn.

In 2022, joined Gilbane’s public sector team and began his design-build experience, becoming DBIA certified and running one of the Department of Design and Construction’s (DDC) pilot design-build projects

EXTRACURRICULAR             
Actively participates in Gilbane’s employee resource groups, Ujima and Hol@, two groups that promote inclusion among diverse employees

Mentors six team members, offering career development opportunities and helps them to build their personal brand

Active in economic development programs, serving as a mentor in Gilbane’s Rising Contractor Program and organizing three community outreach programs

OFF THE CLOCK             
Community service (mostly through his church and Knights of Columbus), camping with his wife and two daughters, and skiing

Through his church, organizes an annual contactless drive-thru food/coat drive, serves on the pastoral council for his church parish, and currently leads a volunteer team raising funds for a hospital in Ghana, Africa

Through Knights of Columbus, has conducted several community-focused activities including: fundraising to benefit organizations helping those with physical and intellectual disabilities, volunteer days at local homeless shelters, and sponsorship of the Special Olympics Bocce Ball Tournament

Represented New York twice as a member of the GAA all-star team, competing All-Ireland Gaelic Football Tournament

SECRET LIFE             
His father, who is also Ed Sheeran, was Grand Marshal of the Manhattan St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1990

In his younger years, performed at both Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall multiple times (“There is more than one Ed Sheeran that sings”)

Lived in Australia as a child

WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?             
His mother would always quote Shakespeare’s Hamlet: “To Thine Own Self Be True”—an encouraging reminder to remain steadfast in your principles and morals

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?             
The most memorable and rewarding professional achievement that Ed has experienced was working on several challenging healthcare projects, including the construction of a new wing, renovation of existing wings, and upgrading of medical equipment and technology at an active hospital in the area where he grew up

HEALTHCARE AUTHORITY