Adam Jelen, Gilbane Building Company’s chief operating officer, will be the firm’s next CEO when he succeeds Thomas Laird, Jr. at that post on January 1, 2024.
The 47-year-old Jelen is an 18-year veteran of Gilbane, where he started as Senior Vice President of the firm’s Midwest Division. He has been COO since June 2022. Prior to joining Gilbane Building Company, Jelen worked for two other construction firms as a superintendent, crew leader, engineer, and laborer, according to his LinkedIn page.
As COO at Gilbane Building Company, Jelen’s responsibilities included driving the firm’s regional growth. He is a recognized expert in Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, and Lean Construction, according to the company’s prepared statement announcing his promotion. As CEO, he will remain committed to enhancing safety, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supporting sustainability.
Gilbane, which was founded in 1870 and is based in Providence, R.I., is a family owned enterprise that currently has 45 office locations worldwide and more than 3,000 employees. Laird, Jelen’s predecessor, will become chairman of Gilbane Building Company. In that capacity, Laird will focus on supporting the company’s executive leaders and devising growth strategies.
“Gilbane is breaking new ground in project delivery and is poised for continued growth and success,” said Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Gilbane, Inc., the parent entity of Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company, in a prepared statement. “Adam is a visionary leader who is focused on elevating our clients’ experience and making an impact in the communities in which we build. We look forward to him taking on this leadership role, building on the foundation of Tom Laird’s leadership and continuing to raise the bar on how we build.”
Jelen holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction and a Minor in Business Administration from Bradley University, and an Associate of Science from Harper College. He currently serves as an executive committee member for National Construction Safety Week and was a founding board member of the ACE Mentor Program in Milwaukee, in addition to other positions.
Related Stories
AEC Tech Innovation | May 12, 2023
Meet Diverge, Hensel Phelps' new ConTech investment company
Thai Nguyen, Director of Innovation with Hensel Phelps, discusses the construction giant's new startup investment platform, Diverge.
University Buildings | May 11, 2023
New ‘bold and twisting’ building consolidates School of Continuing Studies at York University
The design of a new building that consolidates York University’s School of Continuing Studies into one location is a new architectural landmark at the Toronto school’s Keele Campus. “The design is emblematic of the school’s identity and culture, which is centered around accelerated professional growth in the face of a continuously evolving labor market,” according to a news release from Perkins&Will.
Contractors | May 10, 2023
A mental health crisis in construction demands greater awareness about causes and prevention
Leaders at Suffolk and Home Base, America’s largest private sector clinic, urge OSHA to make mental health a greater priority in its training.
Hotel Facilities | May 9, 2023
A new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park offers a variety of all-season lodgings and amenities
Outdoor lodging brand AutoCamp has opened a new camping destination near Utah’s Zion National Park. A 16-acre property, AutoCamp Zion is located between the Virgin River and the desert of Southern Utah.
Headquarters | May 9, 2023
New Wells Fargo development in Texas will be bank’s first net-positive campus
A new Wells Fargo development in the Dallas metroplex will be the national bank’s first net-positive campus, expected to generate more energy than it uses. The 850,000-sf project on 22 acres will generate power from solar panels and provide electric vehicle charging stations.
Regulations | May 8, 2023
Supreme Court case likely to have huge impact on Clean Water Act
A case before the Supreme Court will likely determine how the Clean Water Act is interpreted and the ruling could open up new areas for development within or adjacent to wetlands.
Contractors | May 8, 2023
Announcing the third annual Construction Inclusion Week: October 16-20, 2023
Save the date for Construction Inclusion Week 2023: October 16-20, 2023. Construction Inclusion Week (CIW) amplifies awareness while celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the industry to spearhead change.
Senior Living Design | May 8, 2023
Seattle senior living community aims to be world’s first to achieve Living Building Challenge designation
Aegis Living Lake Union in Seattle is the world’s first assisted living community designed to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge certification. Completed in 2022, the Ankrom Moisan-designed, 70,000 sf-building is fully electrified. All commercial dryers, domestic hot water, and kitchen equipment are powered by electricity in lieu of gas, which reduces the facility’s carbon footprint.
Multifamily Housing | May 8, 2023
The average multifamily rent was $1,709 in April 2023, up for the second straight month
Despite economic headwinds, the multifamily housing market continues to demonstrate resilience, according to a new Yardi Matrix report.
University Buildings | May 5, 2023
New health sciences center at St. John’s University will feature geothermal heating, cooling
The recently topped off St. Vincent Health Sciences Center at St. John’s University in New York City will feature impressive green features including geothermal heating and cooling along with an array of rooftop solar panels. The geothermal field consists of 66 wells drilled 499 feet below ground which will help to heat and cool the 70,000 sf structure.
