For only the 10th time in its 125-year history, Swinerton announced a transition within its key leadership, naming Jeffrey Hoopes as Chief Executive Officer and Gary Rafferty as President. Michael Re, former CEO, will remain as Chairman of Swinerton through 2013. Hoopes will lead the 100% employee-owned organization into the future with an unmatched passion for the pursuit of building excellence and client satisfaction, along with the trusted experience of a 30-year construction veteran.
“This is an exciting time to be in the construction industry, as the way in which we execute our business is changing daily through the use of building information modeling and 3D, 4D, 5D, and 6D technologies,” commented Hoopes. “I look forward to guiding Swinerton through this changing environment and to seeking out new business opportunities that will expand our target market business base and geographic profile. A tremendous example of these opportunities is the outstanding success of our entry into the renewable energy market.”
Hoopes joined Swinerton in 1984 as a project engineer and quickly proved his mettle, helping the company navigate the economic recession of the late 1980s and rebuild Los Angeles after the destructive Northridge temblor of 1994. Later, as President, Hoopes oversaw Swinerton’s corporate business development and managed strategic and logistical planning. With deep roots in the West, Hoopes maintains active ties with the building and civic communities of the San Francisco Bay Area and serves on the boards of the Bay Area Council and The Trust for Public Land.Â
In addition to his new role as incoming President, former Executive Vice President Rafferty will continue to oversee the company’s general construction operations as Chief Operating Officer. A member of the Swinerton family since 1985, he has worked alongside Hoopes for nearly three decades and has been a long-time advocate for the company’s award-winning safety and quality initiatives. Executive Vice Presidents Frank Foellmer and Eric Foster complete Swinerton’s seasoned executive team, bringing a combined 65 years of construction experience.
Retiring CEO Re, who has led Swinerton since 2009, leaves behind a 40-year legacy of expansion and adaptation, including surpassing $2 billion in annual revenue for the first time, cultivating an industry-leading percentage of LEED® Accredited Professionals, and the immensely successful launch of the company’s renewable energy division.
Since its humble beginnings in 1888 as a small brick masonry and contracting start-up in Los Angeles, Swinerton has evolved into an industry-leading commercial builder with a network of offices and specialty divisions spanning North America. In addition to its historic longevity, Swinerton has a proud record of long-term employee retention, from the jobsite to the boardroom. Moving forward with strong and visionary leadership, the company is focused on innovation and collaboration as it approaches the next chapter in its story.
About Swinerton
Swinerton provides commercial construction and construction management services throughout the United States and is a 100% employee-owned company. Recognized nationally since 1888 and celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, Swinerton is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with integrity, passion, and excellence. For more information on Swinerton, visit its blog, SwinertonBuildsTomorrow, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and LinkedIn.
