Saunders Construction Announces Two Executive Promotions

From left to right: Greg Schmidt, Justin Cooper and Tom Alford.

Saunders Construction, a commercial construction company in Colorado, promoted Justin Cooper to the role of president of Saunders Construction, while Greg Schmidt continues to serve as the CEO. Additionally, Tom Alford was promoted to senior vice president of the company. 

Schmidt’s continued role as CEO allows him greater flexibility and focus on key areas of all Saunders business entities. He will continue to be responsible for enterprise-wide strategy and stability, developing long-term goals and driving results that align with Saunders’ overall mission.

“The separation of president and CEO presents an opportunity for a fresh perspective and a renewed vigor for the organization — and Justin Cooper provides just that,” Schmidt says. “Justin really embodies the core values of Saunders. That, paired with his extensive leadership experience, engagement within the community, drive for innovation, ability to cultivate successful teams ensures he has the skills and experience to be successful in this role. I am delighted to work alongside him as we continue to align all areas of the business in support of delivering an exceptional client experience.”

As president, Cooper is responsible for the Denver area-based construction organization, including executive management, strategic planning, financial results, leadership development and culture. He will continue to provide strategic oversight and support of the organizations marketing, business development and preconstruction groups.

“We are in the team business, and I’m honored to lead the Saunders team that embodies our values of care, collaboration, commitment and community each day. These values are the foundation of how we operate as a company, how we work with community and project partners, and how we will continue to build an inclusive and rewarding workplace,” Cooper says. “I am excited about our future and inspired to deliver on our vision, and ultimately, continuing to build what matters.”

Senior Vice President Alford is responsible for the full continuum of our projects including acquisition, planning and construction operations of Saunders’ large construction projects. Additionally, he provides strategic oversight for the company’s extensive self-perform commercial concrete services and Saunders Equipment. Schmidt, Cooper and Alford worked together directly for the past four years and will continue to collaborate on select growth opportunities, community engagement and strategic partnerships going forward.

“These leadership promotions allow Saunders to focus on key areas of the organization including organizational excellence, process improvement, culture building and personnel development,” said Alford. “I am excited to work alongside this exceptional leadership team and look forward to the future of Saunders.” 

In addition to construction operations, Cooper and Alford will retain oversight of their respective corporate support services.

Schmidt joined Saunders 26 years ago, and has held the title of president from 2011 to 2020, assuming the additional role of CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, Saunders has capitalized on several strategic growth opportunities, allowing the company to expand its services and broaden market reach to better address client needs.

Headquartered in Englewood, Saunders has over 500 employees and specializes in a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from $1 million to over $200 million in construction costs in Colorado as well as in several other surrounding states.  

About Saunders

Saunders Construction is an employee-owned corporation, primarily performing construction management/general contracting (CM/GC) work in the Rocky Mountain region. Founded in 1972, Saunders provides integrated CM/GC, design-build, public private partnership (P3) and commercial real estate development services to a variety of market segments. Saunders is a member of the Citadel Group – a consortium of separately-owned construction companies from across the U.S. to serve individual clients with national needs.