EllisDon Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

EllisDon has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, digital infrastructure, construction operations, and capital management.

Committed to excellence in commercial and industrial construction, EllisDon delivers complex infrastructure projects across North America while maintaining a philosophy centered on sustainable growth and operational precision.

Leadership Roles at EllisDon

  • Chief Executive Officer - Geoff Smith
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kieran Hawe
  • Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative - John Bisanti
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Bernhardt
  • Chief Operating Officer, Construction - David McFarlane
  • Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Infrastructure Services - Wayne Ferguson
  • Chief Operating Officer & Division Executive VP, Capital - Joey Comeau
  • President, Construction - Maximillian Mantha
  • Chief Information Officer - Brandon Milner
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Michael Schaefer
  • Geoff Smith - Chief Executive Officer

    Geoff Smith, the Chief Executive Officer at EllisDon, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Smith manages the alignment of diverse construction divisions to ensure consistent project delivery across North American markets. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer drives the adoption of advanced building technologies that enhance efficiency in commercial and industrial sectors. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to secure capital investments and maintain market competitiveness. Through rigorous oversight of corporate governance, Geoff Smith ensures that all operational activities adhere to the highest safety and quality standards. Ultimately, Smith secures the financial health of the firm by prioritizing sustainable growth and client satisfaction in every major project undertaken by the company.
    Geoff Smith

    Kieran Hawe - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kieran Hawe, the President & Chief Executive Officer at EllisDon, executes the daily operational mandates and strategic initiatives required to maintain market leadership. Hawe oversees the integration of complex construction workflows, ensuring that large-scale industrial projects meet strict deadlines and budgetary requirements. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with regional leads to expand the footprint of the firm across diverse geographic territories. By optimizing internal processes, Kieran Hawe improves the overall productivity of the construction teams. This role requires constant collaboration with other C-suite members to synchronize resource allocation and project management efforts. Through a focus on operational excellence, Hawe drives the successful completion of high-profile commercial developments. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the reputation of the firm by delivering superior value to every client.

    John Bisanti - Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative

    John Bisanti, the Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative at EllisDon, directs the specialized delivery of complex project partnerships. Bisanti manages the intricate contractual obligations and stakeholder relationships inherent in large-scale infrastructure ventures. The Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative oversees the financial and operational performance of specific project companies to ensure alignment with broader corporate goals. By mitigating risks associated with major industrial builds, John Bisanti protects the interests of the firm and its partners. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and ensuring compliance across all project phases. Through strategic planning and meticulous execution, Bisanti drives the successful realization of critical infrastructure assets. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative ensures that every partnership delivers long-term value and operational stability.

    John Bernhardt - Chief Financial Officer

    John Bernhardt, the Chief Financial Officer at EllisDon, directs the fiscal strategy and capital allocation processes for the entire organization. Bernhardt manages the financial reporting, budgeting, and risk assessment frameworks that support the construction business model. The Chief Financial Officer oversees the liquidity and investment strategies necessary to fund large-scale commercial and industrial projects across North America. By implementing robust financial controls, Bernhardt ensures transparency and accountability in all monetary transactions. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate the economic viability of new market opportunities. Through precise financial forecasting, John Bernhardt supports the long-term growth and stability of the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes the capital structure to maximize shareholder value and ensure the continued success of the company in a competitive construction landscape.

    David McFarlane - Chief Operating Officer, Construction

    David McFarlane, the Chief Operating Officer, Construction at EllisDon, directs the execution of all commercial construction projects. McFarlane manages the field operations, labor resources, and supply chain logistics required to deliver high-quality buildings on time. The Chief Operating Officer, Construction oversees the performance of project managers and site supervisors to ensure adherence to safety and quality standards. By streamlining construction workflows, David McFarlane improves project margins and operational throughput. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to align field activities with corporate strategic goals. Through a focus on site-level efficiency, McFarlane drives the successful completion of complex commercial developments. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer, Construction ensures that the firm maintains its reputation for excellence by delivering superior construction results across all active project sites.

    Wayne Ferguson - Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Infrastructure Services

    Wayne Ferguson, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Infrastructure Services at EllisDon, directs the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure assets. Ferguson manages the specialized teams responsible for large-scale industrial services and public-private partnership projects. The Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Infrastructure Services oversees the operational lifecycle of infrastructure investments, ensuring long-term performance and reliability. By leveraging technical expertise, Wayne Ferguson drives the expansion of infrastructure capabilities across diverse regional markets. This leadership role involves managing complex stakeholder relationships and ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards. Through strategic oversight of infrastructure services, Ferguson supports the overall growth and diversification of the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Executive VP, Infrastructure Services ensures that the company delivers robust and sustainable infrastructure solutions that meet the evolving needs of the public and private sectors.
    Wayne Ferguson

    Joey Comeau - Chief Operating Officer & Division Executive VP, Capital

    Joey Comeau, the Chief Operating Officer & Division Executive VP, Capital at EllisDon, directs the capital investment and project financing strategies. Comeau manages the evaluation and acquisition of capital-intensive projects, ensuring that each venture aligns with the firm's risk profile and growth objectives. The Chief Operating Officer & Division Executive VP, Capital oversees the financial structuring and partnership agreements that enable the delivery of major commercial developments. By optimizing the capital deployment process, Joey Comeau enhances the profitability and market impact of the firm. This leadership role involves collaborating with financial institutions and project partners to secure the necessary funding for large-scale initiatives. Through strategic management of capital assets, Comeau drives the successful realization of complex projects. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Division Executive VP, Capital ensures that the company maintains a strong financial position while pursuing ambitious growth opportunities.

    Maximillian Mantha - President, Construction

    Maximillian Mantha, the President, Construction at EllisDon, directs the strategic growth and market expansion of the construction division. Mantha manages the pursuit of new business opportunities and the development of client relationships in the commercial and industrial sectors. The President, Construction oversees the performance of regional construction teams to ensure consistent delivery and client satisfaction. By fostering innovation in construction methods, Maximillian Mantha drives the adoption of sustainable building practices across all projects. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to set performance targets and monitor market trends. Through a focus on business development and operational excellence, Mantha supports the long-term competitiveness of the firm. Ultimately, the President, Construction ensures that the company continues to lead the industry by delivering high-quality construction solutions that meet the complex requirements of modern clients.

    Brandon Milner - Chief Information Officer

    Brandon Milner, the Chief Information Officer at EllisDon, directs the digital transformation and technology infrastructure that powers modern construction operations. Milner manages the implementation of advanced software solutions, data analytics, and cybersecurity protocols to protect the firm's digital assets. The Chief Information Officer oversees the integration of building information modeling and cloud-based project management tools to enhance collaboration across regional teams. By modernizing the technological stack, Brandon Milner drives operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making throughout the organization. This leadership role involves aligning IT initiatives with the specific needs of commercial and industrial construction projects. Through the deployment of scalable digital systems, Milner ensures that the firm remains at the forefront of industry innovation. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer secures the technological foundation required for the company to thrive in an increasingly digital global market.

    Michael Schaefer - Chief Administrative Officer

    Michael Schaefer, the Chief Administrative Officer at EllisDon, directs the internal administrative functions and corporate support services. Schaefer manages human resources, legal compliance, and office operations to ensure a productive work environment for all employees. The Chief Administrative Officer oversees the development of organizational policies that support the firm's mission and values. By streamlining administrative processes, Michael Schaefer improves the overall efficiency of the corporate headquarters and regional offices. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to ensure that administrative support aligns with the needs of the construction and capital divisions. Through effective management of corporate resources, Schaefer drives the operational stability of the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the company maintains a strong organizational culture and a robust administrative foundation to support its ongoing growth and success.
    Michael Schaefer

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding EllisDon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads EllisDon?
    EllisDon is led by Geoff Smith (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kieran Hawe (President & Chief Executive Officer) and John Bisanti (Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative).
    Who is part of EllisDon’s executive team?
    The executive team of EllisDon includes leaders such as Geoff Smith (Chief Executive Officer), Kieran Hawe (President & Chief Executive Officer), John Bisanti (Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does EllisDon have?
    EllisDon has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in EllisDon’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of EllisDon includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, (Project Company & Trillium M Project Co General Partnership Representative, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Construction.