JE Dunn Construction Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

JE Dunn Construction has 9 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational oversight, financial management, human resources, legal compliance, and regional market expansion.

Committed to excellence in integrated project delivery, JE Dunn Construction maintains a legacy of construction management innovation while driving sustainable growth across diverse national markets.

Leadership Roles at JE Dunn Construction

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gordon Lansford
  • Chief Financial Officer - Bethany Ropa
  • Chief Operating Officer - Trent Wachsnicht
  • President, Central Region (South) - Greg Lorei
  • President, Region (West) - Dustin Liljehorn
  • President, Region (East) - Daniel Kaufman
  • Group President, Advanced Facilities - Paul Neidlein
  • Chief People Officer - Christy Paoli
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Incoming - J. Cox
  • Gordon Lansford - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gordon Lansford, the President & Chief Executive Officer at JE Dunn Construction, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. By aligning construction management services with evolving market demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the firm maintains a competitive edge in design-build and integrated project delivery. Lansford oversees the executive leadership team to guarantee operational excellence across all national business units. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine corporate governance and prioritize client-focused outcomes. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and strategic partnerships, Gordon Lansford drives the company toward sustained profitability and industry leadership. The President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of safety and innovation, ensuring that every project reflects the core values established in 1924. Ultimately, Lansford secures the future of the firm by balancing immediate operational needs with ambitious, long-range growth objectives.
    Gordon Lansford

    Bethany Ropa - Chief Financial Officer

    Bethany Ropa, the Chief Financial Officer at JE Dunn Construction, manages the fiscal health and financial strategy of the organization. By overseeing capital planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm possesses the necessary resources to support large-scale construction projects. Ropa directs the accounting and treasury functions to maintain robust liquidity and long-term financial stability. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate investment opportunities and assess the financial viability of new market entries. Bethany Ropa drives the development of financial models that support the company's integrated project delivery model. By implementing rigorous internal controls and risk management protocols, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the firm. Ropa monitors economic trends to provide actionable insights that guide strategic decision-making. Through precise financial stewardship, the Chief Financial Officer enables the company to pursue ambitious growth while maintaining a strong balance sheet and delivering consistent value to stakeholders.
    Bethany Ropa

    Trent Wachsnicht - Chief Operating Officer

    Trent Wachsnicht, the Chief Operating Officer at JE Dunn Construction, manages the daily execution of complex construction projects and internal operational workflows. By optimizing resource allocation and field productivity, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that every project meets stringent quality and safety standards. Wachsnicht coordinates with regional leadership to streamline supply chain logistics and project delivery timelines across the United States. This role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify efficiency gains and mitigate project risks. Trent Wachsnicht drives the implementation of advanced construction technologies to enhance site performance and client satisfaction. By fostering collaboration between project teams and corporate support functions, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high standards of operational consistency. Wachsnicht focuses on scaling internal processes to support the firm's expanding portfolio of design-build contracts. Through disciplined management of field operations, the Chief Operating Officer directly impacts the bottom line and reinforces the reputation of the company for reliable, high-quality construction delivery.
    Trent Wachsnicht

    Greg Lorei - President, Central Region (South)

    Greg Lorei, the President, Central Region (South) at JE Dunn Construction, directs all construction operations and business development initiatives across the southern portion of the central United States. By overseeing regional project teams, the President, Central Region (South) ensures that design-build and construction management services meet the specific needs of local clients. Lorei manages the regional profit and loss, focusing on driving revenue growth through strategic market penetration. This leadership role involves building relationships with local stakeholders and ensuring project delivery remains on schedule and within budget. Greg Lorei drives the adoption of regional best practices to enhance operational efficiency and safety. By coordinating with corporate leadership, the President, Central Region (South) aligns regional activities with the broader national strategy. Lorei monitors market trends to identify new opportunities for expansion within the central territory. Through effective regional management, the President, Central Region (South) strengthens the presence of the firm and ensures consistent project success across the southern central market.
    Greg Lorei

    Dustin Liljehorn - President, Region (West)

    Dustin Liljehorn, the President, Region (West) at JE Dunn Construction, manages all construction operations and strategic growth initiatives throughout the western United States. By overseeing regional project delivery and client relations, the President, Region (West) ensures the firm maintains a strong competitive position in this high-growth market. Liljehorn directs the regional team to execute complex design-build projects while adhering to strict quality and safety standards. This leadership role involves identifying regional market opportunities and allocating resources to maximize project profitability. Dustin Liljehorn drives the expansion of the regional footprint by fostering partnerships with local developers and public sector clients. By coordinating with corporate headquarters, the President, Region (West) ensures that regional operations align with the overall mission of the company. Liljehorn monitors regional economic indicators to adapt business strategies to local market conditions. Through effective leadership, the President, Region (West) secures the firm's reputation for excellence and reliability across the western territory.
    Dustin Liljehorn

    Daniel Kaufman - President, Region (East)

    Daniel Kaufman, the President, Region (East) at JE Dunn Construction, directs all construction management and business development activities across the eastern United States. By overseeing regional project execution and client engagement, the President, Region (East) ensures the firm delivers high-quality results in a diverse and competitive market. Kaufman manages the regional team to optimize project performance and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. This leadership role involves identifying strategic growth areas and ensuring that regional operations support the company's integrated project delivery model. Daniel Kaufman drives the implementation of regional initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and project safety. By collaborating with corporate leadership, the President, Region (East) aligns regional goals with the national strategy of the firm. Kaufman monitors local market dynamics to proactively address challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Through disciplined regional management, the President, Region (East) strengthens the market position of the company and ensures consistent project success throughout the eastern territory.

    Paul Neidlein - Group President, Advanced Facilities

    Paul Neidlein, the Group President, Advanced Facilities at JE Dunn Construction, directs the specialized construction services for high-tech and complex industrial facilities. By overseeing the design-build and project delivery for advanced infrastructure, the Group President, Advanced Facilities ensures the firm meets the unique technical requirements of clients in sectors such as manufacturing and research. Neidlein manages the specialized project teams to ensure precision, safety, and adherence to rigorous industry standards. This leadership role involves developing technical expertise and fostering innovation in facility construction. Paul Neidlein drives the growth of the advanced facilities portfolio by leveraging deep industry knowledge and strategic partnerships. By coordinating with other regional leaders, the Group President, Advanced Facilities ensures that specialized capabilities are integrated into the broader service offerings of the company. Neidlein monitors technological advancements to maintain the firm's leadership in complex facility construction. Through expert management, the Group President, Advanced Facilities delivers high-value solutions that support the critical infrastructure needs of clients nationwide.

    Christy Paoli - Chief People Officer

    Christy Paoli, the Chief People Officer at JE Dunn Construction, architects the human capital strategy to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent within the construction industry. By overseeing recruitment, professional development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures the workforce remains aligned with the mission of the firm. Paoli directs initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a collaborative and high-performing environment. This leadership role involves designing comprehensive benefits and compensation programs that support the well-being of employees across all regional offices. Christy Paoli drives the implementation of training programs that equip staff with the skills necessary for modern design-build and construction management roles. By cultivating a strong employer brand, the Chief People Officer strengthens the ability of the company to execute complex projects. Paoli monitors employee engagement metrics to continuously improve workplace satisfaction. Through strategic talent management, the Chief People Officer ensures the organization maintains the human expertise required to sustain its market position.
    Christy Paoli
    J. Cox, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Incoming at JE Dunn Construction, manages the legal framework and regulatory compliance for all corporate activities. By overseeing contract negotiations, risk mitigation, and litigation management, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Incoming ensures the firm operates within the bounds of industry regulations. Cox directs the legal team to provide counsel on complex construction agreements and integrated project delivery models. This leadership role involves identifying potential legal liabilities and developing strategies to protect the interests of the company. J. Cox drives the implementation of corporate governance policies that promote ethical conduct and transparency. By collaborating with project teams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Incoming facilitates the resolution of disputes and ensures contractual obligations remain clear. Cox monitors legislative changes that impact the construction sector to provide proactive guidance. Through diligent legal oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer, Incoming supports the firm's ability to navigate complex business environments safely.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding JE Dunn Construction Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads JE Dunn Construction?
    JE Dunn Construction is led by Gordon Lansford (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Bethany Ropa (Chief Financial Officer) and Trent Wachsnicht (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of JE Dunn Construction’s executive team?
    The executive team of JE Dunn Construction includes leaders such as Gordon Lansford (President & Chief Executive Officer), Bethany Ropa (Chief Financial Officer), Trent Wachsnicht (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does JE Dunn Construction have?
    JE Dunn Construction has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in JE Dunn Construction’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of JE Dunn Construction includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Central Region (South), President, Region (West).