Knife River Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Knife River has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, people, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Knife River is dedicated to mining, processing, and selling essential construction materials while providing comprehensive civil contracting services across the United States, impacting infrastructure development and community growth.

Leadership Roles at Knife River

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brian Gray
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nathan Ring
  • Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Trevor Hastings
  • President (South Dakota) - Clark Meyer
  • President. Utah - Matthew Morgan
  • President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) - Peter Gay
  • President, Pacific Region - Steve Essoyan
  • Mountain Region President - David Zinke
  • Chief People Officer - Sarah Stevens
  • Vice President & Chief People Officer - Sarah Lachapelle
  • Brian Gray - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Brian Gray, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Knife River, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Gray oversees all business segments, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to provide high-quality construction materials and contracting services. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, managing investor relations, and fostering a culture of innovation and safety across the organization. Gray's strategic direction guides the company's expansion and market positioning within the western, central, and southern United States. By championing operational efficiency and client satisfaction, Brian Gray ensures Knife River maintains its competitive edge in the aggregates, asphalt, and concrete markets, directly contributing to the company's sustained success and market leadership.
    Brian Gray

    Nathan Ring - Chief Financial Officer

    Nathan Ring, the Chief Financial Officer at Knife River, manages all financial operations and strategic financial planning. Ring oversees accounting, treasury, financial reporting, and capital allocation, ensuring the company's fiscal health and compliance with regulatory standards. This critical role involves developing financial models, managing risk, and identifying investment opportunities to support Knife River's growth objectives. Ring's expertise is vital in navigating the complexities of the construction materials market and optimizing profitability across the company's four business segments. By providing insightful financial analysis and strategic guidance, Nathan Ring enables informed decision-making, safeguarding the company's assets and driving long-term shareholder value.
    Nathan Ring

    Trevor Hastings - Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Trevor Hastings, the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Knife River, directs the company's day-to-day operational activities and process improvements. Hastings oversees the mining, processing, and production of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete, ensuring efficiency and quality across all manufacturing facilities. This leadership position involves optimizing supply chain logistics, managing production schedules, and implementing best practices to enhance operational performance. Hastings' focus on streamlining operations supports the company's heavy-civil contracting services, including paving and site development. By driving operational excellence, Trevor Hastings ensures Knife River consistently delivers superior products and services to its diverse client base, reinforcing the company's reputation for reliability and execution.

    Clark Meyer - President (South Dakota)

    Clark Meyer, the President (South Dakota) at Knife River, spearheads operations and strategic growth within the South Dakota region. Meyer directs the local teams responsible for mining, processing, and selling construction aggregates, as well as producing asphalt and ready-mix concrete. This leadership role involves managing regional sales, client relationships, and ensuring project execution aligns with Knife River's high standards for quality and safety. Meyer's oversight extends to local contracting services, contributing to infrastructure development within the state. By focusing on regional market dynamics and customer needs, Clark Meyer drives operational efficiency and business expansion, solidifying Knife River's presence and impact in South Dakota.

    Matthew Morgan - President. Utah

    Matthew Morgan, the President. Utah at Knife River, leads the company's business activities and strategic initiatives within the Utah market. Morgan directs the regional operations encompassing aggregate mining, material production, and contracting services, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives. This executive position involves cultivating strong customer relationships, overseeing project delivery, and driving revenue growth through localized market strategies. Morgan's focus is on leveraging Knife River's vertically integrated capabilities to serve public and private sector clients effectively in Utah. By championing regional development and operational excellence, Matthew Morgan ensures Knife River's continued success and expansion in the Utah construction materials sector.

    Peter Gay - President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi)

    Peter Gay, the President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) at Knife River, directs the specialized operations of the prestressed concrete division. Gay oversees the manufacturing and supply of high-quality prestressed concrete products, serving critical infrastructure and construction projects. This leadership role involves managing production facilities, ensuring product quality and compliance with industry standards, and driving business development for Krpi. Gay's expertise is key to expanding the market reach and application of prestressed concrete solutions. By focusing on innovation and operational efficiency within this segment, Peter Gay ensures Krpi contributes significantly to Knife River's overall portfolio and market strength.

    Steve Essoyan - President, Pacific Region

    Steve Essoyan, the President, Pacific Region at Knife River, leads the company's operations and strategic expansion across the Pacific territory. Essoyan directs regional teams involved in aggregate mining, material production, and civil contracting services, ensuring alignment with Knife River's core business objectives. This executive position focuses on market penetration, client relationship management, and optimizing regional performance. Essoyan's leadership is crucial for capitalizing on opportunities within the Pacific market, driving revenue growth and operational excellence. By tailoring strategies to regional demands, Steve Essoyan reinforces Knife River's commitment to serving diverse construction needs and strengthening its market presence in the Pacific.

    David Zinke - Mountain Region President

    David Zinke, the Mountain Region President at Knife River, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational oversight within the Mountain region. Zinke directs all business activities, including aggregate production, material sales, and contracting services, ensuring consistent delivery of quality products and services. This leadership role involves fostering regional growth, managing key stakeholder relationships, and driving operational efficiencies. Zinke's focus is on leveraging Knife River's integrated model to meet the specific demands of the Mountain region's construction and infrastructure development projects. By championing regional initiatives and operational excellence, David Zinke ensures Knife River strengthens its market position and contributes significantly to the region's development.

    Sarah Stevens - Chief People Officer

    Sarah Stevens, the Chief People Officer at Knife River, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies. Stevens oversees recruitment, employee development, compensation, benefits, and fostering a positive workplace culture that aligns with Knife River's values. This role is crucial for attracting and retaining skilled professionals essential for the company's operations in aggregates, concrete production, and civil contracting. Stevens champions initiatives that enhance employee engagement and support professional growth across the organization's widespread operations. By prioritizing people strategies, Sarah Stevens ensures Knife River cultivates a high-performing workforce capable of meeting the demands of the construction industry and driving the company's continued success.

    Sarah Lachapelle - Vice President & Chief People Officer

    Sarah Lachapelle, the Vice President & Chief People Officer at Knife River, collaborates with the Chief People Officer to advance human capital strategies across the organization. Lachapelle supports the development and implementation of programs focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development. This role is integral to ensuring Knife River attracts and retains a skilled workforce essential for its diverse operations in construction materials and contracting. Lachapelle contributes to fostering a supportive and productive work environment, aligning HR initiatives with the company's strategic goals. By focusing on people-centric initiatives, Sarah Lachapelle reinforces Knife River's commitment to its employees and its long-term success.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Civil Engineering Construction

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Knife River Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Knife River?
    Knife River is led by Brian Gray (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nathan Ring (Chief Financial Officer) and Trevor Hastings (Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Knife River’s executive team?
    The executive team of Knife River includes leaders such as Brian Gray (President & Chief Executive Officer), Nathan Ring (Chief Financial Officer), Trevor Hastings (Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Knife River have?
    Knife River has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Knife River’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Knife River includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President (South Dakota), President. Utah.