Knife River Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Knife River has 7 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, regional operations, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering high-quality construction materials and infrastructure solutions, Knife River maintains a commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth across the western, central, and southern United States.

Leadership Roles at Knife River

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Brian Gray
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nathan Ring
  • Mountain Region President - David Zinke
  • President (South Dakota) - Clark Meyer
  • President, Pacific Region - Steve Essoyan
  • President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) - Peter Gay
  • 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 overall strategic vision and operational execution for the entire organization. Gray manages the integration of aggregates mining, construction materials production, and heavy-civil contracting services across all four business segments. By aligning corporate objectives with market demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent performance within the S&P MidCap 400 index. Brian Gray coordinates with the Board to drive long-term value for shareholders while overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects. This leadership role involves optimizing the supply chain for crushed stone, sand, and gravel to maintain competitive advantages in the construction sector. Through rigorous oversight of regional presidents, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards for safety and efficiency. Ultimately, Gray secures the company's position as a leader in the building materials industry.
    Brian Gray

    Nathan Ring - Chief Financial Officer

    Nathan Ring, the Chief Financial Officer at Knife River, directs all fiscal planning, capital allocation, and financial reporting processes. Ring oversees the financial health of the organization, ensuring robust liquidity to support heavy-civil contracting and materials production. By managing investor relations and regulatory compliance, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency for stakeholders across the western, central, and southern United States. Nathan Ring evaluates investment opportunities in new aggregates reserves and production facilities to fuel corporate expansion. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to mitigate financial risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects. Through precise budgeting and cost control measures, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes operational efficiency across all business segments. Ultimately, Ring drives the financial stability necessary for the company to execute complex construction contracts and maintain market leadership.
    Nathan Ring

    David Zinke - Mountain Region President

    David Zinke, the Mountain Region President at Knife River, directs all mining, processing, and contracting operations within the Mountain business segment. Zinke oversees the production of ready-mix concrete, asphalt, and construction aggregates to meet the needs of public-sector and private developers. By managing regional assets and labor forces, the Mountain Region President ensures the timely delivery of building materials for critical infrastructure projects. David Zinke coordinates with local government entities to secure site development contracts and grading initiatives. This leadership role involves optimizing regional logistics to reduce transportation costs for heavy materials. Through strategic planning, the Mountain Region President maintains high output levels while adhering to strict environmental and safety standards. Ultimately, Zinke drives regional profitability and strengthens the company's footprint in the competitive Mountain market through consistent project execution and operational excellence.

    Clark Meyer - President (South Dakota)

    Clark Meyer, the President (South Dakota) at Knife River, directs all construction materials and paving operations within the South Dakota market. Meyer oversees the production of asphalt and concrete, ensuring high-quality output for federal, state, and municipal infrastructure projects. By managing local site development and grading teams, the President (South Dakota) ensures project timelines align with client expectations. Clark Meyer coordinates with regional leadership to integrate local operations into the broader corporate strategy. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with industrial and residential developers to secure a steady pipeline of work. Through efficient resource management, the President (South Dakota) maximizes the utilization of aggregates and building materials. Ultimately, Meyer drives regional growth and operational efficiency, ensuring the company remains the preferred provider for heavy-civil contracting services throughout the South Dakota territory.

    Steve Essoyan - President, Pacific Region

    Steve Essoyan, the President, Pacific Region at Knife River, directs all aggregates mining and construction services across the Pacific operational footprint. Essoyan oversees the production of cement and building materials, ensuring supply chain reliability for large-scale infrastructure developments. By managing regional teams, the President, Pacific Region ensures that paving and site development projects meet rigorous quality standards. Steve Essoyan coordinates with the executive team to implement new technologies that improve mining efficiency and material processing. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to maintain continuous operations. Through strategic oversight of regional assets, the President, Pacific Region optimizes the delivery of ready-mix concrete and asphalt to diverse customer bases. Ultimately, Essoyan drives regional market share and operational success, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the demanding Pacific construction landscape.

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

    Peter Gay, the President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) at Knife River, directs the specialized production of prestressed concrete components for heavy-civil and commercial projects. Gay oversees the manufacturing processes and quality control protocols required for high-strength building materials. By managing the specialized workforce at Krpi, the President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) ensures that structural components meet precise engineering specifications for infrastructure clients. Peter Gay coordinates with the broader construction segments to integrate prestressed solutions into large-scale site development and paving projects. This leadership role involves driving innovation in concrete design to improve structural durability and project efficiency. Through rigorous operational oversight, the President, Knife River Prestress Inc (Krpi) maintains the company's reputation for technical excellence. Ultimately, Gay drives the success of the prestress division, contributing significantly to the company's overall portfolio of construction materials and services.

    Sarah Lachapelle - Vice President & Chief People Officer

    Sarah Lachapelle, the Vice President & Chief People Officer at Knife River, directs all human capital strategies, talent acquisition, and organizational development initiatives. Lachapelle oversees the implementation of training programs to ensure a skilled workforce capable of managing complex construction and mining operations. By fostering a culture of safety and inclusion, the Vice President & Chief People Officer supports the company's mission to attract and retain top industry talent. Sarah Lachapelle coordinates with regional leaders to align workforce planning with operational demands across the western, central, and southern United States. This leadership role involves managing compensation structures and employee engagement to drive productivity. Through strategic HR initiatives, the Vice President & Chief People Officer ensures the organization maintains a high-performing team. Ultimately, Lachapelle drives organizational health and supports the company's long-term growth objectives through effective people management.

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    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 David Zinke (Mountain Region President).
    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), David Zinke (Mountain Region President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Knife River have?
    Knife River has 7 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, Mountain Region President, President (South Dakota), President, Pacific Region.