Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation Recognizes Gilbane Building Company Leader Aaron Jones as Emerging Legend
Aaron Jones receives recognition as an emerging leader in Northeast Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio – May 24, 2024 – Gilbane Building Company is proud to announce that the Black Professionals Association Charitable Foundation (BPACF) has chosen Aaron Jones as a 40 Under 40 Emerging Legend. The award recognizes dynamic, outstanding African American changemakers shifting culture and making notable impacts in Northeast Ohio.
“Aaron’s commitment to his craft and dedication to making the industry a better place truly sets him apart. He focused on serving as a positive role model to high school students through his work for Shaker Heights City School District, mentoring them and demonstrating a path to a rewarding profession,” said Kyle Merrill, senior vice president and Cleveland business leader at Gilbane. “As Gilbane’s employee resource group (ERG) UJIMA national chair, Aaron fosters an inclusive culture and opportunities for Gilbane’s Black/African American employees. He is a key member of our Cleveland team, and I am incredibly proud to see him recognized as a BPACF Emerging Legend.”
Aaron Jones, project manager in Cleveland, Ohio, has over 12 years of experience in the construction industry and currently serves in a leadership role on a significant headquarters project. He began his career as an intern with Gilbane and joined full-time in 2014 as a project engineer on the Cleveland Heights-University Heights High School Renovation project. Aaron’s continued growth and development resulted in a leadership role in Gilbane’s project engineer peer group. In 2020, Aaron was promoted to project manager and led projects for clients including Cleveland Public Library, University Hospitals, and The Sherwin-Williams Company.
Aaron continues to challenge himself and is working to become a Certified Construction Manager (CCM), an accredited certification that illustrates his commitment to excellence in project delivery. He also serves on the Manufacturing Works Workforce Development Committee. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Eastern Michigan University.
“Winning the BPACF 40 Under 40 and earning the designation of an ‘Emerging Legend’ is an incredible honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career,” said Aaron Jones. “It signifies recognition from my peers and industry leaders, reaffirming that my efforts have made a meaningful impact. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence and inspire others on their professional journeys.”
While Aaron brings a dedication to perfecting his craft that is unmatched by others, his most impressive and meaningful work has been accomplished beyond his project manager role. He is highly involved with UJIMA, Gilbane’s employee resource group (ERG) dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture and supporting professional development, community engagement, and a voice across the enterprise for Black/African American employees and allies.
Aaron began his work with UJIMA as the national community affairs chair, working with regional leaders to establish events inside and outside the office. During this time, he established the UJIMA mentorship program – the first of its kind for any of Gilbane’s ERGs. Aaron quickly rose to national vice chair and currently leads the ERG as the national chair. In this role, he works with executive leadership, human resources, and the economic inclusion team to develop and execute a national strategy for the year. He leads planning for the annual national conference, bringing all ERG chapter leads together for training, coaching, and volunteering. Aaron is fiercely committed to bettering the industry and those around him. In addition to being the national chair, he is passionate about growing the next generation and fosters strong relationships with mentees, junior staff, and interns.
To view the complete list of BPACF’s 40 Under 40 Emerging Legends Award winners, click here.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide. Gilbane is one of the most established and leading construction managers in the Northeast Ohio market and averages more than $500 million in revenue in the state annually. For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.