Johnson to lead global HR organization and innovative strategic implementation to support business growth objectives

 width=Providence, Rhode Island – February 1, 2019 – Gilbane Building Company announced that Katherine Johnson joined the company as senior vice president and chief human resources officer, succeeding Pierre LaPerriere as he retires at the end of 2019.  Ms. Johnson will lead the firm’s global human resources organization reporting to Gilbane’s chief executive officer, Michael McKelvy.

Ms. Johnson is a visionary human resources executive with more than 25 years of success in implementing strategies for global companies that have achieved organizational effectiveness, business goals for growth, and innovative programs to attract and retain talent.  In her most recent role, Ms. Johnson served as global vice president and head of human resources for buildings, infrastructure and advanced facilities for Jacobs in Englewood, Colorado supporting 35,000 employees across more than 60 countries.  She also held a range of domestic and international human resources management roles of increasing responsibilities at CH2M over a span of twenty-four years.

Ms. Johnson earned a B.A. degree in psychology and minor in business administration from the University of Northern Colorado, and a master’s of education in organizational development from Colorado State University.

“Katherine brings a wealth of experience orchestrating global HR strategies and talent development programs to Gilbane,” said Michael McKelvy, chief executive officer of Gilbane Building Company. “We worked together many years ago and I believe her collaborative style, commitment to core values, and innovative leadership will align well with our culture and strategic vision.”

Ms. Johnson will succeed Pierre LaPerriere, who will retire at the end of 2019.  During his 15 years at Gilbane, Mr. LaPerriere was responsible for delivering a number of important initiatives to sustain Gilbane’s family culture and enhance the employee experience, including advancing the company’s diversity and inclusion programs, raising the quality and expanding the breadth of HR services, integrating personnel from several mergers and  acquisitions, and overseeing the growth of Gilbane’s employee base.

“Pierre and Katherine will work together on targeted HR initiatives throughout the balance of 2019,” said McKelvy.  “Pierre has shaped Gilbane’s strategies related to talent management and leadership in our family-owned culture.  He has a big mission over the next few months in passing the torch to Katherine and then we will wish him a healthy and happy retirement.”

About Gilbane Building Company

Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1873 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide. For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.