CHRIS WARD JOINS NEW YORK BUILDING CONGRESS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEW YORK, July 31, 2012 – Christopher O. Ward, a preeminent infrastructure executive with decades of success in spearheading multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects in both the public and private sectors, has joined the Board of Directors of the New York Building Congress, a coalition representing all facets of the City’s design, construction and real estate industry.

Mr. Ward currently serves as Executive Vice President for Major Projects at Dragados USA, where he is responsible for development and oversight of projects in the U.S. and Canada, expansion of the company’s design-build and P3 markets, as well as Dragados USA’s entry into new energy and technology markets.

Between 2008 and 2011, Mr. Ward was Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.  Under his leadership, the Port Authority implemented creative engineering solutions and strict construction milestones to advance the World Trade Center rebuilding effort.  Mr. Ward also oversaw the agency’s multi-billion dollar annual budget and critical transportation projects.

Mr. Ward previously served as Managing Director of The General Contractors Association of New York as well as the CEO of Stevedoring, Inc. He was Commissioner of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the Bloomberg administration from 2002-20005.  In this capacity, he led a staff of 6,500 people and managed a combined capital and operating budget of more than $2 billion.

“Throughout my time in both the public and private sector, the New York Building Congress has served as a vocal and credible advocate of strategic, long-term investments in the region’s infrastructure,” said Mr. Ward.  “I am proud to join Building Congress Chairman John Dionisio, President Richard Anderson and many other dedicated industry leaders as we seek ways to further strengthen the organization and positively shape the region’s future.”

Building Congress Chairman John Dionisio said, “Chris Ward has developed a well-deserved reputation as a visionary when it comes to investment in the region’s vast infrastructure network.  More importantly, he has demonstrated an ability to get the job done.  Nowhere has this been more evident than at the World Trade Center, where construction milestones were achieved at breathtaking speed during his three years leading the Port Authority.  His insight and determination make him a most welcome addition to the Building Congress leadership team.”

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The New York Building Congress is a membership coalition of business, labor, association and government organizations promoting the design, construction and real estate industry in New York City.