Hank Adams: A Career of Leadership at Kiewit
Hank Adams has spent more than 40 years building his career at Kiewit Corporation, one of North America’s biggest and most respected construction companies. He started as a young engineer and worked his way up to become Executive Vice President (EVP) and a member of the Kiewit Board of Directors. His journey shows steady growth, strong leadership, and a lasting impact on the construction industry.
1. Current Role
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Executive Vice President, Kiewit Infrastructure Group
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Board Member, Kiewit Corporation (since 2013)
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Responsible for over $2 billion in yearly business
2. Career Path
Hank Adams moved step by step through Kiewit by proving his skills and leadership.
| Time Period | Role | Key Work |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Field Engineer / Superintendent | Managed crews and solved problems on site |
| 1980s | Project Manager | Led complex jobs and delivered results |
| 1990s–2000s | District & Division Manager | Oversaw operations in Chicago, Northeast, Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania |
| 2001 | District Leadership | Took charge of larger business areas |
| 2013 | EVP & Board Member | Promoted to Executive Vice President and joined the Board |
| Today | EVP of Infrastructure Group | Leads multi-billion-dollar business and many large projects |
3. Major Projects
Hank has worked on many important and challenging projects, including:
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Queensboro Bridge (New York)
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Rebuilt a major bridge while keeping traffic open.
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Willis Avenue Bridge (New York)
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Used offsite construction to build parts ahead of time, then installed them.
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World Trade Center Slurry Wall (New York)
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Helped stabilize the foundation after the 9/11 attacks.
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Read also: Enrica Cenzatti
4. Awards and Recognition
| Year | Award / Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–2015 | President | The Moles (heavy construction group) |
| 2016 | Member | National Academy of Construction |
| 2019 | Golden Beaver Award (Supervision) | The Beavers |
| 2022 | Outstanding Achievement Award | The Moles |
These awards show the respect Hank has earned across the industry.
5. Leadership Style
Hank Adams is known for a leadership style that is both practical and inspiring.
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Mentor: He trains and supports young engineers.
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Team Builder: Works well with clients, crews, and government agencies.
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Calm Leader: Handles pressure and challenges with steady focus.
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Forward Thinker: Pushes Kiewit to adopt new methods and tools.
6. Contributions to Kiewit
As an EVP and board member, Adams has shaped Kiewit’s growth.
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Leads large infrastructure projects across the U.S.
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Guides strategic company moves, such as:
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Weeks Marine Acquisition (2023): Expanded Kiewit’s marine and dredging services.
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Encourages innovation in building methods, including:
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Offsite construction
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Prefabrication
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Digital project planning tools
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7. Education
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Associate Degree (Construction Technology) – SUNY Delhi
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Bachelor’s Degree (Civil Engineering) – Fairleigh Dickinson University
8. Industry Groups
Hank has been active in many professional groups:
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The Moles – Past President
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The Beavers – Award winner and supporter
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National Academy of Construction – Member
9. Giving Back
Hank also supports nonprofit and education causes.
| Organization | Role | Work |
|---|---|---|
| CureSearch for Children’s Cancer | Board of Directors, Chair of Nominating Committee (2020) | Helped with leadership and planning |
| Moles Charitable Fund | Supporter | Funds scholarships for students in construction fields |
| Mentorship | Guide | Helps younger engineers grow in their careers |
10. Legacy
Hank Adams’ career is built on three big pillars:
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Strong Projects: Work on bridges, tunnels, and major city projects.
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Company Leadership: Growth from engineer to EVP, leading multi-billion-dollar operations.
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Service and Mentorship: Work with charities, education funds, and young engineers.
Conclusion
From his start as a young engineer to becoming one of the top leaders at Kiewit, Hank Adams has shown what dedication, skill, and vision can achieve. His projects have shaped major cities, his leadership has guided Kiewit’s growth, and his mentoring and charity work have touched many lives.
His story is not only about building infrastructure—it’s also about building people, organizations, and a lasting legacy.
