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01.01.2023

John Finn Promoted to Chief Operating Officer

As COO, John will provide vision, leadership, and tactical guidance for national operations.

John at a topping out with Mike Byrne (left) and Brian Ramsay (right).

Congratulations to John Finn on his promotion to Chief Operating Officer.

After nearly 100 years of steady growth, topping $1 billion annual revenue, and with offices in six states, W.E. O’Neil created the new role of COO to better unify the firm across all locations.

With 33 years of experience and 22 years at W.E. O’Neil, John is a construction industry veteran with a reputation for driving innovation and stable growth. As COO, he will provide vision, leadership, and tactical guidance for national operations. While expanding into the role of COO nationally, John will retain his current leadership role as President of California.

John’s promotion comes at an exciting time for W.E. O’Neil as we continue to expand our operations and take on larger and more complex projects. As Chief Operating Officer, John will work closely with Brian Ramsay, W.E. O’Neil CEO, and the rest of the executive team to ensure that the company is well-positioned for continued success.

In the COO role, John will increase his company knowledge nationally in anticipation of taking over the role of CEO in 2025 during our 100th anniversary.

 

John is one of the best leaders I’ve seen in the industry. He’s done a tremendous job in California: expanded our capabilities, raised revenues, and grew our number of employee-owners. And nationally, he’s an incredible resource. He’s been my right-hand man, integrally involved in our core business for years now.

Brian Ramsay

CEO

Throwback to 2004 at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, a marquee project for John.

John began his career in the construction industry in 1990 when he started his own finish carpentry business to put himself through college. After graduating and transitioning into construction management, he quickly advanced from project engineer to project manager, eventually becoming President of W.E. O’Neil’s California region.

Since joining O’Neil 22 years ago, John has been an instrumental part of every project in California and continues to grow the region and inspire employee-owners.

“I’m very fortunate to have worked at W.E. O’Neil for the bulk of my career,” shares John. “I chose O’Neil as my home because it was clear that they invested in their people and provided opportunity. This is still true today, and because of that opportunity and my team, we’ve created opportunity and growth in California. I’m looking forward to leveraging what I’ve learned in California and doing the same for our employee-owners across the organization.”

John conducting a manager training in our El Segundo office.

Finn received his Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and is a LEED AP BD+C.