John R. Lawson

John R. Lawson

Executive Chairman

Executive Chairman John Lawson focuses on advancing corporate innovation and fostering W. M. Jordan Company’s unique corporate culture. John’s secrets for success are simple: Surround yourself with the best people. Invest in their development. Strive for continual improvement in every aspect of your business and personal life. Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Give generously. Never stop learning.

A native of Newport News, John began his career with W. M. Jordan Company as a field engineer in 1975 after graduating from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in geophysics. He developed a deep understanding of all aspects of the construction business through his roles as an estimator, project engineer, superintendent, and project manager prior to taking the helm as president and CEO in 1985.

Under his leadership, W. M. Jordan Company became one of the largest construction managers in Virginia, with annual revenues of $700 million dollars and a ranking in Engineering News Record’s Top 400 Contractors in the United States for the past 40 years.

Many community organizations rely on John for guidance and support. His influence and leadership help these organizations provide the most impact for the people they serve. He serves on a number of local boards including TowneBank, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, the Hampton Roads Alliance, The Mariners’ Museum, The Peninsula Airport Commission and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction at Virginia Tech and the Board of Visitors at Christopher Newport University. His accomplishments include past Rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, past chair of the Fort Monroe Authority, and chair of Christopher Newport University, CHKD, and Virginia Tech’s capital campaign, to name a few.