Paul J. O'Brien Retires From Building Contractors Association

NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- After a career that has spanned four and half decades of service in the organized construction industry, Paul J' O'Brien announced, at the January 19^th meeting of the Building Contractors Association Board of Directors meeting, his retirement as managing director.  The Board unanimously voted to appoint assistant managing director John O'Hare to succeed O'Brien as managing director, effective Wednesday, February 15th.

"I want to thank the Board of Directors and the members of the BCA for affording me the privilege of serving as managing director," said O'Brien. "The support, friendship and kindness you have shown me over the years are something I will always treasure. It has been the honor of a lifetime to have played a small role in seeing that New York remains the building and economic capital of the world," said O'Brien. "One of my proudest achievements is the continuing bond between the contractors and the members of the New York City building trades union, insuring that this city remains the leader and envy of the world."

"Paul O'Brien is a giant in our industry," said Ralph Thompson, BCA president and the executive vice president for field operations at F.J. Sciame Construction. "The BCA's preeminent role in New York City's organized construction industry and the respect it has throughout the industry, as well throughout the halls of government is in no small part due to the quiet dignified manner in which Paul O'Brien has conducted himself. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and thanks that can never truly be repaid," said Thompson. 

In selecting John O'Hare to serve as the next managing director the BCA, the organization has chosen an 18-year veteran of the association, who while serving as assistant managing director, has been involved in all aspects of the BCA's operation. "John O'Hare has spent the last 18 years working side by side with Paul O'Brien growing and moving the BCA forward," said Ralph Thompson. "Selecting John as the new managing director is a win-win for the BCA, in that we get someone who knows and respects the organizational history and mission of the BCA, while also bringing youth and vitality to the organization," said Thompson.

"I am honored that the Board has entrusted me with this responsibility," said O'Hare. "Following in the footsteps of Paul O'Brien is a daunting and humbling experience. But for the last 18 years I have been fortunate to be able to watch and learn from him. Paul O'Brien leaves big shoes to fill, but I know with the support of the Board of Directors and the members of the BCA, we will continue to thrive and increase opportunities for all the members of the organized construction industry," said O'Hare. 

O'Hare, 49, was born and raised in New Jersey, where he lives today with his wife, Maureen and their two daughters, Juliet & Charlotte. While attending school John was a member of Laborers Local 23 where he worked on various construction projects as a super, estimator and project manager. John attended New York University, studying construction management; the Cornell University School of Industrial & Labor Relations; and holds a degree in electronics engineering.

Since its establishment in 1933, the primary purpose of the Building Contractors Association has been to provide negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements with the Building Trades Unions.

Currently the BCA negotiates and finalizes agreements throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties. An experienced and knowledgeable staff administers these contracts and answers inquiries, and provides support on various issues and topics concerning the organized construction industry.

The BCA enjoys the reputation of being the most successful, influential and respected association in the organizing construction industry. With over 180 members, ranging from some of the largest construction companies in the world, to small multi-generational family operations, the BCA plays a role in virtually every major private or public construction project that takes place in New York City. 

SOURCE Building Contractors Association (BCA)