Willard Hackerman, CEO of Whiting-Turner and Philanthropist, Dies at 95

BALTIMORE, Feb. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company regrets to announce the passing of longtime President and Chief Executive Officer Willard Hackerman.  Mr. Hackerman started with Whiting-Turner on August 15, 1938 as a 19-year-old civil engineer, just graduated from Johns Hopkins University.  Company co-founder G.W.C. Whiting was duly impressed by the young Willard Hackerman and in 1955 promoted him to president and CEO.  In the nearly 60 years since becoming president, Mr. Hackerman led Whiting-Turner from a modest-sized local and regional contractor to a highly-ranked nationwide construction manager and general contractor working in all major commercial, industrial and institutional sectors.  Whiting-Turner reported $5 billion in revenue in 2013.  In 2013, the company also celebrated Mr. Hackerman's 75^th year of service with Whiting-Turner.

Mr. Hackerman was best known for his uncompromising insistence on integrity and his dedication to delighting customers.  He was also particularly proud of continuing Mr. Whiting's tradition of hiring young engineers right out of college and promoting from within.

Under Mr. Hackerman's leadership, Whiting-Turner built many of Baltimore's renaissance landmark facilities, including Harborplace, M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the National Aquarium.

Timothy J. Regan, Whiting-Turner executive vice president, said, "Literally every one of us has spent our entire Whiting-Turner career under the steady hand and inspirational leadership of Mr. Hackerman.  He can never be replaced.  Among his many accomplishments, he is a legend for his good works, and the irony is that most of his good works are not even known.  Thanks to Mr. Hackerman's vision and foresight, his beloved Whiting-Turner will be strong and independent for generations to come."

Mr. Hackerman and his wife, Lillian Patz Hackerman, were generous supporters of many of the universities and hospitals throughout Maryland, as well as national institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University.  Mr. & Mrs. Hackerman also created scholarships that provide full tuition for qualifying graduates of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

Mr. Regan will succeed Mr. Hackerman as just the third president in Whiting-Turner's 105-year history.

Funeral services will be held at Beth Tfiloh Congregation, 3300 Old Court Road on Tuesday, February 11 at 12:00pm. Interment Beth Jacob Cemetery – Finksburg, MD.

About Whiting-Turner

Founded in 1909, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company provides construction management, general contracting and design-build services in virtually every type of industry and throughout the United States. The firm is a recognized leader in the areas of commercial office and retail, healthcare, science and technology, education, mission critical, microelectronics, senior living, urban redevelopment, hospitality, cultural, manufacturing and distribution, federal and military.

Under the leadership of G.W.C Whiting and then Willard Hackerman, the firm has earned a reputation for integrity, excellence and customer delight in the delivery of construction services.  Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland and with 30 offices in 18 states and Washington, D.C., Whiting-Turner is currently ranked fourth in domestic general building by Engineering News Record.  With annual revenues exceeding $5 billion and more than 2100 employees, the company is #117 on the list of America's largest private companies. For more information, visit whiting-turner.com.

SOURCE The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company