McCownGordon Construction Promotes Chris Vaeth to Lead KC Business Unit
Named Senior Vice President for the Kansas City Region
Chris Vaeth, a seasoned leader at McCownGordon construction with nearly 20 years of experience with the company, has been named Senior Vice President of the Kansas City Region. In his new role, Vaeth will lead the company’s Kansas City business unit, guiding everything from business development and constructions services to strategic growth and overall operations for the region.
“Chris is a strategic and driven leader with extensive expertise in the market, not only in terms of his construction and financial knowledge, but also his understanding of the broader marketplace, future opportunities, and what our clients in KC are looking for from a construction management partner,” said Ramin Cherafat, chief executive officer. “Chris builds strong client relationships and excels at developing successful teams. We’re excited for our future in the KC region and know Chris will help McCownGordon continue to grow.”
In his new role, Vaeth, along with a seasoned team of McCownGordon veterans, will lead the company’s regional work in the area, including overseeing the corporate and developer projects, as well as civic, K-12, higher education, healthcare, and science and technology markets across the metro and in nearby Kansas and Missouri locations, as well as the leading the teams in South Dakota and Arkansas. He also serves on the company’s executive leadership team.
Vaeth joined McCownGordon in 2003 after spending a short stint at another national contractor. In his time with McCownGordon, he’s worked in numerous vertical markets and at one time led the firms Preconstruction Services Team. He excels at finding solutions for clients to help them achieve their goals, from financing and preconstruction to complex construction challenges and exit strategies, helping ensure every project is a success. He engages in projects early and sets his teams up for success, helping them deliver for clients.
“I’m excited to make a larger impact on our work,” said Vaeth. “My passions are solving challenges and building robust teams that deliver for our clients, knowing that investing in a building is a significant decision for any organization, and owners need a team that keeps their best interests front and center.”
Previously, Vaeth held several high-level roles with McCownGordon, including serving as vice president of the KC market and prior to that, vice president of preconstruction services.
Active in the community, Vaeth serves on the Real Estate Committee of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and the boards of the University Health Foundation, Urban Land Institute and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Additionally, he’s involved with the Association for Corporate Growth and past chair of the Wyandotte Economic Development Council where he remains on the board. He’s a graduate of the Centurions Leadership program, Kansas City Tomorrow and Leadership Overland Park. Vaeth graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a B.S. in civil engineering and was recently named alum of the year from the Architectural, Environmental and Civil Engineering School.
Photo taken by Allie Coyle Photography
