Ryan Anderson

Presentation: Evolving Expectations for Construction Project Managers and Employers

Abstract: With an unemployment rate of just 3.7% and commercial construction spending up 69% from 2015 to 2016, the Washington, DC metropolitan area is experiencing a talent shortage in construction management. This shortage is forcing general contractors and program managers to do more with less, while adapting to a new generation of employees entering the workforce. Meanwhile, project managers are being asked to take on larger projects and more significant leadership roles earlier in their careers. This presentation will explore this evolution of employers’ and employees’ needs in professional construction management careers.

Demographic and market factors are driving construction firms to think differently about how they will meet their clients’ needs. Some of these factors include: backfilling the imminent retirement wave of baby boomers; capitalizing on a more diverse workforce; implementing new technology and construction methods; and competing for the new generation of incoming talent. Candidates and employees face their own challenges in navigating: training, certifications and education requirements; work-life balance; and finding purpose and fulfillment in their careers.

Attendees at this presentation will learn:

  • What construction firms are doing to attract the best talent
  • Which degrees, certifications and training programs most benefit construction professionals
  • How the industry is innovating to increase productivity
  • How to build a well-rounded career in construction management from graduation to mid-career

PMI Talent Triangle Skill: Leadership

Biography: Ryan Anderson serves as principal in charge in The Christman Company’s mid-Atlantic office, leading project teams to success in both the public and private sectors. An expert in planning, scheduling, risk management, and coordinating the efforts of all team members, Ryan constantly focuses on finding ways to deliver greater value to clients. As a licensed professional engineer with bachelors and masters degrees in engineering, Ryan has exceptional technical expertise required for the largest and most complex, challenging projects. His experience at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and later in the US Army Corp of Engineers, helped develop him into a leader of character that is dedicated to honoring all commitments with integrity and ensuring that his projects are delivered safely, on-time and within budget, with outstanding results for clients. Ryan joined Christman in 2005 as a project engineer, was promoted to senior project manager in 2011, to project executive in 2013, and to vice president in 2015. Ryan was also instrumental in the establishment of Christman’s federal projects group in 2011.