In the vast landscape of the North American construction industry, few names command the respect and admiration that Hank Adams does. As a prominent executive at Kiewit Corporation, one of the largest and most respected engineering and construction firms in the U.S., Hank Adams has left an indelible mark through decades of forward-thinking leadership and unwavering dedication.
From humble beginnings in field operations to overseeing landmark infrastructure projects, Adams exemplifies the kind of leadership the construction industry needs—visionary, grounded, and people-first.
Who Is Hank Adams?
Hank Adams is a seasoned construction executive known for his decades-long career with Kiewit Corporation. He began his professional journey in the late 1970s and rose through the ranks, holding senior roles where he directed some of Kiewit’s most complex and high-impact projects. His expertise spans civil infrastructure, bridge construction, transportation systems, and workforce development.
Education and Early Career
- Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technology – SUNY Delhi
- Bachelor’s in Construction Engineering – Fairleigh Dickinson University
These academic foundations shaped Adams’ technical know-how and laid the groundwork for his commitment to high-quality construction and leadership.
Kiewit Corporation: A Snapshot
To understand Hank Adams’ impact, it’s essential to understand the scale and influence of Kiewit Corporation.
Kiewit is one of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations:
- Headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska
- Employee-owned
- Operating across transportation, oil & gas, water, power, and building markets
The company has delivered infrastructure that touches millions of lives—from highways and transit systems to power plants and marine facilities.
Hank Adams’ Career at Kiewit
From Field Engineer to Executive Leadership
Hank Adams began his career at Kiewit in 1979 as a field engineer. Through his dedication and strategic mind, he rapidly advanced into roles with increasing responsibility. His ability to manage both the technical and human aspects of projects earned him recognition throughout the organization.
Key Projects Led by Hank Adams
Under Adams’ leadership, Kiewit completed several landmark projects, including:
- Willis Avenue Bridge Replacement (NYC)
A $600 million undertaking involving intricate logistical and engineering challenges. - Queensboro Bridge Rehabilitation
Preserving a century-old structure while improving safety and capacity. - Regional Transit Expansions
Overseeing light rail and bus transit developments, often coordinating across public agencies and contractors. - Weeks Marine Acquisition
Adams played a role in this strategic acquisition, which expanded Kiewit’s reach into the marine and dredging sectors.
Hallmarks of Hank Adams’ Leadership
1. Emphasis on Innovation
Under Adams’ guidance, Kiewit adopted cutting-edge construction technologies such as:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): Improving project visualization and reducing design conflicts
- AI and Predictive Analytics: Anticipating maintenance and material needs
- Automation: Boosting efficiency in repetitive construction tasks
By embracing innovation, Adams helped Kiewit reduce costs, meet tighter deadlines, and achieve a higher standard of quality.
2. Commitment to Safety and Quality
Kiewit is known for industry-leading safety practices, many of which were championed by Adams. He viewed safety not just as compliance, but as a culture:
- Zero-accident vision
- Robust safety training programs
- On-site safety officers embedded in project teams
3. Mentorship and Workforce Development
Adams strongly believed that people were the heart of every successful project. He created opportunities for young engineers and project managers to:
- Gain field experience early
- Participate in leadership training
- Transition smoothly into management roles
This focus built a pipeline of leaders who continue to shape Kiewit’s legacy.
Sustainability and Forward-Looking Infrastructure
Hank Adams was also instrumental in integrating sustainability into Kiewit’s project delivery model. His initiatives included:
- Promoting renewable energy construction (solar, wind, hydro)
- Using green construction materials
- Reducing the carbon footprint of job sites with cleaner machinery
Under Adams, Kiewit’s projects aligned more closely with ESG goals (Environmental, Social, and Governance)—a growing priority in modern infrastructure.
Lessons from Hank Adams’ Career
For young professionals and seasoned engineers alike, there are valuable takeaways from Adams’ journey:
Actionable Tips:
- Be hands-on early: Real-world experience builds the foundation for future leadership.
- Invest in your people: Developing others multiplies your long-term impact.
- Stay ahead of technology: Innovation is a key differentiator in construction.
- Think big, act practical: Great leaders balance vision with execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hank Adams served in senior executive roles at Kiewit, including overseeing major civil projects and leading organizational development initiatives.
As of recent public updates, Hank Adams is retired but remains an influential figure in construction circles and industry organizations.
Kiewit is renowned for its large-scale civil infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, marine works, and power facilities.
He championed the integration of renewable energy projects, sustainable building practices, and greener construction processes.
In 2023, Adams received The Moles’ Outstanding Achievement Award, a prestigious honor recognizing contributions to the heavy construction industry.
Conclusion
Hank Adams is more than just a name associated with one of North America’s largest construction firms—he is a symbol of integrity, innovation, and leadership in the built environment.
Through decades at Kiewit, Adams reshaped not only the projects the company took on but also how it approached people, technology, and sustainability. He helped Kiewit maintain its status as an industry leader while mentoring the next generation of construction professionals.
As we look to the future of infrastructure, it’s clear that the foundations laid by leaders like Hank Adams will continue to influence how we build—smarter, safer, and more sustainably.
