Chris Cornick, who has served Gilbane Building Co. in a variety of roles in the state for more than 15 years, will soon have the top job, as he has been promoted to business unit leader for New Jersey, the construction management firm announced Monday.
In this role, Cornick will oversee Gilbane’s operational, sales and administrative functions in New Jersey, based out of the firm’s downtown Newark office. He will assume the position July 1. He also will be a vice president with the New York City-based firm.
Cornick is succeeding Dan Shea, an accomplished construction executive who has played a senior leadership role in New Jersey for nearly a decade. Shea will remain a strong part of the company’s operational team, focusing on project delivery excellence and strategic initiatives in advance of his planned retirement.
Shea applauded Cornick’s promotion.
“Chris has been such an integral part of our ongoing success in New Jersey,” he said. “I am confident that, under Chris’ leadership, Gilbane, our clients and the communities we build will experience even greater success.”
Cornick has worked for Gilbane in a variety of roles in the field and operations roles, and most recently directed business development in New Jersey and served as principal in charge of strategic projects and accounts. He has extensive experience elevating Gilbane’s presence in New Jersey and working directly with clients across the company’s diverse market sectors and delivery methods.
Cornick said he looks forward to the challenge and opportunity.
“It is an incredible honor to be tasked with building upon the foundation that we have established in New Jersey under Dan’s leadership,” he said. “I am looking forward to leveraging our continuity, where the majority of the leadership team has been with us for the better portion of the past decade, to ensure that Gilbane is a great place to work and a company where the passion that our people have for building is evident.
“It is an exciting time to be in the construction industry in New Jersey, and I am eager to capitalize on the strengths, from a best-in-class preconstruction offering through superior construction execution, that we can offer clients here in the Garden State.”
About Gilbane
Gilbane Building Co. provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services — from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services — for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide.
Gilbane has been building in New Jersey since 1966 and has more than 50 construction professionals working across the state. With a permanent office in Newark, Gilbane has constructed nearly $5.5 billion in New Jersey, including notable projects like the Prudential Center, Quest Diagnostics Clifton Laboratory, 50 Rector Park, the Standard at New Brunswick for Landmark Properties and Kering Americas North American Operations Center, and was recently announced as the construction manager for the Lionsgate Newark Studio.
Gilbane Regional President Paul Choquette said Cornick is the right person to lead the firm’s New Jersey efforts.
“Time and time again, we have seen Chris grow Gilbane’s business in New Jersey and cement our company as one of the most trusted and influential construction companies in the Garden State,” he said.
“Chris is a true partner to our clients and committed to working with them to deliver the best outcomes, so he was a natural choice for this role. We thank Dan for his leadership in expanding our New Jersey operations, developing our deep team of construction experts and instilling the principles and best practices that will ensure long-term success in the state.”
Cornick holds a bachelor’s degree from Drexel University. He and his wife and three children reside in Cranbury.
