City’s biggest construction firm names new CEO
Jack Bowen, a Chattanooga native who joined EMJ Corp., in 2005 and has been the company president for the past three years, will be promoted next month to the chief executive of Chattanooga’s biggest construction firm.
He succeeds Burt Odom, EMJ’s current CEO who will shift on Oct. 1 to a new role as chairman of the board of directors for EMJ.
The Chattanooga-based EMJ, which also maintains offices in Dallas, Charlotte, North Carolina and El Paso, Texas, was listed in the latest ranking of U.S. building firms as the 262nd biggest construction firm in the nation with revenues last year of $372.1 million. In the previous ranking of construction firm by ENR magazine in 2020, EMJ ranked No. 135, based on our 2019 revenue of $700.3 million.
EMJ sold its Signal Energy subsidiary last November and the pandemic slowed some of the company’s commercial construction last year.
In his new role, Bowen will oversee operations of EMJ and will work closely with Odom to establish and execute the company’s strategic vision.
“Throughout his career, Jack has proven himself to be a strategic visionary and servant leader,” said Odom. “Jack has the perfect combination
of knowledge, operational experience and integrity to lead EMJ forward and ensure its success for years to come.”
Bowen started his construction career in 1998 after graduating from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. With 22 years of construction experience, Jack has served in a variety of roles, from job site superintendent, vice president of construction, executive vice president of EMJ Construction Southeast, and president of EMJ Construction.
Odom began his construction career in 1983 after graduating from Auburn University, where he served under EMJ founder, Edgar M. Jolley. During his 38 years of experience, he held various positions. Most notably, Burt served as the executive vice president of EMJ’s Dallas office and the chief operating officer before being appointed president of EMJ in 2010. In 2016, he became president and CEO.
“Burt’s visionary and creative energy, strong work ethic, and handson approach have left an indelible mark on EMJ,” Bowen said, “He boldly led EMJ during a time of diversification and growth. I am excited to work with him as he continues to help guide and inspire the company for many years to come.”
Since 1968, EMJ Construction has delivered billions of dollars in construction projects across the U.S.