Suffolk Executive Sam Sleiman Takes Helm as Chair of National Academy of Construction

The award-winning transportation and infrastructure expert will champion innovation, diversity and the next generation of industry leaders

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Suffolk, one of the nation’s most innovative and successful builders, today announced Sam Sleiman, Executive Vice President of National Transportation, has been appointed Chair of the National Academy of Construction (NAC). The NAC is a leading organization of the nation’s top construction leaders, providing a forum to share knowledge, advance best practices, and address emerging industry challenges while promoting professional growth through awards, scholarships, mentorship programs, and hosting high-level events such as roundtables, symposiums and webinars. Its collective expertise helps drive safer, more efficient, and sustainable building practices nationwide.

Mr. Sleiman has extensive experience managing aviation, port and railway projects throughout the country and is widely respected for inspiring innovation and career pathways in construction. His appointment reflects his personal contributions to the industry and underscores Suffolk’s reputation as a forward-thinking leader redefining how America builds.

Throughout his career, Mr. Sleiman has championed innovative technologies and processes that transform how airports and transportation hubs are designed and built. At Suffolk, he has advocated for the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, virtual modeling and other advanced tools that enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability, solidifying the firm’s reputation as an industry innovator.

Mr. Sleiman succeeds Christine Keville, whose leadership helped to elevate women in construction and strengthened the NAC’s impact nationwide. Under Mr. Sleiman’s guidance, the NAC will continue advancing its strategic goals focused on financial sustainability, governance, brand, impact, next-generation engagement and membership, ensuring the organization remains influential and forward-looking in its mission to “Transform the Industry to Build a Better Nation.”

“I am deeply honored to lead the National Academy of Construction,” said Mr. Sleiman. “As we enter a new era for our industry, I look forward to uniting our members around a shared vision that embraces innovation, cultivates diversity, and drives meaningful change across America’s built environment. Together, we will build not only great projects but a stronger and more resilient industry for generations to come.”

At its recent member annual meeting, the NAC welcomed 37 new members, its most diverse class to date, and recognized outstanding achievements through awards, scholarships and special project accolades. In his first address as Chair, Mr. Sleiman emphasized the importance of member participation in programs such as Executive Insights, the Get the Knack podcast, webinars, safety workshops, annual awards, and collaborative partnerships, noting that active engagement sustains the NAC’s impact.

Known for his deep understanding of client needs and operational insight, Mr. Sleiman shapes Suffolk’s transportation strategy, develops talent, and ensures all projects meet the firm’s highest standards of safety, quality and operational excellence.

Mr. Sleiman has overseen more than $7 billion in aviation and transportation projects, including Boston Logan International Airport’s $700 million Terminal E Modernization, $160 million Terminal C Optimization and Terminal C to B Connector, and $250 million Consolidated Rental Agency Complex (ConRAC). He also oversees business development and client relationship management for projects at Southwest Florida International Airport, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, Tampa International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.

About Suffolk

Suffolk is a national enterprise that builds, innovates, and invests. Suffolk is an end-to-end business that provides value throughout the entire project lifecycle by leveraging its core construction management services with vertical service lines that include real estate capital investment, design, self-perform construction services, technology start-up investment (Suffolk Technologies), and innovation research and development.

Suffolk – America’s Contractor – is a national company with more than $8 billion in annual revenue, 3,000 employees, and offices in Boston (headquarters); New York City and Westchester County, New York; Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, and Estero in Florida; Dallas; Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego; Las Vegas; Portland, Maine; New Haven, Connecticut; Herndon, Virginia; and Salt Lake City. Suffolk manages some of the most complex, sophisticated projects in the country, serving clients in every major industry sector, including healthcare, life sciences, education, gaming, transportation/aviation, federal government and public work, mission critical, advanced technology, and commercial. Suffolk is privately held and led by Founder, Chairman and CEO John Fish. Suffolk is ranked #8 on ENR’s list of “Largest Domestic Builders” and #10 on its list of “Top CM-at-Risk Contractors.” For more information, visit www.suffolk.com and follow Suffolk on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.