MARK PATTERSON

Executive Vice President, Transportation Transit

"Major infrastructure projects are behemoths that move slow, and success requires incredible patience. It is often like a game of poker; you have to hunker down, align your strategies, and be prepared for the long haul to ensure the best outcome for the company and the client."

A Global Foundation of Technical Grit

Mark Patterson’s career began at the age of 16 as an apprentice with British Rail, an experience that instilled in him a "take no prisoners" work ethic and a thick skin. After moving to the United States in 1996 for a large-scale electrification project, he spent nearly 30 years managing complex transit and rail systems across the country. Mark joined Aldridge in 2019, drawn by the values of a family-owned company after decades of working within the rigid structures of equity-owned firms. His background as a control and protection engineer gives him a deep technical understanding of the work, allowing him to lead with a perspective that balances engineering precision with high-level strategic management.

Navigating the Complexity of Major Projects

Mark specializes in the management of massive, multiyear transit projects exceeding $100 million in value. He views the Aldridge advantage as a combination of elite craft delivery and sophisticated commercial oversight. Whether navigating the challenges of the Minneapolis Green Line or the strategic negotiations of large-scale fiber projects, Mark focuses on the overall management of clients, subcontractors, and commercial risks. He believes in building executive-level relationships that provide a layer of support for his teams when projects face adversity. By being selective and deliberate about the pursuits they chase, Mark ensures that Aldridge remains a leader in the nation’s most technical infrastructure markets.

Leading with Trust and a Culture of Care

At the heart of Mark’s leadership philosophy is a commitment to trust and a refusal to micromanage. He believes in recruiting the best talent and then empowering them to build the necessary relationships to succeed. Mark is a vocal advocate for the Aldridge safety culture, which he describes as the most intense and effective he has seen in his 40 year career. He values the family’s willingness to invest in people, equipment, and processes, noting that the "we are all in it together" mentality creates a refreshing contrast to the disciplinarian cultures found elsewhere in the industry. Outside of his professional life, Mark enjoys the coastal lifestyle of Jacksonville, Florida, where he spends his time boating, fishing, and enjoying weekends with his four granddaughters.

Education

  • Higher National Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (UK)

  • Time-served Apprenticeship, British Rail

Personal Interests

  • Boating and beach activities 

  • Hunting and fishing

  • Golfing

  • Spending time with his family