RYAN CLARK

Senior Vice President, Midwest & West Coast Transportation

"People work best when they are focused on their passions. My goal is to build high-performing teams by recognizing individual strengths and ensuring that every person has the resources and support they need to succeed."

A Career Rooted in Chicago’s Infrastructure

Ryan Clark’s two-decade career in construction is a story of strategic growth and a deep connection to the Chicago landscape. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Civil Engineering, Ryan spent ten years at Kiewit, followed by a decade at Granite, where he was instrumental in building and scaling the Chicago civil construction market. Throughout his journey, Aldridge was a constant presence as a respected peer and collaborator on signature projects at O’Hare International Airport. Ultimately, Ryan’s decision to join Aldridge in late 2025 was driven by a personal alignment with a company that was truly invested in his long-term success.

Driving Innovation and Market Differentiation

As a Senior Vice President in the Transportation division, Ryan provides executive oversight for some of the company’s most complex infrastructure projects. He is a vocal advocate for the Foster Innovation core value, refusing to accept the status quo and constantly seeking new ideas to stay ahead of the market. Ryan identifies the company’s internal Construction Services capabilities as our strongest market differentiators. By applying advanced Virtual Design and Construction modeling to projects, he ensures that Aldridge provides the schedule certainty and technical precision required for large-scale infrastructure pursuits.

Leading with Passion and a Commitment to Support

At the heart of Jim’s leadership is a deep relatability to the craft, rooted in his own history of manual labor during his younger years. He resonates most with the core value of ‘Put People First’, frequently spending time in the field with his workforce to show the human side of the business. As an early champion of the company’s safety journey, Jim believes that a culture of care has fundamentally changed the industry for the better. He is dedicated to creating a work environment that supports the whole person, believing that when families are connected to the mission, the professional and personal lives of his team are more deeply enriched.

Education

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S. in Civil Engineering

Associations

  • Chicago Infrastructure Peer Groups

  • Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association 

Personal Interests

  • Traveling and annual family road trips

  • Supporting his four children’s athletics 

  • Exploring the outdoors and staying active in the Chicago community