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 his core, Ryan is a leader who focuses on the human element of construction, believing that the strongest legacy is built by attracting and retaining the best people in the industry. His leadership philosophy is built on being a genuine resource for his teams, specifically during challenging project phases, where he is willing to get his hands dirty alongside them to ensure they feel supported rather than alone. Ryan believes every decision must serve the greater good of the enterprise, a mentality he reinforces through daily mentorship and active involvement in the field. Outside of work, Ryan is a dedicated husband and father of four, enjoying summer road trips with his family and staying actively involved in his children's sports and extracurricular activities.

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