Hank Adams Kiewit’s name is foremost among leaders whose vision and efforts have shaped industries and communities. Hank is the embodiment of the combination of professional excellence and philanthropic spirit, and he goes by the sobriquet of presently being the Executive Vice President at the Peter Kiewit Sons’ Company. He was an innovator of construction with a passion for giving back and his impact on the industry and society as a whole has long been felt.

A Strong Foundation: Education and Early Life

Hank’s beginning was based on a solid academic foundation. After finishing his educational journey at the State University of New York, Delhi, he received an Associate in Applied Science (AAS).

This program gave him hands-on experience in the world of construction and wanted a hands-on experience that would serve him in the future. Hank did not stop at a bachelor’s degree, however, and went on to gain a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University. 

Additionally, this educational background gave him an advantage in terms of getting engineering and technical knowledge but it also helped in assuming the role of project manager, establishment designer, and leadership principles.

Particularly Hank’s academic endeavors are what make his future career appear like an unbelievable combination of experience, vision, ability to adapt, and further development of a particular field.

The Kiewit Legacy: A Career of Excellence

It was in 1979 that the beginning of Hank’s journey with Peter Kiewit Sons’ companies began, a significant time in both his career and his role in the company’s future. As a field engineer, he started, and quickly proved himself able, as superintendent, project manager, and district manager. His rise did not just happen because he was fulfilling responsibilities, it was because he was leading through challenges taking every chance to innovate.

Hank has been intimately involved in a very wide range of high-profile projects over the years with their triumphs and challenges. Among the most notable are:

Queensboro Bridge Rehabilitation: Hank’s ability to lead large and complex and high stakes infrastructure projects was evidenced in Queensboro Bridge Rehabilitation, a massive project to rehabilitate one of New York City’s most essential transportation arteries.

Willis Avenue Bridge Project: Hank’s forward-thinking results in reduced traffic disruptions and lower total costs with Willis Avenue Bridge Project, as this project utilized innovative offsite construction techniques to minimize traffic disruptions and bring down total costs.

World Trade Center Site Development: Hank’s perhaps most important contribution was after the 9/11 tragedy. In the rapid reconstruction of Ground Zero, starting soon after, Hank played a key role, including the installation of a new slurry wall that gave the site a more usable area for future development.

Hank’s extraordinary leadership and his capability of leading teams to overcome the most difficult and high-profile tasks are highlighted in these projects, making Kiewit remain the leader of the construction.

Leadership Philosophy: Building Teams and Mentoring

Hank Adams Kiewit’s style of leadership is characterized by collaboration as well as vision. He has faith in the ability of teamwork and clear communication and trusts that no matter what, every team member will have the chance to use their skills and ideas. From his previous experience in applied science and the field of construction engineering, he has gained a unique perspective from which to formulate creditable bridging of technical knowledge with strategic decision-making.

Additionally, Hank’s dedication to team development is what separates him from other leaders. He is not just only managing people but also helping emerging professionals in the industry. As it relates to project delivery, Hank does not believe that empowering one individual will give you higher quality outcomes; rather he believes it will be done by empowering all the individuals, creating a culture of excellence throughout the entire organization. His leadership style has created a new generation of professionals who will carry on his tradition of innovation and success.

Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community

The legacy of this man goes well beyond his professional achievements. His dedication to philanthropy and community engagement is one of the hallmarks of his legacy. Throughout his life, Hank has been deeply committed to many charity organizations; he has helped a great deal of charity work that focuses on education, children’s health, and cancer research. The Moles Charitable Fund and the CureSearch Children’s Cancer Research Institute are the two organizations he benefits.

Hank has proved through these and other philanthropic endeavors to be dedicated to social responsibility, believing that businesses should endeavor positively toward the communities in which they operate. Not one to measure success with numbers at the bottom line, it becomes evident that his success goes beyond the bottom line and is also supportive of several causes.

Hank Adams Kiewit’s Moments of Achievements

Hank’s reputation in the construction industry and philanthropy have not gone unnoticed. Throughout his career, he has been given many awards because of his impact on the field.

• Distinguished Alumnus Award from SUNY-Delhi in 2012

• Induction into the National Academy of Construction in 2017

• Golden Beaver Award for Supervision in 2019

• President of The Moles (2014), an organization that advances the field of heavy construction.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation, Leadership, and Giving

Hank Adams Kiewit had an impeccable blend of technical knowledge, visionary leadership, and dedication to giving back. Hank is a remarkable person who started from his educational foundations and rose with Kiewit to make an enormous impact in the construction industry. His leadership approach of collaboration, mentorship, and team development is something that has been left to impact both the company and the industry at large.

As well, Hank leaves a legacy as a philanthropist so his contributions reach far beyond the world of work. True success does not equate with professional achievements alone; success is also measured by the positive change one can have in the world. Hank Adams continues to be a role model for his successors and a beacon for all who wish to embody true pioneering of construction and philanthropy.