News

The Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated 34 graduates of its program Friday, March 4 as a part of the CLI Graduation celebration. Jim Mundy, chief operating officer (COO) of Contegra Construction, Co., received the Alumni Leadership Award.

Developed by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, the CLI provides the knowledge, skills and strategies that individuals and companies need in today’s challenging construction industry.

Program Co-Directors Chris Gordon, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, and Kristine Jarden, director of executive education in the SIUE School of Business, oversaw the ceremony.

“The CLI program is designed to align with leadership development needs of the rapidly changing construction industry,” said Gordon. “The CLI Advisory Board takes an active role in helping us continuously update this unique and innovative leadership development program to develop future building industry leaders.”

Mundy was a member of CLI’s 2005 class, and has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He joined Contegra Construction in 2016 as a project executive before rising to COO. His leadership and guidance, as well as his ability to motivate and create a common vision has played a key role in the company’s growth and success.

Mundy was instrumental in forming the company’s charitable foundation, Contegra Cares, which works to strengthen the community. He has helped raise more than $100,000 for Pedal the Cause in the fight against cancer, volunteers to help cook dinners for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, and donates his time raising funds for KidStruction Week, the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium, local law enforcement, Songs4Soldiers, and the Backstoppers.

He is actively involved in the Southern Illinois Builders Association, local Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, Edwardsville CEO Program, and volunteers his time to present project management experience and knowledge to students in SIUE’s construction management program.

“We are pleased to present Jim with the CLI Alumni Leadership Award,” said Gordon. “Jim’s sustained commitment to advancing the building industry and community during his career exemplifies CLI’s mission to produce accomplished leaders who will improve the processes and outcomes in the construction industry.”

CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

Since CLI’s creation, over 500 emerging leaders and executives have benefitted from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call 618-650-2668.

Photos:  (Front Row L-R) Brandon Lange, Ryan Kurwicki, Justin Luitjohan, Nick Bievenue, Anthony Michael, Alec Searcy, Tom Baker (Row 2 L-R) Greg Williams, Linsey Hunt, Jessica Frazier, Gwen Arenberg (Row 3 Row L-R) Patrick Randle, Josh Woolard, Tyler Recker, Phil Midiri, Jordan Grant, Zach Dennis, Adam Robertson, Tim Simon (Row 4 Row L-R) Megan Banks, Jonathan Staley, Zach Heck, Phil Kingdon, Brian Timmerman, Curtis Gill, Ken Booth, Dylan Bentley, Kaleb Kampwerth., Josh Grenzebach, Lee Peppin, Spencer King. (Missing: Kyle Moellering, Mary Gacioch, Jacob Blanton)

CLI Alumni Leadership Award recipient Jim Mundy, chief operating officer (COO) of Contegra Construction, Co.