JOHN R. LAWSON II

Construction is in John R. Lawson II’s blood. His late father co-founded W.M. Jordan; Lawson joined the company as a field engineer in 1975, after graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in geophysics. He has since served on Tech’s board of visitors and as rector. Lawson also helped fund the university’s Myers-Lawson School of Construction and serves on its industry executive board. In 2017, he received the university’s highest honor, the William H. Ruffner Medal, which recognizes those who have performed notable and distinguished service to Virginia Tech.

Lawson became president and CEO of W.M. Jordan in 1985, leading the company’s growth into one of the largest construction managers in Virginia, with $725 million in fiscal 2024 revenue. He transitioned to executive chairman in 2018, after the company played key roles in the Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club’s restoration and construction of the Hilton Norfolk The Main hotel, among many other projects.

In addition to his service as a Hokie, Lawson is active in his local community. He serves on Christopher Newport University’s board of visitors, TowneBank’s Peninsula regional board, the Hampton Roads Alliance’s board of directors and the Peninsula Airport Commission.