Leopardo Welcomes Eric Dey as Vice President of Operations for Ohio

Leopardo Construction is pleased to announce that Eric Dey has joined the company as Vice President of Operations for its Ohio office. In his role, Dey will oversee operational strategy, project execution, and team development across Ohio, supporting Leopardo’s expanding regional footprint while strengthening relationships with clients, trade partners, and industry stakeholders. 

Dey brings more than two decades of construction leadership experience, most recently serving as Vice President of Construction Services at TriMark SS Kemp & Co., where he oversaw all construction operations, led multidisciplinary teams, and managed more than $100 million in annual backlog across hundreds of projects. His background includes executive-level oversight of operations, budgeting, contract negotiations, process development, and team mentorship, with a strong emphasis on delivering consistent, high-quality outcomes.

Prior to that, Dey spent a decade with The Albert M. Higley Co., where he specialized in leading high-dollar, highly complex healthcare construction projects throughout Ohio. His portfolio includes major hospital expansions, occupied-space renovations, and phased healthcare environments requiring extensive coordination, safety planning, and stakeholder alignment. He is a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC) and an active member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE).

“Eric is a strategic addition to our leadership team and a strong cultural fit for Leopardo,” said Steve Smith, Executive Vice President. “He brings a deep understanding of complex construction environments, a proven ability to lead large teams, and a relationship-first mindset that aligns perfectly with how we operate. As we continue to invest in Ohio and thoughtfully expand our presence, Eric will play a key role in strengthening our operations and supporting sustainable growth.”

Leopardo has already established a strong foundation in Ohio with the successful delivery of 1060 Bolivar, a multifamily residential community in downtown Cleveland, and 45 Erieview, a large-scale office-to-residential conversion that required extensive coordination and adaptive reuse expertise. The firm is also preparing to break ground on Belle Oaks, a highly anticipated class-A, multi-family and mixed-use development in Richmond Heights.

Dey’s appointment reflects Leopardo’s deliberate investment in experienced leadership to support its growing Ohio portfolio and continued expansion within specialized sectors that demand operational rigor and long-term client trust.

“I’m excited to join Leopardo at such an important point in the company’s growth,” said Dey. “Leopardo’s 50-year legacy of strong relationships, integrity, and problem-solving excellence immediately stood out to me. Combined with a robust pipeline and a bright future ahead in Ohio, it’s clear this is a company deeply committed to its people, its partners, and the communities it serves.”