After an extensive nationwide search, Skanska announced that Anita Woolley Nelson has been hired as Chief Strategy Officer for the company’s building operations. In this role, she will lead efforts to identify, develop, and help implement the company’s strategic goals.
Nelson will join the USA Building Senior Leadership Team and lead the initiative to analyze emerging trends and harness market data and analysis to ensure the health, viability, and sustainability of the business going forward. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Nelson brings a proven track record and a new and exciting dynamic to Skanska. She will provide insight into developing the company’s business plan while working alongside Chief Operating Officer Chris Toher.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anita to the Skanska family, and are confident that she will establish herself as a driving force behind Skanska’s growth and success for years to come,” said President & CEO Paul Hewins for Skanska’s USA building operations. “Anita has proven herself a trusted advisor, creative thinker, and a true standout expert in the industry.”
Nelson joins Skanska from AECOM’s Construction Services Group, where she served as Senior Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Communications. In this role, she led the development and implementation of the Construction Services Group’s global strategy over a diverse portfolio of businesses in the buildings, civil, power, industrial and oil and gas markets. . Nelson’s leadership helped grow the business from $2 billion to more than $7 billion during her tenure. Her career has brought her to five global regions, including the United Arab Emirates. She also oversaw the strategy and integration for a number of high-profile mergers and acquisitions.
Throughout her career, Nelson has proven herself adept at tackling complex problems and has consistently exceeded expectations in a variety of roles. In recognition of her dedication, outstanding technical ability, and advocacy for women in construction, Nelson has accumulated several industry-wide awards, including Engineering News-Record’s 2019 Top Young Professionals list, Building Design + Construction’s 40 Under 40 2019 list, and Professional Women in Construction’s 2018 20 Under 40 Outstanding Women in Construction Award.
Nelson has established herself an advocate for women in construction. She served on the board of the Women’s Builder’s Council from late 2017 to May of 2019, where she created Women Build New York, an event focused on tackling issues around inclusion and creating a culture of diversity within the industry.
Nelson graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts before receiving her Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In addition to her role with the Women’s Builder’s Council, she is a member of the Urban Land Institute and a past Board Member with NYC Salt.