Stephen E. Sandherr, who has led the Associated General Contractors of America since 1996, is retiring next spring. He will be succeeded as CEO by Jeffrey D. Shoaf, the chief operating officer. AGC announced the changes Oct. 30, and said they will take effect March 31.

AGC has 89 chapters and more than 27,000 member firms. Shoaf, 59, has been in its second-ranking position since 2017. He joined the group in 1994 to lead its government relations activities. Earlier, Shoaf was on staff at the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

“Jeff’s background, experience and dedication to our mission made him the right choice for the job,” said Dan Fordice, AGC's 2002 president and who chair of the selection committee of seven former AGC presidents. Fordice also is vice president of Vicksburg, Miss.-based Fordice Construction.

Shoaf said in a statement, “This is a great honor for me and a heady responsibility.” He added, “Steve has enhanced AGC’s stature within the construction industry and with key decision-makers for more than 30 years.”

Major Industry Issues Ahead

Shoaf faces no shortage of critical issues, including a persistent shortage of qualified craft workers, inflation that has pushed up prices of construction materials and new developments in technology that have changed how the industry operates. 

He also is slated to begin his tenure as the 2024 presidential and congressional campaigns heat up, with the outcomes sure to have an effect on the size of federal construction markets.

Shoaf declined ENR's request for an interview. Brian Turmail, AGC's vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives, said Shoaf wants to spend the next several months "really listening to members and chapters and AGC staff about priorities and working with Steve on the transition plan."

Turmail said that Shoaf "is eager to talk about his plans for the future once they're formulated and as we get closer to the transition."

AGC's current president, Lester C. Snyder III, said that Sandherr "has built a fantastic team at AGC, elevated our advocacy efforts and committed the organization to address all issues affecting the construction industry.” Snyder is executive vice president of Brightline West, a planned high-speed-rail line in Las Vegas.

Sandherr, 65, had two stints at AGC. He joined the group in 1984 as a labor attorney and two years later was named a labor lobbyist. 

Sandherr left to join a private law firm and in 1989 moved to the National Association of Home Builders as labor and small business counsel.

He rejoined AGC in 1991 as executive director for government relations and was promoted to CEO six years later.

Asked why Sandherr is retiring, Turmail said, "He's eager to spend more time with his wife Cynthia and enjoy some well-earned time off."