Kim Roy’s interest in Construction began at a young age. She recalls that after church on Sundays, her mother would take her and her siblings to look at model homes, sparking her curiosity about building. This early exposure led her to pursue drafting classes in high school and a degree in Construction at Virginia Tech, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction.
Career at HITT Contracting
In 1999, Kim Roy joined HITT Contracting as an assistant project manager. Over the years, she advanced through various roles, gaining experience in both field operations and corporate management. Her work included overseeing complex tenant fit-outs and new construction projects, delivering more than 6.5 million square feet of space.
Her leadership abilities were recognized early on. In 2009, she was promoted to vice president, and by 2012, she became senior vice president in charge of preconstruction and strategy. Her responsibilities expanded further in 2015 when she was named executive vice president, leading the firm’s Healthcare sector, which delivers more than $100 million annually in hospital, ambulatory, and specialized patient care construction.
In December 2017, Kim Roy was appointed CEO of HITT Contracting, becoming the first non-family member to lead the company in its 84-year history. As CEO, she is responsible for defining key initiatives, identifying emerging markets, and executing the strategic vision of the board. She provides executive oversight for all corporate operations and leads the Corporate Steering Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Leadership Philosophy and Mentorship
Kim Roy is known for her commitment to developing talent within the company. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and leadership development. She initiated HITT’s Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) in 2015, a program designed to cultivate future executives and build a strong talent pipeline. Kim believes in empowering team members to take risks, self-correct, and find solutions to their mistakes, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
She also advocates for greater diversity in the construction industry. Recognizing that women represent about 10% of the construction workforce, she encourages young women to explore careers in Construction, highlighting the incredible opportunities the industry offers. She advises aspiring professionals to master the basics and have the courage to step out of their comfort zones, as significant leadership growth often comes from challenging experiences.
Industry Recognition and Impact
Under Kim Roy’s leadership, HITT Contracting has experienced significant growth. The company has expanded its services and achieved notable rankings among U.S. contractors. In 2022, HITT reported revenues of $5.4 billion and employed over 1,600 team members across 14 office locations nationwide.
Kim’s contributions to the industry have been recognized through various awards and honors. She has been featured in publications such as Washingtonian’s “Most Powerful Women” list and Virginia Business’ “Power 500” list. She was also named to Engineering News-Record’s “Top 20 Under 40” list in 2013 and Building Design + Construction Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2009.
Personal Insights and Vision
Kim Roy attributes her success to the guidance of her mentors and her passion for the construction industry. She believes in the power of listening to her team and embracing change to improve the organization. Her leadership is characterized by a balance of strategic vision and a hands-on approach, ensuring that HITT Contracting continues to innovate and lead in the construction sector.
In her own words, “Construction drives our economy, creates careers, and defines the built world around us. At HITT, we’re delivering incredible experiences for our clients, partners, and team members that lead to the most trusting relationships. We’ll never stop challenging the status quo in our quest to advance the construction industry.”
