Thomas M. Holder serves as Chairman of Holder Construction Company, a position he has held since 1997, after serving as President and CEO from 1989 until stepping down from the CEO role in 2021. He joined the firm in 1976, bringing nearly 50 years of direct involvement that helped grow it into one of America’s top 25 contractors, known for projects in aviation, technology, education, and commercial spaces. His steady hand and focus on strong client ties, where repeat business makes up over 90% of work, have simplified tough builds for major clients, making delivery smoother and more dependable.
Thomas M. Holder graduated from Georgia Tech and began his career at Holder Construction in 1976 with preconstruction services. He soon shifted to operations, working as a project engineer, project manager, and senior project manager. These roles built his strong grasp of construction from start to finish, grounding his later decisions in real-world know-how.
Rise to Leadership
Holder advanced steadily, earning Vice President in 1986 and then President and CEO in 1989. In 1997, he added the title of Chairman while continuing to lead daily operations until 2021. Since its founding in 1960, the company has expanded to eight offices, serving clients nationwide with a focus on key sectors like aviation, tech, education, and commercial projects.
Holder builds leadership around trust, teamwork, and close client relationships, viewing the company as one united group. This shows in the high rate of repeat work, driven by attentive listening and reliable follow-through. His style streamlines projects through open talk and common goals, helping teams avoid common hurdles and work more smoothly together.
Key Achievements
Holder’s tenure saw the completion of standout projects like Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the Atlanta Falcons, data centers for Apple and Google, and campus facilities for Ohio State and Clemson universities. These efforts reflect his ability to manage large-scale work effectively, fostering growth and steady client trust. The company’s rise in rankings and project portfolio stands as clear proof of its lasting mark.
Personal Approach
Holder has been married to Beth Holder for over 40 years and remains active in his Atlanta community. He chairs boards for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Georgia Tech Foundation, and also serves on the boards of the Westside Future Fund, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and Georgia Power. His commitment to these groups highlights a hands-on, community-minded outlook that mirrors his work ethic.
