Dave Callis serves as Chief Executive Officer of Swinerton, a leading construction firm with over 130 years of history. His journey from project manager to top leader shows a hands-on approach that simplifies complex builds for teams and clients alike.
Dave Callis started his career in construction right after earning a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering from California State University, Long Beach. He spent his first years as a Project Manager at Kitchell from 1988 to 1992, where he gained solid skills in running day-to-day operations on real job sites. From 1992 to 2002, he moved to Haskell as Vice President, sharpening his ability to handle larger projects and teams across different markets.
These early roles built his practical know-how. Callis learned the ropes by solving problems on the ground, like keeping schedules tight and budgets in check during tough builds. His time at these firms taught him that small decisions can make a big difference in getting projects done right and on time. By focusing on clear communication and smart planning, he turned challenging sites into smooth operations.
Joining Swinerton
In 2001, Callis joined Swinerton Builders as a Senior Project Manager in Orange County, California. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Senior Vice President in 2017 and joining the Board of Directors that same year. By 2018, he was Executive Vice President and part of the Executive Committee, helping shape company-wide strategies.
At Swinerton, an employee-owned firm headquartered in San Francisco, Callis took on regional leadership as SoCal Regional Manager from 2016 to 2020. He oversaw projects that demanded teamwork across trades, suppliers, and clients. His practical experience from earlier jobs helped him spot ways to cut delays and waste, making construction feel less overwhelming for everyone involved. In January 2020, he stepped up as President, supporting outgoing CEO Eric Foster while pushing steady growth.
Leadership Style
Callis leads with a steady, team-first approach that puts people at the center. He values Swinerton’s employee-ownership model, which encourages workers to think like owners by openly sharing successes and challenges. Rather than issuing top-down orders, he focuses on clear goals and trust, letting teams make quick on-site calls.
His style shines in his ability to simplify complex processes. For instance, he supports better tools and training that make daily tasks easier, like streamlined scheduling and safety checks that save time without cutting corners. Colleagues note his calm presence during high-pressure moments, where he listens first and acts decisively. This builds loyalty and keeps projects moving forward efficiently. Foster, who retired in January 2024, called him the “perfect person” for the role, praising his commitment to growth and fresh ideas.
Callis also emphasizes collaboration with clients and partners. He meets them where they are, breaking down technical details into plain talk so everyone understands timelines and costs. This open style reduces surprises and builds lasting relationships, turning one-off jobs into repeat business.
Achievements
As President from January 2020 and CEO from January 2024, Callis and his team grew Swinerton’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) portfolio to over $1 billion. Projects under their watch include the Salinas Police Station, the County of Orange Civic Center, the Quartz Library, and the McKinney Airport Hangar. These wins show his knack for blending public needs with private efficiency, delivering on time and under budget.
He helped expand the firm’s nationwide reach with his team, supporting moves into the mid-Atlantic and New England markets as part of a 10-year vision. Swinerton tackled high-profile builds like the Oceanwide Center in San Francisco, a massive mixed-use tower that navigated pandemic delays, building on efforts from before his presidency. His focus on innovation, like renewable energy services and renovations, has boosted the company’s reputation as a go-to partner for sustainable, reliable construction.
These efforts have strengthened Swinerton’s position as a national powerhouse. By prioritizing practical upgrades, Callis and his team made projects safer and faster, impacting thousands of jobs and communities. His track record proves how targeted leadership can ease the industry’s pain points, from labor shortages to rising costs.
Personal Approach and Future Plans
Callis approaches his work with warmth and realism, rooted in his home in Huntington Beach, California. He stays connected to the field by visiting sites often, chatting with crews about what works and what doesn’t. This ground-level touch keeps him relatable, reminding him that construction succeeds when it’s simple and human-centered.
Looking ahead, he plans to drive more innovation at Swinerton, like adopting tech for better project tracking and green building practices. Callis aims to grow the employee-ownership culture, creating opportunities for the next generation while expanding into new markets. His vision keeps the company agile, ready to make construction easier for years to come, always with an eye on delivering real value to clients and teams.
