Rockford Construction announced today that Tom McGovern has been named chief operating officer and Shane Napper, former executive vice president, will succeed McGovern as president of construction.

“As we continue to grow in size and sophistication, our leadership team must grow as well,” said Mike VanGessel, Rockford’s CEO.

In his new role as COO, McGovern will be responsible for the implementation of overall corporate strategy and the integration of Rockford’s groups –development, construction and property management–with core company resources–human resources, information technology and operations. VanGessel said McGovern’s efforts will ensure Rockford remains efficient, adaptable, highly innovative and responsive to clients’ needs.

Napper, as president of construction, will lead Rockford’s sales efforts, expand client relationships and ensure high-performing, cost-effective construction for clients, according to VanGessel. “Shane is the right person to fill this role and lead our company into the future. He is a builder at heart and his reputation for accuracy, reliability and integrity in our community is strong. He will lead our team to strive for excellence in all that we do.”

Napper, who joined Rockford in 1997, has had diverse opportunities within the organization from project supervision and project management to preconstruction, sales, and trades leadership before being named executive vice president in 2014 and president of construction in 2016.

In nearly 19 years at Rockford, Napper has been instrumental in many of Rockford’s largest and most complex projects including the Grand Rapids Art Museum, a 153,000-square-foot., LEED Gold-certified art museum in Grand Rapids’ urban core. He will continue to serve an integral role for clients like Kawasaki Motors Corporation, Amway Corporation, Davenport University, Rehoboth Christian Schools and Hillsdale College.

Napper is a graduate of Ferris State University where he currently serves on the Industry Advisory Board. He is also a leader in the Construction Specifications Institute organization.

In 2010, McGovern accepted the role of president of construction and Kurt Hassberger became president of Rockford Development as well as COO of Rockford. Their leadership was critical to the growth of Rockford’s talent and capabilities.

In 2014, Hassberger retained the role of president of Rockford Development and accepted the position as chairman of the board. McGovern retained his position as president of construction, and was asked to take over the role of COO. During the past two years, Rockford has been the beneficiary of their talents and dedication. The company’s operations continue to push the boundaries of innovation, technology, efficiency and excellence while Rockford’s development group has completed projects that transform individual buildings, Grand Rapids’ West Side neighborhood and the larger Grand Rapids community.

With McGovern as COO and Napper as president of construction, Hassberger will remain in his role as president of Rockford Development and chairman of the board.

“Rockford enjoys a strong reputation and our future is bright, but much work remains. We must continue to raise the bar on our own performance to deliver on our brand promise as ‘Builders of a Changing World’,” said VanGessel. “This has been, and will remain, our number one focus.”

VanGessel continued, “We are confident in Kurt, Tom and Shane’s abilities to embrace changing roles and leadership responsibilities. We know they will honor Rockford’s history and heritage while steering a course for the future that is truly groundbreaking.”