Alexander
Westfield resident Ken Alexander discussed workforce development initiatives in the construction industry with Purdue University Construction Engineering and Management students. Alexander has spent the last 20 years in the construction industry making an impact across Hamilton County, both in the private and public sectors.
Alexander, who is currently Vice President of Carmel-based CTI Construction and Hamilton County Council District 4 candidate, spoke with other Purdue University graduates about the initiatives being implemented to combat workforce development issues affecting the construction industry. The discussion focused on the opportunities available in the industry and how Purdue’s Construction Engineering and Management program has influenced the careers of program graduates.
“As a Purdue University graduate of the program, I know it was the foundation to the success I’ve had in the construction industry. I enjoy any opportunity to give back to the program and the young leaders interested in workforce and construction,” said Alexander.
As an active Mentor in the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program of Indiana and previous board member, Alexander dedicates leading high school students and advocating for career opportunities in the industry.
Several construction companies who have worked on projects in Hamilton County participated in the discussion. These include: CTI (Alexander’s current employer), F.A. Wilhelm, Zurbuch Development, CBRE, Structurepoint, Pepper, and Fetters Construction.
The Purdue University Construction, Engineering and Management Department boasts more than 20 years of 100 percent placement for its graduating seniors.
About Ken Alexander’s impact in the construction industry in Hamilton County
As the former Director of Public Works for the City of Westfield, Alexander secured federal funding for five major projects, including the Monon Trail Bridge over State Road 32. Notably, he led a team to create a Regional Detention project to prevent future flooding of Westfield’s core. That improvement is now known as Grand Junction and is leading the way to revitalizing Westfield’s downtown as well as helping businesses and homes affected by the flooding in 2013.
In 2015, Ken was asked to lead the development of Grand Park, Westfield’s nationally recognized 400-acre sports campus, now home to the Indianapolis Colts training camp. After overseeing the completion of the facility, Ken was asked to serve as the executive director of Grand Park and provide oversight for construction of the Grand Park Events Center.