RoadSafe Traffic Systems Appoints Jim Connell as Chief Executive Officer
RoadSafe Traffic Systems, Inc., a leading provider of traffic control, pavement marking, and roadway safety services across North America, has announced the appointment of Jim Connell as its new Chief Executive Officer. Connell succeeds Dave Meirick, who is stepping down from his role as interim CEO but will continue to support the company as a member of its Board of Directors.
The leadership transition marks an important milestone for RoadSafe as it continues to expand its national footprint while reinforcing its long-standing commitment to safety, operational excellence, and customer service.
Leadership Transition Supports Continued Growth
RoadSafe’s Board of Directors conducted an extensive search process to identify a leader capable of guiding the company through its next phase of growth. According to the company, Connell’s appointment reflects a deliberate effort to align RoadSafe’s strategic objectives with leadership that brings both operational discipline and a people-first mindset.
Dave Meirick, who has served as interim CEO, expressed confidence in the transition and optimism about the company’s future under Connell’s leadership.
“We are thrilled that Jim will lead RoadSafe through its next chapter of growth,” Meirick said. “His appointment is the result of a comprehensive process to ensure we selected the right leader for RoadSafe’s future. Jim is an exceptional business executive with a proven track record of building and scaling successful organizations. He also has a deep appreciation for RoadSafe’s culture of safety, integrity, and customer satisfaction, which remains central to everything we do.”
Jim Connell Brings Deep Industry and Commercial Expertise
Connell joins RoadSafe with more than two decades of experience in infrastructure services, construction-adjacent industries, and large-scale operations. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer at Centuri, a leading provider of utility infrastructure services.
In that role, Connell was responsible for overseeing Centuri’s coordinated commercial strategy, including business development, customer engagement, and long-term strategic planning. He played a key role in driving growth into new geographic markets and emerging industry segments while supporting enterprise-wide organic expansion.
Since joining Centuri in 2006, Connell held multiple leadership positions with increasing responsibility across customer operations, operational support services, and corporate strategy. His tenure was marked by a strong focus on aligning commercial execution with operational performance—an approach that RoadSafe views as critical to sustaining growth while maintaining safety and service standards.
Prior to Centuri, Connell worked at Deere & Company within the Worldwide Construction and Forestry Division, where he gained valuable experience supporting complex equipment, infrastructure, and construction markets.
Connell holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.
Commitment to Safety, People, and Service
As he steps into the CEO role, Connell emphasized his respect for RoadSafe’s culture and his commitment to strengthening the company’s core values.
“I’m honored to lead the RoadSafe team,” Connell said. “This company’s foundation is rooted in a culture of safety and service, and I look forward to working alongside our talented employees to build on that legacy. Together, we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our people and the communities we serve, while delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving sustainable, long-term growth.”
RoadSafe’s operations play a critical role in ensuring roadway safety for workers, drivers, and communities—making leadership alignment around safety culture especially important as the company continues to scale.
Investor Support Highlights Strategic Confidence
RoadSafe is backed by leading global investment firms Investcorp and Trilantic, both of which expressed strong support for Connell’s appointment and appreciation for Meirick’s leadership during the transition period.
Amit Gaind, Senior Managing Director at Investcorp, credited Meirick with positioning RoadSafe for future success while endorsing Connell as the right leader for the next stage.
“RoadSafe has performed exceptionally well under Dave’s leadership, and we thank him for establishing a strong platform for continued success,” Gaind said. “Jim’s experience in commercial service businesses, combined with his people-first leadership style, makes him ideally suited to guide RoadSafe forward while remaining true to its core mission of safety and service.”
Charles Fleischmann, Partner at Trilantic, echoed those sentiments, emphasizing both continuity and innovation.
“Dave’s tenure has positioned RoadSafe for long-term success,” Fleischmann said. “We are confident that Jim will build on that momentum. His leadership approach and deep industry knowledge will ensure continuity while bringing a fresh perspective that advances RoadSafe’s commitment to customers, employees, and communities.”
With Connell at the helm, RoadSafe aims to continue expanding its service offerings, investing in employee development, and strengthening relationships with public and private sector clients. The company’s leadership transition reflects a broader strategy focused on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to safety.
As infrastructure investment and roadway safety demands continue to rise, RoadSafe’s leadership believes the company is well-positioned to meet evolving market needs while staying true to the values that have defined its success.
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