Granite Appoints J. Timothy Romer as New Board Member
Granite , a leading infrastructure contractor and construction materials company in the United States, announced today the appointment of J. Timothy Romer to its Board of Directors, effective September 8, 2025. The decision reflects Granite’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its governance structure, enhancing its leadership team with seasoned professionals, and ensuring that its long-term growth strategies are supported by a diverse range of expertise in construction, finance, and innovation.
A Strategic Appointment at a Pivotal Time
The infrastructure industry is entering a transformative period, driven by federal and state-level investment, growing demand for sustainable construction solutions, and advancements in technology that are reshaping how projects are designed, financed, and executed. Against this backdrop, Granite has made a deliberate move to expand its board with the appointment of Mr. Romer, whose nearly four decades of experience in finance and infrastructure position him as a valuable voice in guiding the company’s next phase of growth.
Granite, widely recognized for its civil construction projects, materials production, and commitment to sustainable practices, believes that strengthening its board with seasoned industry leaders will be critical in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Romer’s Distinguished Career in Finance and Infrastructure
Mr. Romer has built a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation, and a deep understanding of financial structures that enable large-scale infrastructure projects to succeed. He spent more than 30 years at two of the world’s most respected financial institutions—Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch.
At Goldman Sachs, Mr. Romer played a pivotal role in the Western Region Public Sector and Infrastructure Investment Banking group, helping states, municipalities, and infrastructure developers secure the capital required for essential public projects. His tenure at Merrill Lynch further solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor and strategist in public and private sector infrastructure financing.
Following his Wall Street career, Mr. Romer took on a new challenge as a partner at Foundation Credit, where he helped launch the firm’s infrastructure debt strategy. This initiative focused on targeted investments in essential public infrastructure, including transportation, water systems, energy, and social infrastructure assets. Today, he continues to serve on Foundation’s Infrastructure Opportunities Investment Committee, providing oversight and strategic guidance for the firm’s investments.
Operational Leadership Beyond Finance
Mr. Romer’s leadership experience is not confined to the financial services sector. He has also taken on senior operating roles in two private companies in the software and climate technology sectors. In these roles, he demonstrated adaptability and operational expertise, serving as both chief executive officer and chief financial officer at one company, and as chief financial officer at another. His ability to transition seamlessly between industries showcases his versatility, strategic thinking, and strong grasp of business fundamentals.
Commitment to Community and Education
Beyond his professional career, Mr. Romer has shown a deep commitment to community engagement and education. He currently serves on the board of the Chargers Impact Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting community-based initiatives throughout Southern California. The fund focuses on youth development, education, and health and wellness initiatives, underscoring Mr. Romer’s belief in leveraging leadership to create positive social impact.
His academic credentials further highlight his dedication to excellence. He earned his MBA with honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, where he developed a strong foundation in problem-solving, systems thinking, and technical analysis.
Granite’s Perspective on the Appointment
Mike McNally, Chair of Granite’s Board of Directors, welcomed Mr. Romer to the board with high praise:
“Tim’s deep understanding of how transformative infrastructure projects are financed and executed makes him a strong addition to our board. His insights will help guide our continued growth and innovation in the infrastructure space.”
McNally emphasized that Romer’s blend of financial expertise, operational leadership, and community engagement aligns perfectly with Granite’s mission to build a better future through infrastructure while creating value for shareholders, customers, and communities alike.
Why Romer’s Appointment Matters for Granite
Granite’s decision to appoint J. Timothy Romer is more than a routine addition to its board; it is a strategic move designed to strengthen governance and expand expertise in areas critical to the company’s future. Several factors make this appointment particularly significant:
- Navigating Complex Financing Models
As infrastructure projects become larger and more complex, innovative financing solutions are increasingly necessary. Romer’s deep background in infrastructure finance will be invaluable as Granite pursues opportunities created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and other public-private initiatives. - Driving Sustainable Infrastructure Development
With global emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience, Romer’s experience in climate technology companies and infrastructure debt investment positions him to guide Granite in aligning financial strategies with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. - Expanding Public-Private Partnerships
Romer’s decades of work with public entities and private investors equip him with insights into structuring public-private partnerships (PPPs)—an area of increasing relevance in the U.S. construction and infrastructure markets. - Strengthening Board Diversity of Expertise
While Granite’s board already includes experienced leaders from construction, operations, and business management, Romer brings fresh perspectives from the financial sector and the technology world, enriching the board’s collective expertise.
Granite’s Path Forward
Granite has built its reputation on delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across transportation, water, and materials sectors. As the company positions itself for continued success in a competitive market, its focus will be on:
- Leveraging digital tools and data-driven approaches to improve project efficiency.
- Investing in sustainable practices, including recycling materials and reducing emissions.
- Expanding its portfolio of complex infrastructure projects supported by innovative financing structures.
- Building partnerships with public agencies and private investors to meet the growing demand for resilient infrastructure.
Mr. Romer’s appointment is expected to play a key role in helping Granite achieve these objectives, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of an industry that is both evolving rapidly and facing increasing scrutiny for accountability and impact.
