Long-Time Employees to Now Helm Six Decades Plus Legacy Firm
Irvine/El Segundo, CA (March 10, 2023) – Snyder Langston, one of Southern California’s leading commercial and multi-family builders, now in its 64th year of operation, has announced a leadership change appointing Jason Rich as Chief Executive Officer, Lee Watkins as President/Chief Operating Officer, and Jo-E Lopez as Chief Relationship Officer. The announcement comes at the 8-year milestone in a 10-year succession plan led by Snyder Langston Executive Chairman Steve Jones and Chairman John Rochford.
Rich joined Snyder Langston in 2002 making his leadership ascension through operational accomplishment consistent with Snyder Langston’s culture of building careers from within its organization. As CEO, Rich is responsible for setting the vision of the company and furthering Snyder Langston’s reputation as a Trusted Advisor to its clients. “We have an amazing company culture that I have had the pleasure of being part of and shaped for more than 20 years. While I am proud of the work and client relationships that have sustained us more than 60 years, I am excited about what the future holds for our people, our clients, and the industry,” said Rich.
Watkins joined Snyder Langston in 2013. His vast work experience has emphasized healthcare and behavioral health including construction of the new Be Well OC campus. Guided by his values of integrity, quality, commitment, and continuous improvement, Watkins is driven by his high standards for excellence, efficiency, and creating a mutually rewarding building experience for all stakeholders. As President/COO, Watkins will maintain focus on operational excellence, quality management, securing new and repeat business, while developing and growing the best people in the industry through Snyder Langston University.
Lopez joined Snyder Langston in 2006. Since that time, she has epitomized excellence in building client relationships that drive revenue and results towards the firms’ strategic plan as well as diversifying the firm’s market sectors to better weather economic cycles. As CRO she will continue to build the firm’s brand and seek ways to increase its impact on local communities through its employee charitable giving program BRIDGE, and Snyder Langston’s newly launched scholarship program that supports college students pursuing construction industry careers.
Under Snyder Langston’s three service lines, including Commercial, Residential and Optym for special projects, the firm’s vast construction portfolio encompasses some of the region’s most iconic buildings with projects in entertainment studios, faith-based, healthcare/behavioral health, multi-family, senior living, office, private education, retail, and renovations.
“We are committed to honoring the legacy of Don Snyder and Bill Langston that is founded in building with mastery. As Snyder Langston’s new leaders, Jason, Lee and Jo-E exemplify all of the characteristics that have made Snyder Langston successful. They will continue to focus on client satisfaction, innovation, diversity, and charity, ensuring we operate at the highest level and that what and how we build meets the needs of a new generation, while maintaining our robust culture,” said Rochford.