Shannon Construction is pleased to welcome Jerry Simms as Project Manager, supporting our Harrisburg operations at the Commonwealth Charter Academy projects in Harrisburg, PA.
With more than 20 years of experience in commercial, government, and data center construction, Jerry brings a proven ability to lead complex projects while building strong relationships with clients, project teams, and trade partners. Throughout his career, he has earned a reputation for bringing organization, collaboration, and steady leadership to challenging initiatives.
Jerry was drawn to Shannon Construction because of the company’s family-oriented culture, commitment to mentorship, and focus on professional growth. He was looking for an organization where teamwork and long-term development are valued as much as project success.
“High-performing teams aren’t born. They’re built through trust, communication, emotional intelligence, and a shared commitment to success.”
For Jerry, construction management is about more than schedules and budgets. He believes the best outcomes come from creating an environment where people can rely on each other, communicate openly, and demonstrate mutual respect. Whether guiding a complex project or mentoring the next generation of construction professionals, his focus remains the same: helping people succeed while delivering exceptional results.
Outside of work, Jerry enjoys restoring antique mechanical equipment, bicycling, volunteering to support elderly community members, and spending time with his family.
Please join us in welcoming Jerry to the Shannon Construction team as we continue growing our presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
In an industry increasingly shaped by compressed schedules, evolving technology, and constant demands, John J. “Jack” Bruce believes the fundamentals of construction have not really changed at all.
People still want to be heard. Projects still depend on trust. And problems are still solved through communication and relationships.
As Director of Projects at Shannon Construction, Jack brings decades of experience leading complex commercial, healthcare, higher education, and corporate projects across the construction industry. Over the course of his career, he has overseen major projects valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars for organizations including Dick’s Sporting Goods, UPMC, CONSOL, and Mylan. Yet ask him what matters most, and his answers rarely begin with buildings.
Jack’s perspective was shaped early through his family’s construction business, where he spent summers around machinery, tradespeople, and job sites long before entering the industry professionally.
“At that time, a lot of learning came through experience, repetition, and touch rather than technology,” Jack reflected. “I developed an appreciation for the trades and the people doing the work.”
Initially, Jack believed his career path would lead toward design and the creative side of construction. But while working alongside a commercial real estate developer early in his career, he discovered where he felt most fulfilled: collaborating with teams and solving complex problems that bring projects to life.
While construction has evolved dramatically over the years, Jack believes some of the industry’s biggest challenges today are rooted less in technical ability and more in communication.
Technology has transformed the pace of the business and created access to more information than ever before. At the same time, the fundamentals of construction remain unchanged, making communication and collaboration as important as ever.
“Listening is one of the most important skills people can develop,” Jack said. “When it comes down to it, we all want the same things. We want to provide for our families and do meaningful work.”
“When it comes down to it, we all want the same things.
That philosophy has shaped not only the way Jack approaches projects, but also how he approaches leadership.
Known for his direct but thoughtful communication style, Jack places a strong emphasis on mentorship, accountability, and helping younger professionals grow within the industry. Rather than solving every problem for his teams, he prefers to guide people toward solutions and encourage critical thinking.
“The two best questions you can ask are ‘why?’ and ‘why not?’” he said.
“There’s nothing wrong with being wrong…You just don’t want to keep making the same mistakes over and over.”
He credits much of his leadership approach to lessons learned from his late brother, Tom, whom he deeply admired. From Tom, he learned the importance of being direct, honest, and assertive when communicating, particularly in high-pressure situations where clarity and accountability matter most.
A trip to Baku with his wife Shelley of 40 years and their two sons left a particularly lasting impression on Jack. While there, he was struck by the city’s ability to preserve its historic architecture and cultural identity while embracing modern development around it.
“You had these ancient buildings and history preserved right alongside modern development,” Jack reflected. “It showed that progress does not have to come at the expense of experience or tradition.”
That balance between experience and new perspectives is something Jack values both within the construction industry and at Shannon Construction, where experienced professionals and younger team members continue learning from one another.
At the center of Jack’s leadership philosophy is trust.
“Nothing is more destructive than losing trust,” he said. “Integrity matters. Telling the truth matters, even when it is not what people want to hear.”
Jack also views leadership through the lens of stewardship and accountability. In discussing project management, he often returns to a simple philosophy: protecting the trust, resources, and investment of both the client and the Company.
“My responsibility is to be a good steward of the project and the people involved,” Jack said, referring to the accountability he feels toward both Shannon Construction and its clients.
Jack believes success in construction is finding the right balance between price, quality and the client’s long-term goals. “There’s rarely one perfect answer in construction. It’s all about finding the right balance.”
“There’s rarely one perfect answer in construction. It’s all about finding the right balance.
Throughout his career, one project that remained especially meaningful to Jack was the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. The 300,000-square-foot facility adjacent to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is home to one of the nation’s fastest-growing pediatric research programs.
At the time, Jack was early in his career and had recently become a father. The project left a lasting impression on him not simply because of its scale or complexity, but because of what the facility represented for children and families.
“It was rewarding knowing the work could help people and make a difference,” Jack reflected.
Today, the project carries even deeper meaning for Jack. Years later, his son is now completing a fellowship in pediatric cardiology, creating a full-circle connection to the work that once left such a lasting impression on him early in his career.
For Jack, construction has always been about more than buildings. It is about trust, communication, problem-solving, and helping people grow along the way.
Long-standing partnerships across Pittsburgh reflect the trust, adaptability, and collaboration that have shaped Shannon Construction for more than 55 years.
In commercial construction, projects may last months, but strong relationships can last generations.
At Shannon Construction, some of our most meaningful work has been built through consistency, collaboration, and shared history.
We’ve worked alongside property owners, developers, and institutions through changing industry needs and leadership transitions, including decades of work within US Steel Tower, retail and restaurant upgrades at Pittsburgh International Airport, and long-standing partnerships at Penn Center East.
Shannon Construction’s history within US Steel Tower dates back to the mid-1980s, when President Ken Schultz was selected by Galbreath Corporation to oversee projects within the building. His deep knowledge of the building helped establish relationships that have grown into more than 40 years of collaboration and hundreds of projects within one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic buildings.
The Airmall debuted alongside the opening of the new Pittsburgh International Airport terminal in 1992, introducing an innovative retail and dining experience for travelers. Since then, Shannon Construction has maintained a long-standing partnership within the airport.
More than three decades later, Shannon remains actively involved in the airport’s transformation, proudly completing 14 retail and restaurant upgrades and new tenant spaces as part of the opening of Pittsburgh International Airport’s new terminal in 2025.
Shannon Construction’s work within Penn Center East began decades ago under the original property developer, Soffer Organization. Our involvement continued with LG Realty Partners, and now with current management, M&J Wilkow. These relationships have led to ongoing tenant improvements, renovations, and redevelopment projects across the campus.
While projects, tenants, and industries continue to transform, Shannon Construction’s approach has remained consistent: build strong relationships, do quality work, and continue showing up over time.
Tony Kozak shares his thoughts on stepping into the Controller position, supporting our project and operations teams, and a few personal insights as well.
As a Senior Project Manager with Shannon Construction, Patrick leads complex projects while supporting team development and contributing to how projects are executed across the company.
Patrick Bruce’s promotion to Senior Project Manager represents years of steady growth, hard work, and a commitment to improving his craft. “It’s the reward and payoff of years of hard work, dedication, and continued learning,” Patrick said.
From starting in estimating to moving into an Assistant Project Manager role and now leading larger, more complex projects, Patrick has built a strong foundation and expanded his impact over time.
“Patrick brings a level of passion, but it’s controlled,” says Jack Bruce, Director of Projects at Shannon Construction. “He’s not reactive. He takes the time to think through situations and make the right call.”
As Patrick has grown in his role, his focus has shifted beyond simply managing tasks to improving how projects are planned and executed. “I’ve become more involved in shaping how projects are run,” Patrick explained. He approaches each project with structure and consistency, maintaining core weekly processes such as schedule updates, budget reviews, and team coordination, while remaining flexible enough to adapt to the unique challenges of each job.
That balance between structure and adaptability has become a defining part of how he leads projects.
Not communicating, no matter how difficult the situation, creates bigger problems than anything.
At the core of Patrick’s approach is one simple principle: communication drives success. “Communication with everyone is the most important factor. Everyone must know the expectation and be reminded of it constantly,” he said.
He has seen firsthand the impact of poor communication and how quickly it can create larger issues. This mindset carries through in how he builds relationships with clients, subcontractors, and his team, emphasizing clarity, consistency, and accountability.
Patrick has demonstrated the ability to lead through challenging and complex projects, including those that require navigating unforeseen conditions, delays, and difficult conversations. A recent project that stands out is the Chitwood Hall project at West Virginia University, where the historical nature of the building introduced unexpected challenges.
“It created some uncomfortable conversations with the owner which had to be worked through,” Patrick said. Despite those challenges, the project was ultimately recognized with the MBA’s Building Excellence Award for Renovation Construction Under $4 Million.
“He doesn’t overreact. He works through it and keeps things moving,” said Jack Bruce, Director of Projects. His ability to remain steady and solutions-focused in these moments has been a defining part of his growth.
As part of his transition into a senior role, Patrick has developed a stronger understanding of the financial and strategic side of construction. “He’s starting to think more like an owner,” Jack said. “Understanding cost, value, and how decisions affect the bigger picture.”
This broader perspective, combined with his willingness to support other project managers and help solve challenges across teams, reflects what sets a Senior Project Manager apart.
Technology plays a central role in how Patrick manages projects, with Procore serving as a key tool in his day-to-day work. “It’s the base for everything I do,” he said. From communication and documentation to scheduling and financial tracking, Procore helps ensure transparency and accountability across all stakeholders.
“Everything is shareable and trackable. It gives you backup and increases accountability,” Patrick explained. This level of visibility helps keep projects aligned and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
One of the most important factors in Patrick’s growth has been his approach to feedback and learning.
“He takes criticism well and actually applies it,” Jack said. “That’s a big part of why he’s grown as much as he has.”
Rather than avoiding challenges, Patrick leans into them, using each experience as an opportunity to improve and refine his approach.
Patrick values the culture at Shannon and the emphasis on both professional and personal growth. “It’s a family company that cares about their employees and their development,” he said.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, along with playing softball and golf.
Patrick’s promotion reflects both his contributions to date and the potential he brings moving forward. With a strong foundation in project management, a commitment to communication, and a growing strategic perspective, he is well positioned to continue delivering successful outcomes for Shannon and its clients.
As a Pittsburgh-based general contractor and construction manager, Shannon Construction was recently featured in the April 2026 edition of Construction in Focus Magazine, highlighting the relationships, values, and approach that define our work.
The feature tells the story of a company built on doing the right thing, prioritizing long-term partnerships, trust, and accountability in every project we take on. From repeat clients to lasting industry relationships, Shannon’s success is rooted in a people-first approach that continues to guide our work today.
The article also highlights our commitment to delivering complex projects with precision and care, supported by a team that brings deep experience and a collaborative mindset to every engagement. Whether working with clients, partners, or communities, our focus remains the same: building strong relationships and delivering results that stand the test of time.
This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team and the trust our clients place in us every day. We are also grateful to our subcontractor partners, Manion Plumbing and Mariani & Richards, Inc., for sponsoring this feature.
