McCrory Construction announces CEO leadership transition

McCrory Construction, South Carolina’s oldest general contractor, has announced a leadership transition that reflects the next step in a long-term succession process that began in 2020.

Effective Jan. 1, McCrory President Allen Bridgers took on the additional responsibilities of CEO. Allen Amsler, who had been serving as CEO, moved into the role of chairman as planned. The two leaders will continue to work together to ensure continuity across McCrory’s operations, client service and strategic direction in support of McCrory’s mission to deliver high quality construction solutions for clients across the Southeast, the company said in a news release.

Since joining McCrory in 2007, Bridgers has been instrumental in shaping the company’s business development strategy and supporting its expansion into new markets, “all while maintaining McCrory’s core values of doing the right thing, investing in its people, focusing on solutions and continuously improving,” the release said. In his new role as president and CEO, Bridgers will continue to provide leadership to the executive team and play a central part in advancing McCrory’s strategic plan as the company builds on more than a century of success.

Amsler, who has been with McCrory since 1987, served as president and CEO for close to 20 years. Under his leadership, McCrory experienced significant growth, expanded its services and market footprint, and built relationships across both public and private sectors. As chairman, Amsler will provide strategic oversight and act as a key ambassador for the company with clients, industry partners and stakeholders, the company says. Amsler’s guidance as chairman will strengthen the company’s governance framework and maintain the alignment of leadership with the firm’s strategic priorities and long-term vision for growth and success.

“This transition represents the thoughtful, steady succession planning that has been underway for nearly a decade,” Amsler said in the release. “Allen Bridgers is an exceptional leader who embodies McCrory’s values and vision. As chairman, I look forward to supporting him and the board as we continue to drive the company forward for the benefit of our clients, team members and partners.”

Bridgers said in the release: “I am honored to lead McCrory as president and CEO. Allen’s leadership and mentorship have shaped much of my career here, and I am committed to continuing our legacy of integrity, excellence, and service. This transition is a natural progression of the work we have been doing together and reflects our shared commitment to the company’s long-term success.”

Last month, Bridgers was featured on the SCBIZ South Carolina 500, an inaugural list published by SCBIZ recognizing the 500 most influential business leaders, innovators and changemakers across various industries in South Carolina. In 2024, he was among a select group of South Carolina construction industry executives selected for the 2024 Construction Power List.

McCrory Construction, headquartered in Columbia, with an additional office in Greenville, is a full-service general contractor that has operated continuously since 1918. At 108 years old, McCrory is South Carolina’s oldest general contractor. Licensed in 13 states throughout the Southeast, McCrory has served an array of private and public sector clients through more than 3,500 general construction, design-build and construction management projects.