NEW YORK — Skanska has announced a leadership transition within its USA Civil East Coast executive team, marking a significant milestone for the organization as longtime leader Bill Matre begins his transition toward retirement and Michael Donohue steps into an expanded leadership role.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Matre will step aside from his position as general manager of Skanska Koch while continuing to serve as senior vice president. Donohue will assume the role of general manager, overseeing overall operations and guiding long-term strategic planning for the region.
“Bill's legacy of excellence, integrity and people-first leadership has strengthened Skanska in lasting ways, and we are profoundly grateful for his service,” said Michael Viggiano, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil's East region. “As Bill steps aside from his role as general manager, Michael's steady leadership ensures the right path forward for our employees, customers and partners.”
Matre’s career with Skanska Koch spans more than four decades. He joined the company as an intern in 1982, became a full-time field engineer the following year, and steadily rose through the ranks before being named general manager in 2017. Throughout his tenure, he earned widespread respect for leading with humility, discipline and an unwavering focus on safety and workforce well-being.
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Over the years, Matre played a central role in delivering some of Skanska’s most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects. These include the Benjamin Franklin Bridge orthotropic decking, the 207th Street float-in bridge, JFK AirTrain, the 9/11 recovery and cleanup, and the Bayonne Bridge. Under his leadership, Skanska Koch expanded its business footprint, re-entered the Philadelphia market, and reinforced its long-term operational foundation.
Matre is also widely recognized across the construction industry for his advocacy of the 6-foot tie-off rule, a safety standard that has helped improve ironworker protection and elevate jobsite safety practices nationwide.
Donohue brings more than two decades of experience within Skanska Koch to his new role. He joined the company in 2000 as a superintendent on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway project and later served as project manager, senior project manager and vice president. Known for building high-performing teams and delivering consistent results, Donohue has established himself as one of the firm’s strongest commercial leaders.
His portfolio includes major work on the Williamsburg Bridge and the reconstruction of the Brooklyn Bridge, projects that have helped shape the future of New York City’s East River crossings. As general manager, Donohue will lead operational strategy, support workforce development and continue driving growth across Skanska Koch’s East Coast operations.
Skanska said the leadership transition reflects continuity, long-term planning and a commitment to maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners and labor organizations across the region.
For more information, visit skanska.com.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.
