Goodfellow Bros. Elevates Leadership with New President and COO
WENATCHEE, Wash.— Goodfellow Bros. has announced key executive leadership changes aimed at supporting continued expansion and operational excellence across its western U.S. and Pacific markets, including Hawai‘i.
Brian Gates has been promoted to President, effective January 1, 2026, while Ed Brown has been appointed to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Both leaders previously served as Division Presidents, overseeing operations in California and Hawai‘i, respectively.
The leadership transition reflects the company’s long-term succession planning strategy and commitment to strengthening executive oversight as it grows its heavy civil and infrastructure portfolio.
Strengthening Strategic Direction
As President, Gates reports directly to Chad Goodfellow, Chief Executive Officer of Goodfellow Bros., and assumes responsibility for day-to-day executive leadership. His role includes oversight of corporate support services, guiding strategic planning initiatives, engaging key customers, and driving sustainable, profitable growth.
“Brian and Ed have been instrumental in building Goodfellow Bros. into the leading organization it is today,” said Chad Goodfellow, CEO. “They both understand that building lasting relationships with our employees, customers, and communities is the foundation of our success since 1921.”
Gates emphasized continuity and performance excellence as central priorities moving forward.
“I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to serve as President, and to work alongside Ed and our teams across our company to deliver best-in-class results for our customers. Our focus will continue to be the strengthening of how we operate today while positioning Goodfellow Bros. for continued excellence in the heavy civil space,” said Gates.
Operational Focus and Field Excellence
In his new role as COO, Brown will oversee operational execution across the company and its affiliates, reporting to Gates. His responsibilities include driving efficiency, reinforcing safety standards, ensuring schedule reliability, and improving cost performance.
Brown will collaborate closely with Division Presidents, Regional Vice Presidents, and field teams to standardize processes, optimize equipment use, and enhance workforce development initiatives. The creation of the COO role signals a stronger emphasis on operational integration across regions.
The company stated that these changes will help ensure consistent project delivery across infrastructure, site development, and heavy civil construction markets.
Supporting Continued Growth
Founded in 1921, Goodfellow Bros. is a fourth-generation, family-owned contractor headquartered in Wenatchee, Washington, and Maui, Hawaii. The firm has built a reputation for delivering complex civil infrastructure projects, including highways, bridges, utilities, and large-scale site development.
As federal and state infrastructure investments expand across the western United States, the company is positioning itself to compete for larger and more technically demanding projects. Strengthening executive leadership is seen as a key component of that strategy.
Company officials reiterated their commitment to remaining a people-first, field-focused organization while scaling operations to meet growing market demand.
The leadership appointments mark a new chapter for Goodfellow Bros. as it continues to evolve within an increasingly competitive heavy civil construction landscape.
Originally reported by Goodfellow Bros in Construction Dive.
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