Construction Global: Holistic Building with Community in Mind
Written By Olivia Minnock
Produced By Tom Venturo
“Working at New Horizon Academy, where children have a safe place to grow and learn, I’m doing something that matters and will have a long-term impact on the community.” For Alan Ruth, Vice President of Facilities & Construction, New Horizon Academy is more than just a developer – it works to nurture the children and communities of the future.
The family-owned Minnesota business was founded by elementary school teacher Sue Dunkley who recognised the need for children to learn in a nurturing environment. The company is now led by her son, CEO Chad Dunkley, who was one of the first students at a New Horizon Academy. Since 1971, New Horizon Academy has expanded across the US to design and build bespoke, holistic school buildings and is still growing, with 75 schools in its portfolio and 12 under development.
Ruth joined the business in 2014 and has brought many elements of the business together, overseeing a variety of departments like construction/development, purchasing, maintenance, IT and the company’s 100-plus fleet. “They needed someone to head up that national presence and help grow the brand across the US. I have many different department heads who report to me, and I set them up for the future. I started working with key decision-makers for the company, inside and out, seeing what our goals were and putting all departments on track to achieve those goals.” He also oversees day-to-day facilities management: “At all times, we’re negotiating long- term contracts, for all services, which include: energy, lawn care, snow removal, cleaning and repairs.”
