Les Snyder is a nationally respected construction executive with more than 40 years of leadership in the built environment. His career spans some of the most transformative infrastructure and commercial projects in the United States—from theme parks and healthcare campuses to high-speed rail systems, corporate towers, and complex military and defense contracts.
The third generation in a family of builders, Les was raised in the heart of America’s steel country and inherited a deep respect for the trades. His grandfather, a senior executive at J&L Steel, worked with contractors across the East Coast. His father, a marine construction superintendent and project manager, helped build bridges and ports throughout the Mississippi and Ohio River basins.
After earning his civil engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Les began his career as a project and preconstruction engineer with Dick Corporation. He quickly advanced through project management and business development roles, bringing operational rigor to client engagement and leading large-scale construction across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. One of his early career milestones came at just 31 years old, when he was tapped to lead construction of the 55-story Blue Cross/Blue Shield tower in downtown Philadelphia.
Les went on to hold executive roles at firms such as Mellon Stuart, PJ Dick/Trumbull, American Bridge, Barton Malow and i+icon USA. He led landmark projects, including Disney’s Castaway Cay cruise ship island in the Bahamas, launch pads for McDonnell Douglas at Cape Canaveral, and infrastructure upgrades for the Norfolk Naval Station, including carrier pier construction during 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan. His ability to manage risk, navigate complex public and private partnerships, and build cross-functional teams made him a trusted leader in the most challenging environments.
Most recently, Les served as Executive Vice President of Construction for Brightline West, the $12 billion high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. There, he helped guide preconstruction, permitting, and strategic planning for the country’s first true high-speed, all-electric, privately held passenger rail system. His work was instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable transportation in the U.S.
Beyond the job site, Les has long been a champion for the construction industry through his leadership in the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). He first became involved with AGC in 1993 and never looked back. Over the decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles and was named AGC’s 2023 National President. He also chaired AGC’s Climate Change Task Force, helping the organization proactively address sustainability and develop resources to support contractors. For this work, he was honored as AGC’s Chairman of the Year.
As a mentor, Les is known for empowering the next generation of construction leaders. His leadership style is grounded in optimism, accountability, and the belief that every problem has a solution, especially when tackled by a collaborative team.
Today, as President and CEO of NDC Construction Company, Les brings his vision, energy, and national experience to a firm poised for its next era of growth. He sees NDC as a platform for innovation, leadership development, and expansion. With a focus on operational excellence and preconstruction leadership, he is guiding the company into a future defined by smart growth, strategic partnerships, and meaningful contributions to the built environment.
Outside of work, Les and his wife, Denise, are passionate about giving back and exploring the outdoors. Denise is an avid tennis player and volunteers with a focus on marine conservation. The couple calls Florida home, where they’ve built a life centered on family, service, and connection.
Les and Denise often cite their daughters as their greatest accomplishments. Their oldest, Sara, and her husband Chris, live in New York City, where she is in her own business as a producer for entertainment and lifestyle events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Their youngest daughter, Jenna, lives in Orlando with her husband, Jared, and daughters, Lyda and Linley. Jenna serves as a nurse manager for the Rapid Response Team at AdventHealth Orlando.
Education
University of Pittsburgh; Civil Engineering
Professional Affiliations
Associated General Contractors of America
AGC’s Chairman of the Year
Former Chair – AGC’s Climate Change Task Force
Education
University of Pittsburgh; Civil Engineering
Professional Affiliations
Associated General Contractors of America
AGC’s Chairman of the Year
Former Chair – AGC’s Climate Change Task Force
Les Snyder is a nationally respected construction executive with more than 40 years of leadership in the built environment. His career spans some of the most transformative infrastructure and commercial projects in the United States—from theme parks and healthcare campuses to high-speed rail systems, corporate towers, and complex military and defense contracts.
The third generation in a family of builders, Les was raised in the heart of America’s steel country and inherited a deep respect for the trades. His grandfather, a senior executive at J&L Steel, worked with contractors across the East Coast. His father, a marine construction superintendent and project manager, helped build bridges and ports throughout the Mississippi and Ohio River basins.
After earning his civil engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh, Les began his career as a project and preconstruction engineer with Dick Corporation. He quickly advanced through project management and business development roles, bringing operational rigor to client engagement and leading large-scale construction across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. One of his early career milestones came at just 31 years old, when he was tapped to lead construction of the 55-story Blue Cross/Blue Shield tower in downtown Philadelphia.
Les went on to hold executive roles at firms such as Mellon Stuart, PJ Dick/Trumbull, American Bridge, Barton Malow and i+icon USA. He led landmark projects, including Disney’s Castaway Cay cruise ship island in the Bahamas, launch pads for McDonnell Douglas at Cape Canaveral, and infrastructure upgrades for the Norfolk Naval Station, including carrier pier construction during 9/11 and the War in Afghanistan. His ability to manage risk, navigate complex public and private partnerships, and build cross-functional teams made him a trusted leader in the most challenging environments.
Most recently, Les served as Executive Vice President of Construction for Brightline West, the $12 billion high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. There, he helped guide preconstruction, permitting, and strategic planning for the country’s first true high-speed, all-electric, privately held passenger rail system. His work was instrumental in shaping the future of sustainable transportation in the U.S.
Beyond the job site, Les has long been a champion for the construction industry through his leadership in the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). He first became involved with AGC in 1993 and never looked back. Over the decades, he has served in numerous leadership roles and was named AGC’s 2023 National President. He also chaired AGC’s Climate Change Task Force, helping the organization proactively address sustainability and develop resources to support contractors. For this work, he was honored as AGC’s Chairman of the Year.
As a mentor, Les is known for empowering the next generation of construction leaders. His leadership style is grounded in optimism, accountability, and the belief that every problem has a solution, especially when tackled by a collaborative team.
Today, as President and CEO of NDC Construction Company, Les brings his vision, energy, and national experience to a firm poised for its next era of growth. He sees NDC as a platform for innovation, leadership development, and expansion. With a focus on operational excellence and preconstruction leadership, he is guiding the company into a future defined by smart growth, strategic partnerships, and meaningful contributions to the built environment.
Outside of work, Les and his wife, Denise, are passionate about giving back and exploring the outdoors. Denise is an avid tennis player and volunteers with a focus on marine conservation. The couple calls Florida home, where they’ve built a life centered on family, service, and connection.
Les and Denise often cite their daughters as their greatest accomplishments. Their oldest, Sara, and her husband Chris, live in New York City, where she is in her own business as a producer for entertainment and lifestyle events like the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Their youngest daughter, Jenna, lives in Orlando with her husband, Jared, and daughters, Lyda and Linley. Jenna serves as a nurse manager for the Rapid Response Team at AdventHealth Orlando.
