Rodger Benson Retires after 47 Years

With a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington, Rodger has worked on a wide variety of industrial and building projects over the span of his career.  His notable projects include a 200,000 bpd refinery in Esfahan, Iran; the 56-story Two Union Square office tower in Seattle, WA; the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center in Tacoma, WA and the Parkview Plaza Condominium Tower in Seattle, WA. Rodger paid for his degree by working in commercial construction as a labor and starting a small painting contracting business in the Seattle area. He started his formal career as a scheduling engineer in 1975 and progressed through various project management, superintendent, and division management positions before settling into various business development roles for the last 25 years. He cites helping members of the local business and institutional community be more successful at achieving their core missions as being among the most rewarding of his various career responsibilities.

"I’m very thankful for the life experiences I’ve shared," Rodger recently shared in a farewell letter to the local industry. "This industry is jamb packed with innovative, hard-working, and collaborative people that enriched the lives of those around them.  I thank everyone for enriching mine and wish you the very best in whatever endeavors you choose to invest the rest of your life in."

John Nowoj, VP and Manager of the Seattle office, spoke about Rodger's value to Washington State’s Alternative Project delivery process and to his commitment to community stewardship at the function. Rodger was the 1st Chairman and 8-year member of the Washington State Project Review Committee, was a 2-term member of the AIA Seattle Board of Directors, a long time member of the DBIA Seattle Chapter Legislative Committee, and a 17-year member of the NAIOP Community Enhancement Committee. He was twice named Member of the Year for NAIOP of Washington and recently received Honorary Membership in the Seattle Chapter of the AIA. Rodger plans to enjoy his waterfront home, spend more time enjoying his many hobbies, spending more time with his family, and getting involved in his new Kitsap County community.