Ryan Balakas

Ryan Balakas is vice president and general manager of Saunders Commercial Construction, LLC, overseeing the Denver-based work acquisition, design/preconstruction phase management and construction operations. Within this work program, Balakas is responsible for the strategic direc­tion and continuous improvement of project procurement, planning and execution, and client experience.

In addition, Balakas oversees the organization’s integrated technologies group (ITG), MEP operations, scheduling department and continuous improvement efforts.

Balakas is a relationship-focused leader — starting in the industry as an assistant carpenter and working his way up to his current position. Balakas’ aptitude for client engagement and project management, paired with his ability to lead by example has positioned him as an invaluable member of the Saunders leadership team.

Balakas is an active member in the community, having participated in programs through Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Metro Leadership Foundation and Associated General Contractors of Colorado. Additionally, he serves on the board for the Littleton Adventist Hospital Foundation, Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, and University of Colorado Denver Construction Engineering Management advisory board. In 2017, he was named a Top 20 under 40 Design & Construction professional by Engineering News-Record (ENR).