RIVERSIDE, CA  Skanska announces the promotions of several long-tenured employees within its civil construction division in the west.

Brian Freund is being promoted to Vice President of Operations in California. With more than 28 years in the industry, Freund has primarily focused on Southern California transit work and most recently led Skanska's work on the Expo Line Phase 2 extension from Culver City, California, to Santa Monica, California. As the Los Angeles transit market grows, Freund's ability to successfully lead the execution of projects using alternative delivery methods and his experience working closely with local authorities and stakeholders will be a key asset for Skanska.

Also being promoted to Vice President of Operations is 24-year industry veteran Chris Halpin. Starting with Skanska in the northeast, Halpin has overseen pursuits and operations throughout the Skanska network from New York to California. Most recently, he served as Division Manager for Skanska's civil operations in Arizona, where he resides, helping Skanska build its portfolio of bid-build and design-build projects in the state.

Additionally, James Melvin is being promoted to Vice President of Operations and will focus on projects throughout the west while being based in Colorado. Melvin has served in many roles during 13 years with Skanska, most recently as Chief Estimator for Skanska's work in Arizona, Colorado, and other Rocky Mountain states. His keen knowledge of the market has not only led him to success winning traditional bid-build work, but also in securing alternative delivery projects. Melvin also has operations-side experience, ensuring quality execution of mining-related work in the desert southwest.