Manager Project
Resume:
DOUGLASS K. JOHNSTON
*** ******** *****, ****** ****, Florida 32763
(703) 994- 9482 – cell
*************@***.***
OBJECTIVE
To secure a construction leadership position with a prominent development or construction firm as Owner’s
Representative or similar responsible position. Position should draw on 30+ years of experience in
design/engineering evaluations, pre- construction services, and construction operations supervision in
commercial, industrial, and residential settings.
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Provides hands- on experience across a broad spectrum of engineering, design, and construction disciplines, including
front- line and executive management roles. Maintains a thorough and detailed knowledge of real estate and
construction operational disciplines, with an emphasis on contract management, permits and approvals, and resolution
of claims and disputes. Demonstrated track record as a construction manager and business development professional.
Strong working knowledge of principles and practices regarding selection, ongoing supervision, and proper disposition
of trade contractors, monitoring compliance with quality standards, and every aspect of effective project controls.
Established track record in customer relations in this setting, including amicable resolution of disputes and change
orders.
Derives great satisfaction and personal pride in the area of proper site management and housekeeping (“curb appeal”).
Repeatedly characterized by peers as having the ability to bring calm to chaos. Significant network of existing strong
working relationships, including, first name contact with executives of numerous premiere residential builders such as
Beazer Homes, Van Metre Homes, Toll Brothers Inc., Centex Homes, Pulte Homes, Stanley Martin Homes, and
NV Ryan Homes.
WORK HISTORY
General Manager, SWPP Development Corporation, Chantilly, Virginia- 1992 to February 2012
Current role as General Manager focuses on strategic planning, resource and personnel management, and analyzing
and solving operational problems for affiliated group of diversified farming and land development companies in
Northern Virginia. Primary responsibilities include all aspects of business development, including market intelligence
and strategy development, client interface, and contract negotiations (client and subcontractors). Provides technical
direction to construction design and engineering efforts, and serves as primary contact with regulatory community and
the public.
Particular skills used in this position have focused on maximizing development opportunities and resolving significant
litigation and regulatory disputes. Highlight success in this area has included:
• Management and marketing of existing property assets and inventory (e.g., wholesale tree sales, the legal
receipt and reuse of construction spoils) for over 12, resulting in sustainable annual revenues well in excess of
$3.0M;
• Development of and initial screening of respondents to a $22M+ property sale (250 acres). Closely worked
with State and local regulators to establish applicable zoning ordinances, including documentation of
development plans and compliance with all applicable standards:
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DOUGLASS K. JOHNSTON (continued)
• Formal and informal resolution of several property line and easement disputes associated with SWPP property
holdings;
• Successful negotiation of lowest- cost access to utilities for a 1400- acre property adjacent to ongoing
residential developments.
• Conceptual development of innovative outdoor recreation and education projects, including an experimental
arboretum, a Native American cultural heritage center, and other minor projects following an ecology or
cultural resource preservation theme
This senior leadership role requires a sound working knowledge of construction planning and contracting, with
particular emphasis on environmental and land use statutes, regulations, and policies at the State and local levels.
Specific technical contributions in these projects focused on architectural design and civil engineering considerations,
including the development of marketing materials and artistic renderings for public information/marketing pieces
(drawing on previous experience as an architect and designer).
Director of Business Development, Becon Services Corporation, Leesburg, Virginia – 1989 to 1991
As Director of Business Development with Becon, personally responsible for the acquisition and profitable execution
of contracts in excess of $250M for a range of construction and O&M projects throughout the Washington DC metro
area. Responsible for a 17- person business development unit engaged in lead development, proposal management,
and contract negotiations. In pure construction management settings, developed and conducted presentations to clients
for industrial/ commercial projects, resulting in new contract awards up to $200M in value. Career highlights in this
role include the negotiation of an $87M contract for construction of the Fairmont Hotel at the Portals in
Washington, DC.
Early experience with Becon leveraged previous considerable project and construction management experience.
Significant construction assignments included:
• Close-out and claims resolution at the 80,000-sf Cold Neutron Research Facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland
(for the National Bureau of Standards);
• Project start up (e.g., permitting, initial construction set up) for a 35- acre, 180,000-sf U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers Operations Center in Beltsville, Maryland;
• Project scope, budget, and contract negotiations for the 12- storey, 300,000-sf headquarters building for the
Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) in Laurel, Maryland;
Further detailed summaries on these and many other significant commercial and institutional construction projects
available upon request.
Project Manager, Firestone Corporation, McLean, Virginia- 1987 to 1989
Directly managed a significant portfolio of high- profile residential, commercial, and institutional development
projects through the Eastern United States, including project profit/loss accountability. Significant assignments
included the development of a $30M equestrian estate in Waterford, Virginia, and preliminary investment
assessments for a number of high- profile restaurants, office building, and residential estate development in Palm
Beach, Florida.
Construction Manager, Pulte Home Corporation, McLean, Virginia- 1984 to 1987
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DOUGLASS K. JOHNSTON (continued)
Supervised construction at numerous residential developments totaling approximately 1,500 units (single- and multi-
family developments) for a national building contractor. Responsible for day- to – day direct supervision of 30 lead
site personnel (professional and tradesmen).Recipient of national award for outstanding achievements in production
and customer service.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, The Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, New York
Notary Public, Commonwealth of Virginia
Certified Responsible Land Disturber, Virginia
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