St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., announced a new leadership team for its Central Region, positioning a team of internal executive promotions to guide the company’s continued growth and success across 28 states.
Based in St. Louis, the Central Region spans the U.S. east of the Rockies and represents a significant portion of McCarthy’s expanding footprint in key market sectors, including healthcare, education, science and technology, commercial, industrial, water/wastewater, and mission critical facilities.
The appointments of Ryan Sawall as Regional CEO, Chris Anvik as Regional President, Doug Mangers as Regional Chief Operating Officer, and Josh Gaghen as St. Louis Business Unit Leader reflect McCarthy’s dedication to promoting from within, empowering its 100% employee-owned workforce. This approach fosters strong ownership, loyalty and a deep commitment to client success, with employees not only driving the company’s operations but also playing a central role in shaping its future.
In addition, after a decade leading McCarthy’s Central Region as President then CEO, John Buescher has assumed a new role within the company, serving as a senior level advisor for McCarthy. In this role he will work company-wide, contributing to various cross-regional and corporate initiatives, including growing and enhancing the self-perform electrical group, and exploring the development of a comprehensive national integrated warehouse strategy.
RYAN SAWALL, CEO, CENTRAL REGION
As CEO of the Central Region, Ryan Sawall has been an integral part of McCarthy for nearly 20 years, serving in field operations roles then moving into various leadership roles before assuming his current position. He is responsible for ensuring long-term success, organizational health and strategic planning across 28 states located east of the Rockies. Ryan has extensive experience in a variety of market sectors, including healthcare, education, science and technology, commercial and industrial facilities, all of which are essential to the region’s growth and prosperity. He is dedicated to enhancing McCarthy’s innovative construction practices and self-perform capabilities to efficiently deliver high-quality projects.
Ryan leads the region with a community-oriented approach, understanding that construction is not just about building structures and infrastructure; it’s about creating futures. Committed to providing exceptional client experiences, Ryan builds strong relationships, understands clients’ businesses and delivers impactful solutions.
A licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer (PE), Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) and LEED Accredited Professional, Ryan’s community engagement includes involvement in Greater St. Louis Inc. and the St. Louis Regional Business Council. He previously served on the board of the Nebraska Society of Healthcare Engineers. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
CHRIS ANVIK, PRESIDENT, CENTRAL REGION
As President of McCarthy’s 28-state Central Region, Chris Anvik oversees all markets across our St. Louis, Omaha, and Kansas City offices. Previously, he served as executive vice president and business unit leader of McCarthy’s national water group, dedicating nearly 20 years to expanding McCarthy’s leadership within the water and wastewater construction industry. His role involved managing large-scale projects and operations, emphasizing certainty and collaboration among owners, designers and contractors. Chris earned a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering technology from Montana State University. His leadership is deeply influenced by values from his upbringing on a family farm in northeastern Montana.
DOUG MANGERS, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CENTRAL REGION
As Chief Operating Officer for McCarthy’s Central Region, Doug Mangers oversees all design-phase and construction operations across our St. Louis, Omaha, and Kansas City offices. In addition to working with operations leadership to ensure policies and procedures are applied and that partners are supported, enabled, and held accountable, he monitors project performance throughout the lifecycle of a job with a continual focus on client satisfaction.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Doug has spent most of his career working to develop strong team relationships on complex projects. He focuses on continuously improving our ability to plan and execute work safely, quickly, profitably, and with high quality. Doug holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois.
JOSH GAGHEN, VICE PRESIDENT AND BUSINESS UNIT LEADER, ST. LOUIS
Josh Gaghen serves as the Vice President and Business Unit Leader of our St. Louis office. In this capacity, he manages business development and project delivery for a diverse clientele across multiple cities in the Central Region.
Since joining McCarthy in 2013, Josh has been a key contributor to the company’s success, serving in various leadership capacities. Most recently, he led the construction of the $1.7 billion Next NGA West campus, the western regional headquarters for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St. Louis. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in delivering this complex, high-profile project.
Highlighting his commitment to innovation and sustainable construction practices, Josh is certified by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and a LEED Accredited Professional by the U.S. Green Building Council. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Josh earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He furthered his education with a master’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology and an MBA from Webster University.
