St. Louis’ Kwame Building Group adds vice president of operations

John Farnen

John Farnen has joined St. Louis-based Kwame Building Group as vice president of operations. 

Farnen is responsible for leading Kwame Building Group’s healthcare, higher education and corporate divisions. He also develops and maintains strategic partnerships and directs marketing and business development activities. 

Farnen has more than 30 years of experience in planning, design and construction, including a background in healthcare construction. He was Vice President of Planning, Design and Construction for Mercy for 24 years and has managed hundreds of healthcare projects worth more than $1 billion dollars.  

Farnen holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is a Certified Healthcare Constructor and a member of the American Society for Healthcare Engineers’ (ASHE) Training Certification and Executive Leadership committees. 

Farnen has extensive community leadership experience, including as a member of the Advisory Board for Health+Homes, a Board Trustee at Christ Church in Fairview Heights, IL and a Board Member at Marian Middle School. He also is a member of the St. Louis University High School (SLUH) Disadvantaged Business Partnership, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers, ASHE and the American Hospital Association (AHA).