St. Louis-based McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. appointed Vladimir Monroe as Director of Workforce and Community Engagement for the 29-state Central Region.
In his new role, Monroe will lead the strategic direction of the region’s workforce development initiatives and community engagement efforts.
Monroe brings a strong background in public service, compliance, and community engagement to his new role. Most recently serving as a supplier enablement specialist, he previously held leadership positions as Director of Minority Business Development and Compliance for the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) and Compliance Officer for the City of Chicago. His civic involvement includes serving as an elected board member for the Jordan Area Community Council and as a commissioner for the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission.
A native of Los Angeles and a United States Navy veteran, Monroe earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Government from Edward Waters University in Jacksonville, Fla., where he was inducted into the Alpha Chi Honor Society.
Monroe succeeds Ralph Powell, who has been named Senior Project Manager after leading McCarthy’s workforce and community engagement initiatives since 2021. A 22-year McCarthy veteran, Powell returns to operations in this elevated role, bringing deep experience from prior positions as Project Manager, Project Superintendent and Project Engineer.
Monroe is only the third person to hold this role in the 21 years since McCarthy became one of the first construction companies in St. Louis to establish the position, formerly known as Director of Diversity. McCarthy has since emerged as a national leader in supplier diversity and workforce development, building lasting partnerships with diverse businesses and community organizations.
