Photo Courtesy: Bernards

As part of a comprehensive continuity plan, Bernards, a 100% employee-owned, nationally ranked commercial builder headquartered in Los Angeles, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Cavecche as Chief Executive Officer and Andy Buerk as President, succeeding Jeff Bernards and Greg Simons in their respective positions as CEO and President as both executives move into retirement.
 
The company’s continuity committee began planning for Bernards’ long-term leadership succession over the past few years. “A critical step in this process was the selection of the best candidates to replace both Greg and me, while positioning our business for continued growth and success,” said CEO and co-founder Jeff Bernards. “We are incredibly happy to have two outstanding professionals in Dave Cavecche and Andy Buerk to assume the top leadership positions at Bernards. Both have comprehensive experience in the industry and within Bernards and are uniquely qualified to lead the company as it enters its sixth decade of continued growth.”
 
The succession plan for Bernards’ top leadership culminated in July with Cavecche (CEO) and Buerk (President) taking charge in their new roles. “I am most confident,” said retiring President Greg Simons, “that the collaboration of their special talents will lead Bernards to new heights as a premier builder. Both Dave and Andy are certainly ready for their new roles, having actively prepared over the last year to assume their top leadership positions. I am excited for the future of Bernards under their leadership.”
 
Mr. Cavecche received his BS degree in General Building Construction from Arizona State University School of Engineering. Starting his 13^th year with Bernards, he has provided leadership for several notable developments during his 40-year career, including the creation of the iconic 5-building DreamWorks Animation Studio Campus, as well as the ground-up 18-building, 103-acre Soka University Campus. He has received prestigious industry accolades including the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Award for Excellence in Project Management, the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Outstanding Achievement Award in Construction Management, and the Western Council of Construction Consumers (WCCC) Distinguished Award for Project Execution. Prior to his involvement with Bernards, Cavecche held senior executive leadership positions with two other ENR ranked Top 20 Largest General Contractors.
 
Mr. Buerk serves as President of Bernards with nearly 40 years of construction experience, including six years leading Bernards’ Estimating Department where he developed processes and procedures that resulted in the company becoming one of the most competitive bid contractors in California. In addition, he provided leadership for several notable projects including Newport Harbor High School, University of La Verne Residence Hall, Campus Kilpatrick, the Larry Smith Correctional Facility, and The Camden Hollywood mixed use/multi-family development. Buerk is also a board member of the Stars and Stripes Children’s Foundation, an organization that works to improve the quality of life for youth in Southern California and the Baja Peninsula through fundraising and educational efforts.
 
Founded in 1974, Bernards is a nationally ranked, employee-owned multidisciplinary commercial builder that provides technical expertise and professional services to a wide variety of private and public sector clients. Areas of expertise include comprehensive preconstruction, general contracting, and construction management services, each integrating sustainable building practices and supported by Bernards’ advanced technology tools. The company’s diverse project experience includes healthcare facilities, museums, office buildings, retail, hospitality, aerospace industrial, mixed-use/multi-family residential complexes, affordable housing, assisted living, detention and correctional facilities, sports and entertainment venues, K-14 education, higher education, and a variety of civic facilities. Bernards maintains a continual focus on safety, quality, sustainability, diversity, and community involvement. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Bernards has six regional offices throughout California and employs more than 375 professionals.