KEY TAKEAWAYS: Wiley Blankenship named Gulf Coast market leader Role focuses on expansion across Alabama and coastal markets Appointment supports Woodward‘s regional growth strategy Firm continues design-build projects throughout the Gulf Coast Wiley Blankenship Woodward has appointed Wiley Blankenship to a newly created leadership role aimed at expanding the construction firm’s presence across Alabama and key Gulf Coast markets, the company announced Friday. Blankenship will serve as Gulf Coast market leader, overseeing strategic growth initiatives as Woodward looks to broaden its construction operations beyond its traditional New Orleans base. The appointment comes as the company increases investment in coastal and regional markets tied to industrial, infrastructure and large-scale commercial development. In the role, Blankenship will be responsible for advancing Woodward’s market expansion strategy by aligning client project goals with the firm’s design-build capabilities and connecting clients with project teams equipped to handle region-specific challenges, according to the company. Blankenship brings experience in economic development and capital project coordination across Alabama and the broader Gulf South. His background includes leading multi-stakeholder initiatives involving public agencies, private industry and municipal partners to support major development projects and long-term regional growth. “Woodward has earned a strong reputation for delivering on its construction projects with the highest levels of quality and integrity,” Blankenship said in a statement. “They treat their clients and, perhaps just as important, their subcontractors, like true partners.” Ken Flower, president of Woodward, said Blankenship’s leadership style and regional experience align with the company’s long-term growth strategy. “Our company has proudly served New Orleans and the Gulf Coast for over a century now,” Flower said. “We are investing in this region because people like Wiley are who we want to build with for the next 100 years.” Founded more than a century ago, Woodward is a full-service construction firm providing architectural, structural engineering, millwork and construction management services. The company primarily operates as a general contractor and emphasizes collaboration among clients, designers and trade partners. Woodward has recently expanded its footprint along the Gulf Coast through projects with Gulf Distributing, including completion of the company’s Mobile headquarters and ongoing design-build work supporting its Huntsville operations. Additional projects are planned across the region, reflecting Woodward’s broader push into Alabama and coastal markets. ...read more read less