The Branch Group names new CEO

Don Graul from Parsons Corp. will lead Roanoke-based construction company

Published November 30, 2020 by Rich Griset

The Branch Group Inc. announced Monday that Donald “Don” Graul will take over as CEO of the Roanoke-based construction company on Dec. 14.

With 38 years of industry experience, Graul most recently served as president of construction and connected communities for Centreville-based Parsons Corp. Graul held several roles at Parsons, including executive vice president of construction, responsible for coordinating construction across all Parsons business units.

He replaces former CEO Will Karbach, who resigned abruptly in July without a public explanation. Branch Group’s chairman of the board, Ron Oakley, has served as interim CEO.

In addition to his contributions at Parsons, Graul was senior vice president at Los Angeles-based AECOM where he was responsible for directing the transportation, water, and energy business lines’ (civil infrastructure), business development and operational activities in the alternative delivery market. His career also includes leadership roles with Modern Continental Construction, URS Corp. and Fluor Corp.

Graul holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Nebraska and completed the Senior Executive Programme at London Business School. He is a registered professional engineer in several states.

In addition to his responsibilities at Parsons, Graul was recently inducted into the National Academy of Construction, sits on the board of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, and is an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Associated General Contractors of America and the Design-Build Institute of America.

With about $500 million in 2019 revenues and more than 900 employees, The Branch Group is the fifth-largest general contracting company in Virginia.