Changing of the Guard at CIM

by Rich Juliano, general counsel, ARTBA

In January, after nearly half-century of service, John Pourbaix stepped down as leader of the Construction Industries of Massachusetts (CIM). Pourbaix began his career with CIM in 1978 as director of government activities and in 1994 was promoted to executive director.

During his tenure, Pourbaix became known as a leading voice for the heavy construction industry in Massachusetts and beyond, working with local, state and federal leaders to modernize infrastructure in the Bay State. He worked productively with elected officials of both parties and helped steer the industry through milestones like the Central Artery megaproject in Boston.

“John has been integral to the growth of CIM and in securing billions of dollars to improve our state’s road, bridge, and rail infrastructure,” said CIM Chairman Bob Pereira, chairman and chief executive officer of The Middlesex Corporation.

“John was a tremendous positive influence on all fronts,” added Mike Socci, owner of MAS Building & Bridge, Inc., a past CIM chairman and current ARTBA Board member. “His unique ability to patiently hear the needs of the many strong contractor personalities that make up CIM, and to filter those needs into a professional, well received message by agencies, owners and politicians as well, was invaluable.”

On the national level, Pourbaix participated extensively in his peer group, the ARTBA Council of State Executives (CSE). He shared lessons learned from his decades of industry advocacy, while flagging emerging issues for attention from ARTBA and the other state associations.

Bob Latham, executive vice president of the Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, said Pourbaix was a natural leader. “Over the years, John has not only been a trusted colleague, but also a close friend. John was always a steady hand during CSE discussions. Whenever he spoke, like the old EF Hutton ads, people listened because they knew they were about to learn something important,” Latham explained.

For his many industry contributions, Pourbaix received the Nello L. Teer, Jr. Award from ARTBA’s Contractors Division last fall at the association’s National Convention in La Jolla,

Calif. In making the presentation, Kent Starwalt, executive vice president of the Tennessee Road Builders Association, said he had learned much from Pourbaix because he “always asked the right questions” in CSE roundtables.

John Pourbaix and his wife Sue were regulars at ARTBA meetings for decades, often bringing along their children Danielle and Jay, who are now well into their own careers. Retirement will free John up for more time at their beloved Cape Cod and continued adventures on golf courses far and wide.

The same day CIM announced Pourbaix’s retirement, it also named his replacement, Jeff Mahoney.

“I’ve known Jeff for many years and with his experience and skill set, I’m confident he will be a great leader for CIM,” said Pourbaix.

Mahoney is no stranger to government relations or association leadership. He has worked with the Utility Contractors Association of New England (UCANE) since 2015 and served as its executive director for the last three years. Prior to UCANE, Mahoney served as district representative for U.S. Congressman Stephen F. Lynch and chief of staff for the State House of Representatives Majority Leader, and as a Massachusetts Deputy Inspector General.

“I am extremely grateful to the Board for this opportunity and am excited to get started,” said Mahoney. “John has been a friend and mentor over the years, and I look forward to continuing his work of dedicated advocacy on behalf of the membership and the industry to ensure these critical infrastructure projects built by CIM contractors are put out to bid and completed.”