FRANK MANNA

Chief Operating Officer, Transportation | Shareholder

"Embracing change is essential for continuous improvement and innovation. It allows us to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. By adapting and evolving, we drive progress and achieve our highest potential."

Driving Innovation and Safety

As Chief Operating Officer of the Transportation Group, Frank Manna's nearly 30-year career at Aldridge is defined by his drive for innovation, passion for safety, and commitment to quality. Frank has held various senior roles, including Executive Vice President and Vice President of Midwest Transportation, where he led major transportation programs. Currently, he oversees all transportation operations and Estimating. As a key member of the Executive Team, he spearheads corporate initiatives such as Construction Safety Week, Making Safe Decisions, strategic planning, and operational alignment.

Greater Responsibility and Influence

Frank’s career path reflects a natural progression toward greater responsibility and influence. From his early days as a Project Manager to his current role as COO, Frank has embraced the challenges of leading technical teams, always striving for a balance between project strategy and people management. A pivotal moment in his career was the Midway Program in 1999, where he served as a Senior Project Manager. This experience, along with his leadership at the O’Hare Modernization Program, honed his ability to navigate complex projects and develop high-performing teams. Frank’s leadership was further tested during the CTA Red Line South project, where he quickly assembled and led a large team to successfully deliver the project.

Creating Opportunities for Growth

Frank credits much of his leadership style to the mentorship he received from industry veterans who taught him the importance of culture, people management, and business development. He resonates deeply with Aldridge’s core value of "Raise the Bar," which drives him to challenge his teams, provide clear vision and direction, and create opportunities for growth. He believes that high-performing teams are the cornerstone of success and has been instrumental in creating the infrastructure to support them. Frank’s vision for Aldridge includes a strong focus on aligning corporate strategies with operational efficiency, particularly in safety. He has been an early adopter of Agile methodologies, positioning key people in the right roles to drive long-term strategy and operational efficiency.

Education

  • Purdue University | BS, Building Construction and Contracting Technology | West Lafayette, Indiana

  • University of Chicago Executive Institute

Personal Interests

  • Performing Music

  • Leading community events

Associations & Affiliations

  • Board of Directors, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA)

  • Board of Directors, VP, Middle States Electrical Contractor Association (MSECA)

  • Purdue CMT Construction Advisory Council