North Reading, MA Columbia, the construction management firm, has promoted Gregg Blair to chief financial officer. Blair, who previously served as director of financial operations, will be the first person to hold the CFO title since Columbia’s founding 98 years ago. Blair was hired at Columbia in 2022.

“Over the past sixteen months, Gregg has shown the wisdom, initiative, character, ability, and loyalty to be the perfect fit for the job,” said J. Bruce Gordon, chairman and CEO at Columbia. “This is an important event for Columbia as he will become the first CFO in our long history. Today’s business world is more complex than ever, and the financial requirements are increasingly complex. Gregg has demonstrated that he is well suited to help Columbia become even more successful.”

A certified public accountant, Blair came to Columbia with an extensive background in the construction industry. As CFO, he will work closely with Columbia leadership to forecast and achieve fiscal goals and to ensure compliance with industry-leading policies and standards.

“Gregg brings a level-headed ability to thoroughly and aptly assess challenges and opportunities,” said Columbia president Shaun Lover. “His skills, in tandem with his ability to work effectively as both colleague and team leader, make him a valuable addition to our leadership team.”

Blair assumes the CFO position immediately.