The Commonwealth Team

Chris manages all aspects of the business, including overall leadership, policies, and long-term strategic planning. Chris takes pride in that he’s been with Commonwealth Building his entire career, including two college internships in 1995 and 1996. With over 25 years of experience, he has held positions as an estimator, project manager, senior project manager, and director of construction prior to becoming President and CEO. His most passionate area of the business is to enhance the values and company culture along with the personal and professional growth of the Commonwealth Building team members. Chris serves as an advisory board member for Wentworth’s Construction Management Industry Advisory Board. He is also a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, the Retail Contractors Association, and the Quincy Chamber of Commerce.

Chris holds a BS in Construction Management and an AS in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

A resident of Hanover MA, Chris cherishes his time with his wife Kristin and son James. He also enjoys family vacations, playing golf, and keeping busy around the yard. An avid supporter of his alma mater Wentworth, Chris enjoys participating in alumni events and giving back to the Athletic and Academic programs. Chris captained the baseball team during his time at Wentworth and was inducted into the Wentworth Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008 for his achievements in the sport of baseball.

As Vice President and Project Executive, Ed Walsh brings over 35 years of diverse construction experience to our team, with a proven track record of successfully managing complex projects across the commercial, residential, institutional, life sciences, and environmental sectors. As a Project Executive at Commonwealth, Ed is known for his deep expertise in construction management, including pre-construction services, estimating, scheduling, and budget preparation.

Throughout his career, Ed has held senior leadership roles with major general contracting firms and also owned and operated a successful general contracting and consulting business for over 15 years. His solutions-driven, hands-on leadership style has consistently supported efficient project delivery, operational excellence, and long-term value for clients.

Ed is recognized for building strong client relationships and aligning project execution with strategic goals. His comprehensive understanding of critical path scheduling, financial oversight, and team leadership ensures seamless management throughout all phases of construction.

Ed holds a degree in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He is a licensed builder in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and maintains several industry certifications, including OSHA 10/30, CPR/AED, and First Aid. He is also certified as a Procore Project Manager.
A resident of Scituate, MA, Ed enjoys boating, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Certifications & Licenses
Unrestricted MA Building License
RI Builders License
OSHA 10/30 Certification
CPR & AED Certification
First Aid Certification
Procore Project Manager

As Vice President and General Superintendent, James Caponigro plays a key role in overseeing field operations at Commonwealth Building Inc. With a hands-on approach, James spends the majority of his time on job sites, working directly with the company’s workforce to enhance safety practices, ensure quality control and assurance, improve time management, and streamline scheduling. His leadership helps bridge the gap between office and field personnel, fostering collaboration and efficiency across all projects.

James recently rejoined CBI after 23 years to support Chris’s vision for the company. He brings a wealth of experience, having successfully led and motivated diverse construction teams to achieve project goals. His expertise includes managing project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure the on-time delivery of high-quality construction projects. Committed to safety, James adheres strictly to OSHA regulations and implements best-in-class safety protocols on every job site.

Certifications & Licenses
Unrestricted Supervisor’s License
Hoisting Engineer’s License
OSHA 10/30 Certification
CPR/AED Certified
Procore Project Manager (Quality & Safety)
Procore Superintendent Certification

Personal Interests
Outside of work, James is an avid year-round men’s ice hockey player. During the colder months, he enjoys vacationing in Florida, while summer finds him at the beach, listening to live music, and exploring the restaurants of Newburyport and the surrounding seacoast area. Above all, he values spending quality time with family and friends.

Meet Joseph Frasca, our Senior Manager of People and Operations at Commonwealth Building. With a focus on shaping company culture, fostering employee development, and optimizing operational processes, Joe plays a crucial role in driving our success and achieving organizational goals.

With a solid background in business management from Burdett College, Joe brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He has a proven track record in relationship building, program development, and operational management. Joe’s strategic approach has led to sales growth, enhanced customer satisfaction, and the successful implementation of transformative strategies to strengthen our organization.

Outside of work, Joe is a resident of Marshfield and enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. He embraces the outdoors, whether it’s relaxing at the beach, camping adventures, or tending to his yard.

Emily Harding is the Manager of Business Development & Marketing at Commonwealth Building, where she leads the firm’s marketing strategy and business development initiatives. In her role, Emily oversees client relationship management, proposal development, branding, and digital communications, ensuring the firm’s projects, people, and expertise are effectively showcased. She works closely with both internal teams and clients to develop strategic marketing campaigns, elevate the firm’s presence in the market, and support long-term business growth.

Prior to her current role, Emily gained experience across the architecture, interior design, real estate, insurance, and consumer brand industries. She is a graduate of UMass Amherst’s Isenberg School of Management and the Commonwealth Honors College, where she earned her BBA in Marketing with a minor in Information Technology and a certificate in Real Estate.

Outside of work, Emily enjoys skiing, exploring Boston’s vibrant food and music scene, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

As a Financial Controller at Commonwealth Building Inc., Jarrod brings over 25 years of accounting experience, including 8 years as a CPA and 17 years in controller roles. He has extensive experience working with a general contractor and in the medical manufacturing industry.

With a strong educational background in accounting from Macintosh College, Jarrod offers a wealth of expertise in his position. His leadership skills and industry insight are significant assets that strengthen our team and organization.

Outside of work, Jarrod enjoys traveling, maintaining his health and fitness, and spending quality time with his nieces and nephews.

Michelle is the accounting department’s clerk and has been with Commonwealth Building since 2014. She has over 30 years of experience with various roles in construction estimating and accounting. Michelle’s experience working for subcontractors as well as general contractors is an asset that comes in handy for requesting critical information for processing client records properly. Michelle has great computer skills and thrives on her organizational strengths while utilizing her time management experience to have daily activities run proficiently.

Outside of work Michelle enjoys spending time with family, friends, and a good game of bingo on occasion. She also likes working on puzzles and crafts to keep her mind active.

Kristen Ameen serves as Project Coordinator at Commonwealth Building, Inc., where she plays a vital role in supporting the construction operations team throughout the project lifecycle. With a strong background in project administration and organizational management, Kristen supports day-to-day operations and helps maintain documentation to keep projects on track.

Known for her attention to detail and proactive approach, Kristen brings efficiency and clarity to every stage of the construction process. Her commitment to collaboration and communication helps foster strong relationships across teams and clients alike.

Kristen’s academic credentials further enhance her professional profile. She holds a Bachelor of Business Management degree from Bridgewater State University. Her strong educational foundation, combined with her hands-on experience, equips her to navigate the complexities of our industry effectively.
Outside of work, Kristen loves spending quality time with her family, especially her husband and their dog, Harris. One of her favorite ways to unwind is by cooking.

When Kristen is not in the kitchen, you will likely find her catching up with friends, enjoying a game night, or spending time outdoors. Traveling is another one of her passions, particularly trips out west to visit family in Utah. Kristen and her husband always seize the opportunity to explore the mountains, take in the beautiful scenery, and create new memories.

Scot manages the day to day operations of our maintenance division. He also coordinates and schedules our on-site field team as well as manages our in-house inventory including supplies, tools, and equipment. Scot is a very dedicated and loyal team member that has been with Commonwealth Building his entire career. With over 20 years of experience, Scot has held various positions in the field and in the office. Scot’s persistence and determination to get things done has been and will continue to be a great asset for our organization.

University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA – Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Massasoit Community College, Brockton, MA – Associate degree in Computer Science

Scot resides in Braintree, MA, is married to his wife Erin for 18 years and has two children Molly (13) and Liam (11). Scot is legally blind and wears hearing aids from a genetic disorder called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). His son Liam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 6 years old. Scot and his family’s very positive outlook and never quit attitude has helped them persevere in spite of their obstacles. Scot is an avid Boston Sports fan and a Boston sports memorabilia collector. Scot and his family are strong supporters of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, JDRF (juvenile diabetes), and he coaches the Challenger League in Braintree (baseball for kids with disabilities).

Greg Toppi our Senior Estimator has been with Commonwealth Building, Inc. since 2018. Greg has over 20 years of construction experience including high-end residential and light commercial. Prior to coming on board to CBI, Greg managed the Real Estate and Construction divisions of two national franchises. Greg brings a unique perspective having worked from the client side and understands their needs, the challenges they face and the importance of delivering projects on time.

Greg holds an Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License and a Real Estate Salesperson License.

Greg resides in Marshfield, MA with his wife Gena and two children. When not working, Greg enjoys woodworking, mountain biking and fishing with his family.

With over 50 years of experience in Construction Management, Jon Pierce brings unparalleled expertise to his role as an Estimator at Commonwealth Building Inc. His work focuses on estimating, preconstruction, and value engineering, ensuring projects are cost-effective and strategically planned for success.

Beyond his industry experience, Jon spent 10 years as a faculty member at Northeastern University’s Continuing Education Program, where he instructed courses in Project Management, Scheduling, and Estimating, further demonstrating his deep knowledge and commitment to the field.

Certifications & Education
Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License
OSHA 10 Certified
CPR Certified
Real Estate Development – Harvard University
Construction Management – Wentworth Institute of Technology

Personal Interests
Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for stand-up comedy, acting, and photography. He also loves spending time at Duxbury Beach and Cape Cod.

Michael Lai serves as a Senior Project Manager at Commonwealth Building Inc., where he brings decades of experience leading large-scale construction and development projects throughout the Greater Boston area and beyond. His unique blend of engineering expertise and real estate acumen enables him to deliver projects that excel both in structural integrity and financial performance.

At Commonwealth Building Inc., Michael oversees every phase of project execution—from initial planning and permitting through construction and final delivery. He is recognized for his ability to navigate complex environments, coordinate teams, and consistently adhere to timelines and budgets. His leadership is instrumental in driving collaboration among architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.

Clients and colleagues alike recognize Michael for his strategic foresight, problem-solving skills, and unwavering dedication to excellence. He continuously strives to align project outcomes with client visions while advancing Commonwealth Building Inc.’s mission to deliver outstanding construction solutions.

With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University and a Master of Science in Real Estate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Michael combines rigorous technical knowledge with strategic insight into market dynamics. This dual perspective allows him to effectively bridge the gap between design, construction, and investment, ensuring projects meet both client objectives and industry standards.

Keith Happeny is a Project Manager and has been a member of the Commonwealth Building team for over 20 years. His hard work and determination have allowed him to perform various positions in the field and office including laborer, superintendent, and project management. Keith’s strong communication and interpersonal skills allow him to specialize in open operation remodels and renovation projects.

Keith holds a Construction supervisors License and an Osha 30 certification.

Outside the office; Keith likes to spend time with friends and family, camping and fishing. Keith enjoys watching and cheering on his favorite local sports teams the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins and Sox! Keith is a very proud father of his two daughters Michaela (16) and Paige (12) and husband to his wife Cheryl.

Tim brings over 20 years of Project Management and Consulting experience in the Construction Industry to Commonwealth Building. Prior to joining the Commonwealth Building team, Tim worked for several firms such as Alaris Construction, Stone & Webster Engineering & Construction, Inc. and Kearns Construction to name a few. His experience in the construction industry and consulting brings a diverse set of skills to Commonwealth Building.

Tim has a MS in Economic Policy and Planning from Northeastern University, A BA in Economics from The University of Massachusetts Amherst, an Unrestricted Construction Supervisors License, OSHA certification, and Home Improvement Contractor certification.

Tim also known as “TJ” enjoys boating, water sports, and skiing, he currently has skied over 60 mountains and counting. Some of his favorite pastimes include traveling with family, reading, history, architecture and historic preservation.

As a Project Manager at Commonwealth Building Inc., Jamal Goldson brings over a decade of experience in project management and three years of hands-on fieldwork to the team. His expertise lies in residential energy efficiency, conservation projects, and renewable energy solutions, specializing in solar and battery storage installations for both residential and commercial applications. Jamal is dedicated to executing projects with precision, ensuring quality, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

Personal Interests
Outside of work, Jamal enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their two daughters, Kera (15) and Shiloh (10). He has a passion for cooking and Christian theology and loves playing and attending sports events. An avid music lover, Jamal enjoys concerts, cars, and outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and camping.

As an Assistant Project Manager at Commonwealth Building Inc., Sam Dorothy works closely with the project team to ensure seamless project execution. His responsibilities include managing sub buyouts, leveling bids, tracking changes, coordinating pricing, and handling RFIs, submittals, closeouts, and meeting documentation. Sam also plays a key role in maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring smooth project workflows and continuity of information from start to finish.

With experience in commercial, educational, public works, and residential construction, Sam has worked on a variety of projects, including scientific and medical laboratories, large warehouses, shipping facilities, and occupied renovations. His background includes expertise in construction change order processes, MEP layout in CAD and the field, and various construction assemblies, means, and methods.

Certifications & Education
Bachelor of Science in Construction Management – Roger Williams University
AGC Associate Constructor
OSHA 30 Certified
Notary Public

Personal Interests
Outside of work, Sam enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends. He has a passion for working on and riding classic trucks, motorcycles, and boats. When winter arrives, he loves heading up north for a weekend of snow machining.

As an Assistant Project Manager at Commonwealth Building Inc., Carl has close to ten years of construction management experience and a proven track record of leading complex projects alongside other general contractors.

With a strong educational background in Project Management from the Wentworth Institute of Technology, Carl possesses valuable expertise in his role. His leadership skills and industry insight are significant assets that will enhance our team and organization.

Carl enjoys reading, hiking, working out, and spending time with friends and family outside of work.

Rowdy has over 30 years of progressive experience building commercial retail spaces. Prior to joining Commonwealth Building he worked for several construction companies across the United States such as, Construction Source Management MA, Jayeff Construction NJ, and Elder-Jones-Bloomington MN. Rowdy brings a diverse range of knowledge and construction skills to the Commonwealth Building team.

Rowdy has been a Licensed Massachusetts Construction Supervisor since 1996.

Rowdy is originally from Baton Rouge, LA and still enjoys cooking Cajun food for family, friends and spending time with his wife and 2 boys.

Jorge has been a superintendent for us for over 9 years and has over 15 years construction experience. His amazing work ethic, high moral character, and his get-it-done mentality has helped him become a valuable member of our field team and a great asset for us moving forward.

When Jorge is not working he enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Darren has been with our organization for 35 years. Darren has held positions as a laborer and carpenter, prior to being promoted to a Superintendent. Darren has completed many projects through his long career and is a well rounded Superintendent.

Outside of work Darren enjoys spending time with his family, competing in body building competitions, working on his sports car and riding his motorcycle.

Jim has been with us for 4 years as a Superintendent. Prior to joining Commonwealth Building, Jim owned a high residential and light commercial construction business for over 30 years. Jim’s very strong soft skills make him a great fit with our organization and a great leader in the field.

Outside of work Jim enjoys fly fishing and camping.

Manny has been with Commonwealth Building for over 11 years and brings over 20 years experience in the construction industry. Prior to working for us, Manny held positions as a elevator and escalator maintenance and service technician as well as a maintenance technician for Target Retail. Manny brings a great work ethic and a lust for life attitude to our field team.

Outside of work Manny enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, spending time at the beach and watching sports

Robert Lawless, our Site Superintendent has a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring project success, Robert oversees construction sites with precision and expertise.

Beyond the construction world, Robert finds solace and joy in his personal pursuits. An avid hunter, he relishes the thrill of the chase and the tranquility of the great outdoors. In his downtime, Robert indulges his culinary talents, crafting his own smoked meats with care and precision, a testament to his meticulous nature both on and off the job site.

But above all, Robert treasures the time spent with his family, cherishing each moment shared with loved ones. Whether it’s exploring the wilderness, savoring a homemade meal, or simply enjoying quality time together, Robert finds fulfillment in the simple joys of life.

With his dedication to excellence, passion for his craft, and appreciation for life’s pleasures, Robert Lawless embodies the spirit of our team at Commonwealth Building, enriching both our projects and our community with his presence.

Glenn has been a staple in our organization for over 40 years. He is an experienced superintendent and exceptional carpenter with over 40 years in the construction industry. Glenn is a well rounded superintendent who has a diverse portfolio of projects he has completed for us over the course of almost 4 decades.

Outside of work Glenn enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, and opening his family camp in Minnesota every spring.

Steve has been a key member of our organization for more than 38 years. He is a well rounded superintendent with a vast amount of experience in all our market sectors. Steve’s technical knowledge is second to none and has the ability to take on any project we send his way.

Outside of work Steve enjoys riding and working on motorcycles, boating and fishing in Minnesota in the spring.

As a Superintendent at Commonwealth Building Inc., Chet has over 20 years of experience in construction management. He has a proven track record of successfully leading complex commercial, residential, and municipal projects. His expertise includes managing everything from ground-up academic buildings to multifamily renovations, hospitality projects, and medical/office buildouts.

Chet’s leadership skills, attention to detail, and commitment to quality and safety make him a valuable addition to our team.

Outside of work, Chet enjoys boating, driving big trucks, muscle cars, relaxing by Texas rivers, and riding fast motorcycles.

Bob has been with Commonwealth Building for over 32 years. Bob has held positions as a fixturing mechanic and carpenter, prior to being promoted to superintendent. He specializes in open operation renovations in the retail and corporate markets.

Chris Emond brings over 25 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry to his role as Superintendent at Commonwealth Building, Inc. Throughout his career, Chris has successfully led a wide range of commercial, institutional, and residential projects, consistently delivering high-quality results on time and within budget.

As Superintendent, Chris is responsible for overseeing all on-site construction activities from groundbreaking to project closeout. His core responsibilities include coordinating subcontractors and trades, managing daily schedules, enforcing site safety protocols, conducting quality control inspections, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and regulatory requirements. Chris is highly skilled in identifying and mitigating potential risks before they impact project timelines or costs.

Chris is known for his collaborative leadership style and his ability to build cohesive, high-performing teams. He maintains clear and consistent communication with clients, architects, engineers, and project managers to ensure alignment and transparency throughout all phases of construction. His attention to detail and proactive approach to problem-solving help keep complex projects running smoothly—even under challenging conditions.

A firm believer in continuous improvement, Chris stays current with industry best practices, safety standards, and emerging technologies in construction. His commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has earned him a strong reputation among colleagues and clients alike.

Chris’s leadership, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication to safety and quality make him a key contributor to the success of Commonwealth Building, Inc., and a trusted leader on every job site he oversees.

Certifications & Licenses
Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License
OSHA Certification
Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor License

Tom has been a Carpenter and Superintendent for more than 20 years in the construction industry. He’s also is a retired Air Force Veteran of more than 30 years and a retired Coast Guard Auxiliary Veteran of more than 15 years.

Outside of work Tom enjoys scuba diving, hunting, fishing, waterskiing and camping.

Paul has been a member of the Commonwealth team for over 20 years. He is a versatile carpenter with a wide range of skills.

Outside of work enjoys taking cruises on his motorcycle and spending time with family and friends.

Jim is a seasoned carpenter with over 30 years experience with Commonwealth Building. Prior to working for Commonwealth Building, Jim served in the US Army and worked at the Quincy Shipyard.

When Jim is not at work he enjoys playing darts and watching sports.

Dave has been with the Commonwealth team for over 30 years. He is a dedicated and skilled carpenter for us.

Frank has been with Commonwealth Building for over 21 years. He is a well rounded repair mechanic that works within our Maintenance and Special projects division.

Frank enjoys his time with family, camping, fishing, cooking, and gardening.

Rob is an experienced painter who has been with us for over 9 years. Prior to joining Commonwealth Building he worked as a painter for a life-long trade partner of ours Wood Commercial Painting for over 20 years. After working side by side with Rob for many years we knew that when he joined our team that he would be a great fit for our family. Rob’s charismatic personality and positive attitude is a welcoming voice on our job-sites.

Outside of work Rob enjoys his time with family and friends.

Mark has been with Commonwealth Building for over 9 years and brings nearly 30 years of painting experience to our team. Mark is a skilled painter with an amazing work ethic and great attitude.

Outside of work Mark enjoys riding his motorcycle and hanging around with friends and family

Andrew Pierce is a highly skilled commercial carpenter with over 17 years of experience in the construction industry. He specializes in steel and wood framing, drywall installation, doors and hardware, acoustical ceiling systems, and finish applications. With a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality, Andrew ensures that every project is completed with precision, safety, and cleanliness.

Andrew has worked extensively on both commercial and residential projects, including remodels, deck building, and specialty installations. His expertise also includes reading blueprints, security mesh installation, bathroom partitions and accessories, and specialty cloud framing.

Certifications & Education
Gould Construction Institute Apprentice Program (2010-2015)
Holyoke Community College (2003-2007)

Personal Interests
Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with family, working on hands-on projects, and continuously honing his carpentry skills.

Luan started with Commonwealth as a carpenter apprentice and quickly moved up to a field labor position. His training from the Quincy HS Vocational Carpenter Program and work experience with Curry Hardware as a warehouse and assembly technician provided a solid foundation for a career with Commonwealth Building, Inc.

Quincy HS Vocational Carpenter Certification

Besides building and carpentry his personal hobbies include art, music, and spending time with family and friends.

Connor Fleming, is the newest addition to our trade team working for us as an Apprentice Carpenter. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to quality, Connor is quickly mastering the skills needed to excel in carpentry.

When he’s not on the job, Connor loves diving into personal woodworking projects and trying out new techniques. His passion for carpentry goes beyond work, showing his true love for building and creating.

Connor is passionate about learning the ropes of carpentry and brings a fresh perspective and eagerness to every project.

Michael is a laborer at Commonwealth Building Inc. with over ten years of experience in various service-based companies. His strong attention to detail and commitment to quality help him rapidly master the skills required to excel in his role.

With his leadership skills and dedication to quality and safety, Michael is a valuable addition to our team.