Announcing Retirement and New President
Goshen, Indiana, February 22nd, 2021 — Ancon Construction’s board of directors proudly announces Doug VonGunten as its new President. VonGunten has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, including in leadership positions in the past. He succeeds John Place, retiring after 26 years with Ancon.
“Doug will be an exceptional President at Ancon, by continuing the things that have set our company apart and by leading the organization to achieve even more success,” said John Place, President and Board Chair. “Doug’s personality and perseverance will serve him well in his new role, and I am looking forward to working with him for the next six months during the transition period.”
Before being named President, VonGunten started with Ancon in July 2006 as a Project Manager. He has most recently served as Senior Project Manager and Corporate Secretary on the Ancon Board of Directors. Doug is a lifelong resident of Middlebury with his wife, Jolene, and children, Jack, Garrett, and Molly. Aside from his work at Ancon, Doug finds many ways to serve and give back to the community. He is a member and Past President of Goshen Noon Kiwanis, serves on the Apprenticeship Committee for the local chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors apprenticeship program, and is an active member of his church Walnut Hill Mennonite in Goshen. Doug is also President of the Board of Directors for Ryan’s Place, a not-for-profit organization that provides grief support to children, teens, and families who have experienced the death of a family member or loved one.
VonGunten holds a B.S. degree in Business Administration, emphasizing management and marketing, from Manchester College, North Manchester, Indiana.
“It is a privilege to lead the Ancon team of employee-owners, and I’m excited about the challenge. The employee-owners make Ancon a great place to work, and I look forward to a very bright future together. Thank you to Andy Frech, the founder of Ancon, for his vision of Ancon 46 years ago, and to John Place, who has carried on that legacy.”
After 26 years with Ancon and the last 12 years as President, John Place is retiring. John plans to spend his retirement enjoying traveling, skiing, and continued involvement in various community organizations. He will also still be involved in key projects at Ancon and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.
“My 26 years at Ancon have been a blessing to my family and me. I have numerous relationships with Ancon employees, subcontractors, and clients that I will treasure as I move into a different phase of my life. I’m proud of the many successes that the Ancon team has enjoyed and look forward to seeing the company continue to grow. I was fortunate enough to have a career that not only challenged me but gave me a great deal of satisfaction. When I drive down almost any road in the area, there are usually several Ancon buildings that I had a part in constructing.”
VonGunten will assume the role of President in August. Please join the Board of Directors in congratulating John Place on his retirement and Doug VonGunten on his new role as President.
For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Marissa Odom, Director of Marketing, at marissa@anconconstruction.com or (574) 238.8772
