Branch Construction, a prominent employee-owned firm operating across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions, has announced significant leadership changes as of October 5, 2025. These appointments aim to strengthen the company’s operational framework and enhance its growth trajectory.
Jason Hoyle has been elevated to the role of chief operating officer. In this capacity, he will report directly to Bob Wills, the chief executive officer, and will oversee all construction operations within the organization. This restructuring means that leaders from the civil, building, and commercial mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) divisions will now report to Hoyle, positioning him to drive strategic initiatives across various sectors.
In tandem with Hoyle’s promotion, Colin Robinson has been appointed as executive vice president of the building division. Robinson, who joined Branch two years ago, brings over 20 years of experience in the building industry. His leadership has been pivotal in the recent expansion of the business unit, demonstrating his capability to guide it through growth phases.
Another noteworthy promotion is that of Berton Austin, now executive vice president of Branch’s commercial MEP division. With a tenure of seven years at Branch and more than 20 years in the building and MEP sectors, Austin has played an essential role in enhancing the company’s capabilities in these areas.
Virginia Tech Recognitions and Innovations
In addition to corporate changes, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors has conferred emeritus titles upon four distinguished faculty members. The recipients include Rachel Holloway, vice provost emerita for undergraduate academic affairs; James Knight, professor emeritus of animal sciences; Paul Knox, dean emeritus of the Honors College, and Thomas H. Woteki, professor of practice emeritus and founding director emeritus of the Academy of Data Science. These honors recognize the significant contributions these individuals have made to their respective fields.
Furthermore, Amrinder Nain, a professor in Virginia Tech’s department of mechanical engineering, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Nain has established himself as a leading innovator in mechanobiology, particularly noted for his patented technology that simulates fibrous cellular environments. This advancement offers biomedical researchers a more relevant platform for studying living tissue.
Nain’s recent achievements include receiving a Fulbright Global Scholar Award to collaborate with cancer cell biologists at the University of Oulu, Finland. This collaboration focuses on studying prostate cancer, further illustrating the global reach of his research. Nain joins 18 other faculty members within the mechanical engineering department who hold the distinguished title of ASME fellow, underscoring the department’s commitment to excellence in engineering education and research.
These developments at Branch Construction and Virginia Tech reflect a broader commitment to leadership, innovation, and academic honor in their respective fields, highlighting the importance of effective management and pioneering research in driving progress.
