T. Brett Ames

• Years of Heavy Infrastructure Experience: 33+ 

• Welcomed to SEMA: 1992 

• Education: B.S., Construction Management, Colorado State University 

• Certifications/Licenses: Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) 

• Professional Affiliations: Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO); Associated General Contractors of America (AGC); The Beavers – Heavy Engineering Construction Association; Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA); American Contractors Insurance Group (ACIG); GoRail is a nonprofit organization founded in 2004 that educates community leaders across the United States about the public benefits of freight rail investments. 

• Primary Personal Charity: Mount Saint Vincent – Supporting children and families through preschool, pediatric behavioral healthcare, foster care services, and trauma-informed training. 

"Understand it supremely so that you can explain it simply” - Unknown

As CEO, Brett Ames plays a pivotal role in SEMA’s success, reporting directly to Founder and Owner, Tom Ames. He is committed to SEMA’s award-winning culture, ensuring its values and mission guide every decision. His leadership has helped SEMA earn national recognition as a Top Workplace by USA Today, a reflection of SEMA’s commitment to its people.

Brett oversees strategic planning, corporate decision-making, and financial operations, guiding market expansion, resource allocation, and long-term growth. He ensures financial stability by managing accounting, bonding, banking, budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy. A recognized leader in alternative contract delivery, he champions Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC), Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Progressive Design-Build (PDB), and collaborative contracting methods, positioning SEMA as a national leader in these strategies.

Under Brett’s leadership, technology, innovation, and sustainability have become key drivers of efficiency and project success. He established SEMA’s Technology & Innovation Department, led by CTO Venkata Dusi, to integrate data-driven solutions, digital construction tools, and advanced project management systems into daily operations. He has also made sustainability a priority, requiring advanced leadership roles in preconstruction planning to obtain Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) certification, ensuring sustainable infrastructure development is embedded in every project.

As District President of Rocky Mountain, California, Texas, and Mid-Atlantic, Brett ensures regional operations align with corporate goals while adapting to diverse market needs. His leadership supports The Project and The People - safely, sustainably, with high quality, and profitably. Guided by core values Hungry, Humble, Tough, and Smart, he fosters growth, collaboration, and innovation, making SEMA the best partner in the industry - "SEMA, More to Look Forward To."

Brett is a devoted father to sons Ogdn, Tate, and Holis, cherishing time with family and friends. He enjoys skiing, snowmobiling, and exploring the backcountry. He values live events, attending concerts, UFC fights, and sports games. Passionate about golf, exotic cars, and real estate, he embraces continuous learning, investing, and personal development.

HUNGRY