Ken Reid has been hired as The Builders’ association services director. His role includes overseeing workforce development efforts, membership engagement, event programming and broader strategic initiatives across the five-county region the association serves.
Reid’s leadership career spans nearly 30 years in federal service. He most recently served as assistant deputy chief for the U.S. Courts Probation and Pretrial Services in Florida before retiring at the end of 2025.
“Ken brings decades of executive-level experience managing people and programs, including work in strategic planning and workforce development,” said Kevin Reilly, executive vice president for The Builders. “He’s someone who can lead, connect and bring professionalism and purpose with him every day.”
A foundation in skilled trades
While his most recent experience is in federal leadership, Reid’s connection to the construction industry goes back to his roots.
He worked for an electrical contractor in high school and a general contractor during college to help pay for school. That early, hands-on experience left a lasting impact and helped to shape his appreciation for the trades.
“I’ve always loved the trades. Had I not gone into federal service, I could easily see myself in construction,” Reid said. “There’s something powerful about being able to look back at the end of the day and say, ‘I helped build that.’”
Reid holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Frostburg State University in Maryland.
Reinforcing local connections
Originally from Gettysburg, Pa., he worked in Youngstown early in his career and met his wife – an Austintown native – during that time.
After retiring, Reid and his wife made the decision to return to the Mahoning Valley to be closer to family and reconnect with the community.
“This opportunity gives me the chance to take my knowledge, skills and energy and put them to work in a way that really matters. To be part of an organization focused on growing the trades and strengthening the community is incredibly meaningful to me.”
The couple now lives in Canfield. They have two sons, one in high school, and the other is a doctor in Cleveland.
The Builders welcomes Ken to the team.
