Chris Peck loves flyfishing, plans to spend his retirement as a professor and is currently the senior vice president of JE Dunn’s Dallas office.
CHRIS PECK
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, DALLAS OFFICE LEADER
JE DUNN
How did you go from a B.A. in poli-sci to a J.D. to working in construction? Were you following a plan or making decisions as you went?
Although I never envisioned a career in construction, it’s no surprise that I ultimately found my way into the industry. I got my first construction job in eighth grade, working on new-home construction sites doing general clean-up. After graduating high school, I spent the summer as a commercial roofer. Throughout college, I held summer jobs leading landscape and irrigation crews. I also interned with an owner’s representative and program management firm during
college. After graduation, I joined that same firm full-time.
When choosing a law school, I deliberately selected a program that allowed first-year, full-time students to work during the academic year. This gave me the opportunity to continue serving as an owner’s representative on projects across the region while pursuing my goal of becoming a litigator. However, after clerking with a litigation firm and realizing how little time I would spend in the courtroom, I made the decision to stay in the construction industry—a choice I’m grateful for every day.
Talk about your volunteer work.
I’ve been truly fortunate to have my employers support my volunteer efforts throughout the years. The industry, community and charitable organizations I’ve worked with reflect my strong belief that elevating the construction industry is not only meaningful—it’s also good business.
A significant part of my volunteer work has been through Associated Builders and Contractors. Locally, I served for many years on the ABC North Texas Chapter board and chaired the chapter in 2006. I also served on the board of the Construction Education Foundation of North Texas—a training organization established by ABC and AGC to provide craft education—and spent five
years as its chair. I continue to serve on CEF’s executive committee to this day. Nationally, I chaired ABC’s Workforce Committee in 2019 and have also served on the board and as chair of the Construction Industry Advisory Council.
Beyond industry organizations, I’m active in local chambers and charitable groups in North Texas that focus on supporting at-risk youth and strengthening the regional contracting community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to contribute in ways that make a lasting impact on both the construction
industry and the broader community.
Is this where you plan to carry out the rest of your career?
Upon retiring from JE Dunn, I plan to become a professor. I’m currently serving on advisory boards for my alma mater and a local community college, and I intend to transition into teaching construction management at these institutions.
Preferred vacation destination: Large city adventure or quiet and remote getaway?
While I have travelled extensively across the United States, I am looking forward to vacationing abroad with my wife. I have become addicted to flyfishing and genuinely enjoy spending time on the water in beautiful locations.
