Remembering Willard Hackerman

Willard Hackerman, longtime President and CEO of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company died this week. He was 95. He is remembered for his leadership and business acumen, along with his philanthropy and commitment to the community.

Hackerman joined Whiting-Turner 1938 as a 19-year-old civil engineer, just graduated from Johns Hopkins University. He was named President and CEO in 1955. His leadership and uncompromising insistence on integrity helped Whiting-Turner grow from a modest-sized local and regional contractor to a highly-ranked nationwide construction manager and general contractor working in all major commercial, industrial and institutional sectors. Whiting-Turner reported $5 billion in revenue in 2013.  In 2013, the company also celebrated Hackerman’s 75th year of service with Whiting-Turner.

Under Mr. Hackerman’s leadership, Whiting-Turner built many of Baltimore’s renaissance landmark facilities, including Harborplace, M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens, The Meyerhoff Symphony Hall and the National Aquarium.

Hackerman and his wife, Lillian Patz Hackerman, were generous supporters of many of the universities and hospitals throughout Maryland, as well as national institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University.  They also created scholarships that provide full tuition for qualifying graduates of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.

Whiting-Turner Executive Vice President Timothy J. Regan will succeed Hackerman as just the third President in Whiting Turner’s 105-year history.

“Literally every one of us has spent our entire Whiting-Turner career under the steady hand and inspirational leadership of Mr. Hackerman.  He can never be replaced.  Among his many accomplishments, he is a legend for his good works, and the irony is that most of his good works are not even known,” Regan said. “Thanks to Mr. Hackerman’s vision and foresight, his beloved Whiting-Turner will be strong and independent for generations to come.”

Contributions in his memory may be made to:

Hackerman Foundation
c/o Tammy Fanning
300 East Joppa Road, 8th Floor
Towson, MD 21286