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2020 Men of the Year: David Atkisson

J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc.

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David Atkisson builds Springfield businesses – literally. From the helm as office leader of the Springfield team at J.E. Dunn Construction Group Inc., Atkisson has overseen the creation of numerous Queen City buildings.

His favorite part of the process comes after the projects are completed, however, when the clients grow into their new locations and expand their futures under the roof that Atkisson built.

“Managing construction projects is what we do, but my favorite part about the process is getting to play a small part in the success of our clients,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of countless projects for hospitals, churches, schools, universities, airports, corporate offices and manufacturing facilities where what happens inside the walls is quite remarkable.

“The buildings can be quite impressive, but what really matters occurs inside.”

A Missouri State University alumnus, Atkisson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction management in 1999. He was hired that same year as project manager for Walton Construction and later promoted to senior project manager in 2007 and then vice president of operations two years following.

In 2011, he stepped into his current role at J.E. Dunn Construction where he has worked for nine years. Reflecting on his own career journey, Atkisson says he is always purposeful to invest in his field’s next generation and lend his experience through mentorship.

“While I love being a member of project teams who create buildings for a living, the older I get, the more I enjoy teaching and coaching our younger team members and sharing my experiences with them,” he says.

Atkisson also gives back to his community outside of the office and job site. He graduated from Leadership Springfield’s Class 28 cohort in 2012, which led to a domino effect of community involvement as he continued to make connections and seek opportunities to serve.

He is currently on the boards of directors for Springfield Business Development Corp., Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies and Springfield Contractors Association, the Forward SGF Comprehensive Plan Advisory Team, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Community Leadership Visit and Legislative Policy committees, and the advisory boards for Ozarks Technical Community College’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and MSU’s Construction Management Program.

The J.E. Dunn team has donated construction management services to Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and Atkisson has personally traveled to Nicaragua, Honduras and Mexico doing volunteer mission work.

“Getting involved with our community has taken me to a lot of new places,” Atkisson says. “Becoming active and engaged in our community over the past several years has helped me see how our community really works, where I fit and where I can help make a difference.”

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