Brian Gray : Academy of Distinguished Engineers - 2022

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Portrait of Brian Gray.
Brian
Gray
Award Year
2022
Graduation Year
1993
Department
Civil and Construction Engineering
Nominating Department
Civil and Construction Engineering
Biography

President, Knife River Corporation’s Northwest Region

Brian Gray graduated from Oregon State with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1993. During his time there, he was involved in several campus activities, including hosting campus tours for prospective new students, working in the Department of New Student Services and leading summer orientation and advisory programs. He was an active member of Thanes Honorary Society and held several leadership positions while living at Sigma Phi Epsilon.

Gray continues to recruit prospective future engineers on campus, works with professors to promote work zone safety, and volunteers time and resources to develop more environmentally friendly concrete materials. Beaver Nation remains an important pillar of his life — even if it’s simply by attending a sporting event with his family.

Today Gray is president of Knife River Corporation’s Northwest Region, which includes operations in Oregon and Washington. At certain times of the year, he oversees more than 1,500 employees and manages the region’s diverse mix of aggregate, ready mix, asphalt, prestress, and construction operations. Gray has climbed through the ranks at the company, starting as a quality control technician, and has held multiple management positions.

Gray is a strong advocate for the construction materials industry in Oregon and is actively involved in a number of boards and executive committees to help the industry prosper. He has held several leadership positions at the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of AGC, including president in 2017, sits on several Oregon Department of Transportation advisory committees, and is president of Oregon State’s Construction Education Foundation. He represents Knife River on the executive committee and board of directors for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association.

Gray enjoys hunting, golfing and spending time with his family. He lives in Scappoose with his wife of 25 years, Danne’, and he has three grown children.

“My time at Oregon State and my experiences in the College of Engineering built the foundation for my personal and professional career. I received more than just an academic education. It was a life- changing experience that provided the self-confidence and built personal relationships to help me excel in my career.”

Degrees

  • B.S. Civil Engineering, 1993