Background
Dr. Ron Prichard contributes articles on
construction safety
and
construction
quality
to IRMI.com.
He currently serves as a consultant to a diverse mix of businesses in the
construction industry, where he enhances the ability to manage a wide variety
of risk posed by operations, competition, and clients in a dynamic and changing
environment. Dr. Prichard has over 30 years of involvement with the construction
industry at various levels. For over 10 years, he has concentrated his efforts
on the reduction of operational risks for both owners and contractors.
Dr. Prichard started his construction career as a laborer for a home builder,
and has served in a broad spectrum of roles as both a leader and a staff member
for many segments of the industry, including as a project support consultant,
a general contractor project manager, a technical advisor for an insurer, an
owners' representative, and as a risk consultant for insurance brokers. He has
successfully managed construction in both the public sector (while serving as
an officer on active duty with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and then in
the U.S. Army Reserve) and in the private sector.
In a staff role, Dr. Prichard has provided technical support in planning,
estimating, scheduling, and delivery of dozens of large construction projects.
In addition, he participated in the resolution of more than 30 major contract
disputes. He provides support for litigation, mediation, arbitration, and expert
testimony for resolution of a variety of claims and disputes.
Dr. Prichard has earned both a bachelor's of science degree from West Point
and a master's of science degree from the University of Missouri in Civil Engineering,
and a doctorate of philosophy focused on general principles of engineering and
the construction delivery process. Additionally, he is registered as a Professional
Engineer (Civil). He is coauthor of Risk Management, Insurance & Bonding for
the Construction Industry, prepared for the Associated General Contractors of
America and is a frequent speaker at construction industry conferences.