Holly is responsible for the overall fiscal functions of EMJ and its subsidiaries and related companies. She works with the Executive Leadership Team to establish long range goals, strategies, plans and policies.

Holly began her career as a Senior Auditor at Arthur Andersen before moving to Brach’s Confections. She joined EMJ in 2004 where she has served in successive positions, including Controller, Vice President of Finance and Accounting, Senior Vice President of Finance and Accounting.

She graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a B.S. in Accounting, and earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from the University of Oregon.

She lives in Chattanooga with her husband and two children. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling in her camper, reading, photography, and spending time with her immediate and extended family.

Deron leads the EMJ marketing and communications team in internal and external marketing and communication strategy and business development support.

Deron is a strategic leader with 27 years of experience leading in-house teams and serving clients at world-class firms. He is skilled at counseling executive leaders, developing and implementing public relations, marketing, communications, and business development programs.

Throughout his career he’s provided strategic counsel to a wide range of companies, implemented effective communications plans, and successfully led organizations through complex national crises.

Before joining EMJ in 2015, Deron served as the National Director of Communications for the Boy Scouts of America and held positions with notable public relations firms such as Edelman, Publicis Dialog, and The Gooden Group.

He is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in oral communications and public relations. Deron is an avid golfer and enjoys spending time with his family and serving his church.

An attorney with decades of legal and construction experience, Colby Cox joined EMJ in 2017. He is responsible for providing legal and risk management leadership to all EMJ offices, subsidiaries and related companies.

Colby graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in civil engineering, then attended law school at the University of Kansas, where he earned his Juris Doctor. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, the Missouri Bar, the Kansas Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.

Colby is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and has always been an active member of the community, serving as a board member of several nonprofit organizations. He lives in Southlake, Texas, where he and his wife enjoy being outdoors, hiking, running and biking with his family and can also be found coaching his sons in their various sports throughout the year

As Executive Vice President of People and IT, Heather works with executive leadership to implement changes that positively influence EMJ’s employee culture and resources. She provides overall leadership to departments within the corporation that directly impact EMJ’s culture, including benefits, learning and recruiting, as well as internal operations, including Information Technology and Administration.

Heather has more than 25 years of experience in human resources-related fields and received a Master of Arts, Training, Development and Human Resources from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor of Arts from Stetson University. She is a national member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and is designated as both a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Heather is a DDI-certified trainer and an accomplished speaker. She has spoken at SHRM national conventions, Procore Groundbreak, the Southeast HR Conference events for the Environmental Financial Consulting Group (EFCG), Mountain States Employers Council, Great Place to Work Institute, BioWorks Memphis and SHRM-Memphis and Chattanooga. She also served as a guest lecturer for undergraduate business classes at the Fogelman College of Business at the University of Memphis.

Heather lives in Chattanooga with her husband. They have three ‘young adult’ children and two amazing grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys home renovation projects, exercising, boating, cooking, golfing, and sporting events, especially Florida State University football and softball and all Boston sports.

Chas oversees and directs the day-to-day operations of EMJ’s southeast office. His 21 years of construction experience in a variety of roles, including estimator, project manager and construction manager, serve as a valuable resource to all aspects of the company’s operations.

Chas earned a bachelor’s degree in construction science and management from Clemson University, and in 2017, he was named both a Top Young Professional by Engineering News-Record and among the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Top 40 Under 40.

Chas serves on the Board of Directors for the ACE Mentor Program of Chattanooga and AGC East Tennessee Chapter. When he’s not working or volunteering, Chas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children.

As the Executive Vice President of EMJ’s southwest office, William provides strategic leadership and ensures the overall success of construction projects. His extensive industry experience and versatile skill set has allowed William to lead teams through various challenges and complexities in the construction industry.

Growing up in a construction-oriented family inspired William to study at Centenary College of Louisiana, where he graduated in 1998. Since then, William has taken on various roles within EMJ, the company that sparked his passion for construction. His practical field experience as a project engineer, director of construction, and now executive vice president, has given him a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

William’s most notable project, the River Spirit Casino Resort, has been EMJ’s largest project to date. Over the years, he’s also led teams in office space, hospital, and retail developments, enabling him to learn the importance of cultivating strong relationships, maintaining open communication, and keeping a keen eye on minor details.

When he’s not in the office, William loves spending time with his beautiful wife and four children.

Jack leads EMJ across the U.S., working closely with the Executive Vice Presidents of the Southeast and Southwest offices.

With more than 25 years of construction experience in a variety roles, from job site superintendent to vice president of construction, Jack is an exceptional leader and problem solver. He excels at strategically marshaling teams to achieve results and provide predictable execution to EMJ’s clients.

A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Jack’s construction experience includes retail developments, industrial facilities, office buildings, hospitality projects, healthcare and educational facilities—including some of the largest jobs completed by EMJ.

Jack and his wife live in Chattanooga. They have two adult children. In his spare time, Jack volunteers as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga. He enjoys being involved with his church, spending time with family, traveling, deep sea fishing and reading history.

Burt Odom began his construction career in 1983, after graduating from Auburn University, where he served under EMJ founder, Edgar M. Jolley. Having worked in various positions, including as an estimator and project engineer, Burt’s unique perspective in all facets of the construction process is an asset to the entire EMJ family of companies.

Burt helped establish EMJ’s Southwest office and played a key role in growing its client base, project diversity, and revenues to become one of the most successful construction offices in the southwest. He became Chief Executive Officer and President in October 2016, then was named Chairman of the company in 2021.

As Chairman, Burt provides guidance to the group of advisors who assist in developing the company’s strategic vision and goals. He helps identify opportunities for the corporation, assists with long-term planning, and advises the organization on special projects and new business opportunities.

Burt’s favorite part of leading EMJ is growing our talented team and inspiring them to do great things. He leads by example, instilling a servant leadership mentality into those around him.

Burt is active in his local community and connected to the construction community nationwide. He lives in Alabama with his wife and enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Lance provides leadership, coordination, guidance, and technical expertise in all areas of operational execution including, contract compliance, quality, safety, scheduling, warranty and document control.

In his role, Lance provides assistance with preconstruction, development of best practices, assistance with project issues, implementation of construction technology, assistance with claims and dispute resolution—including training and coaching.

Lance has more than 40 years of construction-related experience, 32 of which is with EMJ. Previously, he served as a VP of Construction in Dallas, then EVP of EMJ’s office in Tulsa, OK. In addition, he ran the wind division at a renewable energy constructor and provided operational oversight for a renewable energy subcontractor.

Lance lives in Fort Worth with his wife, Colette. He is passionate about helping others grow and service to his faith, family, friends and coworkers.