Jake Tonnessen
Project Executive
Meet Jake
As Project Executive, Jake brings a collaborative, transparent approach that aligns every partner around your goals from day one. A leader in progressive design-build and CM/GC delivery methods, Jake has deep experience in large sports, office, R&D, and healthcare facilities where early collaboration turns complex challenges into successful projects.
Professional Experience
As Project Executive, Jake plays a key role in business development, preconstruction, operations, and client relations for Mortenson’s Portland office, guiding projects from early pursuit through completion. He has led complex sports, office, R&D, and healthcare projects using progressive design-build and CM/GC delivery methods, building trust with owners through transparent information and early, honest communication. A dedicated mentor shaped by his own experience, Jake invests in developing the people around him and empowers teams to find better solutions, faster. His blend of preconstruction expertise, field experience, and market strategy helps him lead Mortenson’s growth in the Portland sports market and beyond.
Education:
- Bachelor of Science, Construction Management
University of Colorado, Boulder - Master of Science, Construction Engineering Management
University of Colorado, Boulder
Awards:
- 2026 Construction All-Stars – Senior Project Manager of the Year
Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) - 2026 Northwest Sports / Entertainment Best Project – Hillsboro Hops Ballpark
Engineering News Record (ENR)
- 2026 Top Projects – Hillsboro Hops Ballpark
Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC)
Everyone remembers the last 5%. Finish stronger than you started.
Leading with clarity and trust
For me, good leadership means showing the team where to score, not scripting every pass, play, and shot to get there. When we set the goal and ask questions instead of dictating the plan, we build a culture of growth and ingenuity, and our people succeed faster and at a higher level. We bring that same approach to our clients, and it’s what positions us to solve their toughest challenges.
Unlocking better outcomes, together
One of the things I’m most excited about in our industry is the shift towards collaborative delivery methods. I grew up around construction, watching my dad oversee a university construction program, where projects were always hard-bid and the lowest-price won. Now after more than a decade leading progressive design build and CMGC projects, I’ve seen how much better the outcomes are when everyone works towards the same goal from day one.
Turning our values in action
At Mortenson, “Do the Right Thing” is more than a value statement; it’s how we operate. That commitment earns trust that lasts beyond any single project, whether that means flagging a cost risk early, protecting the safety of everyone on site, or owning a mistake and fixing it. I’ve been on many projects where we chose the right thing over the easy thing, and those moments are what clients and partners remember most. That is also why so many of those relationships have lasted beyond the project.
Personal Passions
I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of the Evans Scholarship program, which awards golf caddies full college tuition and housing scholarship to one of the 28 universities across the country. Hearing applicants’ stories and taking part in the selection process inspires me to pay it forward, both by mentoring those around me and by helping open doors for the next generation.
Board Positions + Volunteerism
- Sport Oregon
Board Member - DBIA Oregon
Previous Young Professional Board Chair - DBIA
- Evans Scholarship
Interests
- Fly Fishing
- Skiing
- Traveling
- Photography
- Golf