Jae Park

Jae Park’s career in construction is shaped by a deep understanding of the markets he serves and a commitment to thoughtful, team-centered leadership. As a Project Executive at Chesapeake Contracting Group, Jae Park leads with precision, logic, and a strong network built over two decades of working in multi-family construction throughout the DC metro area. 

His career began in 2001, but his interest in construction started well before that. Growing up in South Korea during a time of rapid development, Jae was exposed to large-scale construction projects that reshaped entire communities. He was fascinated by the pace of transformation and the tangible impact it had on people’s daily lives. Jae went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physics from James Madison University, where he developed a methodical, analytical approach to problem-solving, and later pursued a master’s degree in Construction Management from the University of Maryland, College Park to formalize his path into the industry. 

Over the years, Jae has built a strong portfolio of multi-family projects across both new development and rehabilitation. His work includes garden-style communities and high-rise buildings, totaling more than 2,300 residential units. This hands-on experience gives him a strong grasp of what it takes to deliver successful projects, particularly in the highly regulated and competitive Washington, DC metropolitan area. 

Jae’s familiarity with the region extends well beyond the job site. “I’ve spent the majority of my career building in the DC metro area,” he says. “That time has allowed me to develop long-term relationships with subcontractors and gain a deep understanding of how to navigate local jurisdictions.” This network and local insight allows Jae to bring added value to Chesapeake’s clients by streamlining processes, anticipating challenges, and assembling trusted teams that consistently deliver. 

When it comes to project leadership, Jae describes himself as a servant leader. “I believe in supporting and empowering my team first. When they succeed, the project succeeds,” he explains. Rather than focusing solely on tasks or deadlines, Jae fosters a collaborative environment where team members feel trusted and supported. This approach helps cultivate both accountability and morale, which are essential to delivering high-quality work on time and on budget. 

Jae also embraces challenges as a way to grow. “If something makes me uncomfortable in my role, I view it as an opportunity to improve,” he says. Whether it’s navigating a complex issue on a project or stepping outside his comfort zone to adopt new technology, Jae sees each obstacle as a chance to evolve his leadership skills. He’s particularly interested in how emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can be used to enhance efficiency and decision-making on the job site. “We’re at the beginning stages of seeing how AI can shape our industry, and I want to be part of that conversation.” 

One of the things that drew Jae to Chesapeake was the company’s dynamic culture. “The company’s openness to innovation and willingness to embrace new ideas and technologies fosters a culture of continuous improvement and efficiency,” he says. That openness to progress, paired with the daily challenges that come with complex construction projects, is what continues to motivate him. 

Outside of work, Jae enjoys spending time with his 8-year-old daughter and working on his golf game.  

With his technical expertise, strong regional ties, and commitment to team development, Jae Park is a key contributor to Chesapeake’s success and a valued leader in the multi-family construction space. His approach blends discipline with expertise, resulting in projects that not only meet expectations, but often exceed them.