The Daily Dig
Manhattan Construction Company has promoted two veteran leaders from its Tulsa operations, recognizing deep specialization in healthcare and mission critical construction.
Darren Cottom has been promoted to vice president of healthcare, stepping up from account director. With more than three decades in the field, Cottom is recognized across Manhattan Construction as the firm's national healthcare subject-matter expert. His career spans over 500 projects ranging from targeted hospital floor renovations to multi-facility healthcare system work valued at more than $300 million.
In his new role, Cottom will guide healthcare clients nationally through the operational, regulatory, and technical demands of building in active medical environments. His credentials include Certified Healthcare Constructor, Certified Professional Constructor, LEED Accredited Professional, and OSHA 30-Hour Certification.
Ronnie Wood has been promoted to account director, bringing 19 years of construction experience that includes extensive work in mission critical and data center projects. He has led teams through dozens of data center upgrades, repairs, and renovations across Oklahoma, including live cable repairs on lines carrying more than 550 terabytes of traffic with zero outages.
His broader portfolio covers more than $600 million in construction across eastern Oklahoma. Notable projects include the Downstream Phase II Expansion in Quapaw and several landmark builds for the Choctaw Nation in Durant, including the Casino Resort, Tribal Headquarters, Judicial Center, and Cultural Center.
Both Wood and Cottom hold a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Oklahoma State University.
Leadership Snapshot:
Firm: Manhattan Construction Company
Headquarters: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Announcement: Dual Leadership Promotions
Promotion 1: Darren Cottom, VP of Healthcare (previously Account Director)
Experience: 30+ years in healthcare construction
Portfolio: 500+ projects; multi-facility healthcare system work valued at more than $300M
Credentials: CHC, AIC CPC, LEED AP, OSHA 30
Education: BS Construction Management, Oklahoma State University
Community: Chairperson, AHA Heart of Tulsa Campaign
Promotion 2: Ronnie Wood, Account Director
Experience: 19 years in construction, including mission-critical and data center specialty
Portfolio: $600M+ across eastern Oklahoma; zero outages on 550+ TB live-cable repairs
Notable Projects: Downstream Phase II Expansion, Quapaw, OK; Choctaw Casino Resort, Tribal HQ, Judicial Center, Cultural Center, Durant, OK
Education: BS Construction Management, Oklahoma State University
TheJobWalk Thoughts
Cottom's move to VP signals that Manhattan is treating healthcare as a national growth vertical. For subs and suppliers targeting hospital work, executive-level commitment like this typically accelerates procurement timelines and raises the bar on preconstruction rigor. Get in front of that team early.
Wood's zero-outage track record on live 550-plus terabyte data lines is the kind of credential that wins mission critical work before an RFP ever hits the street. In that sector, owners don't award relationships on price alone.
Courtesy of Manhattan Construction Company: Darren Cottom
Courtesy of Manhattan Construction Company: Ronnie Wood
