At STEERBRIDGE, our people define our mission—and few embody that more than Jason Thomas. As the Portfolio Manager for our Construction and Facilities Management (CFM) division, Jason brings unmatched dedication, leadership, and strategic oversight to every VA project he supports. From his early days in the NFL to now leading multi-site construction initiatives, Jason’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and purpose.
Transitioning from a career in the NFL to construction and facilities management wasn’t just a professional change—it was a life shift. At age 31, Jason realized his time on the field was ending and began searching for a new mission. That opportunity came through Trusted Health Plan, where Robin Barclay offered him a role helping to develop a neighborhood wellness center in Ward 7. That experience became a spark.
“I discovered a new way to serve—by building spaces that help people heal and grow,” Jason said. “The discipline, resilience, teamwork, and execution that defined my time as an offensive lineman now shape how I lead projects and support teams.”
For the past 15 years, Jason has channeled that energy into a new field, with a strong commitment to supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Every time we complete a VA project, we’re contributing to the care and dignity of Veterans. That’s a purpose worth showing up for every single day.”
Today, Jason oversees service delivery across 20 project locations nationwide. His day begins with a 7:00 a.m. check-in to assess team readiness and review field activity. From there, it’s a mix of managing milestones, resolving challenges, and aligning with senior leadership on strategic goals. He works closely with Raul Lianez, STEERBRIDGE’s President of CFM, to ensure all operations stay on track.
“My role is a balance between strategic oversight and operational execution,” he shared. “It’s about ensuring the right resources are in place so our teams can do their best work—on time and with excellence.”
Jason is particularly proud of major efforts like the new VA Medical Center in Louisville and the renovations at the Canandaigua VAMC in New York. Each project, he notes, is personal: “These are spaces where Veterans receive care, community, and comfort. Being part of that transformation is incredibly meaningful.”
Jason’s projects directly support the Department of Veterans Affairs by modernizing healthcare facilities and improving infrastructure that impacts daily operations. He views every site visit as a reminder of the impact his work has.
“At the Birmingham VAMC, I met a Veteran who shared how important the facility is to him. He asked about our upgrades and thanked us for improving the space. That moment reaffirmed everything for me. It’s not just construction—it’s care.”
These stories drive his commitment and reinforce the weight of each decision, blueprint, and timeline.
Jason’s leadership philosophy centers on transparency, accountability, and communication. “Clear goals, open dialogue, and consistent follow-through—that’s what drives success,” he said.
He tailors his communication style based on each team lead’s preference, understanding that managing multiple VA sites requires adaptive coordination. He’s also deeply invested in the personal and professional success of his team members.
“Our CFM teams are family. They’re not just names on a spreadsheet. We know their strengths, support their growth, and care about their lives outside of work. That’s the culture we’re building.”
Jason credits STEERBRIDGE with giving him space to grow while remaining focused on the mission. “Leadership here is consistent, strategic, and supportive. People step up when someone needs help—whether it’s a field issue or a deadline.”
He sees alignment between STEERBRIDGE’s values and his own—particularly the commitment to purpose over prestige. “In football, success was about the team. At STEERBRIDGE, it’s the same. We win when everyone is working together for the mission.”
For those transitioning from high-performance careers—whether sports, the military, or other demanding industries—Jason encourages humility and a learning mindset. “The skills transfer, but you have to be open to starting fresh. Embrace the grind. Find your mentors. Build your toolkit.”
From his NFL days, Jason has carried forward lessons in discipline, preparation, and accountability—skills that now fuel his success in the federal contracting space.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned at STEERBRIDGE is how to sharpen my attention to detail. In construction, small gaps become big problems. I take responsibility for closing those gaps.”
Rob Schroder emphasized Jason’s impact across the company’s CFM portfolio. “Jason brings an elite mindset to his work—focused, humble, and mission-driven. His leadership and follow-through are a big reason our CFM teams consistently deliver results for the Department of Veterans Affairs.”
Jason often turns to a favorite quote from legendary coach Joe Bugel: “I demand perfection at a job that can never be perfected.” It’s a reflection of his pursuit of excellence, knowing there’s always room to improve.
When asked to sum up his time at STEERBRIDGE, Jason said: “Working here has been one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences of my career.”
Jason’s focus remains on advancing STEERBRIDGE’s portfolio of VA infrastructure projects while mentoring future leaders on his team. “We’ve got a high bar for excellence—and that’s what makes it exciting. Every day is a chance to do it better.”
Want to work alongside mission-driven leaders like Jason? Visit the STEERBRIDGE “Join Our Team” page to learn more about open roles in Construction and Facilities Management.