Building Leaders Who Build Texas: Inside Rogers-O’Brien’s $1M Investment in Leadership Development

May 13, 2026
Building Leaders Who Build Texas: Inside Rogers-O’Brien’s $1M Investment in Leadership Development

At RO, we talk a lot about building great projects. Just as important is the work we put into building great leaders.

In 2025, that investment took a major step forward through our partnership with the Stagen Leadership Academy. A $1 million commitment; the largest leadership development initiative in RO history. More than 400 RO employees will have completed a Stagen program by the end of 2026, with a goal of 600+ by the end of 2027.

The spring 2026 cohort of RO employees celebrate the completion of their 13 week FLC program.

“Stagen is a commitment to helping our people lead with purpose, at work, at home, and in their community,” said CEO Justin McAfee. “I’ve been through the program myself. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

This isn’t reserved for senior leaders or a select few, but is built for every stage of a career. Stagen is structured around three core programs, each designed to meet people where they are in their leadership journey.

  • FLC: Leading Self — where the majority of RO team members start. The foundational program, built for emerging leaders and anyone ready to grow personally and professionally. FLC drives most of our completions to date, with new cohorts running through 2026 and 2027.
  • FLP: Leading Others — for people leaders, department managers, and team builders stepping into the work of leading others. Nearly 50 graduates so far, with additional cohorts continuing into 2026.
  • ILP: Leading the Business — a year-long program for senior and executive leaders. Nine RO leaders have graduated with more in progress through 2027.

The throughline is communication. The best leaders are the best communicators, and stronger communicators build stronger teams. That’s where much of Stagen’s impact is already showing up.

Kwasi Nyante, a Senior MEP Manager based in Dallas, points to one specific tool. “The drama triangle has had the largest impact. It gives me a simple framework to recognize where I am, and how to change the outcome.”

Ash Gilliam, Vice President of Operations for San Antonio, credits a weekly habit. “Weekly Focusing has been a game changer. I stress less, I prioritize better, and I’m more proactive at work and in life.”

For Nolan Reynolds, a Superintendent in our Waco office, the shift has been personal as much as professional. “It’s helped me become more present at home and more self-aware at work. Active listening changed the way I communicate every day.”

Nolan Reynolds, middle, celebrates Stagen FLC commencement with the rest of the Waco cohort in October 2025.

For Jonathan Miller, a Project Manager in Dallas, the value has shown up in his relationships with the team. “It’s eliminated a lot of unnecessary drama and helped me create better boundaries. That’s made me a more focused, more helpful teammate.”

Stagen is a long-term investment, beyond a checkbox or a training module. It’s part of how RO is building a future led by people who care, grow, and lead with impact.

For anyone considering a career with RO, this is part of what comes with the job. Leadership development at every level. A company that invests in people, and a clear belief that the work of building Texas is only as strong as the people doing it.

Start building your career at RO: r-o.com/careers