Dave Derry will retire from Henry Carlson Construction, a JE Dunn Construction company, on Oct. 30, concluding more than three decades of leadership that helped shape the company’s growth, strengthen its preconstruction capabilities, and develop the people and relationships behind its work.
Derry joined Henry Carlson in January 1995 as an estimator and went on to serve as CEO and chairman of Henry Carlson Construction. Over the course of his career, he helped clients plan complex projects, mentored colleagues, and played an important role in guiding the company through ownership and leadership transitions.
His experience spans health care, education, manufacturing and public facilities. Notable projects include multiple 3M campus expansions; Sanford Health’s Sanford Orthopedic Expansion, Imagenetics and Ava’s House; First PREMIER Bank headquarters; Sioux Falls City Center; the Minnehaha County Law Enforcement Center; the Sioux Falls Regional Airport parking facility; Washington Square; Century Theatre; and the South Dakota State Fair Dakota Events CompleX.
“Henry Carlson has been my professional home for more than three decades, and the people are what I’ll remember most,” Derry said. “I’m grateful to the colleagues, clients and trade partners who have been part of that journey. We’ve worked carefully to prepare the company for this transition, and I’m confident in the team that will carry it forward.”
Derry’s retirement follows a significant year for Henry Carlson. JE Dunn Construction acquired Henry Carlson Construction on July 31, 2026, bringing expanded resources and national expertise alongside Henry Carlson’s longstanding local presence.
“Dave’s greatest contribution is the trust he built with clients, trade partners and the team. I’ve experienced that personally. Our friendship goes back nearly 20 years, to when I was an intern, and I later had the opportunity to work with Dave in preconstruction. He helped me grow, just as he has so many others. I’m grateful for his friendship, his leadership and the strong foundation he leaves behind,” said Marc Mellmer, Vice President and Dakotas Leader at JE Dunn Construction.
As part of JE Dunn, Henry Carlson will continue serving clients and communities across the region, building on its local relationships with the support and resources of a national construction organization. Henry Carlson’s day-to-day operations will continue under its existing local leadership team, including Chad Nelson, vice president and general manager; Travis Hatlestad, project director; Mellmer; and Mike Ralston, South Dakota preconstruction director.
Dave and Diane Derry have chosen not to participate in media interviews. Dave and his wife, Diane, will be honored at a public retirement reception from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 29, at Henry Carlson Construction, 1205 W. Russell St. in Sioux Falls. Diane is also retiring from Henry Carlson on Oct. 30. Friends, colleagues, clients and community members are invited to attend, with a brief program beginning at 5 p.m. sharp.
Media inquiries may be directed to Jenny Powelson.
