MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Knutson Construction announces Rick Allen as the company’s new Vice President of Safety. Based in Minneapolis, Allen will work with teams at all Knutson Construction offices in Minneapolis, Rochester, and Mankato, Minnesota, as well as Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“Rick’s strong background makes him well-qualified to lead our already exceptional safety program to one that is truly best-in-class,” said Brendan Moore, President of Knutson Construction. “His experience as a military veteran allows Rick to build on individual strengths, develop teams, and efficiently utilize safety leadership tools and processes in both field and office settings.”

Knutson, which has received six MNSHARP awards from the state of Minnesota, implemented a Zero Incident Safety Culture program in 2020. The zero-incident safety culture includes daily huddles, monthly job site safety stand-downs, and subcontractor pre-qualifications.

“I’m excited to bring my deep experience in building a strong safety culture to Knutson and have the opportunity to stretch my skillset into a leadership position at a company with values that closely align with my own,” Allen said. “I’m a firm believer in a leadership-driven safety culture, and I know I can add value to Knutson’s already-impressive record.”

Allen comes to Knutson with more than 25 years of safety experience. His career began in the United States Air Force where he served as a Munitions Systems Specialist and Explosive Safety Manager. He subsequently trained into the Occupational Safety and Health specialty and retired from the USAF after 20 years as a Ground/Weapons Safety Superintendent.

Stepping into civilian life, Allen joined the Montana State Fund as a Safety Management Consultant. His career continued into leadership positions within the transportation and energy sectors. Most recently, Allen was Corporate Safety Director at Parsons Electric, where he spearheaded successful efforts to expand zero-incident culture through policies built on leadership engagement and accountability.

Allen holds an Associate of Science in occupational safety from the Community College of the Air Force, a Bachelor of Science in industrial technology from Southern Illinois, Carbondale and a Master of Science in operations and supply chain from the University of Wisconsin, Stout.