New generation to head A & B

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Tom Alexander of Alexander & Bebout Inc. announced at the company’s annual Christmas party he is handing over the role of president.  Effective January 1, Sara Zura will become the new president of the company.

Zura, Alexander’s granddaughter, is a licensed professional civil engineer and has been a vice president of Alexander & Bebout since May 2006.  Prior to joining the A&B team, she worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation for five years as a field project engineer on the cable suspension bridge project (Veterans’ Glass City Skyway Bridge) in Toledo.  She was responsible for drilled shafts, piers, caps and the upper pylon.

Zura will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the company including assisting in sales & design on design/build projects and providing technical knowledge wherever needed.  Zura graduated in 2000 from Van Wert High School and in 2003 she graduated Cum Laude from the University of Toledo.  She lives in Van Wert with her husband T.J., a civil engineer with ODOT, and their two boys, Tyler and Joey. Zura is the daughter of Ken and Lori Dasher of Van Wert.

Alexander & Bebout Inc. has been a general contractor in the northwest Ohio area for 47 years.  The company employs 60 people and has completed many area projects. A & B specializes in commercial, industrial, health care and religious facilities.

Alexander will retain his position as chairman of the board and will remain active in the company’s business.  He said he has no plans to retire completely, stating, “it is time to let someone younger handle the headaches and problems.”

Alexander started the business nearly 48 years ago with Gene Bebout, who retired in 1989, leaving business operations to Alexander and his wife, Sylvia. Alexander said he has met and worked with many people over the years and formed several lasting friendships. He attributes the success of the business to maintaining a quality workforce that continues to produce a quality, on time product.

Zura said she is excited to be taking over as president of the family business and looks forward to many more years of building quality buildings in the area. Zura also stated the experienced staff and talented field force will help make the transition successful.