The CEO and vice president of Clancy & Theys' Wilmington division has retired, according to an announcement from the company Friday.

Robert "Bob" Ruffner has spent the past 35 years driving the construction company's success in the Wilmington area "to new heights, generating work on hundreds of projects," a news release said. David F. Michael, vice president of project operations, has filled Ruffner's position.

“For more than three decades, Bob has played an instrumental role in building and fostering our growth in the Wilmington community,” said Director of Business Development Rob Bridgers in the release. “Throughout his career, Bob has embodied Clancy & Theys’ commitment to innovation and excellence in everything that we do. His leadership and guidance will be sorely missed; however, we wish him the best in his retirement.”
 
While at the helm of the Wilmington division, Ruffner led numerous notable projects in the region, including the construction of the Live Oak Bank headquarters and the Eagle Point Golf Club clubhouse.

He also drove additional projects with a lasting impact on culture and tourism industry, the release said, including the Cameron Art Museum and the N.C. Aquariums at Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Jennette’s Pier at Nags Head.

The new CEO Michael said current and upcoming projects include the third building at Live Oak Bank's campus off Tiburon Drive and an upcoming office building at The Pointe at Barclay.
 
"It’s always a great pleasure to build projects that as you drive by, you’re very proud, so these two projects will have great curb appeal and other things about them that will make Clancy proud," Michael said. "It’s like a lot of other projects that we have done over the last 30-some years here."

The Wilmington division was the first-ever satellite office for Raleigh-based Clancy & Theys, he said.

"I was one of the first employees that Bob hired," Michael said. "I’ve been here for 34-plus years so it’s always been my dream to manage this office and to carry on the kind of Clancy spirit and from the platform that Bob Ruffner developed. 

"We wish him the best, and he’s left me a wonderful foundation to take it to the next level."