EASTON, MARYLAND — The start of 2025 will mark a significant leadership transition at Willow Construction, a milestone representing over a decade of thoughtful planning and strategic vision. The company is pleased to announce that Eric Milhollan, CHC, Willow’s current Senior Project Manager, will assume the role of President, while Senior Estimator Justin Hiner will step into the position of Vice President. Both Eric and Justin have been instrumental in Willow’s success for over a quarter of a century and are deeply committed to the company’s core values of integrity, quality, and service.
This transition is supported by current President Michael Hiner, who will move into the role of Pre-Construction Executive until he retires in 2027. In this capacity, Michael will continue to work closely with clients on project planning, budgeting, and consulting, while supporting Willow’s new leadership. With nearly 44 years of experience, Michael has been pivotal in shaping Willow’s collaborative culture and commitment to quality. His focus on mentoring ensures that Willow’s next generation of leaders is well-prepared.
Eric’s journey with Willow began in 1996 as a Carpenter’s Helper. Under the mentorship of current Vice President Bernard “Andy” Cheezum, Jr., CHC, he advanced through the roles of Project Engineer and Project Manager before becoming Senior Project Manager, accumulating extensive experience in construction planning and quality control. A Salisbury University graduate with a B.S. in Business Management, Eric is also a Certified Healthcare Constructor and an alumnus of Leadership Maryland and Shore Leadership Programs. He has been essential in building Willow’s reputation for excellence and client satisfaction.
Justin joined Willow in 1999 as a Project Coordinator, inspired by a family legacy in construction. He soon transitioned to estimating, developing expertise in budgeting, contracting, and cost management. With a business background from Chesapeake College, Justin’s dedication to quality and strong relationships with subcontractors have been fundamental to Willow’s growth. He is also a graduate of the Shore Leadership Program and holds a Healthcare Construction Certificate from the American Hospital Association.
In 2015, Eric and Justin became junior partners, marking the start of a carefully executed long-term succession plan. This strategic planning ensures that Willow Construction remains on a path of sustainable growth, guided by an experienced team that is dedicated to preserving the company’s legacy of quality, integrity, and excellence in construction. In their new roles, Eric will continue to oversee the operations side of the business while Justin will lead pre-construction and estimating services.
Reflecting on this transition, Eric shared his gratitude and enthusiasm for the road ahead: “Justin and I are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the company and are energized by the opportunity to navigate its future. We look forward to embracing challenges, fostering growth, and building on the strong foundation that has brought us to this point.”
As part of Willow’s long-term succession plan, Vice President Andy Cheezum will be retiring at the end of 2024 after 30 years with the company. Andy began as a Project Coordinator in 1989 and rose to Vice President in 1998. His career is marked by exemplary project management, overseeing numerous projects across Delmarva, and a commitment to safety and excellence that earned Willow Construction multiple STEP Awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors. Andy’s legacy is reflected in Willow’s strong client relationships, stellar safety record, and unwavering dedication to quality.
Andy expressed confidence in the new leadership team, saying, “It gives me tremendous pride, knowing these two tenured leaders will strengthen Willow for decades to come. The future is bright with a healthy backlog, recent additions to our staff, and an experienced, capable team.”
With a new leadership team in place and an exciting slate of projects scheduled for 2025 and beyond, Willow Construction is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, serving the Delmarva community with dedication, expertise, and longevity for a healthy future.
Pictured from left to right are Justin Hiner and Eric Milhollan, CHC, who will officially assume the roles of Vice President and President of Willow Construction in January 2025.
About Willow Construction: Willow Construction is one of the largest and most respected commercial construction companies on Delmarva. Headquartered in Easton, Maryland, Willow specializes in industrial, retail, office, medical, multi-family, and other commercial construction projects. The company’s work includes new construction, renovations, and pre-engineered buildings. Willow has been operating for over 50 years and has received a multitude of industry awards for excellence in construction and safety. The company is committed to supporting the communities where it operates and actively supports a variety of organizations including BAAM, CASA, Talbot Interfaith Shelter, For All Seasons, YMCA of the Chesapeake, ACE Mentor Program, local fire departments, and local youth sports, among others.
Media Contact: Amanda Travers, Maven + Smith, 410.575.3656, amanda@mavenandsmith.com
