Key hire brings experience in sustainable infrastructure, embodied carbon and public-sector policy to Northeast region
Alexander Hajek has joined the Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) as Northeast Technical Director, helping architects, engineers and contractors respond to the region’s growing demands for more resilient, sustainable buildings.
“Alex’s background in environmental engineering brings a valuable perspective to the Beauty of Block® Design Collective as we show how concrete masonry can meet the demands placed on buildings today,” said Kim Spahn, CEO, CMC. “His experience will be especially valuable in the Northeast, where evolving policies and performance requirements continue to shape material decisions.”
Prior to joining the BDC, Hajek was a policy advisor for the New York State Office of General Services in the Resiliency & Sustainability Division. As the team’s resident engineer and scientist, he managed technical project execution with a focus on construction engineering, the built environment and embodied carbon reduction.
“The Northeast is already a leader in carbon policy, but another critical challenge is strengthening the resilience of buildings and infrastructure against severe weather,” Hajek stated. “We have a unique opportunity to advance building approaches that protect the public while reflecting with the commercial realities of the construction industry.”
A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Hajek has worked on public infrastructure projects across the country, including Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and waste transfer stations. His work combines an engineering and science background with a long-standing interest in resilience and sustainability.
“Sustainability isn’t always about inventing brand-new materials. It can also mean using new technologies and better design to make proven materials more efficient,” said Hajek. “I think of concrete block as paint on a canvas: an essential, versatile medium architects and designers can use to create something extraordinary and enduring.”
Accessible at blockdesign.org, the Beauty of Block Design Collective provides nationwide, fully funded technical support for concrete masonry projects across diverse building types and climate zones. Its regional technical directors and network of expert consultants help project teams navigate code, specifications, detailing, constructability and design.