This summer, we’re excited to announce that COO Duncan Bagley is stepping into the role of JR Merit president as Mark Radich shifts his focus toward business development and strategic growth.

Duncan has been a part of the JR Merit team since2017, joining as a senior project manager, and in 2020 was promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry focused on industrial, high-tech, manufacturing, and power generation projects, Duncan has helped the company grow and flourish alongside Mark. Together, the two have improved business tools, implemented project expectations, and streamlined project work structures.

“Duncan is the ideal leader to guide our next chapter,” Mark said. “His experience, integrity, and vision are unmatched. He’s been instrumental in JR Merit’s growth and organizational development. His ability to align teams, cultivate talent, and lead with conviction has shaped us into who we are today. I trust him to lead purposefully and expand opportunities across the organization.”

It was JR Merit’s reputation and Mark’s unique vision that originally drew Duncan to the company. As president, he’s excited to share this opportunity for growth and ownership that was given to him. “Few founders genuinely want their organization to outgrow them—it requires humility and sacrifice. Mark has created a culture where everyone can take on responsibility, push past their comfort zones, and uphold shared values in how we treat each other, work, and take ownership. Our service-oriented approach means facing challenges by always doing the next right thing.” 

Over the years, JR Merit has sustained continuous growth, which is projected to continue. “Since joining JR Merit, Mark and I have methodically strengthened our infrastructure—bolstering project execution, processes, and tools to support expansion and resilience. It is the dedication of every team member that has powered our growth. Mark’s leadership in building long term client relationships is key, yet it’s the collective effort of our employees that has transformed those relationships into lasting success. It’s that shared commitment that drives our continual pursuit of excellence.”

Mark will remain deeply invested in JR Merit’s long-term success and will continue to serve on the company’s board of directors, leading JR Merit in its business development efforts and strategic growth opportunities.

“I’m filled with profound gratitude and humility. Founding JR Merit 28 years ago was the realization of a dream—yet the true legacy belongs to the people and partners who brought it to life. From the early teams who laid the ground work to those who’ve joined more recently, their hard work, dedication, and shared commitment to excellence have shaped everything we’ve become and what we will be in the future. I hold deep respect for everyone who’s helped shape this company, both past and present, and thank our amazing clients who’ve trusted us along the way and for making this journey possible.”