December 19, 2025

Celebrating a Legacy: Bill Reid’s Impact at Walsh Construction

By BECKY BICKNELL
Walsh Construction

Bill Reid played a crucial role in establishing Walsh as a trusted partner to nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to building affordable housing and community initiatives, such as the Broadway Center for Youth.

As 2025 draws to a close, Walsh Construction reflects on not only another impactful year focused on affordable living and senior projects but also on the imminent retirement of Bill Reid, the president of the Washington region. Over the past 44 years, Reid has been a vital influence on Walsh’s growth and success.

Reid’s journey began in 1979 as a carpenter, where hard work and determination led him to ascend to roles as a superintendent and manager, finally becoming president in 2012. Throughout his career, he has exemplified humble, steady, and thoughtful leadership, guiding Walsh in the successful execution of various complex and transformative projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.

In January, Reid will pass the leadership baton of Walsh’s Washington operations to the capable hands of Elizabeth Rinehart.

In Tacoma, Reid played an instrumental role in positioning Walsh as a committed partner of the Tacoma Housing Authority (THA). This collaboration has proven vital in achieving the THA’s ambitious goals for constructing and renovating high-quality affordable homes, while simultaneously delivering economic benefits to local companies and individuals. Reid led Walsh’s significant efforts to redevelop the Salishan community in seven phases from 2004 to 2011, and more recently, he oversaw the completion of 231 new affordable homes in the Housing Hilltop project, which opened its doors to the residents in late 2024.

At Salishan, Reid was not just a project leader; he was a catalyst for forging new partnerships in Tacoma. His engagement with various local community groups and subcontractors over the years significantly contributed to Walsh’s credibility within the community. By the end of the final phase, Walsh had employed nearly 200 local residents, ensuring that 34% of the subcontractors were minority- or women-owned. This effort not only provided meaningful economic opportunities but also solidified Walsh’s relationship with THA, earning their trust over time.

As Michael Mirra, former Executive Director of THA, noted: “In what it built, and how it built, Walsh helped the THA better understand and pursue its mission—to deliver affordable housing that stands out in quality and to build in a manner that fortifies our community.”

In Seattle, Reid spearheaded Walsh’s commitment to securing and implementing hundreds of community-centered projects throughout his four-decade tenure. Notably, initiatives such as Lander Hall at the University of Washington, the Thornton Place community near Northgate, and the Cedar Crossing affordable mixed-use transit-oriented development project at the 65th and Roosevelt light rail station underscore his outstanding contributions. The successful completion of these landmark urban projects embodies the principles Reid has instilled at Walsh regarding diligent scheduling, safety, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Under Reid’s astute leadership, Walsh has consistently enhanced its approach to delivering wood-framed apartment buildings, with a keen focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. While Walsh has mainly operated with traditional on-site building methods, strategic investments have been made in expanding the Quality and Building Information Modeling (BIM) teams. These advancements cater to evolving building systems and facilitate rigorous coordination of building exterior details. Furthermore, we are perpetually exploring innovative methods to improve the efficiency of apartment framing approaches, aiming to reduce both time and costs involved in construction.

Under Reid’s guidance, Walsh delivered significant redevelopment projects in Seattle, including the comprehensive eight-building Thornton Place initiative.

Beyond just buildings and systems, Reid has epitomized Walsh’s core vision of Building Communities and Empowering People. His emphasis on compassion and generosity has been a guiding principle, encouraging the team to view itself as a collaborative partner to nonprofit clients who share the mission of uplifting residents and enhancing communities. Walsh remains committed to sharing talent and resources through internal mentoring, as well as external workforce programs like YouthBuild and ANEW, aimed at empowering others.

Perhaps most crucially, Reid has persistently invested in upholding industry-leading safety standards at Walsh’s job sites. Elizabeth Rinehart, Walsh’s General Manager, remarked: “Bill’s unwavering commitment to safety has established a standard that will persist long into the future. For him, safety was never merely a rule or checklist. It was a means of demonstrating respect and a method of caring for and protecting the people we value deeply.”

As we look toward the future, Reid will hand over the leadership of Walsh’s Washington region to Rinehart, who is poised to step into the role of president in 2026. She encapsulates Reid’s character and legacy beautifully, stating: “Bill has always been much more than just a leader. He has been a builder in every conceivable sense, creating projects that will endure for generations.”

“He has dedicated time, thoughtfulness, and genuine care to those around him, providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear,” she added. “His empathy has steered teams through difficult challenges, while his high expectations have compelled us all to deliver our utmost best.”

AI legalese decoder: A Valuable Asset in the Industry

In the construction industry, legal complexities are often part and parcel of every project. Ensuring clarity and understanding of contracts, agreements, and legal documents can often present significant challenges. This is where AI legalese decoder comes into play. By leveraging artificial intelligence, this innovative tool simplifies complex legal jargon, making legal documents more accessible to construction leaders like Reid and his team.

With AI legalese decoder, Walsh Construction could streamline its contract review processes, ensuring that every team member understands the legal implications of their documents. This level of clarity not only aids in risk management but also empowers the team to make informed decisions quickly, ultimately fostering a more cohesive work environment. In a field where precision and compliance are paramount, utilizing such technology can enhance operational efficiency and lead to better project outcomes.

As we bid farewell to Bill Reid, we also look forward to the future innovations that will continue to elevate Walsh Construction, ensuring that the high standards he established will carry on for years to come.

Becky Bicknell is Walsh Construction’s client relationship manager.