Friends of Lovers Key & Florida Park Service
O-A-K Welcomes Rob Rotchadl as Senior Director of Strategy and Finance
O-A-K Welcomes Nancy Johnson as First Chief People Officer
O-A-K Honored with 2026 Southwest Florida INCredible Award
Owen-Ames-Kimball Celebrates Groundbreaking of New LaBelle High School
O‑A‑K Nears Completion of Cape Coral Technical College Expansion
Nancy Johnson
Nancy Johnson joined O-A-K as Chief People Officer in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, leadership consulting, and organizational development. Beginning her career in broad-based HR roles, she built a strong foundation across core people functions before transitioning into professional services, where she consulted with organizations across industries to strengthen talent practices and align people strategies with business priorities. Nancy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Central Michigan University.
What does "people first" mean to you in your work?
I believe people do their best work when they feel valued - not just for what they produce, but for the unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives they bring. “People first” means creating an environment where people can grow, contribute in meaningful ways, and have what they need to succeed.
That doesn’t come at the expense of business results; it’s what drives them. Strong organizations are built by developing leaders, supporting talent, and creating clarity around expectations and opportunities for growth. What’s special about O-A-K is that after more than a century, the value of “people who value other people” feels real. It shows up in the way people support one another, take pride in their work, and stay committed to building something meaningful together for the clients and communities we serve.
What's one thing you wish more organizations understood about building a strong workplace culture?
I wish more organizations understood that culture isn’t just about having fun together or planning engagement activities. Culture is built in the day-to-day—how leaders show up, how decisions get made, what behaviors are recognized, and whether people are enabled to do the right thing.
Strong cultures are intentional. They create clarity, recognize hard work, and connect people to a larger purpose. Especially in construction, the work we do has a real impact on the communities we serve. When people understand how their contributions matter, and feel appreciated for them, it changes the experience of work.
Nancy Johnson
Nancy Johnson joined O-A-K as Chief People Officer in 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, leadership consulting, and organizational development. Beginning her career in broad-based HR roles, she built a strong foundation across core people functions before transitioning into professional services, where she consulted with organizations across industries to strengthen talent practices and align people strategies with business priorities. Nancy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication and Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Central Michigan University.
What does "people first" mean to you in your work?
I believe people do their best work when they feel valued - not just for what they produce, but for the unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives they bring. “People first” means creating an environment where people can grow, contribute in meaningful ways, and have what they need to succeed.
That doesn’t come at the expense of business results; it’s what drives them. Strong organizations are built by developing leaders, supporting talent, and creating clarity around expectations and opportunities for growth. What’s special about O-A-K is that after more than a century, the value of “people who value other people” feels real. It shows up in the way people support one another, take pride in their work, and stay committed to building something meaningful together for the clients and communities we serve.
What's one thing you wish more organizations understood about building a strong workplace culture?
I wish more organizations understood that culture isn’t just about having fun together or planning engagement activities. Culture is built in the day-to-day—how leaders show up, how decisions get made, what behaviors are recognized, and whether people are enabled to do the right thing.
Strong cultures are intentional. They create clarity, recognize hard work, and connect people to a larger purpose. Especially in construction, the work we do has a real impact on the communities we serve. When people understand how their contributions matter, and feel appreciated for them, it changes the experience of work.
