Marist Contractors Association
Alumni
The Marist Contractors Association
The Marist Contractors Association (MCA) was founded in 2020 to bring together individuals and organizations within the Marist community who own contracting businesses or work in the trades, unions, and related industries. MCA provides opportunities to gather, network, and fundraise in support of students seeking financial assistance at Marist High School.
Rooted in Catholic values and the St. Marcellin Champagnat spirit of humility, hard work, and service, MCA is committed to supporting the next generation of skilled professionals. We award scholarships to families within the trades community, helping students pursue a Catholic, Marist education and setting them up for lifelong success.
In the spirit of faith, brotherhood, and community, MCA also mentors younger members and fosters leadership within our network. By cultivating connection and offering guidance, we ensure that our mission continues to grow, strengthening the Marist tradition for years to come.
Building futures. Honoring faith. Working with purpose.
The signature event for the MCA is the annual members-only golf outing, being held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
Full membership ($2,000) entitles an individual or organization to a foursome at the members-only golf outing, one hole sponsorship, an invitation to future events, and special recognition on the Marist website.
Associate membership ($300) entitles an individual or organization four dinner guests at the members-only golf outing, an invitation to future events, and recognition on the Marist website. Please note to golf in the event, you must purchase a full membership.
Social membership ($150) entitles an individual or organization to two dinner guests at the members-only golf outing, and an invitation to future events. Please note to golf in the event, you must purchase a full membership.
We are excited to announce the honorees of the 2026 MCA Golf Outing:
The 2026 MCA Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill O’Malley ’87
The 2026 MCA Persons of the Year: Matt Quinn ’88
Bill O’Malley ’87
A proud member of the Class of 1987, Bill O’Malley’s story is one of hard work, faith, and a deep commitment to both his profession and his community. As a student at Marist, O’Malley distinguished himself academically as an honors student while also competing in athletics, playing football his freshman year before going on to compete on the varsity golf team for three years. His time at Marist helped shape not only his academic path, but also the values that continue to guide him today.
O’Malley credits his Marist education, particularly in math and science, with preparing him to pursue a degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona. He also embraced the opportunity to study four years of honors Spanish, becoming fluent and developing a skill that would later serve him both personally and professionally. Equally impactful were his four years of religion classes, which helped form a strong foundation in his Catholic faith that remains central to his life.
After graduating from Arizona, O’Malley began his career as a civil engineer, focusing on highway design before ultimately returning to Chicago to join his family’s business, John Burns Construction Company. What began as summer work during his college years grew into a lifelong vocation. Under his leadership, the company has expanded significantly, with operations in both Illinois and Texas and a focus on infrastructure projects that connect communities and improve daily life. Today, O’Malley serves as owner and operator of both divisions, leading a company that specializes in general contracting, electrical infrastructure, and telecommunications.
O’Malley’s work is grounded in a strong sense of purpose and responsibility. Through the company’s giving initiatives, he and his team actively support charitable efforts in the communities they serve, reinforcing a belief that success in business should be paired with meaningful service to others. That commitment reflects the values instilled in him during his years at Marist.
Family has always been at the center of O’Malley’s life. He and his wife Nadine have raised five children, and he takes great pride in their growth and accomplishments. Whether spending time with family, on the golf course, or outdoors, he values the relationships and experiences that have shaped his journey.
As the Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year, Bill O’Malley ’87 is recognized not only for his professional success, but for the way he has carried the lessons of Marist into every aspect of his life. His dedication to excellence, his leadership in business, and his commitment to faith and service reflect the very best of the Marist tradition.
Matt Quinn ’88 is a lifelong resident of Chicago’s Mt. Greenwood community and a proud graduate of Marist High School. After earning his degree from St. Xavier University, he began what became a 32-year career with the City of Chicago, serving as Managing Deputy Commissioner working with both the Departments of Fleet and Water Management. During the final decade of his city service, Quinn oversaw operations for the repair and maintenance of Chicago’s water and sewer infrastructure. This work deepened his appreciation for the essential systems that keep neighborhoods running and the dedicated teams who maintain them.
Following his retirement from city service, Quinn continued his commitment to public work by joining the Chicago Park District, where he helped manage the repair and maintenance of more than 600 parks and fieldhouses across the city. His dedication to service extends beyond his professional roles. He has remained actively engaged in the community as a 20-year member of Marist’s Hall of Fame Committee and a three-year member of the Mt. Greenwood Local Community Development Council, giving back to the institutions and neighborhoods that have shaped his life.
Quinn has been married to his wife, Debbie, for more than 26 years, and together they have raised two sons, Ryan and Bill, Class of 2022. Their family has grown to include a daughter-in-law, Mary Kate, Class of 2010, and three grandchildren: Tanner, age 16, who will begin at Marist this fall, Miles, age three, and Thomas, age one. Family, community, and service have guided Quinn’s life, and he remains deeply grateful for the opportunities and support he has received from Marist High School and the community he proudly calls home.
As the Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year, Matt Quinn ’88 is recognized for his lifelong commitment to service, his leadership in public works, and his enduring dedication to the Marist community.
MCA Advisory Board
Officers:
- Bill Niesman ’89
President - Chris Murphy `89
Recording Secretary - Patrick Coakley ’89
Treasurer
Board Members:
- Eric Bergdolld ‘89
- Ken Botta `87
- Kevin Coakley `91
- Roger McGinty `83
- Jerry Joyce ’87
- Dennis Nolan `84
- Brendan Winters
- Kevin Nolan `89
- Sean Casey `92
Past Golf Outing Honorees
- 2025 Marist Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award: John Berzanskis ’75
- 2025 Marist Contractors Association Persons of the Year: James Snyder ’84 & Timothy A. Rossborough ’85
- 2024 Marist Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Sweeney ’78
- 2024 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Tony Poole ’85
- 2023 Marist Contractors Association Lifetime Achievement Award: Bill Niesman ’89
- 2023 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Kevin Coakley ’91
- 2022 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Roger McGinty ’83
- 2021 Marist Contractors Association Person of the Year: Chris Domina ’84
MCA proudly funds the
“Blue Collar Scholars Program”
Each year, the MCA advisory board will coordinate, in conjunction with Marist High School, a process to determine eligibility of students applying for the Blue Collar Scholars Program.
Upcoming Events
View All Events >
