BOSTON–When Boston Magazine released its 2025 list of the 150 Most Influential Bostonians recently, it was no surprise to see John Fish, Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, near the very top—ranked #11 and the highest among 15 real estate executives included.
“In December, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce named Fish a Distinguished Bostonian, and he fits the phrase perfectly. The construction king’s company keeps growing, as does his fortune (reportedly north of $2 billion), and he remains one of the first calls for anyone looking to get something major done in Boston,” Boston Magazine wrote. “And his philanthropy keeps expanding: He and his wife, Cynthia, recently pledged $10 million to his alma mater, Tabor Academy, following their $25 million donation to Hobart and William Smith Colleges.”
That recognition underscores Fish’s far-reaching influence—not just in real estate and construction, but also in Boston’s civic and philanthropic spheres. As the head of Suffolk for over four decades, Fish has overseen the transformation of the company from a local general contractor to a $6 billion national force, involved in some of the most iconic projects shaping Boston and beyond.
But it’s not just buildings he’s constructing. Fish is an active civic leader, serving on a wide range of boards—from chairing Brigham Health and Boston College to leading The Real Estate Roundtable and serving on the executive committee of Mass General Brigham. He also founded the nonprofit Scholar Athletes to help close the opportunity gap for students in urban public schools, reflecting his belief that “we don’t build buildings—we build people.”
With a deep commitment to innovation, Fish has also invested heavily in technology, channeling more than $50 million into over 50 startups focused on construction efficiency and digital transformation. His forward-thinking leadership has positioned Suffolk as a key player in reshaping how cities are built and how the industry itself operates.
Fish’s recent recognitions—including his Distinguished Bostonian honor and continued philanthropic milestones—offer a timely moment to take a closer look at the man behind Boston’s modern skyline, and why so many look to him when the city faces its biggest opportunities and challenges.
Fish is the Chairman and CEO of Suffolk Construction, New England’s largest privately held general contractor, with annual revenues exceeding $6 billion. Under his leadership, Suffolk has grown into a national powerhouse, delivering over 150 million square feet of commercial real estate across the U.S.
Career and Leadership
Born and raised in Hingham, Massachusetts, Fish co-founded Suffolk in 1982 with his father, Edward A. Fish. The company began as a non-unionized labor force in Boston and has since expanded into a national firm with offices in major U.S. cities. Fish took full ownership in 2006 and has since transformed Suffolk into a leader in construction innovation and technology. He has invested over $50 million in more than 50 construction tech startups, including ventures in robotics and artificial intelligence, according to news reports.
Suffolk’s diversification strategy, Vision 2025, includes real estate development, technology R&D, and design-assist services, aiming to redefine the construction process and add value across the building lifecycle.
Recognition and Influence
Fish is consistently recognized among Boston’s most influential leaders. In 2025, Boston Magazine ranked him 11th among the 150 Most Influential Bostonians, the highest among real estate executives on the list. He has also been named to the magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Boston” in 2020.
His leadership extends beyond construction. Fish has chaired The Real Estate Roundtable and served on the boards of Brigham Health, Mass General Brigham, and Boston College, where he became the first non-alumnus to chair the Board of Trustees.
Philosophy and Vision
Fish is known for his people-first approach. He often says, “We don’t build buildings, we build people,” emphasizing the importance of relationships and personal growth in the workplace. He believes that strong leaders are those who truly care about their people and communities.
He also advocates for innovation in the construction industry, citing virtual design and construction as transformative tools. Looking forward, he sees data-driven decision-making as the key to improving efficiency and outcomes in construction projects.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
Fish’s philanthropic efforts are extensive. He and his wife, Cynthia, have pledged $10 million to Tabor Academy, his alma mater, following a $25 million donation to Hobart and William Smith Colleges. He is also the founder of Scholar Athletes, an organization dedicated to helping underserved youth achieve academic and athletic success. Additionally, he serves on the Senior Advisory Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Education and Early Life
Fish graduated from Bowdoin College in 1982 with a degree in political science. He attended Tabor Academy, where he was captain of the football team. Raised with dyslexia, Fish has spoken about how early challenges shaped his resilience and leadership style.
Personal Life
Fish resides in Boston with his wife, Cynthia. The couple has three daughters. He enjoys spending time with his family, often unwinding with a barbecue chicken pizza on Friday nights.
Fish’s blend of entrepreneurial spirit, technological foresight, and deep civic commitment has solidified his status as one of Boston’s most influential and transformative leaders.
