The COAA Way®
It's a mindset, not a formula. People sharing best practices in a trusting culture will complete better projects. It's that simple.
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Paul O'Keef
Radford University
COAA-VA President
Paul’s journey to becoming
an Owner in 2017 followed 15 years in commercial construction, years that gave him a deep appreciation for how projects succeed (and sometimes stumble). In 2021, during a lessons-learned session, an architect introduced him to COAA … and the rest is history.
“I love COAA because it aligns with my goal of a healthy, collegial, and successful AEC industry,” Paul says. “Owners play a huge role in making that happen, and we need help getting better. If you ever work with me, please tell me how I can improve. I might not figure it out if you don’t! I love to learn, and most learning starts with realizing how much I don’t know.”
That humility and growth mindset show up in everything Paul does. After 15 years with a commercial builder, he then became an Owner in 2017. From 2017-2018, he was with VDOT’s Capital Construction group then moved to Virginia Tech. In 2026, He stepped into the role of Assistant Director of Capital Planning and Construction at Radford University. Paul also serves as President of the Virginia chapter and contributes his energy and insight to COAA’s Small But Mighty Projects initiative and Conference Committee.
A North Carolina native (and proud of it!), Paul now lives in Roanoke, Virginia, with his wife and daughter. As a family, they love to travel, hike, bike, and cook together, though they unanimously agree that cleaning up afterward is far less enjoyable. He’s an avid blood donor and will reach 12 gallons this year.
Thank you to our 2026 Corporate Partners
