At Ausley Construction, leadership has always been about stewardship. For more than six decades, the company has grown through thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and a deep commitment to serving clients and communities well. As part of that continued evolution, Ausley Construction is entering a new chapter marked by intentional leadership transitions that honor the past while preparing for the future.
Effective January 2026, Ken Ausley will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer, and Dustin Magamoll will assume the role of President. These leadership updates coincide with the well-earned retirements of Steve Ausley, retiring as Principal and President, and Todd Duffy, retiring as Principal and Chief Operating Officer.
Leadership transitions are most successful when they are rooted in continuity, clarity, and shared values. At Ausley Construction, these changes reflect a deliberate approach to succession planning that ensures the firm remains strong, stable, and client-focused.
“Strong companies are built when leadership evolves with intention,” said Ken Ausley, CEO of Ausley Construction. “This transition reflects continuity of values, trust in our people, and confidence in the future of Ausley Construction.”
These leadership updates align experience with responsibility, ensuring that decision-making, client service, and project delivery remain seamless throughout the transition.
Ausley Construction proudly recognizes the retirements of Steve Ausley and Todd Duffy, both of whom leave behind extraordinary legacies that have shaped the company and the communities it serves.
Steve Ausley, retiring as Principal and President, brought more than 30 years of leadership in the Ocala and Central Florida construction market. Throughout his career, Steve was responsible for hundreds of commercial projects, including schools, churches, banks, multifamily developments, medical offices, specialty healthcare facilities, retail, industrial, and manufacturing buildings. His work supported clients such as Marion County Public Schools, The Villages, the City of Ocala, Marion County, the University of Florida, On Top of The World, and the College of Central Florida, among many others. Steve’s leadership helped establish Ausley’s reputation for quality, reliability, and integrity across the region.
Todd Duffy, retiring as Principal and Chief Operating Officer, concludes a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the Atlanta and Ocala construction markets. Todd was instrumental in the construction of many of the schools that serve Marion County today, playing a key role in projects including Forest High School, Hammett Bowen, Jr. Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Marion Oaks Elementary School, Legacy Elementary School, Winding Oaks Elementary School, Williston Middle-High School, Crystal River High School, Bradford K–7 School, and Palatka Intermediate School. His operational leadership and dedication to education construction have had a lasting impact on students, educators, and families across multiple communities.
Ausley Construction extends its deepest gratitude to Steve and Todd for their leadership, mentorship, and decades of service. Their influence and example will remain part of the firm’s foundation for generations to come.
As President, Dustin Magamoll brings deep operational experience and a strong understanding of Ausley’s project delivery standards, client relationships, and team culture. In this role, Dustin will focus on organizational alignment, operational execution, and strategic growth across education, healthcare, commercial, and public-sector projects.
Together, Ken Ausley and Dustin Magamoll will continue to guide the firm with a shared commitment to disciplined planning, collaboration, and client-centered construction services.
Ausley Construction’s leadership evolution comes at a time of continued activity and opportunity across the construction industry. With ongoing projects throughout Florida and Pennsylvania, the firm remains focused on delivering projects that allow clients to enjoy the building process.
For clients and partners, this transition reinforces what has always been true at Ausley Construction: the company’s foundation is strong, its values are clear, and its leadership is prepared to guide the organization forward.
As Ausley Construction looks ahead, the focus remains on building with purpose, strengthening communities, and delivering lasting value for generations to come.
As we begin 2026, the construction industry stands at a point of transition. After several years of elevated costs, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty, the outlook is cautiously optimistic. Success this year will require strategy, early planning, and thoughtful execution. Insights from Nationwide’s Construction Industry Outlook highlight the trends shaping how, when, and where we build.
At Ausley Construction, we have navigated cycles like this for more than 67 years. Our commitment to detailed planning, collaborative delivery, and client-focused execution positions our partners to succeed even in complex market conditions. Below are the themes we are watching most closely in 2026 and what they mean for your projects.
According to Nationwide’s End-of-Year Construction Outlook, overall construction spending growth in 2026 is expected to be more modest than in recent years. However, several sectors remain strong. Public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and specialized facilities continue to attract investment supported by federal and state funding programs.
Community-focused projects such as schools, medical buildings, and public safety facilities reflect long-term priorities for families and municipalities. For owners and developers, this means demand has not disappeared. Instead, it has shifted toward projects that deliver essential services and long-term value, which is our specialty here at Ausley Construction.
Nationwide’s Year-End 2025 Construction Industry Report notes that material cost escalation and limited labor availability continue to influence project budgets heading into 2026. While price increases have slowed compared to prior years, many materials and skilled trades remain more expensive and harder to secure than before the pandemic.
In this environment, early planning is essential. Comprehensive pre-construction services allow project teams to identify long lead items, cost drivers, assess risks, and align scope with budget realities before construction begins.
Nationwide’s reporting continues to highlight labor availability as one of the most significant challenges facing the construction industry. Many trades remain constrained, particularly in skilled and specialized roles, directly affecting schedules and sequencing.
Projects that prioritize early subcontractor engagement, realistic scheduling, and strong trade relationships are better positioned to maintain quality and momentum throughout construction.
Industry outlooks emphasize a growing focus on resilience. Owners are planning facilities that can adapt to future needs, evolving operations, and regulatory change. At the same time, supply chain disruptions and workforce constraints reinforce the importance of risk awareness early in the planning process.
Projects that address these factors proactively are more likely to stay on track and avoid costly changes during construction.
Nationwide’s analysis reinforces that construction conditions vary significantly by region and sector. Markets experiencing population growth and public investment continue to see demand in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, while other segments remain more selective.
Local market knowledge is essential. National data provides context, but regional insight drives smart decision-making. Ausley’s experience across Florida and Pennsylvania allows us to align broader industry trends with local realities.
Based on current industry conditions, we encourage clients to focus on a few key priorities:
At Ausley Construction, we help clients navigate market realities while delivering long-term value. With more than 67 years of experience delivering projects on time and under budget, and with no owner litigation in our history, our focus remains on disciplined planning, clear communication, and collaborative execution.
As you refine your plans for 2026 and beyond, we are ready to help translate industry trends into successful outcomes.
Let’s start the conversation.
At Ausley Construction, we believe that the strength of a community is built through consistent care, shared responsibility, and a willingness to serve. The same principles that guide our work on every project, like commitment, collaboration, and integrity, also guide the way we show up for our neighbors.
This season, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for, our team is especially grateful for the opportunity to give back to the place we call home all year long. Marion County has supported our company for generations, and we see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to invest that support back into the community.
Our team members volunteer their time across a wide range of organizations and local boards that make a tangible difference every day. Their involvement touches many corners of Marion County life: education, public planning, family safety, economic growth, and health and wellness.
Child protection and family safety: Through our involvement with Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection, we help support children and families healing from abuse and neglect. They provide forensic interviews, medical exams, trauma-informed counseling, and advocacy – all in a safe, child-friendly environment. The need is real: nationally, 1 in 4 children experience abuse or neglect by age 18.
Health and community wellness: Our participation in the Marion County Heart Walk aligns with our belief that healthy communities are stronger communities. This event raises awareness of cardiovascular emergencies, trains bystanders in lifesaving CPR, and supports medical research.
Workforce development and economic growth: Through roles with the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership and local school boards, we invest in creating opportunities for students, professionals, and businesses to grow together. Economic stability and opportunity lift entire communities.
Each of these commitments reflects our belief that progress happens when people choose to serve. Whether through a construction project, a board meeting, or a fundraising effort, every contribution matters.
As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we’re reminded that the heart of Ausley Construction has always been people: our employees, partners, and the communities we help build. Together, we look forward to continuing that work, creating spaces that strengthen lives and stories that last for generations.
At Ausley Construction, we believe that building strong communities starts with investing in education. As an Ocala-based construction company with deep roots in Marion County, we’re proud to help create spaces and opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a $50,000 donation to support education in Marion County.
This gift will be split between two important initiatives:
This announcement was made during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Winding Oaks Elementary School on September 23, 2025, a recent milestone project proudly built by Ausley Construction. The moment symbolized more than the completion of a new school; it reflected our ongoing commitment to helping Marion County students, teachers, and families flourish.
From classrooms to communities, our mission extends beyond construction. We’re proud to stand alongside educators and local leaders who share our belief that quality education and workforce readiness are the foundation of a thriving community.
As specialists in K-12 and higher education construction, Ausley Construction has built some of the region’s most trusted learning environments, including Crystal River High School, Bradford K-7 School, and the College of Central Florida AdventHealth Center for Nursing.
Now, through this scholarship initiative, we’re helping students take the next step, from learning in those classrooms to building careers in fields that strengthen our communities every day. By supporting high-demand, high-skill careers, we’re investing in the entire ecosystem of local service and care.
For more than six decades, Ausley Construction has been known for delivering exceptional construction management services throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. But what truly defines us is our dedication to advancing the missions of our clients and communities.
This $50,000 donation reflects that commitment to building excellent state-of-the-art facilities and the next generation’s future. Whether it’s supporting educators, students, or the trades that keep our county strong, we’re honored to play a part in the ongoing story of Marion County’s success.
