Bob Tonning serves as President of Phoenix Foundation Company, Inc., with more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry.
He founded the company in 2018 with the vision of reuniting trusted former colleagues to deliver exceptional client service. Today, that vision has evolved to include attracting experienced professionals from across the industry and beyond, broadening Phoenix’s expertise and strengthening its ability to serve an expanding client base.
As President, Bob oversees the company’s day-to-day operations while guiding its long-term strategic growth. He is driven by a commitment to solving complex challenges, delivering lasting value for clients, building trusted relationships, and creating opportunities for continued growth. Equally important to him is fostering a workplace where employees build fulfilling careers through collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional development.
Throughout his career, Bob has contributed to hundreds of public and private infrastructure projects across the Northeast. His experience includes more than a dozen contracts on Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel (“Big Dig”), major expansion projects at Logan Airport, foundation work for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, and complex micropile projects at Fenway Park and Fenway Center. He has also served in leadership and active membership roles within numerous professional organizations, including the Association of Drilled Shaft Contractors–International Association of Foundation Drilling (ADSC-IAFD), the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Connecticut Construction Industries Association, the Foundation & Marine Contractors Association of New England (FMCA), and The Moles.
Outside of work, Bob is a dedicated supporter of the Arthritis Foundation. Through Emily’s Pink Team – the nonprofit organization he founded in honor of his daughter – more than $1,000,000 has been raised since 2008 to support children and families living with arthritis and to provide life-changing arthritis camp experiences.