Terry Briggs, 68, Construction Industry and Civic Leader Dies Suddenly
Date Posted: February 16, 2024
Posted In: Organizations, People,
by Tom Finan, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Construction Forum
Terry Briggs, 68, a leader whose passion for a better St. Louis Region had broad influence in both the civic and construction industry arenas, died unexpectedly Wednesday (Feb. 14th).
The cause of his death was not announced.
Mr. Briggs was first elected mayor of the City of Bridgeton in 2015 and was elected to subsequent terms in 2019 and 2023. He was very active in the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis (MLMSTL). When the Forum did a deep dive into regional unity during the height of the “Better Together” furor in 2018-19 he brought together area mayors to enter in to the discussions that the Forum was hosting and participated in a number of high-level meetings.
In his construction industry role, Terry Briggs served with the SITE Improvement Association for 19 years. He came to SITE in 2001 as Government Relations Director, and in 2015 became only the second executive director in the 54-year history of the independent construction contractor trade association serving eastern Missouri. He joined SITE after an 18-year stint with the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District.
In an interview at the time he became executive director in 2015, Mr. Briggs told Construction Forum that he believed the role of the association, whose members depend on infrastructure and development work, was to continue to be an advocate for funding. Briggs also saw SITE as a driver for industry diversity. “One of the things that we’ve been working hard on is diversity and inclusion – not just subcontractors but employees. We need to arrive at something that’s fair to all,” he said, noting that while public agencies were the big push behind diversity and inclusion efforts, private owners were also gravitating toward solidified inclusion policies.
At the time of his retirement in 2020 he told Construction Forum, “SITE is devoted to enhancing our members’ role and influence in the construction industry and advocating on behalf of important public policy issues, whether it is improving the safety of a roadway, making sure our water is clean or ensuring that fair wages are paid on local construction projects. I hope in some ways I have assisted our members in these efforts, and I greatly appreciate the opportunities the SITE members have given to me.”
Gift of Connection
Jeremy Bennett, Briggs’ successor as SITE executive director, said, “Terry’s ability to build and connect relationships across so many layers of organizations, governments and personalities was truly a special gift. That gift not only benefited the construction community and members of SITE, but created opportunity, impact, and positive change for an entire region. Terry used his gift of connection to open the eyes of people around him to different charities in the area. His efforts led to toy drives for families in need, bicycle building for children with disabilities, and fundraising for organizations that make a difference.
“We will continue to honor Terry’s memory by carrying on his torch – reaching out, building bridges, and making a difference in the world, just as he did. In doing so, we ensure that his gift of connection continues to ripple through our community, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.”
Mr. Briggs grew up in North St. Louis County and graduated from the University of Missouri in 1977 with a degree in broadcast journalism. In 1978, he married his college sweetheart Lorie Johns. They had three children: Josh, Jeremy, and Haley.
Professionally he worked in various public facing roles at MSD, SITE Improvement Association, and the Eastern Missouri Laborers’ Union.
Throughout his career, he pursued causes he was passionate about through board service with the Productive Living Board, Special Olympics Board, Special School District Board of Education and Muni League.
He is survived by his wife Lorie (Johns) Briggs, his children Joshua Briggs, Jeremy (Ali) Briggs, Haley Briggs; three grandchildren, Nora, Elodie and Caleb; and siblings Daniel (Candace) Briggs, Debbie (Jeff) Burley and John (Vicki) Briggs; three nephews and five great nephews and nieces; and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made to Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop.
Memorial visitation is set for Sunday, February 18, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Collier’s Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh Blvd. in St. Ann. A Memorial Mass is scheduled for Monday, February 19 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 3130 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights, MO.