Leadership

Eric Ascenzi serves as President of Riley Brothers, a leading underground utility contractor recognized for its commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service.

Eric brings more than 25 years of experience in the utility construction industry, with deep expertise in the construction and maintenance of natural gas distribution systems. A mechanical engineer by training, he began his career in field operations as a gas mechanic and supervisor before advancing through a variety of operational and executive leadership roles. Most recently, Eric served as President of a regional gas utility contractor, where he was responsible for safety, quality, operations, financial performance, customer relationships, and strategic growth.

Throughout his career, Eric has built a strong track record of improving safety and quality performance, developing high-performing teams, strengthening customer relationships, and implementing the operational processes and infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth. He also brings extensive experience in estimating and pricing work, negotiating commercial terms, and developing leaders throughout an organization.

Eric’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the belief that long-term success begins with our people, our customers, and an unwavering commitment to performing every job safely and to the highest standards of quality.

Rich Moynihan serves as Controller of Riley Brothers, a leading underground utility contractor recognized for its commitment to safety, quality, operational excellence, and exceptional customer service.

Rich is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer, Controller and Certified Public Accountant with over two decades of experience steering financial strategy in the construction and advisory sectors. Across his career, Rich has built a reputation for leading full-scope financial operations, from cash flow management and financial reporting to budgeting, forecasting, and audit oversight for organizations with complex, multi-entity structures.

Most recently, Rich served as the CFO for The Wilkinson Companies where he managed financial operations spanning service, construction, and manufacturers’ representative businesses. Collaborating closely with executive leadership, he played a key role in evaluating project profitability, optimizing capital allocation, and driving enterprise-wide financial performance.

Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Babson College. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Brian Caron is Riley Brothers Director of Safety Quality and Training Division. Brian has over 20 years of experience in the underground utility safety industry.

Brian’s previous experience includes General Manager and Safety Officer for Bevilacqua Paving prior to the acquisition by Riley Brothers. Brian Caron has successfully implemented innovative safety protocols and training programs that have significantly reduced incidents and improved operational efficiency.

Brian has a proactive approach to risk assessment, regulatory compliance, and emergency response planning. His focus is always to foster a culture of safety and accountability, making Brian a trusted leader in underground utility safety.

Brian is a certified OSHA instructor. He also holds a Construction Health Safety Professional certification. Brian is committed to continuous improvement and staying up to date on the latest industry standards and technologies. Brian received a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration. Major at Saint Joseph’s College Standish.

Caitlin Palermo joined Riley Brothers as the Human Resources Director in 2012. She brings 15+ years of hands-on experience in human resources.

Prior to joining Riley Brothers, Caitlin’s work history included 10 years of employee and customer relations experience at Cadete Enterprises, a management company for one of the largest food & beverage brands in MA. Throughout her career, Caitlin has demonstrated a knack for understanding people and organizational dynamics through various HR roles.

Caitlin oversees all facets of the human resources department with a focus on strategic planning, talent management, compliance, and organizational growth. She brings a pragmatic approach to problem-solving with an innate ability to navigate complex HR issues.

She is an active member of several professional HR organizations and stays current with industry trends through continuous professional development. She has a background in legal studies with a degree in paralegal.

Brian Debrito is the accomplished Director of Operations at Riley Brothers, with over 40 years of utility constructions experience.

Brian began his career as a foreman where his keen eye for detail and exceptional problem-solving skills quickly set him apart. Over the years Brian has held various leadership positions across multiple underground utility operations. Brian has been with Riley Brothers for over 17+ years.

At Riley Brothers, Brian oversees the Company’s entire operational functions, ensuring that all processes run smoothly and efficiently. His leadership is characterized by commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a collaborative approach that empowers his team to achieve their best. Brian’s leadership style is rooted in transparency, integrity, and a deep understanding of operational intricacies.

Brian’s practical knowledge and real-world experience make him a knowledgeable advisor and leader in the industry.