Honoring a lifetime of building roads and relationships.
A tribute to longtime board member Michael A. Gammino.
For more than five decades, Mike Gammino has ably served Construction Industries of Rhode Island through his leadership — his extensive hands-on knowledge of heavy and highway construction — and his contributions to the betterment of the industry at large. Serving the CIRI board of directors for over 30 years, including multiple tenures as CIRI president, Mike has created a truly exemplary legacy of dedication, contribution and commitment.
“CIRI wouldn’t be what it is today without the leadership and efforts of Mike Gammino. His insight has helped our members and partners to weather the shifting cycles of heavy and highway construction for over 50 years.” | Michael D. D’Ambra, CIRI President
(Use this YouTube link to watch the Mike Gammino Tribute Video presented at the CIRI 2025 Fall Dinner Meeting.)
An exceptionally driven spirit fuels a dynamic career.
A few years before embarking on a construction career, young Mike Gammino was an established Formula One driver competing in international competitions. In 1967, he turned his focus to M.A. Gammino Construction, the proud company his father founded in 1911. Beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the early 1960s, M.A. Gammino became a principal road building contractor in RI, MA, CT and NY. Major projects in the Ocean State included the Olneyville Expressway, the Twin River Bridge in Lincoln, all four non-bridge miles of I-195 in Providence, and the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier on the Providence River.
“I had a first-row seat with Mike for the last 45 years. And I know how dedicated he’s been to the heavy and highway contractors of CIRI. And to all the members of the different unions that worked for them.”
Armand E. Sabitoni, LIUNA General Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus
Gaining traction as a leader in the heavy and highway industry.
Rising up steadily through the ranks, Mike eventually became President of M.A. Gammino. In addition to heading up this top-tier regional construction firm, he also began to establish himself as a trusted industry resource and confidant. As such, Mike played a key role in the multi-generational relationship the Gammino family has enjoyed with industry partners, subcontractors, labor unions and suppliers.
One such relationship was Mike Gammino’s service as a Management Trustee for multiple labor-union trust funds. In the case of the Local 57 Operating Engineers, he has fulfilled this role for more than 59 years, aiding funds relating to pensions, health and welfare, annuities and legal services. Mike has performed similar roles for LIUNA Local 271 and other trade unions.
“When we’re in trustee meetings, it doesn’t matter who walks into the room before that board. Mike’s seen it all before. He’s been the best shepherd we’ve had for our benefit funds.” | James J. White, President & Business Manager, Local 57 Operating Engineers
Known for his willingness and availability to offer valuable advice and guidance on the full spectrum of industry matters, Mike Gammino is also widely respected for his frank and fair approach to industry discussions, collaborative decisions and labor/management negotiations. Consistently coming from the focus of serving the best interests of all concerned parties, Mike is known to offer provocative viewpoints that encourage board members to consider a variety of paths and options — while reaching out to his networks to unearth insights still below the horizon for most.
A tireless advocate for the industry at large.
Last but not least is Mike Gammino’s longtime service as an active member of the CIRI Political Action Committee. The CIRI PAC has been a crucial force for keeping the concerns of the heavy and highway industry top of mind with elected officials at all levels: educating them on how our needs for support and funding are related to the economic and quality-of-life advantages RI provides for residents and businessowners statewide.
“Mike has significantly impacted industry and economic growth — with the best interests of the skilled men and women and signatory contractors who build our state’s infrastructure in mind. He is truly a legend.”
Donato A. “Dan” Bianco, Jr., LIUNA Vice President & NE Regional Manager
All of us are united in thanking you, Mike, for the decades of service, guidance and leadership you’ve provided. You continue to be an invaluable lifetime resource for the CIRI organization — for the heavy and highway construction industry — and for the infrastructure of our state.
