Dayton Business Journal: Beavercreek construction exec named to Wright State Board of Trustees

Jerad Barnett, president and CEO of Beavercreek-based Synergy Building Systems, has been appointed to the Wright State Board of Trustees for a six-year term.

A familiar face within Dayton’s business community is joining the board of one of the region’s largest higher-ed institutions.

Jerad Barnett, president and CEO of Beavercreek-based Synergy Building Systems, will join the Wright State University⁠ board of trustees for a six-year term, ending on June 30, 2032.

“The future of higher education is changing, and I am excited to join the Wright State Board of Trustees because I believe the university is particularly well-positioned to help shape that future in our region,” Barnett said.

Barnett brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial development and construction, along with a longstanding record of involvement in the region’s business and civic communities. Since 1999, he has led Synergy in projects across the Dayton region, specifically commercial, educational and defense-related clients.

During his tenure, Barnett has developed an expertise in the Beavercreek and Fairborn real estate markets, managing development projects for several of the area’s leading defense contractors, higher-ed institutions and healthcare organizations.

One of the most notable projects Synergy has launched under his leadership is the Stratos enhanced use lease project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). The arrangement allows private businesses and government contractors to lease land or buildings from the U.S. Department of War.

He has been active in regional business and civic organizations for more than 25 years, with board service including Bloom Community Services, the Clark Family Foundation, the Dayton Development Coalition⁠ and Dayton Children’s Hospital.

In terms of his own educational background, Barnett has bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting from the University of Dayton⁠.

The Dayton Business Journal recently named Barnett to its Power 100 list, recognizing 100 local leaders who helped shape a new direction for the Dayton region over the past 25 years.

He was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to succeed Tom Gunlock, whose term expired in June.

“Through family, friends, business owners, associates and team members in our company, I have seen firsthand the tremendous educational opportunities and value Wright State University offers students,” Barnett added. “I look forward to doing my part to ensure those opportunities continue for future generations.”

Synergy has developed and built over 2 million square feet of space around WPAFB, representing an investment exceeding $500 million. In the past five years, it has built more than 320,000 square feet of space in the defense market, averaging one building a year.

Synergy Building Systems⁠ is a construction and real estate developer based in Beavercreek. According to DBJ research, the company has 17 employees and a reported 2025 revenue of $43 million

Read the complete story at bizjournals.com/dayton.