Tarlton Announces Leadership Transition

Poised for continued growth, leadership reflects firm’s unwavering commitment to serve clients and the community

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Tarlton, one of St. Louis’ largest general contracting and construction management firms, announces the promotion of Sondra Rotty, LEED AP BD+C, to president as elected by the company’s board of directors. In this new role, she also will retain her current position as chief operating officer.

The leadership transition is the result of several years of preparation and reflects the company’s commitment to continuity, stewardship and disciplined growth. “Sondra is a proven leader who shares our deep commitment to client service, quality and the City of St. Louis,” said Tracy Hart, who will assume the role of executive chairman and chief executive officer. Hart, along with her brother and business partner Dirk Elsperman, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, have served as Tarlton’s leaders since 1999.

Rotty joined Tarlton in 2005 as a project engineer and was named chief operating officer in 2024. “Sondra’s talents were evident the day she joined Tarlton,” said Elsperman. “She moved rapidly through our operational ranks, is committed to the firm’s operations, client relationships and objectives for growth and is a strong advocate for our company culture.” 

An accomplished builder, Rotty has played an integral role on many of Tarlton’s most visible projects, including the historic renovation of the Old Courthouse for the National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation, which garnered a 2025 AGCMO Construction Keystone Award; the Olin Business School expansion for Washington University in St. Louis; the East Building addition to the Saint Louis Art Museum; and the historic renovation of 900 Tucker Blvd., the former St. Louis Post-Dispatch building.

Rotty further advances Tarlton’s deep roots in St. Louis and the industry by serving on multiple corporate boards, including treasurer of the board for the Missouri Gateway Green Building Council and as chair of the Building Division of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri.
“Tarlton has always been about people, partnerships and doing things the right way,” she said. “I am honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation that has been established by the entire Tarlton team.”

Rotty holds a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering and a master’s degree in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

“Sondra is a proven leader who fully understands our business and values, as well as shares our deep commitment to quality and community,” said Hart. In addition to leading Tarlton and Waterhout Construction, both WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprises, Hart serves on multiple civic boards throughout the region, including chair for The Muny and vice chair for St. Louis Children’s Hospital. She also was the first woman chairman of the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis and is a life director of the AGC of America.

In addition to Hart, the Tarlton leadership team includes Dirk Elsperman, executive vice president and chief administrative officer; John Doerr, executive vice president; Jason Bretz, senior vice president; Michael Trettel, senior vice president; and Ellen Zimmer, chief financial officer and vice president. “Our executive team furthers Tarlton’s mission statement of ‘Building Futures’ for our clients, our team and our communities,” Elsperman said. “Our seamless succession plan reflects the strength and forward-thinking of our leadership team,” he adds.
Celebrating 80 years in business in 2026, Tarlton marks the transition by building on a strong foundation with eyes toward the future. The transition continues the legacy of the St. Louis firm, which was purchased in 1946 as G.L. Tarlton Contracting Co., by Arthur Elsperman and his three business partners. As the new Tarlton president, Rotty will follow in the steps of past presidents including Arthur Elsperman, Robert Elsperman, Robert Siess and Tracy Hart. 

“A large part of Tarlton’s legacy is due to the loyalty of our clients and solid relationships with our subcontractors over many years. We take great pride that over 80 percent of the company’s work is with repeat clients,” said Hart. “Tarlton remains firmly committed to our clients, employees and partners, with no changes to our strategic direction or day-to-day operations resulting from this transition.”

About Tarlton

Tarlton Corp. is a leading provider of preconstruction, construction and design-build services in the St. Louis region and beyond. A WBENC-Certified Women’s Business Enterprise, Tarlton delivers excellence on projects of all sizes — including very large, complex work — to clients in the commercial, institutional, cultural, concrete, energy and water-wastewater markets. Core competencies include self-performing multiple scopes of work and supporting clients through longstanding maintenance and special projects agreements. Since 1946, Tarlton has built and restored many preeminent St. Louis landmarks, while strengthening the region through sustainability, education, industry leadership and community engagement.