Construction on Martha’s Vineyard comes with its own set of unique challenges. As a remote island with limited access to suppliers, the construction industry is particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. From material shortages to transportation delays, to lack of boat vehicle reservation availability, these issues can impact project timelines and budgets, making careful planning…
Martha’s Vineyard has felt like home to Colin Whyte since he first discovered it in 1965 when he and a friend started a surfboard rental business at South Beach. After brief studies at University of Florida Law School and art at Brown University Graduate School (his alma mater), Colin moved permanently to the Island and established Martha’s Vineyard Construction Company in 1971—a humble beginning that launched a rewarding lifelong career.
Colin took a circuitous route to find his calling. Born and raised in Miami Shores, Florida, he attended an all-boys preparatory school in Tennessee before moving farther north to attend Brown University in Providence, RI. During summer breaks he worked as a house-mover in Miami, a door-to-door dictionary salesman in Texas and California, an intern for a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C., and bartender and carpenter on the Vineyard—earning his pilot’s license along the way.
Colin’s flying took him as far west as Yellowstone and Telluride, as far south as the Dominican Republic, numerous trips up and down the east coast, the Bahamas, and the Turk and Caicos Islands.
He worked for 10 years in his spare time on a floatplane conversion of a two place land plane. He also holds a patent for a portable dredge.
Boating has now replaced flying for Colin, first with a Tartan 27 sailboat and more recently with the 38’ trawler “Tortuga” which has made six journeys between Martha’s Vineyard and Florida.
Nearly 50 years after founding MVCC, Colin remains passionate about his career, involved in every project, and proud to be regarded as one of the most esteemed general contractors on Martha’s Vineyard.
Hilary Moore is a pioneering leader in the high-end residential construction industry on Martha’s Vineyard. As the owner and president of Martha’s Vineyard Construction Company, she is the island's only female owner and operator of a construction firm. Since assuming leadership after her father, Colin Whyte, retired, Hilary has established herself as a capable, detail-oriented, and deeply committed leader.
Raised on Martha’s Vineyard, Hilary's connection to the island's unique environment has shaped her approach to construction and business. She graduated from Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School in 2006 and earned a bachelor's degree in English from Wheaton College in Norton, MA, in 2010. Her academic background enhanced her communication and management skills—essential for a business built on collaboration and trust.
Hilary's leadership style is rooted in adaptability, integrity, and fostering strong relationships. Clients praise her for delivering high-quality results, maintaining open communication, and guiding projects through complex challenges. Her ability to build trust, encourage teamwork, and maintain a hands-on presence ensures that projects meet and often exceed expectations.
Outside of her professional role, Hilary is a proud mother of two daughters. She enjoys traveling internationally, and she recently embarked on a solo adventure through Marrakesh, Morocco, and the Algarve in Portugal.
Alison Thompson brings an extensive finance and management background to her position as MVCC’s Vice President. A graduate of Wheaton College with a major in economics, she and her husband Joe have owned Vermont Foam Insulation since 2006 and Foam Insulation Technology since 2013—companies based in Vermont and Martha’s Vineyard, respectively, that specialize in spray foam insulation.
Born and raised on the Vineyard (she’s Colin’s eldest daughter), Alison loves animals, travel, and horseback riding. Her beloved dog, Daryl Dixon, is a fixture at the office, contributing to good office cheer and encouraging Alison and her colleagues to take daily walks.
Senior Project Manager Mark Tonnesen has been ensuring the smooth execution of MVCC projects for the past 18 years. His background in industrial design (which he studied at the University of Bridgeport) makes him an exceptional problem solver, and his passion for architecture keeps him excited to collaborate with the many talented architects, designers, and subcontractors with whom MVCC partners.
Mark became enamored with Martha’s Vineyard when he first visited in the mid-80s, and by 1999 he was a permanent resident. Since making a home on the island, his family has grown, and he feels lucky to have several children and grandchildren living nearby.
Drew Cathey joined MVCC in 2011 as a lead Project Manager. Prior to his work at MVCC, Drew was a Project Supervisor and Architectural Detailer for one of New England’s largest architectural metal fabrication shops and is an expert in the field. Drew studied industrial design at San Francisco State University and has been working in the design and building trades for the last 20 years.
Drew moved to the island in 2006 and resides in West Tisbury with his wife and son. Drew is an avid boater, motorcyclist, mountain biker, and general outdoorsman.
Stephen Savard’s career has centered around the building industry ever since he graduated from Colgate University in 1997. Stephen spent that summer on the Vineyard, began working as a carpenter, and fell in love—with the island, his work, and his future wife.
In his three years at MVCC, he’s strengthened the company with his strong communication skills, deep interest in best building practices, solid background in framing and finish carpentry, and tireless work ethic. Outside of work, he relishes his role as a father and husband, and pursues many different interests—including music, hiking, travel, sports, photography, and coaching.
Having worked in construction for 47 years—beginning his first carpentry job at age 18 for an Edgartown-based company—Lou Cossutta brings a remarkable depth of experience to every engagement. He loves his work and is dedicated to producing the best product he possibly can, expertly and efficiently.
A New York City native, Lou moved to Martha’s Vineyard after finishing boarding school in Connecticut at The Pomfret School and has never looked back. An avid long-distance hiker, he has completed extensive treks in Western Massachusetts and beyond—including the Pacific Crest Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, John Muir Trail (four times), and numerous other trails in Washington, Oregon, and California. In 2004 he hiked from the Mexican border to the Canadian border with a 30-pound pack on his back.
Hap Bernard is an adept problem solver who relishes a challenge. An MVCC employee for 27 years—and building industry professional for 33 years—Hap has a wealth of expertise that makes him an asset to every project. Prior to joining MVCC, he worked in a variety of construction fields doing everything from concrete to framing.
Originally from Buffalo, NY, Hap moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1987. Besides carpentry, his interests include grilling, microbrews, and antique motorcycles.
Known and celebrated for his keen attention to detail, senior carpenter Ken Shepherd has been a loyal MVCC employee for the past 26 years. Before putting buildings together, Ken was taking them apart, working for a wrecking company in Falmouth, Massachusetts, among other employments in the trade.
Ken grew up in Massachusetts and attended Framingham State University before making his home on the Island, where his dad was born and raised. He enjoys sailing, boating, buoy racing, and taking walks with his Jack Russell, Edgar. He is past Commodore of the Waquoit Bay Yacht Club where he races most weekends in the summer, and is the 2009 and 2013 Cape Cod Knockabout National Champion.
CindyHigham joined MVCC in 2021, bringing with her a wealth of creative and managerial experience. At MVCC, she plays a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly, supporting daily office duties, and contributing to various projects. She takes great pride in working for a woman-led construction company, finding inspiration in the trailblazing leadership and collaborative spirit that defines the team.
In 1985, Cindy and her husband Bill built a classic center-chimney Cape-style home, which became the heart of their family life. It was there they raised their two daughters, both proud islanders.
Today, Cindy cherishes time spent with her family—especially her three grandchildren, who continue the island tradition she holds so dear.
Anne Potvin, originally from Hanover, MA, moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 2018, bringing with her six years of experience working at a law firm. Since then, she has held various administrative roles across real estate, hospitality, and medical fields before joining MVCC. Anne was drawn to the company's reputation and the fact that it's proudly women-owned. She quickly advanced from Office Manager to Director of Administration, where she has been instrumental in implementing the company’s project management software and managing key functions such as budgeting, advertising, and process improvement to enhance operational efficiency.
Anne thrives in MVCC's collaborative, team-oriented environment and is passionate about continuously developing her skills in construction finance and project management. She takes pride in contributing to the success of complex projects and supporting the company’s mission. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the island's scenic hiking trails, boating during the warmer months, and spending time with her adventurous dog, Rambo.
Matthew Ray was born on Martha’s Vineyard into a family with generations of Island roots going back to the 17th century. He left the Island to complete his education, then lived and worked in Boston and Washington D.C. before meeting his wife and settling in New York. After getting married and having children he and his wife decided to raise their children here on Martha’s Vineyard. While they had to have some work done to modernize it, they moved from Connecticut into Matt’s Great Grandparents’ home in Vineyard Haven and have lived there comfortably ever since. Following his return home, Matt spent the next few years working as a carpenter and taking classes in the Furniture and Cabinetmaking department of the North Bennett Street School in Boston. Matt then split his time between custom furniture commissions and taking on larger and larger construction projects. Under the mentorship of his father, who was a contractor when Matt was in grade school, Matt worked on and managed projects on local residential and commercial properties, including the repair and renovation of the barn and silo at Tashmoo Farm, and eventually took on the planning and building of homes from the ground up.
As a builder on Martha’s Vineyard, Matt knew the reputation for quality developed over the years by Martha's Vineyard Construction and he has been happy for the opportunity to add his skills and careful eye to their professional team.
When not at work or with his wife and kids, Matt can usually be found enjoying the outdoors, reading about modern physics or ancient philosophy or in his shop making or refinishing furniture for friends and family.