September 16, 2026
Northeast Division Director Retires After More Than 15 Years With AFG
AFG Group, Inc. announces the retirement of Northeast Division Director and Project Executive Lewis Ayers, CCM, marking the close of an influential chapter in the firm’s history and celebrating a career defined by expertise, dedication, and lasting client relationships.
Lewis joined AFG in January 2010 following a distinguished career in public service with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York City Department of Design and Construction. He began as a Project Manager leading AFG’s support to New York City agencies, advanced quickly to Project Director, and was later promoted to Project Executive and Northeast Division Director.
Over more than fifteen years, Lewis expanded AFG’s work from Manhattan into Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, then across New York State and throughout New England. He led renovation projects for the New York City Housing Authority, the Department of Design and Construction, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services, and the Office of the Mayor, spanning public buildings, housing developments, and recreational facilities. He later captured work with the National Park Service and the General Services Administration in both Region 1 and Region 2, and his teams earned several CMAA Project of the Year awards.
Among his most significant work was leading AFG’s Rapid Repair Team following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Directing twenty inspectors across Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island, Lewis oversaw the completion and closeout of repairs to more than 3,000 homes in three months.
At the time of his retirement, Lewis was overseeing AFG’s projects throughout the Northeast, including a major renovation at Ellis Island and work at several New York City hospitals. His technical depth across mechanical, electrical, and advanced HVAC systems, life safety, mission-critical infrastructure, and building management systems helped ensure projects were delivered on schedule and within budget. Known for his skill in working with building occupants, government agencies, uniformed services, and community representatives, he strengthened AFG’s reputation for responsive, reliable project management across the region. Lewis will be succeeded by Barbara Oulds, CCM, CQM, LEED GA, who currently serves as Deputy Director of the Northeast Division
“Lew has been an integral part of our AFG family from the beginning. Never tiring, never backing down, and always ready for whatever came his way, from hurricanes to challenging clients and situations, he has always been professional and has made AFG shine in the Northeast region. We are saddened to see him go, but his retirement is well deserved. Thank you, Lew, for everything. It has been an honor working with you.”
About AFG Group, Inc.
AFG Group, Inc. is a woman-owned firm focused on multi-disciplined program, construction, and relocation management, with a national portfolio of work in healthcare, laboratories, courthouses, educational facilities, and government buildings. With 30 years of business acumen, AFG has earned a reputation for providing strong expertise, responsiveness, and project execution that helps owners navigate through complex design, procurement, construction, and activation processes.