CHICAGO, IL — Skender Construction and the wider construction community are mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Mark Skender, former Chief Executive Officer and a transformative figure in the firm’s history. Mark passed away recently, leaving behind an enduring legacy of leadership, innovation, and compassion.
Mark Skender dedicated more than three decades of his life to Skender Construction, helping to build not just projects, but a culture rooted in teamwork, transparency, and forward thinking. He first joined the company in 1989, serving as Executive Vice President for 25 years before stepping into the role of CEO in 2014, a position he held until 2020.
During his tenure, Mark was a true visionary, helping to transform Skender into one of Chicago’s most admired and community-focused construction firms. He was a pioneer in promoting lean construction practices, embracing innovation at a time when the industry was only beginning to appreciate the value of efficiency, sustainability, and integrated project delivery.
Mark was instrumental in co-founding the Lean Construction Institute’s Chicago Community of Practice, a role that underscored his commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and education. His influence extended beyond the jobsite; he also served as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, shaping future generations of construction leaders with his knowledge and passion for the craft.
Colleagues remember Mark as a steady, generous leader whose belief in the power of collaboration and innovation inspired those around him. His style of leadership was marked by humility, empathy, and a deep respect for every individual’s contribution to a shared vision. Whether meeting with clients, mentoring young professionals, or brainstorming new methods to streamline operations, Mark approached every task with an open mind and an open heart.
“Mark wasn’t just a CEO — he was a builder of people, a builder of ideas, and a builder of community,” said a longtime colleague. “His fingerprints are all over the skyline of Chicago, but his true legacy lives in the teams he built and the countless lives he touched.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Mark was a passionate traveler and lifelong advocate for global community-building. He served for many years on the board of Hostelling International, believing deeply in the value of connecting people across cultures and borders.
Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Roxanne, and their two children, Elena and Daniel. Skender Construction extends its deepest condolences to the Skender family, Mark’s many friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him or calling him a friend.
The buildings he helped bring to life will stand as monuments to his vision, but it is the culture of integrity, collaboration, and innovation that he cultivated — both at Skender Construction and within the broader industry — that will be his lasting legacy.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In honoring Mark’s memory, the Skender community invites all who knew him to continue championing the values he held so dear: leadership through service, innovation through collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to building a better future.
Mark Skender’s impact on the city of Chicago and the construction industry at large will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.