Mark Skender Mourned by Family, Friends, and the Construction Community: Skender Construction and the Industry Pay Tribute to the Visionary Former CEO, Innovator, and Mentor Who Transformed Chicago’s Skyline and Corporate Culture
CHICAGO, IL – With profound sadness and a deep sense of loss, Skender Construction and the broader construction and business community mourn the untimely passing of Mark Skender, former Chief Executive Officer of Skender Construction. Mark passed away recently, leaving behind not only his beloved family—his wife Roxanne and their two children, Eden and Drew—but also a city, a company, and an industry that he helped shape over the course of nearly four decades.
Mark Skender’s death marks the end of an era for the company that bears his name, but it also begins a new chapter in which his legacy will be carried forward by the people he mentored, the buildings he helped raise, and the principles he embedded into the DNA of one of Chicago’s most respected construction firms.
His life was a blueprint for what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and vision.
A Legacy Built on Innovation, Integrity, and Impact
Born into a family where hard work, ethics, and community service were valued, Mark Skender joined Skender Construction in 1983, beginning a journey that would see him rise through the ranks from a young executive to the role of Executive Vice President, a position he held for over 25 years, before being named Chief Executive Officer in 2014. His tenure as CEO, which lasted until 2020, coincided with a period of expansive growth and unprecedented innovation for the firm.
Mark was not merely an executive; he was an architect of organizational culture, a champion of sustainable building, and a relentless advocate for transparency and teamwork. Under his leadership, Skender Construction evolved into one of Chicago’s most community-focused and admired construction firms, known for its collaborative spirit and ethical business practices.
As one longtime colleague put it, “Mark wasn’t just a builder of buildings—he was a builder of people, a builder of ideas, and a builder of community. His fingerprints are all over the skyline of Chicago, but his real legacy lies in the people he empowered and the culture he created.”
Pioneering Lean Construction in Chicago
Perhaps one of Mark Skender’s most defining professional contributions was his unwavering commitment to Lean construction methodologies, long before they were widely accepted or understood within the broader construction industry. At a time when traditional project delivery methods often led to inefficiencies, delays, and adversarial relationships between stakeholders, Mark sought a different path.
He was a founding member of the Lean Construction Institute’s Chicago Community of Practice, which brought together professionals, academics, and tradespeople to explore ways of improving construction delivery through collaboration, efficiency, and continuous learning.
Mark firmly believed that Lean was not just a process—it was a mindset. He saw it as a way to foster respect among workers, reduce waste, and ultimately deliver better results for clients. His emphasis on integrated project delivery and design-build approaches allowed Skender Construction to complete projects faster, more sustainably, and with greater client satisfaction.
Beyond the Jobsite: Teaching, Mentoring, and Inspiring
Mark’s influence stretched far beyond construction sites and boardrooms. He was deeply invested in the education and development of future industry leaders, serving as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. His students describe him as generous with his time, insightful in his guidance, and genuinely passionate about the profession.
Many of his mentees, both within and outside the company, credit Mark with helping them navigate their careers—not just with advice, but with belief in their potential.
“He had this incredible ability to make you feel seen and heard, no matter your role,” recalled a former student. “He could be in a high-stakes client meeting one minute, and the next, he’d be walking a jobsite with a young intern, asking thoughtful questions and offering encouragement.”
This humility and openness were hallmarks of Mark’s leadership style. He believed that good ideas could come from anywhere, and he cultivated an environment where every voice mattered.
A Builder of Culture and Community
Inside Skender Construction, Mark championed a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. He believed in hiring for attitude and training for skill, and he worked tirelessly to ensure the company remained a place where people could grow both personally and professionally.
His emphasis on transparency and open communication earned him deep respect among employees at every level. He led with empathy, often taking time to check in with staff, not just about work, but about life. Birthdays, work anniversaries, and personal milestones were all remembered—because to Mark, people were the heart of the business.
He also initiated internal programs focused on mental wellness, work-life balance, and professional development, making sure that Skender Construction was not only a place where buildings were constructed, but where careers—and lives—were meaningfully built.
Global Citizen and Advocate for Cultural Exchange
Outside of his professional life, Mark was a passionate traveler and global citizen. He believed deeply in the power of cultural exchange and mutual understanding. For many years, he served on the board of Hostelling International, a global nonprofit dedicated to fostering intercultural understanding through travel and communal living experiences.
Mark’s global perspective enriched his worldview and informed his leadership style. He often drew parallels between travel and leadership—both requiring adaptability, humility, and curiosity. He encouraged employees and students alike to explore the world and to bring fresh ideas back to their communities.
“Mark was a connector,” one colleague shared. “Whether it was people, ideas, or cultures—he believed we were stronger when we worked together, when we listened to one another, and when we remained open to learning.”
Remembering the Man Behind the Title
Despite his many accomplishments, Mark remained remarkably humble. He preferred to shine the spotlight on others, deflecting praise with humor and grace. He was a man of quiet strength, known for his deep listening, thoughtful decision-making, and unwavering commitment to doing the right thing—even when it wasn’t the easy thing.
He loved the simple things: long bike rides along the lake, late-night jazz sessions, reading books on philosophy and systems thinking, and time with his family. Friends describe him as a “compass”—someone whose presence could steady a room, bring clarity to complex issues, and remind everyone of what truly matters.
An Enduring Legacy
Mark Skender’s legacy is more than a list of buildings or business milestones—it is a living legacy carried forward by everyone who knew him, worked with him, learned from him, or was touched by his generosity and leadership.
In the words of his wife Roxanne, “Mark lived his life with intention and with love. He believed in people. He believed in our potential to do better, to build better, and to be better. His greatest pride wasn’t the company—it was the people who made the company what it is.”
Mark is survived by Roxanne, his devoted partner of 35 years; his two children, Eden and Drew, both of whom embody his values and passion for making a difference; and a wide network of family, friends, colleagues, and mentees who will carry his light forward.
Final Words from Skender Construction
In an official statement, the leadership team at Skender Construction wrote:
“The entire Skender family is heartbroken by the passing of our former CEO and dear friend, Mark Skender. Mark was a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on our company, our community, and our lives. He led with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. His legacy will live on in the buildings we’ve constructed, the teams he empowered, and the culture he helped shape. Our hearts go out to Roxanne, Eden, Drew, and to all who had the privilege of knowing Mark. May his memory be a blessing.”
Honoring a Visionary
Plans for a public celebration of life are currently underway and will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the Skender family requests that donations be made in Mark’s memory to Lean Construction Institute, Hostelling International, or a local mentorship or youth development organization of your choice.
As the buildings Mark helped bring to life continue to rise and endure, so too will the values he championed—integrity, curiosity, collaboration, and love for community. Though he may no longer walk among us, his presence will be felt for generations, etched not only in skylines but in hearts.
