Board of Directors
John Russell, Chairman
W. E. O'Neil Construction Company
Mr. Russell received a B.S. Degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign and completed an Executive Management program at Kellogg Graduate School of Management. John has overall responsibility for all retail projects that O'Neil performs. He has relationships with several national retailers and developers and is involved in projects across the country.
John is an active member of the ICSC. John has a keen interest and significant knowledge in the area of information technology and has led several IT implementations for the company. He is a past member of W.E. O'Neil Safety Committee and has refined the company's policies in this area.
R. Lynn Treat, Vice Chairman
Ryan Companies U.S., Inc.
Lynn Treat received a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from the University of Houston. With over 33 years of hands-on experience, Lynn has acquired knowledge about the many facets of the construction process.
As the Director of Field Operations for Ryan, he coordinates estimating, budgeting, safety, technical design and development, construction activities and subcontractor negotiation.
Lynn also serves as Trustee to MARBA and MIAF and is very active with the Laborers Training & Apprentice Fund.
Howard Strong, Treasurer
George Sollitt Construction Co.
Howard Strong started work with The George Sollitt Construction Company in 1975 as an Assistant Superintendent. Over the last 29years, Howard has worked in all aspects of construction, including field supervision, estimating, and project management, covering a wide range of construction projects. These have included majorhospital, educational airport, industrial and municipal projects in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. He is currently CEO and President of The George Sollitt Construction Company. Howard earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy at Boston University, as well as a Construction Management degree from Bradley University.
J. David Pepper, Immediate Past Chairman
Pepper Construction Companies
David Pepper is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago-based Pepper Construction Group, a national general contractor/construction manager. Key operating groups such as project management, marketing and accounting and finance report directly to him.
He serves on the Advisory Board of Directors for Good Shepherd Hospital and is a member of the Northwest Suburban Council Boy Scouts of America's Executive Board. He is an active member of the AGC Foundation Research/Education Committee, serves on the Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Chicago and is on the Board of Directors for United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Chicago.
Benjamin Johnston, Director
James McHugh Construction Company
Ben oversees all legal matters for James McHugh Construction Company, a century-old general contracting firm, and advises its executive team on corporate and strategic matters. He is active within the industry as well, serving as a trustee of the Carpenters' Welfare and Pension Funds and a representative to the Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association.
A member of the Illinois bar, Johnston graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois School of Law in 1988. Prior to joining McHugh in 1996, he served as associate general counsel for Handy Andy Home Improvement Centers and was an associated with Pederson and Houpt, PC.
Leon W. LaJaunesse, Director
Custom Contracting, Ltd.
Leon LaJeunesse has 27 years of experience in commercial construction and launched Custom Contracting, Ltd., a full-service construction firm specializing in healthcare-related construction, in 1987. He served two years as Treasurer for the Chicago chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and is very passionate about working with clients and the construction industry in regards to energy-efficient, environmentally responsible green construction.
His affiliations and memberships also include: ASPE (American Society of Professional Estimators); ASHE (American Society for Healthcare Engineering); CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) and Local 181-Carpenters Union.
Michael Mozal, Director
Joseph J. Duffy Company
Michael Mozal is President of Joseph J. Duffy Company, which has specialized in multi-unit residential construction since opening its doors in 1923.
Mark Rowland, Director
ISEC, Inc.
Mark Rowland is the Midwest Regional Manager for ISEC, Inc., a national prime trades contractor and subcontractor. Since graduating from Clarkson University with a degree in Civil Engineering, he has amassed 25 years of commercial contracting experience and oversees all aspects of the Midwest division for ISEC. Mark is active in his community as a little league baseball and football coach and Cub Scout Master, is on the Board of Directors of his church and has made several oversees mission trips focused on construction projects.
Greg Scurto, Director
Scurto Cement Construction
Greg Scurto is the President of Scurto Cement Construction. Scurto is a commercial, industrial and institutional concrete contractor service in business since 1973, completing more than $80 million in projects annually.