Construction Advocate Mark Casso Remembered

Mark Casso, who led the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) for more than 25 years, died on June 25 at age 70, the McLean, Virginia-based group announced. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Survived by his wife, Julie, and his children, Nicholas and Nia, Casso leaves behind a legacy that colleagues say transformed the construction sector.

“Mark Casso was a man of unwavering integrity, kindness and brilliance,” said Jane Bonvillain, CIRT’s director of association programs and a colleague of Casso’s since 1986. “Mark’s unwavering commitment to his family and profession was matched only by his passion for history, his talent as a painter and his generous spirit as a mentor and friend. His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched and the industry he helped shape.”

Bonvillain highlighted Casso’s humility, noting he never sought personal attention despite his significant contributions.

Founded in 1998, CIRT is a nonprofit group that works to advance the U.S. construction sector through performance improvement and policy advocacy. Major firms such as Turner Construction, Bechtel, Gilbane, McCarthy, Mortenson, JE Dunn, Jacobsen and WSP are among its members.

“Mark Casso was a tremendous advocate for the construction industry nationwide, and he represented our community with integrity and humility,” said Anthony Consigli, CEO of Consigli Construction Co. “His deep understanding of the many complexities and challenges we face, and his dedication to helping build strong and successful companies, was unmatched. Mark leaves behind a lasting legacy, and he will be deeply missed.”

Under Casso’s leadership, CIRT promoted key industry initiatives including Construction Safety Week, the CIRT Sentiment Index and Construction Inclusion Week.

“Mark was a leader of uncommon vision and character, and a trusted friend — someone who offered his heart as readily as his insights. For those who had the privilege to know him well, his passing leaves a space that cannot be filled,” said Tom Reilly, president of Turner Construction’s enterprise service and current CIRT chairman.

Reilly, who announced Casso’s passing on LinkedIn, added: “Over the past two and a half decades, Mark shaped CIRT into the respected organization it is today. His dedication left a lasting imprint on our work and our community.”

Before leading CIRT, Casso worked as deputy executive vice president and general counsel for the American Consulting Engineers Council, and earlier as director of government affairs for the American Institute of Architects. Before moving into the construction space, he practiced international trade law at a Washington, D.C., firm.

Casso was also a dedicated mentor through the ACE Mentor Program and helped launch the CIRT National Design & Construction Competition for high school students.

“I first met Mark while I was a senior in high school presenting at the CIRT National Competition for the ACE Mentor Program,” said Joey Bahnsen, associate architect at CannonDesign. “It’s like our time between talking had never missed a beat and he immediately remembered me. His quick wit, knack for relating to anyone and his infectious smile will be missed.”

Bonvillain said the student competition, which grew from six entries in 2007 to 74 this year, was one of Casso’s proudest accomplishments. “Mark’s involvement with it was always the highlight of his year,” she said. “Engaging with the students, the mentors and the judging.”
In addition to his leadership roles, Casso’s passion for history and painting reflected his broader belief that the construction industry should nurture not only buildings but also people. His colleagues noted that he often reminded younger professionals that the built environment was inseparable from the communities it serves.

Plans for a memorial scholarship fund in Casso’s name to support students entering the architecture, engineering and construction fields are expected to be announced later this year.

Originally reported by Zachary Phillips in Construction Dive.