Turner Construction Company is thrilled to announce that Kate Van Zeyl, Vice President and General Manager, has earned a spot on Construction Dive’s prestigious list of 2025 Construction Champions, an annual recognition that honors women who are shaping the construction industry and driving significant change.

Kate Van Zeyl has made substantial contributions to the construction field, and her leadership is helping to transform major projects across the Midwest. As Vice President and General Manager of Turner’s Chicago operations, she leads high-profile initiatives such as the modernization of O’Hare International Airport and the University of Chicago Cancer Center. Additionally, Kate plays a key role in the Lakeside Alliance, the joint venture that is responsible for constructing the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.

Reflecting on her career and the recognition, Kate shared, “I have been inspired by architecture from a young age. But my true passion is in construction — seeing projects come to life and understanding their impact on job creation and economic growth.” Her words highlight not only her love for the industry but also her belief in construction as a driver of economic prosperity and community development.

Leading Transformative Projects and Advocating for Women in Construction

Beyond overseeing major projects, Kate is a passionate advocate for increasing diversity and encouraging more women to join the construction field. She actively supports initiatives like the ACE Mentor Program, which mentors high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering. In addition, Kate co-founded the Chicago chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) in 2021. PWC is a national nonprofit that works to promote diversity and create career advancement opportunities for women in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries.

“Kate’s leadership not only empowers her team at Turner but also opens doors for future generations of women in construction,” said Abrar Sheriff, President of Turner Construction Company. “All of us at Turner proudly congratulate Kate on this well-deserved honor. Her leadership and dedication continue to shape the industry’s future, and we are grateful for her lasting impact and commitment to excellence.”

Shaping the Future of Construction

As Vice President and General Manager, Kate has been instrumental in expanding Turner’s presence in the Chicago region, driving some of the most innovative and transformative projects in the area. Her leadership extends far beyond the successful completion of projects; she is committed to inspiring the next generation of construction professionals and fostering an inclusive, diverse work environment.

Kate’s influence in the industry is not limited to just Turner’s operations. Her advocacy for women and minorities in construction has been widely recognized, and she is consistently working to break down barriers that have historically kept underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in construction. This work, combined with her dedication to sustainability and community development, makes Kate one of the leading voices in the construction industry today.

Expanding Turner’s Role in Industry Leadership

Under Kate’s leadership, Turner has not only been at the forefront of some of Chicago’s most ambitious construction projects but also stands as a model for other companies when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the industry. Her recognition as a 2025 Construction Champion comes at a time when the industry is increasingly prioritizing these values, making her contributions all the more significant.

Her work with the Obama Presidential Center, in particular, stands as a testament to her ability to manage complex, high-visibility projects while maintaining a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

Looking to the Future

The recognition of Kate Van Zeyl as a 2025 Construction Champion reinforces the growing influence of women in the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. As leaders like Kate continue to pave the way for future generations, the industry is evolving toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce, which will continue to drive innovation, efficiency, and progress in the years to come.

Kate’s ongoing efforts to inspire young people, especially women, to pursue careers in construction is making a lasting impact. Her leadership at Turner Construction will continue to shape the landscape of the AEC industry for years to come.

Originally reported by Turner Construction.