SAN RAMON & ANAHEIM, Calif. — United Contractors (UCON) has named Emily Cohen as its next Chief Executive Officer, succeeding long-serving leader Mark Breslin at the end of 2025. Cohen will officially step into the role on January 1, 2026, following a leadership transition that begins immediately.
Cohen, currently UCON’s Executive Vice President, has been with the organization for over 15 years. She is widely recognized in California’s construction industry for her leadership in political advocacy, membership growth, and next-generation workforce initiatives. Her appointment follows a months-long national search guided by UCON’s Board of Directors and an external executive search firm.
“Emily is a proven leader with the trust of our members, the respect of our partners, and the vision to take UCON forward,” said Alan Guy, UCON President-Elect (2026) and CEO of Anvil Holdings.
She will succeed Mark Breslin, who led UCON for more than four decades and shaped the group into a nationally recognized advocate for union-signatory contractors. “Mark’s leadership helped define what UCON is today—a powerful advocate, a trusted resource, and a catalyst for change in our industry,” said Kurt Eddy, 2025 UCON President and COO of Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc.
Breslin expressed his full confidence in Cohen’s leadership. “There is no one I trust more to lead this organization into the future. Emily has grit, intelligence, strategic vision—and most of all, she leads with heart,” he said.
Cohen’s appointment is the result of a succession plan launched in 2017 and updated multiple times to ensure a thoughtful and impartial transition. “Emily is the right leader for UCON at this moment,” said Mary Teichert, CEO of Teichert, Inc. and a member of the Executive Search Committee. “She brings expertise, strategic vision, and a proven commitment to the mission and values that define UCON.”
In accepting the position, Cohen said she is excited for the future: “It’s an honor to step into this role and lead UCON into the next generation. With our team, our members, and our mission—we have everything we need to keep building forward, together.”
Cohen’s selection marks a generational shift for one of California’s most influential construction associations. Under her leadership, UCON is expected to continue expanding its impact on labor relations, public policy, workforce development, and infrastructure advocacy.
Founded in 1970, UCON now represents nearly 800 union-signatory construction firms across California, employing over 40,000 workers. Members work across sectors including transportation, water, utilities, healthcare, and education infrastructure. The organization offers comprehensive support including labor representation, training, business services, and leadership development.
Cohen’s rise to CEO reflects her deep engagement with these programs and her forward-looking approach to both industry challenges and opportunities. As the construction sector evolves, her leadership is positioned to guide UCON through critical issues such as regulatory reform, workforce shortages, and sustainable infrastructure investment.
The announcement also sends a strong message about the importance of continuity, internal talent development, and women’s leadership in construction advocacy—setting a powerful precedent for industry organizations across the country.
Originally reported by United Contractors in Construction Dive.