Built On Our Foundation, A New Chapter Begins

When it comes to solving the industry’s biggest challenges, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been told, “You’ll never be able to get that done.” The naysayers can stay on the sidelines. I know firsthand the power of this industry—and this membership—when we come together. There’s nothing we can’t do. That sense of boldness, urgency, and shared purpose inspires me to lead UCON into this next chapter—alongside our incredible team and each of you.

I’m honored and excited to step into the role of CEO at United Contractors, beginning in 2026.

For the past 15 years, I’ve been advocating for UCON’s 800+ members and your 40,000 workers. You are the backbone of California. The opportunities and challenges you face are immense. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the strength of our industry lies in the people who power it. The grit. The risk-taking. The problem-solvers. The leaders who move California forward—job by job, day by day.

This isn’t a new beginning for me; it’s a deeper commitment to the work I love. Work grounded in real relationships with our members, a belief in the value of union-signatory contractors, and a relentless drive to serve the people who make this industry so remarkable.

UCON’s mission has always been simple but powerful: to serve, support, and advocate for our members—every day, every step of the way. That’s not changing. What we are doing is building on that foundation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

We know what’s at stake:

• A complex and shifting labor environment.
• A regulatory and political landscape that often works against business.
• A talent pipeline that isn’t keeping pace with demand.
• And a new generation of emerging leaders hungry for growth, mentorship, and a clear path forward.

As your next CEO, I’m committed to tackling those challenges head-on. That means:

Growing the next generation of leaders.
Our members don’t just need skilled project managers and estimators—they need strategic thinkers, confident communicators, and courageous leaders. UCON will deliver leadership development that transforms individuals, companies, and culture—preparing our future leaders to thrive in today’s complex environment.

Strengthening our labor and government advocacy.
Our labor relations program is second to none—and we’ll keep it that way. UCON was built to be contractor-led. That’s who we’ve been for over 50 years, and who we’ll be for the next 50. We’ll continue fighting—relentlessly—for labor, legislative and regulatory outcomes that support your ability to compete, and we’ll ensure that every member has a voice in the room and a seat at the table.

Leading with coalition and collaboration.
Wherever possible, we’ll work with labor partners, public agencies, and industry allies to fix broken processes, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and strengthen the business environment for union-signatory contractors. We’ll lead with bold ideas—and deliver solutions that bring real ROI to our members and the industry.

Driving industry-wide talent solutions.
What got us here won’t get us there. We can’t keep doing things the same way and expect different results. UCON will lead with fresh thinking, strategic partnerships, and modern approaches to attract, develop, and retain the workforce this industry needs at every level.

Through it all, one thing won’t change: who we are at our core. UCON will remain a contractor-led, values-driven organization fueled by grit, passion, urgency, and genuine care and commitment to our members. We will never lose sight of the people behind the companies. 

I’m grateful to our Board for their trust, and I’m ready to lead UCON’s next chapter with energy, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Most of all, I’m grateful to you, our members, for your trust and your belief in UCON. We will never take it for granted.

To those I’ve worked with and those I’ve yet to meet: I look forward to partnering with you every step of the way.

And to Mark Breslin—thank you for your mentorship, your vision, and for building an organization I’m proud to inherit.

With gratitude,

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About Emily
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UCON Board of Directors Names Emily Cohen Next CEO