CWC Leaders Honored at Bisnow’s Women Leading Real Estate Awards
We’re proud to share that two of our own were recognized among the region’s most inspiring leaders at the Bisnow DMV 2025 Women Leading Real Estate Awards & Happy Hour, held November 18 in Washington, DC. This annual event celebrates women who are driving innovation, collaboration, and impact across the commercial real estate and construction industries.
CWC Ushers in the Next Era of Leadership
Coakley & Williams Construction is proud to announce the promotions of Lynn Stith Bennett to Chief Executive Officer and Greg Harraka to President & Chief Operating Officer.
Empowering Future Leaders at Camp NAWIC 2025
Coakley & Williams Construction was proud to support Camp NAWIC 2025, an annual initiative that introduces girls to the many possibilities within the construction industry. As part of the week’s programming, four CWC team members—Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Lisa Schlossberg and Senior Project Managers Emily Fredette, Alex Straub, and Candace Wiggins—volunteered their time to help campers build confidence and explore career pathways.
Sherry Kissal Named IIDA Mid-Atlantic President
We believe that great leadership extends beyond the job site, and we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own. Please join us in congratulating Sherry Kissal on being officially sworn in as President of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter.
Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2025: Building the DMV. Building Careers. Building the Future.
We don’t just build structures - we build careers, opportunities, and a stronger industry. With a 26.6% female workforce - far exceeding the industry average - we’re proud to highlight the incredible contributions of the women of CWC during Women in Construction Week.
Partner & CFO Retires After 33 Years with CWC
While we recently celebrated a new chapter in our history with the opening of our new office in Bethesda, it was time to celebrate the end of another chapter as we celebrated Partner & CFO Joanne Sherwood’s retirement. During her 33-year tenure, she oversaw $5.25 billion worth of revenues (not adjusted for inflation!) and helped establish vital relationships among our Surety, Banking, Insurance, and Auditing partners.
A New Chapter for Coakley & Williams Construction: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at Our New Office
Earlier this week, we celebrated a monumental milestone in Coakley & Williams Construction’s journey: the ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new office at 4500 East-West Highway in Bethesda, MD. This event marks the official unveiling of a space designed to inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and reflect the Build Mindset that drives everything we do.
Building the Future with Miller & Long and IDEA Public Charter School at Carl F. West Estates
Recently, we partnered with Miller & Long Concrete Construction to host a site tour for students from IDEA Public Charter School at our active project, Carl F. West Estates—a new mixed-use, affordable senior housing development in DC’s 14th Street Corridor. The students participating in the tour are part IDEA Public Charter School’s Career and Technical Education Program and will be the trade and management leaders in tomorrow’s construction industry.
Lynn Stith Bennett Serves as Chair of Hope Gala for T1D
CWC’s Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Principal, Lynn, will serve as the Chair for the Hope Gala, an annual event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research. Coakley & Williams Construction is honored to sponsor this impactful event, a partnership that reflects our longstanding support of this organization and its vital mission.
CWC Partner Bill Simons Retires After 28 Years | Watch Video
We began 2024 by celebrating Bill Simons’ retirement. Bill joined CWC in 1996 and during his tenure, oversaw hundreds of projects and mentored countless employees.
Lynn Stith Bennett Joins JDRF Mid-Atlantic Board of Directors
We are excited to announce that our Managing Principal & Chief Strategy Officer, Lynn Stith Bennett, has joined the Board of Directors for the JDRF Mid-Atlantic Chapter! JDRF is the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research whose vision is to create a world without T1D.
CWC Empowers Women at Camp NAWIC
Some of our team members volunteered at Camp NAWIC (National Association for Women in Construction), a free national program organized by the National Association of Women in Construction that introduces young women to various career opportunities in the construction industry.
Lisa Schlossberg Named to NAIOP DC|MD Board of Directors
We are proud to announce that CWC Partner and Director of Marketing & Communications, Lisa Schlossberg, has joined the NAIOP DC|MD Board of Directors. NAIOP DC|MD
CWC's Building the DMV Workshop: Interns Learn the Power of Building Your Brand & Networking
It is no secret that people skills are imperative to one's success in their career. For that reason, we recently held our Building The DMV Workshop, where interns from our company and some of our partner companies within the dynamic AEC industry.
Lauren Schenning Promoted to CWC Director of Human Resources
We are excited to announce the promotion of Lauren Schenning to CWC's Director of Human Resources! Lauren will lead our HR department, driving the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to support our workforce and enhance our company culture.
Meet CWC's New Public Business Unit Leader: Baboucarr Cham | Bethesda, MD
Baboucarr Cham started as an intern at CWC over 20 years ago. Now, he’s not only a Partner, but also our Public Business Unit Leader.
CWC Employees Promote Autism Awareness
April is a time to shine a light on the concept of neurodiversity, that all human brains are wired differently, and that this diversity of brain function should be recognized and respected.
CWC Named Best Place To Work 2023 by The Washington Business Journal
CWC is pleased to announce that we have been named a Best Place to Work by The Washington Business Journal for a second consecutive year.
Senior Precon Manager Pat McCrary Interviewed By The Washington Business Journal
Our own Pat McCrary (Senior Preconstruction Manager & Partner) participated in a discussion hosted by WBJ about the pros and cons of popular building materials, along with other local construction experts.
CWC Partner Sherry Kissal Joins CREW Network Corporate Real Estate Council
We are excited to announce that Sherry Kissal has joined CREW Network Corporate Real Estate Council’s esteemed group of members.
WATCH: Meet Tyler Merrill, Director of Strategic Partnerships
Meet Tyler Merrill, our Director of Strategic Partnerships!
Meet New CWC Partner: Baboucarr Cham | Bethesda, MD
Baboucarr Cham started as an intern at CWC over 20 years ago. Now, he’s a partner.
Meet CWC's Newest Partner: Pat McCrary | Bethesda, MD
Please join us in congratulating Pat McCrary on becoming a part of the CWC Ownership team.
Veterans Building the DMV: Tony Alvarez | Assistant Superintendent at CWC
Learn about Tony Alvarez, US Veteran and Assistant Superintendent at Coakley & Williams Construction.
VIDEO: Our Employees Voted Us Best Place To Work
Build your construction career with the best! Our employees voted us Best Place To Work in 2022. Watch our video and learn more at workatcwc.com
VIDEO: Build With The Best!
Watch our video Build With The Best! Learn more about Coakley & Williams Construction.
CWC Partner Bill Simons Wins Volunteer Award
CWC’s Bill Simons, Business Unit Leader & Partner, was awarded Volunteer of the Year at the 8th Annual Catholic Business Network (CBN) Gala 2022.
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VIDEO: Meet the New CWC Partners
CWC names two new Partners, taking another step forward in the company’s succession plan. Meet the newest Partners - Jon & Eric.
Lynn Stith Bennett is Awarded CREW DC Woman of Impact
Congratulations, Lynn, for receiving the 2021 CREW DC Woman of Impact Award!
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In the News: Washington Business Journal Interviews Lynn Stith Bennett
CWC Managing Principal & Chief Strategy Officer Lynn Stith Bennett recently participated in a panel discussion with prominent D.C. executives about the emerging role of technology in hybrid workplaces.
WATCH: CWC Headquarters Through the Years
Celebrating Building For 60 years. Take a tour of the CWC Headquarters over the last 60 years.
Founders Award Winner: Eric Van Why
Eric Van Why is a seasoned and well-respected Superintendent demonstrating the highest levels of integrity and professionalism both within our organization and the construction industry.
Founders Award Winner: Jon Fox
Congratulations to Jon Fox for receiving the Coakley & Williams Construction Founders Award, for consistently going above and beyond the day-to-day expectations and delivering exceptional performance on the job, among his peers and in the community.
CWC Women's Group Volunteers with Nourish Now
The Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) Women’s Group recently volunteered with Nourish Now, a 501c3 nonprofit food bank specializing in food recovery and providing donations for the benefit of children, families, and the elderly, as well as shelters, food pantries, and other organizations working to end hunger.
Congratulations Lynn Stith Bennett - 2020 WBJ Honoree
We are extremely proud to announce that our very own Lynn Stith Bennett has been named among the 2020 Women Who Mean Business by the Washington Business Journal!
CWC Leaders Announce New Partners
We are excited to announce that three more CWC leaders have been named Partners as the next stage in the company’s succession plan. The new Partners entering the company’s Ownership this year are Lisa Schlossberg, Mike O’Quinn and Sherry Kissal. They are each accomplished leaders, mentors, and well-respected by their colleagues and the teams they lead.
2019 Founders Award Winners
This year we recognize two individuals who epitomize our corporate values of service, mentorship, commitment, success, and trust just to name a few.