Built from the Inside Out: CWC Earns WBJ Top 10 Interior Construction Ranking
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is proud to be recognized as one of the Top 10 Largest Interior Construction Firms in Greater Washington by the Washington Business Journal, ranking #10 on the publication's 2026 list.
Camp NAWIC Inspires the Next Generation of Women in Construction
Camp NAWIC is inspiring the next generation of women in construction through hands-on learning. See how Coakley & Williams Construction helped campers build teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills while exploring careers in the construction industry.
Watch: Why Adriana Loves Working at Coakley & Williams Construction
Discover what it's like to build a career at Coakley & Williams Construction through the eyes of Adriana, one of our dedicated team members. In this employee spotlight, she shares what makes CWC a rewarding place to work, the supportive culture she enjoys, and why she chose to build her career here. Watch the video to learn more about joining the CWC team.
Watch: Building Sheridan School
Watch Coakley & Williams Construction transform Sheridan School through a thoughtfully designed addition and renovation that enhances learning spaces, accessibility, and the campus experience.
Bisnow VA State of the Market Features CWC Leader
Coakley & Williams Construction was proud to be represented at Bisnow's Northern Virginia State of the Market conference by Pat McCrary, Senior Preconstruction Manager & Partner, who participated as a panelist discussing investment, development, and construction trends impacting multifamily and master-planned communities throughout the region.
Construction Begins on Saint Peter School Modernization in Washington, DC
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) joined Saint Peter School, parish leadership, students, families, alumni, and community members on Capitol Hill to celebrate the groundbreaking and blessing of the school's long-awaited modernization project.
CWC Recognized with ABC National Health and Safety Award
We are proud to share that Coakley & Williams Construction has been recognized with a National Health and Safety Award from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC).
Megan Ross Named ASA Metro Washington Project Manager of the Year
We are proud to share that Megan Ross has been named Project Manager of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington.
This recognition is especially meaningful as Megan has received this honor for the second consecutive year.
Megan’s leadership, consistency, and commitment to her teams have made a lasting impact across the projects she leads. She is known for her ability to build strong relationships, communicate clearly, and keep teams aligned from preconstruction through completion.
CWC Named GC of the Year by American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington
We are proud to share that Coakley & Williams Construction has been named General Contractor of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association of Metro Washington in the $250M–$500M category.
Meet The Team Behind the Carl F. West Project
Behind every project is a team working together to deliver it. This video shares the team's perspectives and highlights the work that goes into delivering a project like this ahead of schedule.
Celebrating Innovation: Ribbon Cutting for the Mars STEAM Building at Foxcroft School
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) was proud to join Foxcroft School faculty, students, alumnae, and community partners for the ribbon-cutting celebration of the new Mars STEAM Building, a space designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and collaboration for generations to come.
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.
Senior Preconstruction Manager Alex Schwartz wins 2025 Founders Award
At Coakley & Williams Construction, the Founder’s Award is one of our highest honors. It recognizes more than results — it celebrates consistency, character, and the kind of impact that shapes our culture for the better. This year, that distinction belongs to someone who embodies all of that and more: Alex Phifer Schwartz.
Truesdell Elementary Opens Its Doors to a Brighter Future
Truesdell Elementary School in Ward 4 officially opened its doors this fall with a ribbon-cutting celebration that brought together city leaders, educators, students, and community members. The event marked the completion of an $82.9 million modernization project that transforms Truesdell into one of the most forward-thinking and inclusive learning environments in the District.
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.
In the News: 365-unit Multifamily Building Coming to Potomac Shores
Houston-based developer Hines is joining forces with two Japanese real estate groups — Sumitomo Forestry and Chuo-Nittochi Group — to add a 365-unit apartment project to the Potomac Shores master-planned community south of Washington, D.C., in Dumfries, Virginia.
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.
CWC Named a 2025 Best Place to Work by the Washington Business Journal
We are proud to announce that CWC has been named one of the Washington Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2025! This recognition highlights our commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being.
ABC Regional Construction Summit: Innovating the Future of Construction
Coakley & Williams Construction proudly sponsored and actively participated in the ABC Regional Construction Summit: Innovating the Future of Construction. This premier event, co-hosted by ABC Chesapeake Shores, ABC Greater Baltimore, ABC of Metro Washington, and ABC Virginia, brought together industry leaders to discuss emerging trends and strategies shaping the construction landscape.
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.
Bringing Art to Life: CWC’s New Headquarters Featuring Custom Artwork by DMV Artist
Our new office at 4500 East-West Highway reflects more than just a new chapter for Coakley & Williams Construction—it’s a space that embodies our Build Mindset and celebrates who we are. One of the standout features is a stunning custom mural designed by Matt Corrado.
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.
Senior Project Manager Emily Fredette Wins 2024 Founders Award
Each year, we honor employees who consistently go above and beyond the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community. The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Senior Project Manager Emily Fredette was a recipient.
Superintendent Daniel Dragos Wins 2024 Founders Award
Each year, we honor employees who consistently go above and beyond the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community. The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Superintendent Dan Dragos was a recipient
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.
Building Futures: Superintendent Leads Project with ACE Mentor Program
At Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC), we’re not just committed to building exceptional structures—we’re also passionate about building futures. One shining example of this is the volunteer work of our very own Superintendent Ben Cozzi, who dedicates his time to the ACE Mentor Program in Annapolis.
CWC Welcomes Clayton Dietze as Business Unit Leader for Interiors
Coakley & Williams Construction (CWC) is pleased to announce the addition of Clayton Dietze as Business Unit Leader for Interiors. Clayton brings over 24 years of experience in the construction industry, with a proven track record of successfully leading complex interior projects for major clients.
CWC's Partnership with Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School: Building Futures through Internships
Angie Perdomo, a current Don Bosco high school student interning with our preconstruction team, was recently featured on Fox5's local news while promoting the 3rd annual Cristo Rey Cup.
NoSHA Project Wins Best Multifamily Project in DC
We are thrilled to announce that NoSHA, located at 2220 11th Street, has been honored with the prestigious Best Multifamily Project in DC award by NAIOP DC|MD at their 22nd Annual Awards of Excellence Gala. This recognition celebrates the outstanding work done by our team and highlights the project’s innovation and impact in the District.
Research Square Lab Wins Award of Merit for Best Renovation
We are excited to announce that Research Square Labs has been recognized with an Award of Merit for Best Renovation - Adaptive Reuse/Conversion at the 22nd Annual NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence Gala. This life science conversion project exemplifies our commitment to transforming spaces to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
Building Safety & Community: CWC Partners with DC Fire and EMS During Construction
BSC-CWC recently collaborated with DC Fire and EMS while providing Design-Build services for an extensive renovation and addition at Truesdell Elementary in Ward 4. The project presents a rare and invaluable opportunity: a real-world environment where firefighters could train in often difficult-to-replicate scenarios. This partnership underscores our commitment to community safety and preparedness. We’re not just building a school but contributing to a safer, more resilient community.
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center Wins DBIA Mid-Atlantic Region Project of the Year | Arlington, VA
We are ecstatic to announce that our Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center project was named “Project of the Year” by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter! It also earned two additional awards: Best in Design Excellence - Architecture and Award of Excellence - Buildings/Facilities. We partnered with Architects Page/ and MJMA on this unique design-build project, which was delivered to Arlington County in 2021.
From Quebec to Petworth: Mass Timber Installed at Truesdell Elementary | Washington, DC
Our Truesdell Elementary School project team recently celebrated a unique milestone as mass timber traveled all the way from Quebec, Canada, to the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC, to be installed on the project! This marks the first use of mass timber on a DC School project and is also the largest use of mass timber in the District’s portfolio.
Watch Video: Building Bullis Lower School In Potomac, MD
Watch Video: Building Bullis Lower School. Education Project in Potomac, MD
CWC Competes for a Cure at the Breakthrough T1D Real Estate Games!
The Washington, DC skyline isn't just a backdrop for business; it's a stage for community engagement and philanthropy. This year, we proudly participated in the Breakthrough T1D Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Games (formerly the JDRF Real Estate Games), where we competed and connected with our industry peers while raising money for Type 1 Diabetes research!
A Wider Circle's "Home Reimagined" Event - CWC Sponsors and Volunteers | Washington, DC
We were proud to sponsor A Wider Circle’s “Home Reimagined” event, a day of volunteering that involved furnishing and decorating a home for one of their clients in Southeast Washington, DC. Director of Strategic Partnerships Tyler Merrill and Pursuit Coordinator Sophia Ford spent the day volunteering to make the home makeover a success.
CWC Celebrates Take Your Kids to Work Day
Each year, we are excited to celebrate National Take Your Kids to Work Day. This event is not only an opportunity to educate and inspire young minds but also a chance to strengthen the bonds within our CWC family. This year, our Human Resources team planned a fun-filled day for our future builders!
CWC Breaks Ground on Foxcroft School's Mars STEAM Wing | Middleburg, VA
We recently broke ground on Foxcroft School’s new Mars STEAM Wing, an 18,000 SF, two-story addition that will house new science labs, innovation and engineering labs, math rooms, and mechanical spaces.
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.
Superintendent & ACE Mentor Teaches Students at Long Bridge Aquatics | Arlington, VA
As part of his involvement with the ACE Mentor Program of Annapolis, CWC Superintendent Ben Cozzi recently gave an Environmental Literacy class from Broadneck High School (Annapolis, MD) a tour of our Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center project in Arlington, VA.
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.
Project Manager Jonathan Fuentes Wins Founders Award
We are pleased to recognize Project Manager Jonathan Fuentes with the CWC Founders Award. The CWC Founders Award honors employees who consistently exceed the day-to-day expectations and deliver exceptional performance on the job, amongst their peers, and in the community.
Senior Superintendent Jeff Gray Wins Founders Award
The CWC Founders Award was created to provide the name and physical recognition for those whom this award is bestowed upon yearly. This year, Senior Superintendent Jeff Gray was a recipient.
Careers in Construction Month Kicks Off at Truesdell Elementary | Washington, DC
This October, the Blue Skye/CWC joint venture team, as well as design-build partner VMDO-DC, teamed up with Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington & ABC Chesapeake Shores Chapter at our Truesdell Elementary School construction project to gear up for Careers in Construction Month.
Grand Opening of Madeira School's STEAM Academic Center | McLean, VA
The Madeira School recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new STEAM Academic Center, a state-of-the-art interdisciplinary building that houses a Robotics Lab, Makers Space, and much more.
CWC Wins Safety Awards | ABC Chesapeake Shores
CWC Wins ABC Chesapeake Shores Safety Awards.
We Salute the New Fluegel Alumni Center at US Naval Academy | Annapolis, MD
We salute the new world-class United States Naval Academy Fluegel Alumni Center, designed to better serve alumni, parents, and friends in Annapolis, MD.
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.
Langley School's Crossroads Building Wins Excellence in Construction Award | McLean, VA
The Crossroads Building at The Langley School construction project in McLean, VA takes home Excellence in Construction Award.
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 Hosts Inaugural Procore Mid-Atlantic Conference | Bethesda, MD
We hosted the Procore Mid-Atlantic Community’s very first Insight Interchange at CWC Headquarters, bringing together Procore Experts from the DC, MD, PA, VA, and WV regions.
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.
CWC Summer 2023 Internship Program
Learn more about our 2023 Summer Internship program. Together, we will shape a successful future where innovation, excellence, and inclusivity are paramount.
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.
Welcome CWC Summer 2023 Interns!
We want to give a big welcome and shout-out to our 2023 Summer Interns!
The Inspiring Path of a Construction Project Manager Turned Track Coach
Read the inspiring story about Bridgett Redding, construction project manager turned track coach for Madeira School while building their new STEAM building.
CWC Helps Raise Over $824,000 At The 2023 JDRF Real Estate Games
Read how CWC shares a passion for making a difference for Type 1 Diabetes by joining the 2023 JDRF Real Estate Games.
CWC Celebrates Being Named Best Place to Work 2023 by Washington Business Journal | Gaithersburg, MD
We are incredibly proud to announce that we were named a 2023 Best Place to Work by The Washington Business Journal. We held a fun party at Dave & Buster’s in Gaithersburg, MD to celebrate!
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.
Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center Earns LEED Silver Certification
We are proud to announce that the award-winning Long Bridge Park Aquatics & Fitness Center in Arlington, VA, recently earned LEED Silver Certification by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)!
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.
CWC Turns Employee Appreciation Day into Month-Long Celebration
CWC planned a series of celebrations throughout March at CWC Headquarters and on our construction project sites to celebrate our fantastic team.