CWC Named Firm of the Year at 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence
— Recognized by NAIOP DC|MD for shaping the region for more than six decades —
Nearly 500 commercial real estate professionals gathered at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, DC, for the 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence, the annual celebration recognizing the projects, people, and companies shaping the region.
It was a memorable night for Coakley & Williams Construction. Our team was honored to be named 2025 Firm of the Year, the chapter’s highest recognition.
Greg Harraka (President / COO) & Lynn Stith Bennett (CEO) at 2025 NAIOP DC|MD Awards of Excellence
When announcing the award, NAIOP DC|MD Chapter President Sarah Knutson of Akridge shared the following remarks:
“The firm selected as the 2025 Firm of the Year has shaped the built environment of the Washington region for more than six decades. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the company delivers award-winning projects across the DMV. Its portfolio spans corporate interiors, life science and technology facilities, educational campuses, multifamily housing, and civic spaces that define communities throughout the region.
Deeply invested in the future of the industry, the firm partners with schools and nonprofits to advance workforce development. It also provides mentorship to minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses through joint ventures and mentor-protégé relationships that help strengthen and grow local enterprises. It also partners with schools, building connections between construction and the classroom, helping students see how their lessons apply to what’s being built in their own communities.
Jonathan Fuentes (Senior Project Manager) & Baboucarr Cham (Public Business Unit Leader) hold the NAIOP DC|MD trophies.
A steadfast sponsor and active participant in NAIOP DC|MD, its leaders and employees have served on the Board of Directors and numerous committees, helping advance the chapter’s mission and the broader commercial real estate community.”
Hearing those words was both humbling and meaningful. For more than 65 years, CWC has built lasting relationships and delivered projects that make a difference in how people live, work, and connect across the DMV.
This recognition comes during a milestone year for our company. In 2025, we completed the third leadership transition in our 65-year history, naming a new CEO and President who have each been with the firm for more than 35 years. We were also proud to be recognized as a 2025 Washington Business Journal Best Place to Work, reflecting our ongoing commitment to our people and culture.
Two CWC projects were also honored with Merit Awards at the event:
Lisa Schlossberg (Executive Director of Marketing & Communications) served as Co-Chair of the 2025 Awards of Excellence, helping to present several of the night’s honors.
Urban Grape, in the Retail/Shopping/Dining category
The Oliver Apartments, with Rock Creek Property Group and GTM Architects, in the Multifamily (DC) category
CWC’s Executive Director of Marketing & Communications, Lisa Schlossberg, also played a role in the evening, serving as Co-Chair of the 2025 Awards of Excellence and helping to present several awards.
We are proud of our team and grateful to NAIOP DC|MD for recognizing Coakley & Williams Construction as the 2025 Firm of the Year. Thank you to our clients, partners, and employees who continue to build the DMV with us every day.
