CIRT Taps Architect Corey Clayborne to Lead Construction's New Era

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2026 – The Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), an influential national association of leading design and construction firm executives, will enter a new chapter of leadership on April 1, 2026. The organization today announced the appointment of Robert Corey Clayborne, FAIA, MBA, CAE, as its new President. The move marks a significant leadership transition for the organization, as Clayborne steps into the role previously held for nearly 27 years by the late Mark Casso, who passed away in June 2025.

Clayborne, an accomplished architect and seasoned association executive, brings over two decades of experience to the position. His selection follows a period of deep reflection for CIRT after the sudden loss of Casso, a widely respected figure who shaped the organization's modern identity. The board's choice signals a strategic move to install a leader with deep roots in both the practical and political aspects of the built environment.

"Corey Clayborne is exactly the kind of leader CIRT needs as we look to the future," said Thomas V. Reilly, President of Turner Construction Company and Chairman of the CIRT Board of Directors. "His record of driving meaningful results in complex organizations, combined with his deep roots in the design and construction industry, make him well prepared to advance CIRT's mission."

From Architect's Blueprint to Industry Vision

Clayborne’s career trajectory offers a unique blend of hands-on project experience and high-level strategic leadership. Before ascending in the association world, he spent 13 years as a project manager and architect at the firm Wiley|Wilson. There, he managed a diverse portfolio of projects for local, state, and federal clients, overseeing everything from financial health to quality control—an experience that grounds him in the day-to-day realities of the firms CIRT represents.

His transition to association leadership saw him take the helm as Executive Vice President and CEO of AIA Virginia. During his tenure, he was noted for his commitment to mentoring emerging professionals and for his impactful legislative work. He notably advised on legislation aimed at improving equity in Virginia's state procurement of design and construction services, demonstrating an early focus on systemic industry challenges.

Most recently, Clayborne served as Senior Vice President, Knowledge and Practice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national headquarters. In this role, he led a team of 35 professionals and was responsible for member education, research, and knowledge management, achieving record revenue growth in continuing education services. This combination of architectural practice, state-level advocacy, and national strategic leadership makes his profile distinctive.

His credentials underscore this multifaceted expertise. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), an honor held by less than three percent of members, and a Certified Association Executive (CAE). He also holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Liberty University.

"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be selected as President of the Construction Industry Round Table," Clayborne said in a statement. "This organization brings together leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment, and I look forward to working with our members to address the challenges facing our industry and drive meaningful progress on the opportunities ahead."

Navigating a Complex Built Environment

Clayborne takes the helm at a pivotal moment. The design, engineering, and construction industries are navigating a landscape of unprecedented complexity, defined by both immense opportunity and significant pressure. His leadership will be critical as CIRT members confront several intersecting trends.

First among them is sustainability. With the built environment contributing nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions, the push toward net-zero buildings and sustainable infrastructure is no longer optional. Clayborne’s background as an architect and a LEED Accredited Professional positions him to lead conversations on integrating green practices, circular economy principles, and innovative materials into the industry's core.

Equally pressing is the critical shortage of skilled labor. The industry faces a massive workforce gap, with estimates suggesting hundreds of thousands of additional workers are needed to meet demand. CIRT is already active in this area through its support for programs like Build Your Future (BYF) and its role in the Construction Career Alliance (CCA). Clayborne will be expected to amplify these efforts, fostering strategies to attract a new, diverse generation of talent to the trades and professions.

Furthermore, the relentless pace of digital transformation continues to reshape the industry. Technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM), artificial intelligence, and robotics are moving from the fringe to the mainstream. A key challenge for CIRT will be helping its member companies navigate this transition, promoting best practices for technology adoption to improve safety, efficiency, and project outcomes.

Building on a Storied Foundation

In stepping into this role, Clayborne also inherits the profound legacy of his predecessor, Mark Casso. Casso's 27-year presidency was transformative for CIRT, growing it into a premier forum for the CEOs of over 100 top design and construction firms. He was a driving force behind industry-wide initiatives like Construction Safety Week and the more recent Construction Inclusion Week, which have become national mainstays.

A signature part of Casso’s legacy was his passion for youth engagement, embodied by the CIRT National Design + Construction Competition. This annual event, run in partnership with the ACE Mentor Program, grew exponentially under his guidance, inspiring high school students to pursue careers in the industry. Honoring this legacy while charting a new course will be a key aspect of Clayborne’s leadership.

The board's confidence in this transition is clear. Greg Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of STV and incoming Chairman of the CIRT Board, affirmed his support, stating, "I am confident that Corey will inspire our membership and provide strong leadership as CIRT continues to address important issues facing the design, engineering, and construction industry."

As Robert Corey Clayborne prepares to take the helm, he faces the dual task of honoring a significant past and boldly steering the industry toward a more sustainable, equitable, and innovative future. His unique journey from the drawing board to the boardroom has prepared him to construct a new blueprint for one of the nation's most vital sectors.