Construction Leadership Council
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) cultivates the next generation of leaders in the Chicagoland construction industry. The roster consists of over 300 dedicated, talented young professionals who desire to take advantage of all the Chicagoland AGC chapter has to offer.
The CLC is open to young professionals employed by Chicagoland AGC member companies. CLC meetings and events are great opportunities for young professionals to network, exchange ideas, and engage in continuing education. At the same time, the committee is a means by which future leaders are developed, adding value to their companies and industry.
The CLC develops a variety of educational sessions, site tours, networking and philanthropic activities for the benefit of the group and AGC members at large:
- Networking provides a forum for young construction industry professionals to discuss pertinent issues and build relationships with other industry professionals
- Enables up-and-comers to become involved in the Chicagoland AGC and prepare for future leadership roles within the Association
- Professional development opportunities for CLC members results in an enhanced construction workforce throughout the Chicagoland area
- Promotes the construction industry through progressive and innovative programs directed at industry professionals, government agencies, private clientele and the community
- Provides a platform to encourage students to enter the construction field
- Gives back to the community through charitable events
Casino Night 2026
The first ever Chicagoland AGC Casino Night really hit the jackpot as 150 emerging leaders and industry professionals convened in February at posh RPM Events on the Chicago River. Hosted by the CLC Young Professionals’ Group, this event transformed casino-style gaming into a vibrant backdrop for meaningful networking.
Attendees enjoyed friendly and spirited games of poker, roulette, blackjack, and craps, but the real excitement came from the energy in the room as colleagues—new and familiar alike—gathered to share ideas, exchange insights, and strengthen professional relationships. The interactive, low-pressure atmosphere helped make the night both memorable and productive. Whether strategizing at the poker table or cheering on a hot streak at roulette, guests found ample opportunities to build new connections across all levels of the industry.
“The blackjack tables were full all night, and the energy in the room made it easy to strike up real conversations,” commented CAGC member Jennifer Marmoll with Midwest Fence. “Casino Night was a fun reminder of how connected and supportive the Chicagoland construction community really is.”
As the gaming tables wrapped up, players traded their winning chips for raffle tickets to enter drawings for various prizes. From an at-home wine tasting experience to a Nintendo Switch to a golf foursome and more, the anticipation was palpable as the winning ticket numbers were called.
The CLC-hosted Casino Night highlighted the engagement and leadership of CAGC's Young Professionals’ Group and set the stage for deeper engagement in the Association with future programming that blends professional growth with community, camaraderie, and fun.
An Evening With Industry Icons 2025
The CLC hosted its third Evening With Industry Icons panel event for emerging leaders in February, moderated by CAGC and National CLC Chair Anthony Alleman, Pepper Construction. This event provided a unique opportunity for young professionals to gain career insight and motivation from some of the most accomplished professionals in Chicagoland's construction industry. Panelists discussed key industry topics, from approaching leadership and workforce development with a person-centered focus to the role of technology innovation in construction, by sharing personal stories from their careers. The network reception was great for attendees to continue conversations with the panelists and industry peers in a relaxed setting outside of work. Read the AGC Leadership-LINK Chapter Highlight on our Evening With Industry Icons here.
Panelists:
Jimmy Akintonde, Ujamaa Construction; Mark Evans, Bulley & Andrews; Jim Hill, The Hill Group; Kate Ivanova, McHugh Construction
2024 Philanthropy: Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup
Chicagoland AGC's CLC hosted a beach cleanup on Thursday, May 23rd as part of the Alliance for the Great Lakes' Adopt-a-Beach program. The group's young professionals gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan at Chicago's iconic Oak Street Beach where they collected 306 pounds of litter in 40 trash bags.
Read the full Chapter Highlight article on CAGC's Adopt-a-Beach Cleanup event from AGC of America here.