Mark Skender Obituary, Death Chicago, Illinois – Chicago’s business and construction community is mourning the death of Mark Skender, former CEO of Skender Construction, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 61. Skender was a respected leader and a key figure in transforming his family’s construction firm into one of the city’s most innovative and people-focused companies. Mark Skender’s influence stretched far beyond job sites.
He served at Skender Construction for over 30 years, beginning his leadership journey as Executive Vice President in 1989 before taking on the role of CEO from 2014 to 2020. Under his guidance, the company expanded its operations, modernized its approach to building, and gained a strong reputation for community engagement and sustainable practices. A strong advocate for lean construction, Mark introduced processes that emphasized efficiency, teamwork, and cutting-edge technology.
He also played a major role in industry education, co-founding the Chicago Community of Practice for the Lean Construction Institute and serving as an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. Former colleagues and industry peers remember him not only for his sharp business mind but for his generosity, calm leadership, and passion for innovation. His legacy can be seen throughout the city, in the many projects he helped deliver and the culture of collaboration he instilled in his teams.
Outside of his professional life, Mark Skender was an avid traveler and served on the board of Hostelling International, reflecting his passion for global experiences and cultural exchange. Skender Construction and the wider Chicago community have expressed their condolences to his wife Roxanne, and children Elena and Daniel. Mark’s contributions to the industry and the city will be remembered and felt for years to come.
