Skender Announces Executive and Senior Management Promotions, Building Next Generation of Leaders

Skender, one of the nation’s top building contractors, is proud to announce eight leadership promotions across project management and field operations. The promotions reflect Skender’s long-term investment in developing leaders from within. Each individual has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, operational excellence and supporting the people and clients who drive the company’s continued success.

The promotions are:

• Lauren Bauer, to Project Executive. Since joining Skender in 2019, Lauren Bauer has distinguished herself as a trusted leader who consistently delivers exceptional results for clients, project teams and partners. She has successfully led complex, high-profile projects including the 540,000-square-foot, 32-story mixed-use apartment building at 370 N Morgan Street. She balances strong client service, sound judgment and strategic decision-making. Lauren is deeply committed to developing others, mentoring her teams and creating an environment where people can grow and succeed.
• Brian Skender, to Project Executive. Brian Skender has played an integral role in the success of Skender’s projects, teams and clients since joining the company in 2008. He has led countless construction projects, including Fifth City Commons, Skender’s first Passive House project named 2025 Affordable Housing Project of the Year by REjournals, and the complex occupied rehab of the 272-unit Barbara Jean Wright Court Apartments. Brian’s leadership, commitment to Skender’s culture and unwavering dedication to his team and clients have made a lasting impact across the organization.
• Jack Bauschelt,to Senior Project Manager, Team Leader. Jack Bauschelt joined Skender in 2017 and has taken on a significant role over the past year in training and mentoring team members while continuing to support multiple projects and responsibilities. He is a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), with significant project experience including the 620,000-SF IU Health Bloomington Regional Academic Health Center. Consistently demonstrating a deep commitment to both project success and the development of those around him, Jack has made a lasting impact on his team.
• Jake Lawniczak,to Senior Project Manager, Team Leader. Since joining Skender in 2022, Jake Lawniczak has distinguished himself through his strategic mindset, technical expertise and ability to lead through complex challenges. With his focus in tenant interiors buildouts, Jake has worked on such high-profile projects as Echo Global Logistics’ occupied rehab and expansion. Bringing a unique perspective to every situation, he is not afraid to ask tough questions or offer thoughtful solutions that strengthen project outcomes.
• Will Hansen, to Senior Superintendent, Team Leader. Since joining Skender in 2017, Will Hansen has consistently stepped forward to take on some of our company’s toughest challenges and most demanding situations. Will has played a pivotal supervision role in numerous projects, including the recent 536,000-SF, 17-floor buildout for a large confidential financial institution. Over the years, Will has grown into a confident leader who supports teams across markets and leads by example.
• David Bentley, to Senior Superintendent. David Bentley has built a reputation as a thoughtful, trusted leader who consistently delivers strong results since joining Skender in 2017. His healthcare project experience runs deep, managing field activities and site operations for clients, including several projects for Northwestern Medicine. David is known for his methodical approach, attention to detail and ability to thoughtfully navigate challenges while earning the trust of clients and project teams.
• Kelly Allen, to Senior Project Manager. Kelly Allen’s strong leadership, strategic thinking and ability to bring stability and positivity to every team she supports has made her a Skender stand-out since joining the company in 2020. Kelly’s interiors projects include the 335,000-SF buildout for Salesforce in the new Salesforce Tower and the 100,000-SF HQ relocation for Relativity. Approaching challenges with confidence and sound judgment, she combines strong execution with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Kiel Hansen, to Senior Project Manager. Since joining Skender in 2024, Kiel Hansen has made a significant impact through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to building high-performing teams. Kiel has brought value to landlord repositioning projects such as Arboretum Lakes in Lisle, in addition to tenant buildouts such as the 51,000-SF office expansion for Vizient at Chicago’s Old Post Office. Kiel combines strong project execution with proactive communication and has earned the confidence of both clients and teammates through his thoughtful, people-first approach.

“One of the strongest indicators of our future is the quality of the people we’re developing today,” said Lisa Latronico, Chief People Officer at Skender. “These promotions recognize individuals who consistently elevate the teams around them, build trusted relationships with our clients and embody the leadership culture we’re committed to growing. We are excited to see the impact they’ll continue to make in their new roles.”