Mark A. Casso

Casso
Mark A Casso (Age 70) President, Construction Industry Round Table
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Casso, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. Known throughout the construction and design business and policy worlds for his leadership and dedication, Mr. Casso led the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), a Washington-based association of U.S. and global design and construction firm CEOs, for more than two decades. He died from cardiac arrest on June 25, 2025 at the age of 70.

Since 1998, Mr. Casso had served as president of CIRT, helping to expand its role as a national forum for approximately 130 CEOs. Under his leadership, the group focused on trends impacting the industry, and he helped scale out national industry best practices including Construction Safety Week and Construction Inclusion Week. Additionally, he was dedicated to advocating for pro-industry government policies, promoting workforce development, and fostering innovation across the industry. Among his signature and lasting initiatives was the National Design and Construction Competition, an annual event for high school students from around the country in collaboration with the ACE Mentor Program. The program encourages young people to solve real-world design and construction challenges while exposing them to career opportunities in the industry. This year, the competition drew 74 entries from ACE Mentor teams across 19 states and 27 affiliates.

"Mark was a man of great brilliance and even greater humility. He carried no ego, and his instinct was always to offer help to those around him, whether in the boardroom or in a quiet moment of counsel," said Thomas V. Reilly, president of Turner Construction Co. and current chairman of the Round Table. Reilly praised Mr. Casso's efforts "to influence public policy, elevate the industry's image and foster meaningful connections among members."

Joey Bahnsen, an architect and associate at CannonDesign, first met Mr. Casso as a high school student competing in the national competition. He credited Mr. Casso with making "a lasting impact on myself and many other young people and professionals across the U.S."

Before joining CIRT, Mr. Casso was deputy executive vice president and general counsel of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), representing more than 5,000 member firms. He also served as director of government affairs for the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Mr. Casso earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and a bachelor's degree in business administration and management from the University of Maryland.

A kind leader, respected voice, and generous mentor, Mr. Casso lived fully and touched many lives profoundly. He loved traveling with his family and was an avid American Revolutionary War reenactor and extensive military historian, acclaimed painter, devoted youth athletic coach, sailing enthusiast, and a proud American who deeply loved his country and its founding principles.

Mr. Casso is survived by his wife, Julie Casso, his son, Nick, daughter, Nia, and grandson Ashton.

A Memorial Open House is planned for July 20, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Grange in Great Falls, Virginia.