DBIA is excited to welcome Carolyn Brennan as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, she will oversee DBIA’s revenue-generating departments — including conferences, membership, certification and education — ensuring these critical areas are strategically aligned to support the organization’s long-term vision and member value. She’ll work across departments to elevate performance and ensure DBIA is delivering maximum value to members and stakeholders.
Brennan brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in the built environment, blending business acumen, tech-savvy insight and a deep respect for the power of membership organizations to drive impact. Her arrival marks an exciting new chapter for DBIA as we continue to expand our reach and better serve the needs of an increasingly dynamic design-build community.
Brennan spent the past 17 years at the Urban Land Institute (ULI), where she rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Membership. That role — one she helped define — included responsibility for more than 20% of ULI’s revenue and a global member base that expanded from 26,000 to 48,000 during her tenure. Along the way, she established two strategically vital departments from the ground up, launching new functions that elevated the organization’s member engagement strategy and operational alignment.
As she steps into her new role at DBIA, Brennan is poised to do what she does best: unite people, processes and purpose.
“I’ve always been passionate about the built environment and how it shapes our lives,” she said. “Joining DBIA gives me the opportunity to support a community of professionals who aren’t just thinking about the future of our industry — they’re building it. I’m excited to be part of an organization with such a clear mission and a strong commitment to collaboration and innovation.”
Brennan has led digital transformations, championed data-informed decision-making and introduced global campaigns that exceeded revenue and engagement targets. Her tech-forward approach helped lay the groundwork for broader organizational shifts, including launching digital platforms to connect members to key value propositions and successful change management initiatives that boosted both engagement and revenue.
Brennan’s professional background is a natural fit with DBIA’s mission. Her work has consistently blended innovation with impact, making meaningful improvements in member engagement, operational strategy and technology integration. That same forward-thinking approach will be instrumental in advancing DBIA’s goals in the years ahead.
“Brennan’s experience and leadership style are exactly what DBIA needs as we continue to grow,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA Executive Director/CEO. “Her ability to align strategy with execution and bring people together around a shared mission will be invaluable as we strengthen and expand our impact across the industry.”
Outside of work, Brennan enjoys spending time with her husband and young daughter — visiting family and friends, exploring cities and museums and getting outdoors at local parks or on hikes.
Brennan steps into her new role with a clear mandate: to support DBIA’s 2025–2027 strategic goals and help drive the organization’s long-term vision forward. Her leadership will be key as the organization navigates rapid industry growth, expands member value and strengthens its position as a leader in the future of design-build.
