The Design-Build Institute of America is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Louis Jenny, DBIA’s Vice President of Advocacy and Industry Engagement.
Louis joined DBIA in 2013 following a long and accomplished career in government and public affairs, including years on Capitol Hill and in association leadership. Over more than a decade with DBIA, he became one of the organization’s most consistent and effective voices for design-build, particularly in the federal sector, where his work helped expand understanding, strengthen relationships and advance meaningful policy progress.
Louis led DBIA’s federal legislative and regulatory efforts, shaping strategy and building coalitions that positioned design-build as a critical delivery method across agencies and administrations. His work contributed to key legislative and regulatory advancements, including the expansion of design-build provisions in federal infrastructure programs and sustained inclusion of design-build language in congressional appropriations.
He also played a central role in strengthening DBIA’s relationships with public-sector Owners, helping grow their engagement across committees, conferences and industry discussions. Through forums that brought together senior leaders from agencies such as GSA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Veterans Association, NASA and the Department of Defense, Louis created space for practical, forward-looking conversations that continue to influence how projects are delivered.
Before joining DBIA, Louis held senior leadership roles at the National Association of Water Companies, where he helped lead national advocacy efforts and expand the organization’s reach, and at The Carmen Group, where he advised clients on federal legislative and regulatory strategy. Earlier in his career, he served on Capitol Hill, including as Legislative Director for Congressman Jack Brooks, and worked on national political efforts including the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Democratic National Committee.
Colleagues knew Louis as both a strategic thinker and a deeply engaged advocate who understood not only how policy is shaped but how relationships, persistence and credibility lead to real outcomes over time. He brought that perspective to DBIA every day, helping elevate the organization’s voice and impact in Washington and across the industry.
Louis was more than a valued member of the DBIA team; he was a trusted colleague, a steady presence and someone who brought care, thoughtfulness and integrity to everything he did. His contributions to our work and our community were meaningful and lasting, but it is the way he showed up for others that we will remember most.
Reflecting on Louis, DBIA Executive Director/CEO Lisa Washington said, “Louis often carried himself with a quiet seriousness, but those of us who worked closely with him knew another side, one that found humor even amid demanding days. There was rarely a meeting I can remember where we didn’t share a moment of laughter, reminding us of the importance of balance. And for those lucky enough to hear it, his unmistakable laugh, sometimes even punctuated with a snort, was a small but unforgettable expression of the joy he brought to our team. As we grieve this loss, we also honor the legacy Louis leaves behind in the relationships he built, the work he advanced and the example he set for all of us.”
Outside of work, Louis was known for his wide-ranging interests, from obscure music to literature, particularly the work of John Irving whose line “Keep passing the open window” was among his favorites. It was a fitting reflection of Louis’ curiosity, energy and willingness to take on new challenges, even, at one point, jumping out of an airplane at 3,000 feet.
Louis’ contributions to DBIA and to the design-build industry will have a lasting impact. He will be greatly missed by colleagues, partners and friends across the country. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and all who knew him during this difficult time.
