As COO, Carolyn Brennan oversees 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 works 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.
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