“Since Wendy joined Kitchell she has impressed us with her ability to collaborate and lead,” said Kitchell Corporation CEO Jim Swanson. “She has grown our presence in California, mentored hundreds of industry professionals, and demonstrates the potential of women in our industry to lead at the highest levels.”
Cohen moves into the role vacated by longtime President Russ Fox as part of a planned transition. Fox will retire from Kitchell at year-end after 34 years with the company, the past 12 years in the role of President. She is the first female to be named President of one of Kitchell’s five operating companies in the company’s 70-year history.
During her 26-year career in the building industry, Cohen has worked as General Contractor, Construction Manager, Consultant, and an Owner. Her experience leading teams helped to grow Kitchell’s presence throughout California, including large building programs on behalf of UC San Diego, MiraCosta Community College District, and the Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Works. She played a role in securing Kitchell’s work with the single-largest state building project in the history of Sacramento: the Richards Boulevard Office Complex.
Cohen is an advisor in the construction management field, facilitating numerous industry panels on collaborative business models for construction, the current status of the industry, and how to be an owner of choice.
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Cohen joined Kitchell in 2013 when the company wanted to grow its footprint in the Southern California market. With her native San Diego roots and experience as the Director of Facilities Planning and Construction with Palomar Health, she had health care expertise and a client-side perspective. She is an internal mentor for her ability to foster the development of up and coming leaders within Kitchell and continues to chart a path for women in the building industry.
