United Contractors (UCON), representing nearly 800 union-signatory construction and associated firms across California, is proud to announce the selection of Emily Cohen as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer. She will officially assume the role on January 1, 2026. The leadership transition begins immediately to ensure a seamless and thoughtful handoff.

Emily succeeds long-serving CEO Mark Breslin, who has led the organization for more than four decades. Under Mark’s leadership, UCON became a nationally recognized force in labor relations, contractor advocacy, leadership development, and industry advancement. As he steps down at the end of 2025, Mark leaves behind an organization that is strong, respected, and future-ready.

“Mark’s leadership helped define what UCON is today—a powerful advocate, a trusted resource, and a catalyst for change in our industry,” said Kurt Eddy, UCON President (2025) and COO of Pavement Recycling Systems, Inc. “This transition isn’t just about new leadership—it’s about building on that legacy.”

Emily Cohen currently serves as UCON’s Executive Vice President and has been with the organization for over 15 years. She has led the expansion of UCON’s political and government relations footprint, achieved major membership and programmatic growth, and spearheaded next-generation leadership initiatives. Emily is widely respected across California’s construction industry for her strategic thinking, advocacy leadership, and member engagement.

“Emily is a proven leader with the trust of our members, the respect of our partners, and the vision to take UCON forward,” said Alan Guy, UCON President-Elect (2026) and CEO of Anvil Holdings. “We’re excited for this next chapter.”

Emily’s selection follows an extensive, months-long national search led by UCON’s Board of Directors and a third-party executive search firm. This process was part of a long-standing CEO succession plan first launched in 2017 and updated in 2018, 2021, and 2023. The plan ensured a rigorous and impartial selection guided by UCON’s values and long-term mission.

“Emily is the right leader for UCON at this moment,” said Mary Teichert, CEO of Teichert, Inc. and member of the Executive Search Committee. “She brings expertise, strategic vision, and a proven commitment to the mission and values that define UCON.”

Outgoing CEO Mark Breslin expressed his confidence in the transition. “There is no one I trust more to lead this organization into the future. Emily has grit, intelligence, strategic vision—and most of all, she leads with heart. I couldn’t be prouder of her, or more excited for UCON.”

In accepting the CEO role, Emily Cohen shared her vision and commitment: “It’s an honor to step into this role and lead UCON into the next generation,” said Cohen. “With our team, our members, and our mission—we have everything we need to keep building forward, together.”

UCON enters this new chapter from a position of strength—powered by an engaged membership, a high-performance staff, and a track record of industry leadership. Under Emily Cohen’s guidance, UCON remains laser-focused on its core mission: a relentless commitment to empowering, supporting, and advocating for California’s union-signatory contractors and developing the next generation of industry leaders—every day, every step of the way.

About Emily Cohen, UCON Executive Vice President.