United Contractors (UCON), representing 800+ union-signatory construction and associated firms across California, is proud to announce that our Chief Executive Officer, Emily Cohen, has been named one of the Bay Area’s Most Influential Women by the Bay Area Business Times.
This recognition honors Cohen’s leadership at the helm of UCON, one of California’s most impactful construction trade associations, and her growing influence across the industry, in Sacramento, and throughout the broader business community.
“Emily is bold, energized, and deeply committed to the success of the industry and the people behind it,” said Alan Guy, President & CEO of Anvil Builders and President of UCON’s Board of Directors. “Her ability to drive results, build relationships, and inspire others is exactly why the Bay Area Business Times has recognized her as one of the most influential women in the Bay Area.”
Over the course of her career, Cohen has played a central role in shaping California’s construction landscape, helping secure billions in infrastructure investment, advancing critical policy reforms, building broad coalitions, and significantly expanding UCON’s political footprint and member impact.
Under her leadership, UCON continues to elevate the voice of union contractors across California, ensuring they have a seat at the table in the decisions that shape their work, their workforce, and their future.
“I’m incredibly honored by this recognition,” said Cohen. “But more than the award, I’m honored to represent our contractors and the men and women building and maintaining California’s essential infrastructure. It’s a privilege to lead UCON alongside our incredible team and our membership as we help shape the future of this industry.”
Cohen will be recognized at the Bay Area Business Times awards gala on May 7.
United Contractors (UCON) founded in 1970, is one of the nation’s leading construction trade associations, representing 800+ union-signatory heavy civil contractors and affiliate members across California. Our members collectively employ more than 40,000 workers across the construction industry and proudly build the state’s most vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways, water infrastructure, utilities, parks, hospitals, schools, and more. UCON empowers, advocates for, and supports its members through industry-leading labor relations, government advocacy, and premier leadership opportunities for industry development, relationship-building, and next-generation growth.
