Leadership Promotions

Mark Lillesand – Senior Vice President

Mark Lillesand has been promoted to Senior Vice President. Throughout his twenty-four-year career with CG Schmidt, Mark has championed the creation of the firm’s project management methodology and lean construction approaches, advanced its planning, estimating and preconstruction services and has lead projects across all of CG Schmidt’s business units. In his new role, Mark will oversee business unit operations for the company’s headquarters in Milwaukee. 

Sarah Dunn – Senior Vice President of Business Development & Client Services

Sarah Dunn has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Development and Client Services and will lead CG Schmidt’s business development, sales, client, and community relations efforts.  Sarah has experience in public outreach and community engagement, including more than two decades in the construction and development industry. Sarah has been instrumental in creating and supporting school districts across the state in passing successful referendums, providing value for entire communities. She played a critical role in establishing CG Schmidt’s Madison, WI office and will expand her responsibilities to support growth strategies and client services for the entire company. 

Aaron Smith – Director of Field Operations

Aaron Smith has been named Director of Field Operations.  Aaron has served as a superintendent, managing field teams on many of CG Schmidt’s largest and most complex projects.  He will take on responsibilities formerly held by Mark Schmidt, family member and Director of Field Operations, who announced his retirement after 35 years with the firm.  Mark’s primary focus has been to ensure the highest quality standards and practices during the construction phase of all projects as well as mentoring the firm’s staff in the means and methods of CG Schmidt’s companywide quality program. We thank Mark for his leadership and wish him well.  The phased transition plan began in November 2021.  Aaron assumed responsibilities for Director of Field Operations effective March 15, 2022. 

Dan Chovanec – Senior Vice President

Dan Chovanec, who aided in the firm’s strategic growth in Madison, WI, has been promoted to Senior Vice President. With over twenty years in the industry, Dan serves as the primary contact on some of the firms most substantial projects, driving successful outcomes for clients through his business and technical construction expertise and unmatched integrity. Dan supports clients and communities across all business unit segments and throughout the state of Wisconsin and beyond. 

Bryce Unger – Vice President

Bryce Unger has been promoted to Vice President. Through his longstanding client and community relationships, Bryce has led hundreds of significant projects throughout Wisconsin. He serves as a mentor to many of CG Schmidt’s project managers.  As the company’s Diversity and Inclusion committee chair, Bryce has championed the firm’s subcontractor pipeline program, which creates a forum for underrepresented, small business owners and tradespeople to qualify to participate in upcoming projects and to seek business and individual career development opportunities.