In July 2019, Lori (Burgett) Gillett was elected CEO of Corna Kokosing by the Board of Directors, continuing her work in the Burgett family-owned construction business. She brings 25 years of construction industry experience across many market sectors and provides leadership and strategic direction to over 250 team members that are passionately committed to excellence..

How I began my career in construction:

I was basically born on a backhoe and my childhood playground was the company’s construction equipment, maintenance yard, company office, or a project worksite. My grandfather, the founder of Kokosing, always led by example and it is that leadership and guidance that taught me the meaning of hard work, “shirt sleeve” management and integrity.

How I give back:

How we give back evolves as we go through life and our career. My passion the past 10 years is expressed through developing the next generation construction workforce. In addition to supporting the state of Ohio by serving a second term on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Development Board, at our company I have also co-founded the Women’s Ideas and Strategies Exchange (WISE) program. This is a mentorship program that brings female construction team members together to share experiences and knowledge for personal growth and professional transformation.

Why I like being in construction:

Every road we drive on, every school we attend, every house we live in and every hospital we receive care at was built by the hands of our industry.  The sense of pride and accomplishment after a job is closed out is second to none. Some of my favorite moments are taking my family and showing them what our team has built.

What I hope my legacy in the construction industry will be:

When I think about my footprint, I hope to instill a respect and passion for the construction industry and hands-on building.