The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin D. Watkins, SPHR, CAE, as CMAA’s next President & CEO, effective November 16.
Watkins is an accomplished association executive with experience leading large, complex membership organizations. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the American Institute of Architects, where he oversees a $45 million-plus portfolio serving more than 101,000 members and 200-plus chapters. His leadership has contributed to record membership growth, a 90 percent renewal rate, and stronger alignment between national priorities and chapter investment.
Earlier in his career, Watkins held senior roles with the National Apartment Association, American Institute of Physics, and the National Association of REALTORS®, where he led federation strategy, chapter and affiliate relations, membership development, business transformation, and revenue growth. He holds an MBA from Baylor University and a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University. He is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).
"Kevin stood out for his proven ability to lead complex organizations, build consensus, and turn ambitious goals into results. His vision for CMAA's future, fresh ideas for deepening member engagement, and gift for listening make him the right leader for this moment. We are thrilled to welcome him as a partner to our members, chapters, volunteer leaders, and staff, and I am excited for the future of CMAA under his leadership," said CMAA Board of Directors Chair Carol Holland, PE, CCM.
As President & CEO, Watkins will lead CMAA’s work to complete and implement its new strategic plan, strengthen chapters as the center of member engagement, expand recognition of the CCM®, CACM®, and CMIT® credentials, and elevate CMAA’s voice with owners, government, industry partners, and the broader AEC community. He will also guide CMAA’s response to emerging technologies and workforce needs affecting the profession of construction and program management.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead CMAA at such an important moment for the organization and the construction management profession. I was drawn to this role because CMAA sits at the center of the built environment, supporting the professionals who deliver the hospitals, schools, and infrastructure this country cannot function without. Bringing members, chapters, staff, and volunteer leaders together around one shared direction is the work I've spent my career doing, and it's the work I find most meaningful. I look forward to working alongside CMAA's members, chapters, volunteer leaders, team, and industry partners as we define the organization's next chapter together, and to connecting the dots that turn that vision into real value for our members," said Watkins.
CMAA extends its sincere appreciation to Interim President & CEO David Leckey for his steady leadership and service during this transition and for helping ensure continuity for CMAA’s staff, members, chapters, and volunteer leaders.