Carolyn Spaw Brennan

Carolyn Spaw Brennan currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), overseeing revenue-generating departments to ensure strategic alignment with the organization's long-term vision. Prior to joining DBIA in March 2025, Carolyn spent nearly 18 years at the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in various senior leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Membership, where responsibilities expanded to encompass membership research, engagement, and growth strategies for the Americas region. Carolyn's earlier roles at ULI included Senior Vice President of Member Experience, Vice President of Member Engagement, and Senior Director of Marketing and Membership, among others, where effective marketing strategies and member initiatives significantly contributed to organizational growth. Carolyn began a professional career as a Marketing Coordinator at HOK after earning a BSBA in Business and Marketing from the American University in 2006.