WASHINGTON (March 19, 2026) — The Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT) announced the appointment of Robert Corey Clayborne, FAIA, MBA, CAE, as its new president, effective April 1.
Clayborne succeeds Mark Casso, who served as CIRT's president for nearly 27 years before his sudden passing in June 2025. Clayborne brings more than two decades of experience in architecture, association leadership and organizational strategy to the role.
"Corey Clayborne is exactly the kind of leader CIRT needs as we look to the future," said Thomas V. Reilly, president of Turner Construction Company and chairman of the CIRT board of directors. "His record of driving meaningful results in complex organizations, combined with his deep roots in the design and construction industry, make him well prepared to advance CIRT's mission."
Clayborne most recently served as senior vice president, knowledge and practice at the American Institute of Architects (AIA), where he led a team of 35 professionals. In that role, he directed strategic initiatives for member education, knowledge management and research, while achieving record revenue growth in continuing education services. Prior to joining AIA national, he served as executive vice president and CEO of AIA Virginia. He also spent 13 years as a project manager and architect at Wiley|Wilson.
"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be selected as president of the Construction Industry Round Table," Clayborne said. "This organization brings together leaders who are shaping the future of the built environment, and I look forward to working with our members to address the challenges facing our industry and drive meaningful progress on the opportunities ahead."
Clayborne is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects — which is a distinction held by fewer than 3% of AIA’s membership. He is a certified association executive, a LEED accredited professional, and an appointee serving on the Albemarle County Planning Commission. He has been recognized nationally, including by Building Design + Construction's 40 Under 40 and Virginia Business's 100 People to Meet.
CIRT is a national association of design and construction firms committed to advancing collaboration, innovation and leadership across the built environment. Through dialogue among CEOs and senior executives, CIRT addresses critical issues affecting the construction industry and promotes best practices to strengthen the nation's infrastructure and economic competitiveness.
Visit cirt.org.