Profile

Karrie Kratz is vice president and business unit leader for Gilbane Building Company’s Chicago operations. In this role, Karrie is responsible for driving consistency and excellence in Chicago while overseeing all projects and employees in the local area. She combines her business background, strong technical building skills, and collaborative approach to lead 250 team members in Chicago and surrounding areas effectively.  

Karrie started her career with Gilbane in 1999, where she moved through the ranks as a field accountant, quality control manager, superintendent, project manager, and operations manager for Gilbane’s Chicago business unit. In 2021, Karrie was named business unit leader for the Chicago office.  

As a leader, Karrie participates in several local organizations that reflect her passion for improving advancement opportunities for women in the construction industry and mentoring and engaging youth in local communities to explore potential career opportunities in the construction industry. Karrie leads Gilbane’s Chicago chapter of empoWer, an employee resource group that advocates for the advancement of women within the construction industry, and also serves on the board of directors for the ACE Mentor Program Chicago. 

In addition, Karrie enjoys bringing positive change to the industry by participating in local industry organizations such as the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors and the Lean Construction Institute.  

Karrie holds a bachelor’s degree from the New England Institute of Technology in architectural building engineering technology and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Karrie was named vice president in 2016.