Gensler New York’s Joseph Lauro Named Chairman of the Board of ACE Mentor Program of America

NEW YORK — Joseph Lauro, FAIA, Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s New York office, has been appointed Chairman of the National Board of Directors of ACE Mentor Program of America (ACE).

He will succeed Peter J. Davoren, CEO of Turner Construction, who has served as the Chairman since 2018. Lauro steps into this role with a deep commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and diversity across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. Lauro has been a dedicated leader on the ACE Greater New York Executive Board since 2015 and served as Chairman of Architecture on the Board of Directors through 2026. He will continue his involvement with the ACE Greater New York in an emeritus role. Additionally, Lauro served on the ACE National Executive Committee since 2023.

“ACE plays a transformative role in shaping the future of the AEC industry through hands-on mentorship,” said Joseph Lauro, Co-Managing Director of Gensler New York and ACE’s new Chairman of the Board. “I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Board and to help advance ACE’s mission of opening doors for young people — particularly those from underrepresented communities — and guiding them toward meaningful careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.”

“Joseph has been a deeply committed leader within the ACE community for many years, and his passion for mentorship and equity in the AEC industry is evident in everything he does,” said Diana Eidenshink, President of the ACE Mentor Program of America. “As Chairman, he brings both strategic vision and genuine heart to our mission. We are grateful for Peter Davoren’s tremendous leadership and confident that Joseph will build on this strong foundation to expand ACE’s reach and impact for the next generation.”

Founded in 1994, the ACE Mentor Program of America is a no-cost, after-school initiative dedicated to engaging, exciting, and enlightening high school students to pursue careers in the AEC industry. By connecting students with industry professionals, ACE addresses critical workforce needs while building a strong, diverse talent pipeline. Each year, ACE reaches more than 14,000 students from over 1,800 high schools nationwide, with over 70% identifying as people of color and approximately 40% as young women. More than 5,000 industry professionals volunteer as mentors, helping students gain real-world insights, build critical skills, and access pathways to higher education and careers.

Under Lauro’s leadership, ACE will continue to focus on its primary goals: building a large, diverse, and well-prepared workforce; prioritizing engagement with underrepresented students and communities; and supporting students through scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities. In the past year alone, ACE awarded more than $4.8 million in scholarships, contributing to nearly $42 million since its inception.

ACE’s impact extends beyond high school, with more than 90% of alumni advancing to college or skilled trades programs, and an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 alumni entering the AEC workforce annually. Programs such as the Transformative Partner Program and paid Summer Workplace Experiences further strengthen the bridge from education to career.

Throughout his distinguished career spanning more than three decades, Lauro has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to community advocacy and professional leadership. In addition to his work with ACE, he serves on the Board of Directors of the New York Building Congress, where he is Co-Chair of the Energy Committee, and is a member of the Urban Design Forum, Urban Land Institute, and US Green Building Council. He is also a founding board member of the Make-A-Wish New York Real Estate Council and serves on the board of the Salvadori Center, supporting STEAM education in underserved communities.

As Chairman, Lauro will continue to focus on expanding the scale and reach of ACE’s impact — growing student enrollment, increasing mentor participation, and strengthening partnerships nationwide. Lauro hopes to significantly broaden access to the program and continue growing its presence in underserved communities.

About ACE Mentor Program of America

The ACE Mentor Program of America, founded in 1994, is a no-cost after-school program that prioritizes workforce development for high school students by connecting them with experts from the design and construction industry. ACE Mentor addresses pressing workforce needs, offers a range of exciting opportunities for students, and plays a crucial role in bridging the skills gap, with continuous mentor opportunities from high school through to full-time employment.

About Gensler

At Gensler, the value of our work stems from its positive impact on the human experience. We are a dynamic and collaborative design firm uniting creativity, research, and innovation to solve complex problems for our clients. Our work challenges conventional ideas about architecture and the built environment. We aren’t just designing buildings — we are reimagining cities and places that make a difference in people’s lives. Founded in 1965, Gensler has built a team of 6,000 professionals who partner with clients in over 100 countries each year. Everything we do is guided by our mission: to create a better world through the power of design.