Lean Construction Institute Welcomes Two New Owner Leaders to Its Board of Directors
January 12, 2025
Arlington, VA – The Lean Construction Institute (LCI), a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to transforming the design and construction industry through Lean principles, today announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors: Jeff Shaw, Senior Principal Program Lead, Development & Construction Services for Chick-fil-A Corporation, and Spencer Seals, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Construction, and Facilities Planning for Cook Children’s Health Care System.
With these appointments, owners now represent 25 percent of LCI’s Board, marking a significant milestone and a new era in the Institute’s leadership.
“This is an important moment for LCI,” said Brian Perlberg, CEO of the Lean Construction Institute. “Our mission is to transform the design and construction industry—and that transformation begins with executive buy-in from project owners. Jeff and Spencer bring deep owner perspectives, strategic leadership, and a shared commitment to Lean thinking that will strengthen our ability to drive meaningful industry change.”
LCI has long emphasized the critical role owners play in shaping project outcomes, aligning teams, and setting the conditions for collaboration and continuous improvement. Increasing owner representation on the Board reflects LCI’s commitment to advancing Lean as a strategic business system—not just a set of tools—across the built environment.
Jeff Shaw, Senior Principal Program Lead, Development & Construction Services for Chick-fil-A Inc. brings extensive experience leading complex programs and fostering collaborative project delivery models.
“I’m very excited to join the LCI Board because I believe Lean is the most powerful catalyst for transforming how we design and build together,” said Shaw. “LCI has created a community that elevates people, strengthens collaboration, and drives industry-shaping innovation. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this mission and help advance a future where Lean thinking becomes the standard for world-class project delivery.”
Shaw added, “I’ve admired the impact LCI has made across our industry for years, and I’m energized by the chance to help shape the next chapter alongside such a talented group of leaders.”
Spencer Seals, Senior Vice President of Real Estate, Construction, and Facilities Planning at Cook Children’s Health Care System, brings a strong owner-side perspective informed by mission-driven healthcare delivery and large-scale capital programs.
Seals added “I believe owners shape the environment in which Lean practices either flourish or fade. I hope to bring a strong owner’s perspective into the discussion, hopefully making Lean principles in the hands of owners more consistent, intentional, and visible.”
Together, Shaw and Seals strengthen LCI’s Board with owner leadership at a time when the industry is increasingly focused on collaboration, predictability, and value-driven outcomes.
About the Lean Construction Institute
The Lean Construction Institute (LCI) is a not-for-profit, member-based organization dedicated to transforming the design and construction industry’s practices and culture. LCI advances Lean principles that foster more efficient, collaborative, and innovative ways of working among owners, designers, builders, trade partners, and industry stakeholders. Our vision is a thriving industry that delivers outstanding project outcomes for all. LCI provides a national network of Communities of Practice, national events, and education programs, For more information, visit www.leanconstruction.org.
Media Contact:
Joan Piccariello, PMP
Director, Program Development
Lean Construction Institute
joanp@leanconstruction.org