Shawmut welcomes Kevin Waco as director of business development for the firm’s Chicago office. The industry veteran will play a fundamental role in cultivating relationships, bringing in new opportunities, and building on the brand’s reputation in the Chicago area.

As a seasoned business development professional, Waco brings nearly 20 years of related industry experience to Shawmut. In his role as director of business development, he will focus on building and fostering strong client relationships by utilizing his existing network, as well as seeking new opportunities. Working closely with Shawmut leadership, Waco will be responsible for developing strategies to tackle the retail, hospitality, tenant interiors, academic, healthcare and life sciences, and cultural and historic sectors.  

“We welcome Kevin Waco as our new director of business development at an exciting time in our Chicago office,” said Michele Murphy, director of Shawmut’s Chicago office. “As we continue to grow our retail, hospitality, and tenant interior portfolios, and look to break into new sectors, we’ll lean on Kevin’s experience and reputation, helping drive awareness and forge partnerships.”

Prior to joining Shawmut, Waco served as business development manager for Walsh Construction, project specialist for Hooker DeJong and, most recently, as director of business development for Holabird & Root. Throughout his tenure with these firms, he managed a portfolio of numerous projects and opportunities for clients, including Related Midwest, PAWS Chicago, Goldman Sachs, Rush University Medical Center, Senior Lifestyle, and Lutheran Life Communities.

Waco has also worked in city and state government, and on numerous political campaigns. Highly involved in community outreach, he is on the executive board and chair of the membership and events at the Illinois Housing Council. Additionally, he’s on the executive committee of the 43^rd Ward Democrats, and coaches I-9 Flag Football.

Waco joins Shawmut as the firm unveils an impressive roster of projects in the Chicago area, including Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar’s Vernon Hills and upcoming Naperville locations, Oak Street Health’s Lincoln Crossing and Elgin locations, Dutch & Doc’s, and Louis Vuitton on Michigan Avenue.