Passing the Torch: CISCO Celebrates Dan Allen’s Legacy, Welcomes Stephanie Kifowit as New Executive Director
June 27, 2026
BURR RIDGE – The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) celebrated both a legacy of leadership and the beginning of a new chapter June 26 during a breakfast Open House at its Burr Ridge office honoring retiring Executive Director Dan Allen and welcoming incoming Executive Director Stephanie Kifowit.
The event brought together Union leaders, Union contractors, elected officials, industry partners, friends and family to recognize Allen’s 13 years of service while introducing Kifowit as the organization’s next executive director.
CISCO Board President Joel Pyle II thanked Allen for his years of dedication and praised the tremendous turnout celebrating his career.
“I didn’t know Dan had this many friends,” Pyle joked. “Dan has been a great asset to CISCO.”
Pyle also expressed confidence in Kifowit’s leadership, saying the Board believes she will build upon Allen’s accomplishments while helping expand the organization’s impact.
Allen used his farewell remarks to thank the CISCO Board, associate members, Union contractors, Labor Organizations and the many people he met throughout his career.
“I say this all the time — it’s not me, it’s YOU,” Allen said. “I wish you could hear from the people that are so grateful they got into a Union trade or the organizations that received help from CISCO. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing their thanks, and I want to echo their thanks to all of you.”
Allen also recognized the CISCO staff for helping advance the organization’s mission and praised Kifowit for already making an immediate impact.
“Stephanie Kifowit has already hit the ground running, and I know she’s going to continue the legacy of CISCO and the Union construction industry,” he said.
Reflecting on Illinois’ strong Union construction industry, Allen credited the partnership between Union contractors and skilled Union trades for improving the lives of working families.
“When Union contractors and Union trades come together and work in harmony, you can see the favorability of Unions on the rise,” Allen said. “That means strong families are on the rise, individuals are getting health insurance and having dignity — and that’s because of your efforts.”
Kifowit shared the personal experiences that shaped her lifelong commitment to organized labor. Raised by a family that valued American-made products, she said her stepfather’s work with IBEW Local 117 exposed her to the importance of protecting workers’ benefits from an early age.
“I’ve been proud to stand with Labor my whole existence,” she said.
Kifowit also highlighted a career that includes service in the United States Marine Corps, work in banking and finance, 10 years as an Aurora Alderman, and the past 14 years serving in the Illinois House of Representatives.
Throughout that time, she has consistently supported working families. “I’ve been proud to stand with Labor 100 percent,” she said.
As she begins her new role, Kifowit said she intends to build on the strong foundation Allen leaves behind while expanding CISCO’s reach.
“I think CISCO can really expand, and we can really hit the ground running and represent both Union contractors and Union members,” she said. “I have a 99 percent bipartisan record in the House. Working together is our strength, and that’s what I intend to do.”
The morning served as both a celebration of Allen’s lasting contributions and an optimistic look toward CISCO’s future as Kifowit assumes leadership of the organization dedicated to promoting the value of Union construction throughout northeastern Illinois.
