Ken Panucci Named Among Crain’s Notable Leaders in AEC for 2026

June 1, 2026

Primera is proud to share that Senior Vice President and Buildings Division Manager, Ken Panucci, PE, CEM, has been named by Crain’s Chicago Business as a Notable Leader in Architecture, Engineering & Construction.

With nearly 40 years of experience, Ken leads our Buildings team of 60 engineers, designers, and project managers responsible for our built environment services and solutions. He has spent nearly 30 years of his career at Primera, where he has grown the team from a small group of Chicago-based mechanical engineers into a robust division delivering a full range of services for aviation, K-12, healthcare, higher education, federal, and corporate clients across the U.S. and Mexico. Most notably, Ken oversaw the seamless integration of Denver-based Corey Electrical Engineering, Primera’s first acquisition, into the Buildings division, expanding our portfolio and supporting continued growth in the Rocky Mountain region.

In recognition of his leadership and industry impact, Ken was named among 90 leaders on this prestigious list. The award honors professionals shaping the buildings, infrastructure, and public spaces that define the Chicago area. What sets these individuals apart is their commitment to the future of the industry by helping prepare the next generation to carry the work forward. In addition to his many accomplishments, Ken is a strong advocate for mentorship and for creating opportunities for students to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. He has served as a board member for the ACE Mentor Program of America’s Chicago chapter for nearly 20 years, is a member of the University of Illinois at Chicago’s College of Engineering Advisory Board, and is a long-time supporter of the Primera Foundation.

Please join us in congratulating Ken, along with the other Notable AEC Leaders for 2026, on their outstanding accomplishments and the positive impact they continue to make across Chicagoland industries and communities. You can view the full list of Notable AEC Leaders here.

Crain’s Chicago Business is a regional business publication from Crain, one of the largest privately owned business media companies with 21 leading business, trade and consumer brands in North America, Europe and Asia. It is a top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors.

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