Spring Breakfast Honoree Coretta Bennett

Coretta Bennett joined Johns Hopkins University Facilities & Real Estate (JHFRE) as the inaugural Director of Operations, Design & Construction in January 2020. She brings over 25 years of experience in operations, construction, sustainability, and renewable energy to her role. Leading with a commitment to excellence and collaboration, she provides leadership and management for design and construction activities while championing collaboration, systems, processes, and customer service. Coretta leads JHFRE’s Contracting team, which is responsible for design & construction vendors that provide architecture, engineering, construction, commissioning, sustainability, AV & IT, furniture, and specialty services for the university.

A native of Baltimore, Coretta is a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Morgan State University’s Civil Engineering program and holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Rutgers University. Additionally, Coretta holds the LEED AP and BD+C designations. Beyond her professional endeavors, she has been deeply engaged in community and employment engagement initiatives, volunteering and lecturing at her alma mater, Morgan State University, within the School of Architecture + Planning’s Construction Management Program for over a decade, serving on the executive board of The Chesapeake Bay Trust, and participating as a Tocqueville Society member with organizations like the United Way of Central Maryland and board member with the ACE Mentor Program of Baltimore.

Coretta’s dedication to fostering economic opportunity and diversity and inclusion in the construction industry closely aligns with Johns Hopkins University’s commitment to supporting local, minority, and women-owned businesses, as demonstrated through initiatives like HopkinsLocal.

HopkinsLocal, an economic inclusion initiative, aims to leverage the economic power of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System to create economic opportunities that are inclusive of diverse people and advocate for local and minority-owned businesses—echoing Coretta’s efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the industry.

Coretta resides in Howard County with her spouse and is the proud mother of 2 adult children (Marvin Jr. and Kaylee) and youngest son, Jaylen.  She enjoys exercising, gardening, movies, and spending time with her faith-based community group.