MEET THE TEAM

A Team Built for Long-Term Partnerships

Turnkey Contracting by Gillan is more than a contractor — we are a team of leaders committed to doing the job the right way, communicating clearly, and providing construction solutions that support the long-term success of our clients.



Whether you’re planning a commercial build, expanding an agricultural operation, or developing new facilities, Turnkey is ready to deliver a project that meets your standards and your schedule.

Liza Gillan

President

Liza leads Turnkey Contracting by Gillan with a strong background in law, regulatory compliance, risk management, and executive leadership. Her career includes senior roles overseeing operational risk, compliance, internal audit, and legal functions for large financial institutions. She is known for her disciplined approach to governance, her ability to manage complex operational structures, and her commitment to transparency and accountability.

With a Juris Doctor from Northern Illinois University College of Law and dual bachelor’s degrees from Bradley University, Liza brings a level of strategic insight and organizational leadership that strengthens every aspect of Turnkey’s operations. Her experience guiding high-stakes risk programs and regulatory environments directly influences the company’s structure, safety practices, and commitment to doing things the right way.



As President, Liza oversees company strategy, administrative operations, and financial stewardship — ensuring Turnkey’s clients receive professionalism and clarity from start to finish.

Jeff Gillan

Vice President, Business Development

Jeff Gillan serves as Vice President of Business Development for Turnkey Contracting by Gillan, bringing more than twenty years of construction experience to the company’s commercial and agribusiness projects. With a career built on managing complex civil, concrete, and infrastructure work, Jeff’s leadership plays a central role in Turnkey’s growth, client relationships, and project success.

Jeff helped establish Turnkey Contracting by Gillan as part of the family’s long-term vision to expand into full-service commercial and agricultural construction. His hands-on industry background ensures Turnkey delivers not only strong workmanship in the field, but also clarity, planning, and communication from concept through completion.

Prior to launching Turnkey, Jeff founded Gillan Construction in 2021, carrying forward his family’s construction legacy and building a company known for reliable heavy civil and infrastructure work. His experience leading Gillan Construction informs Turnkey’s operational discipline and high standards of project delivery.

Earlier in his career, Jeff spent nearly 15 years with D. Construction, where he advanced from Project Manager to Bridge Superintendent and led multiple award-winning civil projects across Illinois. This experience shaped his deep understanding of field operations, crew management, scheduling, and structural construction.

Jeff is a graduate of Bradley University’s Construction Management program and completed the Illinois Roadbuilders Emerging Leaders Program, reflecting his commitment to professional growth and leadership. He also contributes to both industry and community governance through his board service as a member of the Illinois Valley Contractors Association Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Spring Valley Fire Protection District Board.

At Turnkey Contracting by Gillan, Jeff ensures that Turnkey’s projects are executed with consistency, craftsmanship, and dependable oversight — from site preparation through final inspection.

Kyle Kowalski

Vice President of Operations

Kyle oversees project design, budgeting, field operations, crew coordination, workflow management, and day-to-day project execution for Turnkey Contracting by Gillan. He brings a deep construction background shaped by progressive leadership roles across commercial, civil, and agricultural projects.

Before joining Turnkey in 2024, Kyle spent several years with GROWMARK, Inc., serving as a Project Manager and Construction Superintendent, where he led facility builds, agricultural construction, and operational improvement projects throughout the region. His early career at D. Construction — progressing from Carpenter to Lead Carpenter to Project Manager — gave him hands-on experience with civil and structural work, field problem-solving, and managing crews on complex job sites.

Kyle holds a Construction Management degree from Western Illinois University and is known for his communication skills, steady leadership, and ability to keep projects moving efficiently without compromising quality or safety.

As Vice President of Operations, Kyle oversees business development, project planning, and coordination between field operations and client needs. His technical insight, industry relationships, and high expectations for craftsmanship help ensure every Turnkey project is built to last — and built the right way the first time.