Speakers

Dan Absher brings a unique perspective to teambuilding and leadership development, combining over three decades in the  construction with a lifelong passion for The Beatles’ timeless lessons about teamwork and organizational excellence. 

After graduating from Stanford University (1980) and Notre Dame Law School (1983), Dan briefly practiced law before joining the family construction business in 1985. As the third– generation CEO of Absher Construction Company for thirty-two years, he led the company through steady growth, industry transformation, and successful succession planning, ultimately selling to employees through an ESOP in 2022. 

Dan’s commitment to advancing the construction industry runs deep through his extensive involvement with the Associated General Contractors (AGC). He served as Past President of AGC of Washington and maintained active membership at both local and national levels, using these relationships to learn from the industry’s best and brightest leaders.  

Dan is the author of The Fab Four Pillars of Impact: Building Dynamic Teams The Beatles’ Way and founder of The Fab Four Academy, where he helps organizations discover how The Beatles’ journey provides a valuable blueprint for building wildly successful team and enduring excellence. 

Since stepping down as CEO of Absher Construction, Dan has remained busy serving as Professor of Construction Management at a local college, writing his book, and continuing as Board Chair of Absher Construction. 

Through engaging workshops and presentations, Dan demonstrates how four working-class lads from Liverpool created timeless principles for organizational excellence that apply across industries and generations. 

Dan lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife Daria and dog Ringo, where he writes, teaches, and reflects on why the band that broke up over fifty years ago still has so much to teach us about working together. 

Bio coming soon.

With over 20 years of experience in construction safety, James Alexander is a seasoned safety leader holding both the Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) credentials. He holds a B.A. in Occupational Safety and Health and is driven by a singular mission: to advance toward an injury-free workplace across the industry. 
 

Kelly Aust is a Project Manager with Skanska USA Building Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, where she delivers complex healthcare and higher education projects. With more than 15 years in the construction industry, Kelly brings a field-informed perspective to jobsite culture, safety, and workforce engagement. 

Throughout her career, she has focused on building inclusive, high-performing teams and creating environments where people can do their best work. Kelly has held national leadership roles within the construction industry, including serving as President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), and remains actively involved in industry workforce development and education initiatives. She is passionate about translating inclusive practices into practical, jobsite-level impact that strengthens safety, retention, and project outcomes. 

Brandon Baker is the Director of Risk Management at Koontz Electric Company in Morrilton, Arkansas. He specializes in high-voltage safety and quality management for the construction and maintenance of electrical substations, hydroelectric and nuclear power facilities, solar fields, and heavy industrial facilities. Brandon has had the privilege of working with companies such as Ford, Fed-Ex, Entergy and others that has helped develop his knowledge and leadership skills in the safety community.  

A graduate of Arkansas Tech University, Brandon holds a CHST certification through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He is also a nationally certified EMT and firefighter, as well as the former Director of Emergency Services for Conway County, Arkansas. With 17 years of service in the Conway County Fire Department, including time as volunteer Fire Chief, Brandon brings extensive hands-on experience to his work. 

Brandon lives in Conway County with his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Riley (6) and Sophia (4) 

Following law school at the University of Colorado, Henry joined the construction practice group at Sherman & Howard, L.L.C. in Denver. For six years, up until opening day of Beltzer Bangert & Gunnell LLP, Henry worked as Legal Counsel – U.S. Operations for PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. As Legal Counsel for PCL, Henry worked with the most talented construction attorneys and consultants across the US, on both sides of the table. 

Today, Henry counsels clients in contract planning, negotiation, administration, and dispute resolution nationally in the construction and engineering industry. He frequently advises clients in contract and legal risk management through the project life-cycle. He has represented clients in the drafting and negotiation of numerous complex construction contracts priced between $1 million and $2 billion+. Henry has significant experience in government contracting issues and has represented clients nationwide in dispute review boards, mediations, arbitrations, trials, and state and federal court. 

Steven has managed and designed a variety of public works projects ranging from land use master planning that encourages and controls development patterns to physical infrastructure projects supporting community growth and prosperity. He is highly experienced with the collaboration opportunities between contractors and designers made possible through alternative delivery. Steven was the design Project Director for Arkansas DOT’s first design-build project, a $650 million reconstruction and widening of Interstate 30 through downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock,  including replacement of the I-30 bridge over the Arkansas River. Steven is currently assisting the Florida DOT to deliver its first large progressive design-build project, the $1B Tampa’s Westshore Interchange. His insights as an engineer and contractor on working with FDOT will provide local relevance, and, along with his work for ARDOT, valuable perspectives to session attendees on first time use of Progressive Design-Build by state departments of transportation.  

As the manager of Burns & McDonnell’s Arkansas office and a team of engineers who deliver roadway and bridge projects for municipalities, counties, and departments of transportation, Steven’s broad experience helps teams analyze the effects of infrastructure decisions on economic development. He has a proven history of successfully working with multiple levels of government and the permitting with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, DOTs, and state environmental agencies to keep projects on schedule and budget.  

In addition to his professional service, he spends much of his free time serving on various regional business councils aimed at furthering investment into the community’s people and infrastructure.  His team is designing some of the most needed transportation projects in Northwest Arkansas. Steven holds an MBA from John Brown University, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from University of Arkansas. He is a licensed professional engineer in AR, FL, MO, and TX. 

Tom Binkowski has more than 40 years’ experience in concrete operations. As Senior Trade Director for Barton Malow Company, Tom is responsible for all concrete operations on the union contractor’s projects. He sits on the ASCC CPC board, is an ASCC Technical Committee member, and is an ACI 302 slab on grade voting member. He oversaw the current world record for steel fiber-reinforced slab, a 250,000-SF pour completed in just 18 hours for General Motors in Arlington, Texas. 

Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director for the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention a 501 c (3) that was started in 2018. Our mission is to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction with the goal of creating a zero-suicide industry. 

Sonya comes from a reconstruction background having spent over a decade in the commercial remodel and refresh and facilities maintenance space. Giving her the unique understanding of how the industry works as well as the mental health challenges faced daily by construction workers. This experience has given her insight into how companies both large and small are tackling this worker crisis and what work still needs to be done. 

Britt joined Vision ESOP Valuation in 2019 and currently serves as manager. 

Bio coming soon.

Shaun Carvalho is chief safety officer at Shawmut Design and Construction, leading the team in piloting and implementing processes and technologies to enhance Shawmut’s world-class safety program. Previously vice president and safety director, Carvalho was the driving force behind multiple initiatives including Safety Week, the implementation of a new safety app, and establishing safety communication channels.  

Carvalho won the 2024 AGC of Massachusetts Safety Leadership Award and the inaugural Industry Advancement Award, was named a BuiltWorlds Maverick, and a Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40. He is an active member of the Construction Safety Roundtable of Eastern Massachusetts; American Society of Safety Professionals New York City Chapter; Massachusetts and Rhode Island AGC Safety Committees; and the AGC MA CARE Construction Safety Program.  

Carvalho graduated from Keene State College with a B.S. in safety studies, is an OSHA-authorized instructor and Certified HSE-Mental Focus Specialist. 

Bio coming soon.

As vice president, and an executive coach for Integrated Leadership Systems for nearly 20 years, M.J. Clark helps construction leaders foster more authentic communication in the workplace and help executives and employees better manage relationships, develop emotional intelligence, become more assertive, mentor others and fine-tune leadership and management skills.  ILS is based in Columbus, Ohio, and offers leadership training, executive coaching and consulting nationally.  

M.J. has a master’s degree in organizational communication from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Ohio University.  She is the author of three leadership books.  

M.J. and her husband have been married for 30+ years and have two adult sons. In her spare time, M.J. enjoys hiking, snow skiing, playing bells in her church’s bell choir, and traveling. 

Angela Crawford is in the business of people and content: She builds relationships through better understanding what people and businesses need, and then successfully helps them reach those goals. The Kansas City-area native, with more than a decade of experience in strategic communications, currently serves as Membership and Marketing Vice President for The Builders, a chapter of the AGC and as lead coordinator for the national Construction Suicide Prevention Week initiative. 

Crawford also serves as a member of the Construction Working Minds Summit Steering Committee and works collaboratively across the construction industry to find innovative ways to get more mental wellness support to workers.

Bio Coming Soon.

Steve Dell’Orto is the founder and CEO of ConCntric, a preconstruction platform that is transforming the fractured preconstruction environment by unifying data, people and processes. Steve is also the founding member of “Built by Builders” network, a collaboration of construction tech startups led by founders with firsthand industry experience.  

As a 27-year construction industry veteran who has lived and breathed the world of delivering preconstruction projects, Steve is uniquely positioned to bring digital transformation to the industry. Steve is the former Executive Officer of one of the largest privately-owned domestic general contractors in the U.S. with revenues averaging $5-6 billion annually.  

As the Executive Officer, Steve led the major expansion of his former company’s Western Region, including the Northern California and Pacific Northwest division achieving 10x growth and increasing margins by over 40% through a committed focus on selective work acquisition and a more comprehensive preconstruction process. Some of the notable projects completed under Steve’s leadership include the: Golden State Warriors Arena and Development, Salesforce Tower, Facebook’s San Francisco Park Tower, Seattle Convention Center Expansion, Manchester Grand Hyatt, LA County Museum of Art Expansion and the LA Live Development among many others.  

Steve is committed to leveraging his 30 years in the industry to advance the level of innovation and technological advancement in the real estate and construction sector. In addition to the change he is driving through ConCntric, Steve is an investor and venture partner in several construction-tech-focused venture capital funds, including Builders VC and Argonautic Ventures. Steve is also an Advisor to eight emerging construction-tech focused startups bringing a wide range of solutions in areas such as autonomy, fintech, work acquisition, change order communication, project communication, marketplaces and artificial intelligence.  

Joey oversees all of the operations and financial details for Blythe Development, LLC including Blythe Brothers Asphalt Co.  Since joining Blythe in 2002 as Chief Financial Officer, he has helped manage the expansion of the business as we grew from $65 million to almost $300 million in annual revenue. 

After graduating from Winthrop University in 1994, Joey began his career as an internal auditor for a small community bank. From there, he worked at several different financial institutions before being named the Chief Financial Officer for Park Meridian Bank. Joey served as CFO for Park Meridian Bank until the bank was acquired in 2002.

From the NFL to the finals of America’s Got Talent, Jon combines world-class magic with an awe-inspiring personal journey. Whether it’s a keynote, corporate event, or conference, Jon delivers your organization’s message through a powerful personal story that moves audiences and keeps them talking for years.

With 14 years in the NFL as a professional athlete, a finalist on America’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent: The Champions, a regular on the ELLEN Show, and a world-class speaker on Fortune 500 stages, Jon shares his inspiring journey from tragedy to self discovery.

It’s an extraordinary and empowering story of resilience, forgiveness, and living a life of purpose in the face of unfathomable obstacles.

He seamlessly incorporates your company’s message through storytelling and world-class magic. Your audience is sure to be motivated and aligned with your organization’s mission by the end of his insightful and inspiring keynote presentation.

Mr. Fishman is the VP of Customer Success at Field1st, a technology company shaping the way innovation is applied to safety solutions construction and utility companies through frontline engagement and generating safety insights. 

For nearly 20 years, Mr. Fishman has been a driving force in the safety and emergency response industries, partnering with medium and high-risk clients to address their most pressing people-safety challenges.  He has led successful sell-side M&A activities and is an expert in managing seamless organizational transitions. Whether leading business operations or integrations, there is always one common thread for Mr. Fishman: people are at the center. 

Mr. Fishman’s commitment to empathic leadership and his people-centered approach to life empower him to focus on creating engagement and driving business results through a deep understanding of employee and customer needs. 

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

As a Managing Director at Lazear’s Charlotte office, Josh specializes in working with business owners across the Southeast, with a particular focus on the Carolinas. 

​With over two decades of experience in Middle Market Banking and Capital Markets, Josh has dedicated a significant portion of his career to serving the Charlotte, NC area since 2007. Prior to his time in Charlotte, he worked in the Financial Services Practice at E&Y in Washington, D.C. 

​Throughout his career, Josh has been extensively involved with privately held family businesses and public companies. He has provided valuable guidance to clients on debt capital solutions and strategic alternatives, including M&A financing. 

​In his most recent role, Josh successfully led the Middle Market banking group in the North Carolina and Virginia markets for SouthState Bank, a Southeastern-based institution with assets totaling $45 billion, making it one of the top 30 largest banks in the US. 

​Josh’s experience collaborating with family shareholders, CEOs, and CFOs throughout the Southeast uniquely positions him to provide strategic advice to clients as they navigate their business transition. 

​Josh holds a B.S. in Finance from Miami (OH) University and has been a resident in the Charlotte community since 2007. Josh is an active member of the Olde Providence Racquet Club and spends time with the Carolinas Association of General Contractors (CAGC) and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) in Charlotte. 

Shelomith Gonzalez is the Vice President of Strategic Operations for Lee Construction Group, where she leads initiatives that drive innovation, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration.  

With a strong background in both operations and safety, she brings a unique blend of insight and creative problem-solving to complex organizational challenges. Shelomith has spoken at several prominent industry events, including the University of Virginia Safety Summit, CSHEMA Annual Conference, the National Association of Physical Plant Administrators, and the Virginia Department of Labor Safety and Health Conference.  

Her work spans construction, general industry, research, medical, and academic environments. She is passionate about designing systems that enhance the safety and wellbeing of tradespersons by leveraging cutting-edge technology and best practices.

Chris Greene is Vice President, Innovation & Insights at American Global Canada and serves as the architect behind C-RISQ—American Global’s proprietary construction risk platform. Based in Ontario, Chris leads technology, analytics, and automation strategies across all lines of business, helping contractors transform insurance from a reactive function into a proactive strategic advantage.  

With a dual background in business systems and insurance, Chris specializes in building real-time dashboards, streamlining SDI enrollment, and integrating data from platforms such as Epic, Origami, and Microsoft Power BI. He has helped develop automated workflows that improve visibility for clients and brokers alike—resulting in smarter decisions, cleaner data, and faster outcomes.  

Chris also acts as an internal advisor on the firm’s AI strategy, innovation marketing, and client tech enablement. He regularly speaks at industry events and moderates thought leadership forums on risk intelligence, parametric solutions, and construction technology. 

Bio coming soon.

Brett is an experienced professional engineer with a diverse 14-year career spanning both design engineering and construction leadership. For this presentation he will give a case study of his experience on the Port of Port Arthur, Texas Flyover Bridge progressive design-build project from an engineer and contractor’s perspective and discuss his work with the Kansas Turnpike Authority and other city and state agencies. 

Mentoring the next generation of professionals is personally rewarding to Brett. He is excited to be part of this presentation to share knowledge with other contractors to help them thrive in our dynamic industry. Throughout his career he has contributed to and managed projects of varying complexity and magnitude, ranging from $10 million to $2 billion, always with a relentless focus on cost control, schedule performance and contract management. He excels at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, bringing together engineers and construction professionals. His background includes subcontractor management, sharing lessons learned, and overseeing self-perform construction. 

His career began in design engineering for interstate highways, commercial site developments, essential municipal infrastructure, and industrial railroad facilities. His background includes construction roles as a contractor and estimator for heavy industrial sites, power plants, refineries, and more. 

Brett’s passion for construction leadership was ignited during his tenure as an EPC engineer and construction estimator for large industrial developments. That passion was further strengthened when he was the construction leader for several large projects including a $300 million USACE project. This path allowed Brett to not only manage and analyze complex contracts and schedules but also to lead high-performance teams of up to 10 individuals, spanning both design and construction disciplines. Brett holds an MBA in finance and international business from Washburn University and a bachelor of science in civil engineering from The University of Kansas and is a professional engineer in KS. 

Sam Hatchell, is easy going, people oriented executive level coach and teacher of leadership concepts. Loves ideation, brainstorming, networking, being curious about people and what they are interested in and why. Is passionate about God, family, kids, the power of self and others awareness and being intentional. Loves to read and learn from a variety of topics. Good listener and connector. 
 
Sam is Director of Quality and Leadership Development at Jaynes Corporation.

Joanna Horsnail is a Chambers-ranked construction attorney and the office managing partner for Mayer Brown’s Chicago office. She is the North American head of Mayer Brown’s construction transactions practice. 

Joanna represents public and private owners, developers, lenders, and contractors regarding the design, construction, development, financing, acquisition, and disposition of facilities, including alternative delivery and public-private partnership projects. Joanna negotiates and prepares design-build, progressive design-build, EPC, design and construction agreements, concession agreements, sponsorship agreements, naming rights agreements, leases, service agreements, purchase agreements, operation and maintenance agreements, consulting contracts and various project-management agreements. She works on a variety of projects including roads and bridges, rail and transit, traditional power projects, renewal energy projects, social infrastructure, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure projects. 

Joanna has represented the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Transportation, the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago, the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority, the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority, the California High-Speed Rail Authority, Mitsubishi, Acciona Energy, and Benteler, among many others. 

Joanna is recognized by Chambers USA for Construction and has been ranked as a “Leading Lawyer” by Legal 500 for Construction in the United States for numerous years.  

Bio coming soon.

Bill Hughes is a partner of Wipfli name number 6 on the list of Top 50 Accounting firms by CE.  He has 30 years of public accounting and management experience in the Construction Industry and works primarily with closely held private Construction organizations ranging from small, specialty subcontractors to national general contractors. He also spent time as a CFO of a Colorado Major Mechanical Contractor.  Bill is passionate about building long-term client relationships by providing the necessary services, knowledge and resources to help meet their business objectives and maximize their profits.  He has served on many Boards of Construction Associations. 

Dean Lincoln Hyers is a former filmmaker and a presentation / interview trainer with 20+ years of experience helping Architecture / Engineering / Construction firms land over $16 billion worth of new business.

Andrea Janzen is redefining what leadership in the built environment looks like. As the Founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, she works with companies across North America to close their leadership gap by developing high-potential talent—especially women—who have traditionally been overlooked.  

Andrea is the architect of the Leadership Accelerator, a transformative program that has helped hundreds of women in the built environment successfully move into senior and executive roles, leading major projects and influencing company culture in lasting ways. Her impact is data-backed: she also leads the influential Building Better research with NCCER, which has become a crucial resource for the industry to understand and retain strong leaders.  

What makes Andrea an exceptional leader and conversationalist is her rare ability to bring people in, not call them out. She addresses the industry’s toughest challenges—from workforce shortages to leadership pipeline issues—with a mix of honesty, empathy, and practicality, helping every person in the room see themselves as part of the solution. Attendees consistently leave her sessions with not just insight, but a clear path to action. 

Tim Jed leads the supply chain program at DPR Construction. He is a seasoned and collaborative business leader with nearly 40 years of construction industry experience. Tim has worked in commercial construction, multifamily, shared workspaces, manufactured housing, and homebuilding, much of it focused on building strong supplier connections and developing inventive and effective solutions. His deep construction knowledge base and strengths in cost management and process improvements span a broad career of roles in operations, supply chain and procurement, system design and implementation, and sales. 

Tim grew up just outside Detroit, MI and holds a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State University, has held contractor’s licenses in several states, and is LEED AP BD+C accredited. Prior to DPR, Tim worked at co-working space trailblazer WeWork, construction tech start-up Katerra, general contractor Clark Construction, and national homebuilders Richmond American Homes and NVR. 

His hobbies include bicycling, hiking, live music, theater, and movies, and he is a big fan of many types of foods, having traveled to 49 of the US states, and more than 30 countries. 

 Christel works as an ESOP consultant at Principal. 

Steve Jordan, Vice President of Health, Safety, and Environmental at Flintco, LLC, is a relentless force in the commercial construction industry, driven by nearly 30 years of unyielding dedication. From humble beginnings as a carpenter apprentice, Steve’s grit propelled him through the ranks—becoming a Carpenter Foreman, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent, Estimating, Preconstruction, Senior Superintendent, Safety Manager, and Corporate HSE Director. Now, as a Vice President at Flintco, he brings a wealth of experience, paired with specialized education and training, and has evolved into a multifaceted construction professional. 

Steve’s mission is nothing short of transformative—he’s driven by a fierce commitment to revolutionize the construction industry and human performance. He forges authentic connections, inspires and empowers those around him, and is laser-focused on strategic planning and execution to achieve the highest levels of safety and productivity in an “unwavering pursuit of the perfect construction experience”. 

Currently, Tricia serves as the Executive Vice President of Risk Management at Jordan Foster Construction, a prominent company renowned for its civil, multifamily, and general contracting projects throughout Texas. In this role, she provides exemplary leadership and direction to the risk management, safety, and leadership teams. 

Tricia is widely recognized as an authority in the construction risk management industry. She is a sought-after speaker on diverse subjects, including leadership, risk management, education across cultures, servant leadership, and diversity. Her contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including the IRMI Bill McIntyre Leadership Award and the  BCSP Award of Excellence https://www.bcsp.org/About/BCSP-News/2020-award-of-excellence-recipients   Tricia is dedicated to mentoring and teaching the next generation of construction professionals and is a visiting lecturer at Texas A & M University MS in Construction Program teaching Construction Risk Management. As a safety professional and women’s leadership expert, she is committed to expanding the definition of Safety to include the physical and mental well-being of the workforce.  

Tricia holds a Master’s in Dispute Resolution from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She also possesses a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. Tricia’s professional credentials include Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Construction Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), Associate in Claims Management (AIC), and she is a licensed Texas claims representative and commercial agent. In addition to her extensive professional pursuits, Tricia plays a vital role as a member of the Board of Directors for the Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP). 

Tricia’s hobbies include snow skiing, writing and spending time with family and her 2 dogs Avery and Sadie and cat Levi.  

As construction transportation director and company principal Stephen leads construction services for transportation projects nationwide at Burns & McDonnell. Projects include highways, bridges, roads and rail systems. Stephen will serve as panel moderator and offer an overall contractor and delivery method comparison perspective on the emerging trend of Progressive Design-Build for transportation and infrastructure projects.  He will also offer case study insights on the progressive design-build Port of Port Arthur, Texas flyover bridge project as well as work with KDOT, KTA and other entities and projects. 

He has more than 25 years of experience in bidding, partnering and constructing some of Midwest’s largest private and public infrastructure projects, including the new KCI airport single terminal. He brings a passion for alternative delivery and working with clients to bring innovative value-based solutions to projects. Steve is an active participant in the Heavy Constructors Association of Kansas City (KC), The Builders’ Association of Kansas City, and ACEC of Missouri where he currently serves on the transportation committee.  He also held various roles on the board of directors for the Heavy Contractors Association Kansas City.  

Stephen was formerly with another general contractor where he worked as chief engineer, gaining experience in managing and estimating for large-scale highway, heavy-rail and site development projects. Projects included work for KDOT and MODOT as well as the BNSF Logistics Park KC Expansion, Sporting KC Soccer Stadium, and large-scale retail developments throughout Kansas City. He has managed multiple scopes of work and coordinated with contractors, design professionals, utility companies, class I railroads and owners.  

Through these projects he has gained vast experience with alternate project delivery methods, including EPC, Progressive Design-Build, Design-Build and Construction Manager-at-risk methods. Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and is a professional engineer in KS and MO.

Mr. Killingsworth is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BS and MS in Civil Engineering specializing in design, materials and construction. For nearly 20 years, Mr. Killingsworth worked in private consultancy conducting research projects for national, state and local entities. He also conducted numerous designs, implemented asset management systems, and conducted forensic evaluations. 

For NRMCA, Mr. Killingsworth heads the Concrete Promotion and Codes Division which provides promotional and technical support as well as education to member companies, affiliate associations, and local owners and designers regarding concrete designs, specifying materials, or construction issues. Support primarily includes local roads and parking lots as well as low-to-mid-rise building markets. Mr. Killingsworth also represents NRMCA before organizations that develop codes and standards and provides input to sustainability standards for buildings and infrastructure. 

Within the American Concrete Institute (ACI) he is the Chair of the Pavement Design subcommittee of the Concrete Pavement committee, ACI 325. Killingworth is a Special Director on the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) Board of Directors and serves on the NRMCA/ASCC Joint Paving Committee.

Bio coming soon.

Allison Koester has been working in the construction industry for 16 years, with 11 of those years dedicated to estimating and preconstruction at Austin Commercial. Starting as a Sr. Estimator, Allison has served as the Preconstruction Technology Lead for the past five years. In this role, she has led the evaluation, development, implementation, and training for the estimating tools Austin currently uses. This includes the early adoption of several software programs, where Allison closely collaborated with software developers. She is driven by the goal of delivering better value to our customers and enhancing efficiency. The success of new software implementation hinges on selecting the best fit, acknowledging and addressing users fear of change, and providing ongoing training and support to help users gain competency and ultimately achieve mastery.   

Bob Kunz is the Corporate Safety Director for Dimeo Construction Company, an ENR top 100 Construction Manager with offices in Boston – New Haven – Providence.  Kunz has over 34 years of building and civil construction, and surface mining experience.  He has held his current position for 18 years.  Kunz has assumed several leadership positions in the safety community, including serving as the past chairperson of the AGC RI safety committee, as the chairperson of the AGC MA safety committee, as a member of the Board of Directors and AGC America Board of Governors for the AGC MA, and serving as the chairperson of Building SAFER in RI an OSHA ambassador alliance with the RI construction industry.  He is a lifelong learner and has identified new ways to strengthen jobsite safety climate and safety leadership and improve worker mental health by implementing innovative training, educational, and assessment tools. He is also dedicated to training the new generation of safety professionals as a member of the America Society of Safety Professionals and as advisory board member for the Construction Safety Sciences degree program at Keene State College.  Kunz was recognized as the Construction Safety Professional of the Year by both, the AGC CT in 2012 and the AGC of America in 2023.  Bob is a certified American Heart Association First Aid/CPR/AED/Naloxone, Mental Health First Aid, Psychological First Aid, Recovery First Aid Responder, and NASP Psychological Health and Safety Manager. 

Robert Lambert is the Design Quality Manager at Austin Commercial, where he has led design excellence and quality initiatives since 2018. Based in Austin, Texas, Robert ensures that projects meet the highest standards of innovation, functionality, and execution, drawing on over three decades of architectural and design leadership. 

Before joining Austin Commercial, Robert spent nearly 30 years as a Principal at STG Design, where he guided teams across diverse architectural projects, building a reputation for balancing creative vision with technical precision. His experience also includes serving as a Design Architect at Hermonovski Lauck Design, where he honed his skills early in his career. 

In addition to his professional practice, Robert has contributed to community and mission-driven work as a team member with Reinvent Ministries and ACCD, bringing his expertise to support meaningful initiatives outside the traditional design sphere. 

Robert holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas A&M University, equipping him with a strong foundation in both design theory and practical application. 

Throughout his career, Robert has been recognized for his ability to bridge design intent with construction reality, fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and builders. His commitment to design quality continues to shape environments that serve clients, communities, and end-users alike.

Joe Leone is a partner in the construction law firm of Drewry Simmons Vornehm, LLP located in Indianapolis, IN.  Joe concentrates his practice in the areas of construction and public contract law. He represents all participants in the construction industry, including public and private owners, general contractors, construction managers, design-build contractors, trade contractors, and design professionals in drafting and negotiating contracts, providing general counsel, and in all types of performance and payment dispute resolution. He obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a J.D. from the McKinney School of Law, Indiana University.  Through his practice and his prior experience in the construction industry, he has developed particular expertise in alternative project delivery systems such as construction management, both agency and at-risk, design-build, and Integrated Project Delivery. 

After leading the Kansas Department of Transportation for four years, Julie joined 1898 & Co. as a principal consultant. With 25+ years of experience, she is a national leader in policy development, collaboration and implementing visioning initiatives. For this presentation she offers attendees valuable insight into delivery methods and infrastructure investment from an owner’s perspective. At 1898 & Co., she provides C-suite-level advisory services for private and public sectors and helps grow these services into other markets, including IIJA deployment across infrastructure sectors. 

She is also a board member of the Kansas Turnpike Authority.  

Julie was appointed Secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation and Director of the Kansas Turnpike Authority in January 2019. While at KDOT, she launched the Kansas Infrastructure Hub in support of IIJA, created the $10 billion Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program and led the Kansas Recovery Office, responsible for administering over $1 billion in CARES Act COVID-19 relief funding in six months. She was honored with the George S. Bartlett Award for leading development of a national vision for transportation for state DOTs, which was unanimously approved by all 52 state and territory departments of transportation.  

She previously led strategic consulting and public engagement services for Burns & McDonnell’s Transportation Group. Prior to joining 1898 & Co. she was the Director of Public Affairs at KDOT and led strategic planning and integrated collaboration/communication efforts. Notably, KDOT secured an $8.2 billion 10-year funding program in spring 2010, resulting largely from stakeholder collaboration and a focus on economic impact analysis. She holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology from The University of Kansas, a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in economics as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Drury University.  

Specialties: Infrastructure Funding, Analysis and Investment; Public Policy; Engagement and Coalition Building; Government 

Elizabeth is uncommonly passionate about the power of language, especially the ability of languages to connect and uplift people. To that end, she formed Freestyle Languages in 2012 to create an adult language learning community through fun, stress-free learning with a proven methodology.  

For the last 6 years Freestyle has been uniquely customized to the construction industry, known to have the largest language gap of all industries in the U.S. With a 100% online model, Freestyle provides an accessible workforce solution with bilingual (Spanish and English) learning options.  

When not busy with family, friends, and Freestyle, Elizabeth is finding new ways to serve and add value through language learning. Since 2021 she’s been on the Texas Anti-Poverty Project leadership team with the aim of helping communities leverage the many advantages of language. She particularly advocates for more accessible (and effective) English learning for Spanish speakers, as a critical life skill offering a path to wage equity and greater opportunities. 

Bio coming son.

Scott McKenna is the President of Catamount Consulting. He has over 24 years in the mining and construction industry and is a certified instructor with the Mine Safety Health Administration, and an OSHA Certified Construction Trainer. Scott coached for over 20 years in the sport of wrestling and learned the value of coaching to “the heart” to get the head and hands of his athletes to do anything. McKenna believes that we are all coaches within the People Business. Regardless of your team, you must have high levels of emotional intelligence to assure everyone around you is coached to their particular level of high performance. 

Annie Meehan is a professional keynote speaker, author, and transformational coach who inspires, educates, and activates her audiences with a clear and compelling message: Be the Exception. With a warm and dynamic presence, she helps people break free from counterproductive habits, rise above the status quo, and live more meaningful, impactful lives—both personally and professionally. 

A widely embraced international speaker, Annie has delivered powerful keynotes to corporations, associations, and nonprofits across the globe. Known for her signature blend of authenticity, humor, and actionable insights, she empowers teams to embrace change, eliminate long-held excuses, and leverage the power of words to unlock personal and organizational excellence. 

Before stepping into the spotlight, Annie spent nine years in the financial services industry, earning five promotions in a male-dominated workplace. She later became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating two fitness franchises for over a decade and leading a thriving direct sales team. Her passion for health, wellness, and personal growth became a foundation for the empowering message she now shares with thousands each year. 

Annie holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry and brings a deep sense of purpose, faith, and encouragement to every stage she steps on. She is a member and past president of the National Speakers Association (NSA) Minnesota chapter, a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)—the highest designation in the speaking profession—and a proud inductee into the NSA Minnesota Hall of Fame. 

Annie is the author of 11 personal development books, including the award-winning Be the Exception and The Pineapple Principle, a refreshing take on customer service and hospitality. Her most recent passion project is helping organizations build H3 Cultures—Hopeful, Healthy, and Happy workplaces that retain engaged, motivated employees. 

Now based in the Orlando, Florida area with her husband Greg, Annie enjoys adventuring with her family, volunteering in her community, and walking her beloved dog Leo. Whether she’s on stage or one-on-one, Annie’s mission remains the same: to help others live fully, love boldly, and lead exceptionally. 

As CFO, Mike provides leadership and direction for the accounting, finance and corporate services related operations of the company. He has responsibility for all financial records, payroll, banking, purchasing, HR and daily operations of corporate services. Mike holds an undergraduate degree in Business Management from SUNY Stony Brook and a MBA from University of Phoenix. Mike also served 4 years in the Marine Corps working in airfield operations; installing and managing Emergency Air Field Services around the world. Mike has been a Weifield Group Contracting | A Loenbro Company team member since 2009 and is a LEED GA. 

Jeff Miller is an accomplished Vice President and General Counsel at The Haskell Company, specializing in construction law and dispute resolution. With over 22 years of legal experience, he has a proven track record in arbitration, contract negotiation, and management of complex litigation cases. Jeff holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and has worked extensively in various legal roles across multiple organizations, including engineering and legal services. His leadership experience has equipped him to navigate the intricacies of the construction industry effectively. Known for his strong negotiation skills, he advises senior management on commercial risks and contractual obligations. Jeff’s diverse background in both legal and engineering fields uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and construction practices. He is passionate about mentoring young legal professionals and actively engages in community initiatives related to construction and law.

Former Congressman Patrick Erin Murphy serves as CEO and Founder of Togal.AI, overseeing the company’s day to day operations. Additionally, he currently serves an Chief Innovation Officer of Coastal Construction, the largest General Contractor in Florida. Patrick was appointed to serve on the President’s Export Council in 2023 under President Joe Biden, where he advises the president on strategies to promote American exports and support job creation through trade. Patrick is proud to be the only appointee from the construction industry.   

Having been raised in the business, Patrick first started in the construction industry as a laborer, then project engineer, estimating assistant and accounting manager. After graduating from the University of Miami, Patrick worked at Deloitte where he earned his CPA license that he maintains today. 

Patrick served in U.S. Congress, representing Palm Beach and Treasure Coast in the House of Representatives for four years (2013-2017) and was the nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2016. After leaving office in 2017, he was named chair of the Future Forum Foundation, a nonprofit organization that researches key issues impacting millennials, such as automation, artificial intelligence and the sharing economy. Patrick proudly serves as a board member of the Miami Bridge Youth and Family Services, a homeless shelter for children. 

Under Patrick’s leadership, Togal.AI won first place at the 2022 eMerge Americas Global Startup Showcase and the Big 5’s 2022 Startup City Global Pitch Competition. Togal.AI was named 2023 Associated General Contractors National Innovation of the Year.

A nationally recognized attorney and thought leader in government contract law, Jim Nagle is sought after for his valuable counsel as consultant, expert witness or arbitrator/mediator by the government and its federal contractors. He has unrivaled experience working on supply, services, international, major systems and construction contracts. Throughout his distinguished career, Jim has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, architects, engineers and all parties in the contracting process. In addition to representing contractors, he has mediated disputes between both the government and the prime and the prime and its subcontractors. Lawyers often consult Jim on government contracts, and he has been used as an expert witness by the United States Department of Justice, prime/general contractors, and subcontractors, in criminal and civil cases, in federal and state courts and arbitrations, in judge alone and jury trials.  Prior to joining the firm, he served as chief of the Logistics and Contract Law Branch of the Department of the Army staff and as a trial team chief in the Army’s Contract Appeals Division. 

Jim is committed to sharing his extensive knowledge of government contract law to advance the next generation of attorneys. He is the author of six books on federal contracting and more than 100 articles that have appeared in publications such as Public Contract Law Journal, Military Law Review, National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Journal, and Contract Management. Jim is a coveted lecturer on federal government contracts and construction law. He regularly teaches courses on all aspects of government contracts, construction law, and contract management for the Graduate Program on Contract Management of the Florida Institute of Technology, The George Washington University’s School of Business and Public Management, The George Washington University’s National Law Center, the University of Washington, Seattle University’s School of Law, The FAR Bootcamp, and other professional organizations. He has lectured in 33 states, the District of Columbia, and six foreign countries. 

Actively involved in professional organizations, Jim is a past president of the Board of Contract Appeals Bar Association (and has received its Life Services Award); served on the Board of Directors of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), and on the board of editors of the NCMA Journal, as the book review editor for both the Public Contract Law Journal and The Construction Lawyer, and as the director of publications for numerous organizations. He is the founder and past chairman of the Public Contract Law Committee of the ABA’s General Practice Section and a Member of JAMS. He received the Federal Bar Foundation Award for Distinguished Accomplishment in the Study of Procurement Law, is listed in Who’s Who in American Law and Who’s Who in America, and is a Fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers and the NCMA. 

Jim received the Federal Bar Foundation Award for Distinguished Accomplishment in the Study of Procurement Law. 

Barry Nelson is the CEO of FactorLab, a pioneering company at the crossroads of workplace safety, machine learning, and organizational science. For over 20 years, Barry has led the charge in using data-driven methods to identify and amplify the most impactful, controllable factors that reduce workplace injuries.  His groundbreaking research has been widely published, including The Lens of Language Intelligence: A New Perspective on Incident Prevention (ASSP, 2024), Conversations Are the New Currency to Operationalize Culture, Engage Employees, and Improve Planning (FactorLab, 2020), and Daily Planning Conversations and AI: Keys for Improving Construction Culture, Engagement, Planning, and Safety (AJIM, 2024), and his insights have helped clients win prestigious safety awards including the IRMI Gary Bird Horizon Award, AGC Safety Leader of the Year, and ABC National Excellence in Construction. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Barry brings a unique perspective that fuses advanced technology with practical, people-centered strategies that deliver measurable outcomes. 

Steven Noble has extensive experience in commercial construction working as a Project Manager, and over the years, he has gained a depth of knowledge for bridge design and construction. 

Steve commenced working with InQuik Bridges USA in 2022, and became part of the CMC team in 2024, when CMC entered into a partnership with InQuik Group. 

CMC is the licensed provider of InQuik Bridges in the USA and Steven works closely with clients throughout the design and construction process when partnering with CMC. 

Sophie is a project engineer on the Key Bridge Rebuild in Baltimore. 

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

As Director of Estimating and Preconstruction, Brett leads Burns & McDonnell’s Preconstruction & Estimating Services in the US, Canada, Mexico, UK, and India. This includes business lines such as Mission Critical, Water, Power Generation, Solar, Battery Storage, Oil Gas & Chemicals, Transmission & Distribution, Commercial, Aerospace and Industrial Manufacturing, Food and Consumer Products, Transportation, Government, Environmental, and Onsite Energy for more than 70 North American offices, and 10 international offices.  He has over 18 years of experience working as a preconstruction manager and integrated project manager building over $2 billion in municipal, industrial, and commercial projects. Brett and his team develop more than $35 billion in total at-risk pricing proposals annually. He serves on the board of directors for the Design-Build Institute of America – Southwest Chapter and is the Chairman of their Legislative Committee. From October 2018-March 2021 he served as a Board Member – Construction Codes Board of Adjustments and Appeals, City of Mansfield, Texas. He has also been heavily involved as a Committee Volunteer for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. In 2020, he was named a Forty under Forty honoree by the Fort Worth Business Press. Brett holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University. 

Holly Ransom is a global voice on leadership, change, and highperformance cultures—helping leaders lead what’s next.

As CEO of Emergent Global, Holly advises Fortune 500 companies, governments, and trailblazing brands like Microsoft, Virgin, and P&G on how to build future-ready teams, drive cultural change, and lead through complexity.

A globally sought-after keynote speaker, emcee and master interviewer, Holly has captivated audiences in 25+ countries across 6 continents—and is trusted by brands like Coca-Cola, Volvo, Mastercard, and EY to elevate their most critical events.

When Barack Obama visited Australia in 2018, he personally selected Holly to moderate their conversation. Since then, she’s interviewed, leaders and icons including—Sir Richard Branson, Malala Yousafzai, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Venus Williams, Brené Brown and Matthew McConaughey—transforming every exchange into a masterclass in leadership through her signature mix of curiosity, clarity, and fearless questioning.

Holly has earned the U.S. Embassy’s Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Leadership Excellence, co-chaired the G20 Youth Summit, and the UN’s Coalition of Young Women Entrepreneurs. She delivered a Peace Charter to the Dalai Lama and is a Fulbright Scholar from Harvard Kennedy School, Class of 2021.

She is also the co-founder , event designer, and lead moderator of Energy Disruptors: UNITE, the award-winning summit voted Canada’s Best Conference three times.

Her bestselling book, The Leading Edge, is a practical playbook for navigating disruption and unlocking high-performance cultures— used by leaders and teams across the globe.

Offstage, Holly is passionate about mentoring the next generation, championing intergenerational collaboration, and bringing leadership insights to the world of high-performance sport. When she’s not advising global leaders or igniting rooms full of changemakers, you’ll find her on a sunrise run, baking something delicious, or brushing up on her already impressive Spanish.

Doug embarked on his professional journey with Orion in December 2018, assuming the role of Regional HS&E Manager for the Pacific Marine region. He came to Orion with a robust portfolio, having served as a Construction Safety Manager for a variety of large-scale civil, electrical, and geotechnical enterprises throughout the United States. Doug’s systematic approach to operational safety and his in-depth industry knowledge stem from a solid educational foundation—a Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Occupational Safety and Health, complemented by a Master of Science in Occupational Safety and Health from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. 

His dedication to continual learning is evident through several prestigious certifications, including Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, as well as credentials as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Professional in Human Resources (PHR). 

These qualifications and his unwavering commitment to the field have led Doug to his current role, where he provides HS&E oversight across all operational segments at Orion, encompassing Concrete, Marine, and Engineering groups. Doug’s leadership and expertise continue to drive significant safety improvements and innovations within the company. 

Mark is a professor at the Milwaukee School of Engineering in the Civil & Architectural Engineering and Construction Management department. He teaches classes in Project Management, Cost Control, Lean Construction, and Leadership. Prior to his work at MSOE, he worked as a general contractor for 40 years. His experience in the construction industry ranged from laborer, superintendent, project engineer, estimator, senior project manager, and vice president. Mark teaches Communication and Time Management for AGC of America’s Project Manager Program and teaches PMDP and CSF courses for AGC Wisconsin. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin– Madison in Civil and Environmental Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in Wisconsin. He received the Daily Reporter’s Educator of the Year award in 2018 for his work teaching in the construction industry. 

Bio coming soon.

James Savage is the Head of Construction Casualty at Zurich North America. He is accountable for managing the Construction Casualty portfolio, including developing and executing diverse multidimensional strategies across the portfolio and ensuring that all key performance metrics are achieved. 

Since joining Zurich in 2014, James held roles as Regional Vice President of Construction Casualty for the South Region and Head of Middle Market Construction and managed the Greak Lakes Construction team. Prior to joining Zurich, James worked at National Interstate Insurance in its underwriting and group captives units. James received an MBA from Walsh University and undergraduate degrees from Allegheny College in Economics and History. 

Joey Schneider is a southeast concrete leader with 26+ years of leadership and over two decades in the craft. He’s placed, finished, and led his way from concrete laborer to industry leader, completing his first data center project in 2013 and guiding tea 

Gregg Schoppman specializes in productivity and project management for general and trade contractors across the country. He also facilitates strategic planning and evaluation services focused on organizational transformation. Gregg was named one of the Top 25 Consultants in the World in 2014 according to Consulting Magazine and is also the recipient of the Association of Management Consulting Firms’ “High Five Award” for consulting excellence in 2013.  

He leads FMI’s Operations consulting practice as the discipline Leader. Gregg has been a featured instructor in FMI’s Project Manager Academy and regularly trains at all levels of construction from foreman to CEO.  

Gregg often addresses industry organizations and has also been a featured keynote speaker for Viewpoint, Sage and Autodesk. With Viewpoint, he is a founding member of the Alliance for Construction Productivity. Gregg has successfully completed engagements all over North America and throughout the world, including Mexico, Canada and Russia.    

Before coming to FMI, Gregg was a senior project manager for a general contracting firm in central Florida, completing complex and sophisticated construction projects in several niches and geographic markets.   

Rich Scopelliti is the Vice President of Preconstruction for Consigli Construction Co., Inc., a leading construction manager in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Caribbean. He plays a pivotal part in guiding the planning, coordination, and execution of all preconstruction operations for the firm. He works closely with clients, design teams, and project stakeholders to ensure seamless communication and early alignment that drives successful project outcomes. Rich has extensive experience working with high-profile clients such as the Boston Museum of Science, the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, the Massachusetts State College Building Authority, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and several other private and public partners. Rich holds a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License, along with certifications in OSHA 30-Hour Training, Lean Six-Sigma, and as a LEED Accredited Professional. Outside of work, he volunteers his time with the Maynard Music Association and Open Table. Rich holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. 

Bio coming soon.

Stacy Frederick Spector is the primary content and curriculum developer for Catamount Consulting’s “People First” Leadership Programs. Stacy attended Albany Law School after college and was a practicing attorney in Lake George, New York for over 20 years. As a former college athlete and professional natural bodybuilding champion, Stacy has made fitness and mindset mastery part of her daily life. With over 15 years spent in the areas of empathy and social emotional support in the educational world, Stacy’s unique background and experience offers a broad range of value to many individuals and groups in relation to employee engagement, culture building, and mindset mastery. As a coach, Stacy believes we must train our emotional fitness just like our physical fitness. It’s a use it or lose it approach. 

Jason Spector is a former collegiate wrestler, amateur mixed martial artist and 25-year veteran educator and coach. Jason has extensive experience in Social and Emotional supports, Culture building, and Mindset coaching. For the past two decades, Jason’s work as an educator has connected to all facets of society around empowerment, human connection, and peak performance. Jason has a Master’s Degree in Coaching and is certified as a Mindset Mastery Coach and a Culture of Care Trainer. Jason’s unique knowledge and experience offer a broad range of value to many individuals and groups in various spaces. His mission is to teach others how to wake up energized, be ready for anything, and drive home fulfilled. 

Dan is a Managing Director at Lazear, focused on helping business owners navigate ESOP and M&A transactions. He works closely with clients to identify objectives, conduct financial analysis, and structure and execute transactions that achieve their goals. 

Dan brings a decade of institutional banking experience, with expertise spanning corporate and commercial banking, capital markets, syndications, and private wealth. He has served clients across a wide range of industries throughout the U.S., providing innovative, tailored solutions that meet their evolving needs. 

Prior to Lazear, Dan managed a portfolio of large corporate clients in Central Ohio and Michigan at Huntington Bank, where he also led a team of analysts serving middle-market and upper-middle-market clients nationwide. Dan earned his BSBA in Finance from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. 

Jolsna John Thomas, Founder and CEO of Illuminating Growth PLLC, is a dedicated advocate for creating inclusive and sustainable construction environments. During her tenure as President of The Rosendin Foundation, she directed over $4.2M in impact funding and pioneered TRF Camp Build, integrating the AGC Culture of Care into the foundational training of future craft professionals. An active voice in the industry, Jolsna is the Immediate Past President of NAWIC Austin and currently chairs AGC’s Culture of Care Committee. A lawyer by training, she leverages her legal and business background to help firms implement workplace practices that empower women and strengthen the field.

Scott has been part of the concrete industry for 39 years and founded Thompson Concrete 36 years ago. Today, Thompson Concrete expands across four states, and the Thompson Family of Companies has grown to include six businesses under its umbrella. In addition to his work in concrete, Scott has been active in real estate development and investment through Trevcor Development, which owns and manages commercial, multi-family, and industrial properties across six states. Scott takes great pride in fostering a culture of servant leadership—investing in and empowering people to grow and succeed within the organization. Outside of work, Scott enjoys life with his wife and best friend, Lauren. He has five children, two of whom work in the family businesses. In his free time, Scott enjoys boating, snow skiing, attending church, where he is honored to serve on the board at Xchurch, and spending time with family and friends. 

Jean-Pierre Trou is an entrepreneur, architect, and the CEO & Co-Founder of mbue, an AI-platform that simplifies the most tedious and time-consuming tasks in construction. At mbue, he leads a team focused on solving one of the industry’s most persistent challenges – ensuring compliant, accurate, and efficient workflows for contractors by applying cutting-edge artificial intelligence to real-world construction problems. 

Prior to founding mbue, Jean-Pierre built a successful career in architecture. He is the founder of Runa Workshop, an award-winning architecture and interiors practice known for its innovative design solutions and commitment to craft. His dual experience as both designer and entrepreneur gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of construction, technology, and human-centered problem-solving. 

Jean-Pierre earned his degree in Architecture from UPC in Peru and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he deepened his expertise in design and building systems. His work has been recognized for blending creativity, technical precision, and a forward-looking approach to the future of the built environment. 

Now based in Austin, Texas, Jean-Pierre balances his professional endeavors with family life, enjoying time with his wife, their two children, and two energetic dogs. 

With a background spanning architecture and technology, Jean-Pierre is passionate about helping the construction industry embrace tools that reduce risk, improve collaboration, and unlock new efficiencies. At AGC, he shares how AI is moving from concept to practical application, delivering measurable impact on projects today. 

Isabelle Wahlert is the Marketing and Events Coordinator at The Builders, a chapter of the AGC, where she leads strategic marketing initiatives and member engagement efforts to strengthen the organization’s impact across the construction industry. 

In addition to her work at The Builders, Isabelle serves as the Associate Director for Construction Suicide Prevention Week (CSPW), helping guide national awareness campaigns and industry collaboration to advance mental health and suicide prevention efforts. 

A graduate of Park University with a degree in Digital Marketing, Isabelle is an active member of SMPS and NAWIC Greater KC, known for her creativity, attention to detail and dedication to meaningful industry change. 

Bio coming soon.

Brian Watkinson is a proven leader in the construction industry, bringing over thirty five years of expertise to his role while working his entire career with Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.  

Throughout his distinguished career, Brian has managed numerous high-profile projects, consistently delivering complex assignments on schedule and within budget. His leadership style is defined by strategic vision, meticulous attention to detail, and a steadfast commitment to safety and quality.  

Brian is passionate about people development and takes pride in mentoring the next generation of construction professionals, helping them achieve success in the industry.  

He excels at fostering collaborative environments where open communication and teamwork are encouraged among diverse teams. As a forward-thinking professional dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, Brian’s unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership have set new standards of excellence, consistently exceeding client expectations and advancing the industry.

Brian is Asst. Project Director/Senior Project Manager at Kiewit

Meet Sarah Wells! She has charge-your-phone-battery energy! 

Olympian. Keynote speaker. Excellence architect. Mom to Everleigh. Cookie connoisseur. 

Sarah doesn’t just talk about overcoming adversity… she hurdled it on the world’s biggest stage. She even raced across deserts, mountains, and international airports on The Amazing Race, proving once again that grit, adaptability, and a little bit of laughter go a long way. 

Her mission? To prove that excellence is not exclusive, it’s contagious! 

Sarah’s philosophy centers on the idea that excellence isn’t about perfection. It’s about breaking free from limiting beliefs and constantly striving to outperform who you were yesterday. She believes that when you dare to break the blueprint, chase crazy ideas, and focus on doing the small things exceptionally well, excellence becomes contagious, elevating not just your life but those around you. 

Renowned for her practical strategies and compelling storytelling, and cell phone charging energy, Sarah empowers audiences to find their own excellence, transform challenges into opportunities for growth, and achieve lasting success. 

Michelle L. Wilson, FACI, is Senior Director of Concrete Technology and Industry Outreach at the Portland Cement Association. She has over 25 years of experience relating to concrete materials, specifications, performance, durability, troubleshooting and repair. 

Wilson is the primary author of PCA’s “Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures”. She is responsible for PCA’s technical resources covering the entire spectrum of cement and concrete technology including industry outreach and support for PCA’s Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality.  

Wilson served on the Board of Direction of American Concrete Institute and is past chair of 301 Specifications for Concrete Construction. She is a Fellow of the Institute and was awarded the Arthur R. Anderson Medal for her contributions to the advancement of knowledge of concrete. She is also an Honorary Member of ASTM International Committee C09 Concrete and Concrete Aggregates, has served on the C09 Executive Committee, and is current chair of Subcommittee C09.40-Specification for Ready Mixed Concrete. 

Wilson received her BS in architectural engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI, with an emphasis in structural engineering and concrete materials. She was awarded the Outstanding Alumna of the Year from MSOE in 2022. 

Bio coming soon.