Session Speakers

Dr. Ali Agha is a co-founder and CEO at Field AI. Field AI is focused on developing next-generation robotic autonomy and embodied AI in complex and offroad environments. Prior to FieldAI, Dr. Agha was a Technologist and Group Leader at NASA-JPL and Caltech. During his tenure at JPL and Caltech, he was the principal investigator for and led NASA’s team in several flagship autonomy-focused projects, including the DARPA Subterranean Challenge, DARPA Racer, and the prototype Mars Helicopter-Rover coordinated autonomy. Prior to his work at JPL, he was a researcher at Qualcomm Research and MIT, leading the technical efforts on perception and planning for autonomous robotics vehicles. 

Anthony has over 18 years of leadership responsibility with Pepper Construction. His experience includes working on some of the companies’ most high-profile and complex institutional projects designed by world-renowned architects Studio Gang and David Chipperfield. Recent projects include the expansion and renovation of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, the Women’s Leadership Center in William’s Bay, WI, and the Tropical Forests Exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to these projects, he has worked in many markets including historic renovations, hospitality, high-end retail, and higher education. Anthony continues to support his alma mater as a member of the Iowa State University Industry Advisory Council for Construction Engineering. Anthony is the Chair of the Construction Leadership Committee for the AGC of America.

Brandon Anderson, Vice President of Safety at AGC of Missouri; has 26 years of experience in the construction industry; holding various positions from leadership to senior safety and senior employee development specialist roles. Mr. Anderson is not only a lifelong construction professional but also an advocate for total worker wellbeing, with a focus on Mental Health, Suicide and Substance Misuse. In 2022 he co-found AGC of America’s National Task Force; Mental Health, Suicide Prevention. He currently serves as the co-chair; and serves on numerous other committees nationally. His passion and personal experience runs deep and his impact is recognized throughout the Midwest; as well as nationally. 

Warren Andres lives in Dallas Texas and has over 46 years of experience in the construction industry. Warren started his construction career as a union laborer.  He then went on to graduate from Trinity University and obtain his Master of Business Administration from the University of Dallas.  In 1994, Warren began working for ANDRES after cutting his teeth on several high-profile projects for Disney in Florida. Warren is now ANDRES’ President and has overseen countless notable projects over the years. He continues to spread his knowledge and passion for quality construction to all ANDRES employees and consistently serves as an innovative and trustworthy leader. Warren is active in the construction community and was 2005 Chairman of the Board for the Dallas Fort Worth AGC, 2018 Chairman of the Board for the Texas Building Branch Associated General Contractors (TBB AGC) and served on the AGC Board of Governors Texas from March 2005 to March 2007, from March 2014 to March 2015, and from March 2017 to March 2022.

Jaime has more than 15 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. Her career includes an extensive background in training design, curriculum development and facilitation, as well as employee relations, development, and performance management. She has a bachelors in Biology from Huntingdon College, an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery, and has also earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.
With special interest in partnership building and creating opportunities to invest in people for the life of their career, Jaime brings positive momentum for long-term success of the employees she represents.

Jaime was a member of AGC of Alabama’s 2021 class of 40 Under 40 in Construction. She has been asked to present at several conference including LEAP HR: Construction and the HR Management Institute. She serves on Auburn University at Montgomery’s Advisory Board for the department of Business Administration, and represents Caddell on the Industry Advisory Board for the Construction Science and Management Program at Tuskegee University. Jaime also serves as chair of AGC’s HR TED (Training Education Development) committee.

A desire to engage people, an ability to skillfully communicate, and a true passion for politics has driven David Ashinoff to a successful career in this arena. As the Senior Director of Political Affairs for the Associated Contractors of America, David’s goal is to drive awareness of the political process within the construction industry, spearheading the AGC PAC and Construction Advocacy Fund fundraising efforts, grassroots advocacy, and political communication among member companies and their employees. 

David got his professional start in politics after working with the Republican Governors Association. He then transitioned into the role of manager with the national trade association Associated Builders and Contractors, working specifically with its political action committee and Free Enterprise Alliance. He is motivated by the importance of electing leaders who work to find solutions to our country’s most pressing issues and the role political activism plays in the public policy process.   

David holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and sociology from the College of William & Mary. He resides in Arlington, VA.  

Representing the third generation of her family to work in the construction industry, Kelly Powers Baria shares key executive and management responsibilities for Powers & Sons operations in Chicago, Northeast Illinois, and Northwest Indiana.  

As a company principal who oversees general contracting and construction management projects, Kelly embodies core values focused on excellence, integrity, client care, and inclusion. 

While living in the San Francisco area during her early career, Kelly earned a California real estate license and worked in corporate real estate, partnering with key clients to strategically manage a portfolio consisting of over 140 locations. In 2005, Kelly returned to the Midwest, practicing real estate as a broker for Century 21 Powers Realty. In 2012, Kelly rejoined the family general contracting and construction management firm as director of new business development. During her tenure in that role, company revenue more than doubled and exceeded $100 million in 2018, at which time she was promoted to vice president. 

Kelly leverages her knowledge of civil engineering and construction, connections in the Midwest construction industry, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to forge partnerships that benefit clients and communities. She was instrumental in leading Powers & Sons to become a founding member of the Chicago Community Builders Collective, a nine-firm joint venture delivering the new $1.7 billion Bally’s Chicago casino, hotel, and entertainment complex 

Active in the community, Kelly serves a number of civic and cultural organizations. Appointed to the board of Methodist Hospitals in 2024, she is a trustee for the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Architecture Center, and the Morton Arboretum. She also serves on the Black creativity advisory committee for the Museum of Science & Industry and is a Class of 2021 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.  

Graduating with distinction from Purdue University’s Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Kelly was appointed to the school’s Civil Engineering Advisory Council in 2023. For more information about Powers & Sons, follow the company on LinkedIn and visit powersandsons.com. 

Blaine Beckman received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management from Texas A&M San Antonio with high honors. Blaine began his construction career as a framing carpenter and due to his work ethic and desire to learn, he received promotions through the construction ranks as lead carpenter, foreman, superintendent, project manager, and Vice President. He was recently named President for F.A. Nunnelly General Contractor, a commercial contractor in San Antonio that was established in 1922. Blaine is heavily active in the construction industry as well as in the San Antonio community. Blaine also prides himself on his involvement with AGC and is active on both the local and national level. Blaine most recently served as President of the AGC Board of Directors for the San Antonio Chapter.  

A few notable awards that Blaine has been the recipient of include Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award, San Antonio Business Journal 40 under 40, and the AGC Bubba Moeller Award for Outstanding Service. 

Rick is a construction industry veteran with over 33 years of experience and currently serves as Mascaro’s Director of Health, Safety and Environmental, overseeing nine safety managers. Rick champions new safety initiatives, mental health wellness for construction workers, and has implemented safety regulations and procedures on over 700 projects for Mascaro. Rick was named the 2022 Frontline Worker of the Year by the March of Dimes and the 2023 Safety Professional of the Year by the Master Builders’ Association.

Tonya, in her role as a Business Development Manager at Gilbane Building Company, a construction management firm, brings over 20+ years of experience in sales and the construction industry. Her expertise lies in cultivating influential relationships and delivering strategic value.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Tonya actively engages in various civic and industry organizations. She serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of West Georgia Foundation and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Douglas County Education Foundation and Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. Tonya’s commitment extends to national forums, where she chairs the National Business Development Forum Steering Committee for the AGC (Association of General Contractors.) Additionally, she contributes her insights as a Board Member for the South Atlantic Chapter of CMAA. Additionally, Tonya has shared her expertise as an empowerment speaker at various events.

Tonya, a self-proclaimed food enthusiast, transcends the boundaries of business. She delights in exploring new horizons through travel, immersing herself in diverse cultures. Beyond her professional commitments, Tonya passionately empowers others to embrace authenticity. Her mission? To cultivate collective growth and propel professional advancement within the construction industry. With unwavering advocacy, she champions enhanced opportunities, collaborative endeavors, and inclusive participation, ensuring that every individual finds a warm and welcoming seat at the table.

John Campbell brings over 30 years of experience managing complex construction and infrastructure projects, including more than 20 years with the U.S. Air Force. His expertise spans project controls, trade partner management, scheduling, safety, and various delivery methods such as design-build, firm fixed price, and CMAR. Based in San Antonio, John is currently overseeing several landmark projects, including the new Gorilla Habitat at the San Antonio Zoo and ongoing restoration and new construction work at The Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and joint-venture effort. He also serves as the current Chair of the San Antonio Chapter of the AGC. 

As the Chief Operating Officer, Darrell excels in managing diverse teams across various projects, showcasing exceptional leadership in sectors such as healthcare, K-12 education, high-end tenant interiors, and hospitality. His primary objective is to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget while upholding rigorous quality standards. His success stems from effective team management, where he inspires and motivates team members to excel. Darrell fosters a collaborative environment that emphasizes open communication and allows team members to leverage their unique skills. He ensures all projects align with the organization’s goals, promoting accountability and clear roles, which enhances productivity and project success. Through his adept leadership and strong management skills, Darrell navigates challenges to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. 

Jamie Cardinal is a Senior Project Manager | Market Leader at Clark Construction Company, where she brings decades of hands-on experience and leadership in the construction industry. Her passion for building began as a teenager, framing houses and witnessing the transformation of drawings into functional spaces that serve communities.

With a diverse background spanning roles as a carpenter, project engineer, superintendent, project manager, and estimator, Jamie has developed a well-rounded expertise that informs her approach to project leadership. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Ferris State University, she has also maintained a Michigan Residential Builder’s License for over 20 years.

Throughout her career, Jamie has successfully managed projects totaling $750 million and 2.3 million square feet across Michigan, Tennessee, Washington D.C., and Virginia. Her expertise in project execution, team coordination, and client relations ensures that each project is delivered with precision and excellence.

Beyond her project work, Jamie is actively engaged in advancing the construction industry. She serves on Clark’s Living Our Values and Peer Group committees and has a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field. Her commitment extends to the Grand Rapids Community College Architecture Advisory Board, Construction Allies in Action, and West Michigan Minority Contractors, where she helps shape the future of the industry.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys an active lifestyle with her husband and their three young children—a set of 4-year-old twins and a 2-year-old. Whether hiking, kayaking, or sitting still long enough to read, she values time spent outdoors with her family.

Jamie’s leadership, industry knowledge, and dedication to mentorship make her a key contributor to Clark Construction Company’s continued success.

Brandon Carlson is Granite Construction’s Nevada Regional Safety and Health, Environmental and Quality manager with a proven track record of sustained results. Under Brandon’s leadership, a strong safety culture has been developed and is now transforming from traditional employee ownership of physical safety and health to that of a total worker health initiative and “working athlete” mentality. As the Nevada Chapter AGC Safety Committee Chair, Brandon has been an integral part of championing the construction community’s focus on worker mental health initiatives. He has first-hand experience with the physical safety consequences of workers who are struggling mentally without proper tools, training or resources on the job, and how this impacts organizations and the industry as a whole.

Brendan Carter is Mortenson’s Director of Labor Relations where he leads labor relations strategy across the organization through the negotiation and administration of collective bargaining agreements while providing operational guidance to project teams on craft workforce management. 

He also serves as a trustee on the Minnesota Laborers and IUOE Local 49’s Health & Welfare Funds in Minneapolis. He additionally is a member of the AGC of America’s Union Contractor Forum, AGC of CA’s Union Contractor Council, and AGC of MN’s Labor Cabinet where he sits on multiple bargaining committees.  

Prior to Mortenson, Brendan was the V.P. of Labor Relations for the AGC of CA and the Director of Labor Relations and Employment Policy for the AGC of MA where he led statewide labor relations policy.   

Brendan is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts School of Law and has degrees in Construction Management from Western Carolina University and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.  

Tom grew up in a long line of Industry Leaders, Father Stan (Case Pacif ic) and Grandfather Vern (Case International) owned deep foundation drilling businesses. Tom graduated 

from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo in 1986 with a degree in Construction Management. He has spent over 35 years in the industry in civil, commercial, and industrial construction. 

He worked in senior positions in both private and public companies Granite and Sundt Construction. Tom recently led construction and design for owner/developer Replay 

Destinations on complex resort developments. In 2019, Tom formed TCM Services, LLC, partnering with firms to drive organizational improvements, cultivate operational 

efficiencies and improve succession planning. 

Chaitanya Naredla Krishna, known as NK, is a visionary leader shaping the future of construction technology. As the Co-founder and CEO of Track3D, he spearheads innovation in construction monitoring, leveraging automation and data-driven insights to streamline complex processes. With deep expertise in robotics, computer vision, XR, ML/AI, and IoT, NK is at the intersection of technology and industry transformation, driving efficiency and progress in the built environment. 

David graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 and has spent the last 20+ years in the Underground Construction and Mining Industry on projects from New York City to San Francisco and everywhere in between.  His career has provided experience in drill and blast, roadheader, and TBM excavation methods building tunnels ranging from 6’ diameter access tunnels in New Mexico to 1,200’ long 65’x60’ caverns underneath Grand Central Terminal in NYC.  David is currently the Project Manager for Granite Construction on the LOT (Lower Olentangy Tunnel) Project in Columbus, Ohio.

Maria has been working in the Mining and/or Underground Construction industry since 2001.  Projects range from small heading drill and blast production mining to large scale TBM infrastructure projects around the US. She is currently a Project Engineer for Granite Construction on the LOT (Lower Olentangy Tunnel) Project in Columbus, Ohio.  Maria has written several publications for conferences and finds building challenging, technical work on impactful community projects immensely rewarding.

Sam Clark continues the Clark Construction Company lineage as President and CEO, being the fourth to serve over the firm’s 75 years. He served in the U. S. Army from 1991 to 1994 and was stationed in Fort Lewis, Washington. Upon his honorable discharge, Sam enrolled in Northern Michigan University where he obtained a B. S. in Building Construction Management. 

Sam joined Clark Construction Company as a Project Manager in 1996 and has held progressive roles during his rise to President. During his career, Sam has been involved in many market sectors and is most notably known for his expertise in casino, resort venues. Through developing, implementing, and living our core values, Sam has proven himself as a visionary leader within the organization. The company mission “We Build on a Foundation of Trust” aligns the team in success. Sam has led the organization through significant cultural changes with a strategic focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

JocCole “JC” Burton, LEED AP BD+C, is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Maven Construction, the full service general contracting firm under the Woodline Solutions umbrella. Maven Construction, a women-owned Boston, Massachusetts based company provides full service general construction management, energy solution and energy retrofits in the built environment.   Over her 20+ year career, Ms. Burton has acquired invaluable expertise from the most competitive general contractors where she has completed more than 65 projects with more than a billion dollars of construction.   

Her expertise in high-performing green projects stems from directing more than 40 LEED new construction and energy retrofit projects where geothermal, solar arrays and solar farms are reducing traditional energy sources on average of 23%. 

Her leadership is recognized by industry peers and organizations. Ms. Burton has won numerous industry awards including the coveted Associated Builders & Contractor’s Eagle Award, White House Champion of Change, Clean Energy, Women’s Magazine Business of the Year, ABL Non-Traditional Business of the Year, Associated General Contractors and Urban Land Institute, among others. 

Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in safety engineering and has been working in the heavy highway industry for 28 years.  He holds his professional HR certification (SHRM-CP) and has been performing labor relations for 25 years.  He has been negotiating heavy highway labor agreements in Ohio with the Ohio Contractors Association (OCA) for that entire time. 

Angela Cotie is the Vice President of Operations at Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, leading projects in Houston, College Station, and East Texas. With 26 years in construction, she has overseen high-profile projects, earning local, national, and international recognition. A Penn State graduate, she was named a Top 20 under 40 by ENR Texas/Louisiana (2015) and twice honored as a STEAM Role Model by the Houston Women’s Chamber (2018, 2022). 

Beyond construction, Angela co-founded AGC Houston’s Women in Construction Committee, serves on the AISC committee, and is an Executive Board member and former chair of ACE Mentor Houston. She also supports education and philanthropy, serving on boards for the Houston Area Parkinson’s Society, PSU’s Architectural Engineering Program, and local CTE initiatives. A member of CHIEF, she is a national speaker on women in construction. Above all, she cherishes her role as a mother and stepmother to four. 

Benjamin Crosby, CM-BIM, CM-Lean, CCM, LEED AP BD+C, is passionate about building and education. He earned a Construction Management Degree with Math and Physics Minors, from Brigham Young University, is a member of the AGC IT Forum Steering Committee, and instructs the AGC BIM and Lean Education Programs. Benjamin is currently the Site Manager for a Mega Project (over $1 Billion) in Ohio, so he currently has the opportunity to apply Technology in an active production environment. As a builder educator, he motivates people to how to improve their projects and careers. Family is important to him and Benjamin has been married to Bethany for 24 years, they have 7 children and a Son-In-Law.  Benjamin started in construction on a framing crew building custom homes, then moved into management of large projects with an emphasis on electronic project management and scheduling.  He tried something different for 2 years, teaching High School in Arizona, then returned to construction management in 2006. As BIM emerged, he fully engaged in Virtual Design and Construction.  As Director of VDC, Benjamin oversaw implementation of VDC for over 300 projects, representing various divisions of the Yates Companies, he implemented BIM and Lean as an Owner, Designer, Construction Manager, General Contractor, and as Trade Contractors. He has had significant influence in his company’s Lean journey and was the Yates Companies Innovation Champion. Benjamin is now back in operations and is directly implementing all this tech experience on his project. 

I hired on at Nabholz in 1997 as a carpenter. Since then I have worked as a foreman, Superintendent, trainer, and Quality Director. I have been the Corporate Quality Director at Nabholz since 2019. 

I have been a member of DCX (formerly CQEC) since 2019 and a board member for two years. I will be chairing the Advancing Construction Quality (Hanson Wade) conference in October. 

I believe Quality Risk Management is a critical tool in addressing the challenges to commercial construction that we all face today – interpreting and communicating complex design documents; shortages of skilled workers at all levels; increasing discernment and demands from customers, evolution of methodologies and influence of technology. 

Rashawn Day has been an integral part of Hays Electrical Services for six years, serving as a Senior Electrical Estimator. Beginning with a strong foundation in field experience, Rashawn has grown tremendously, mastering preconstruction processes and gaining valuable insights into operations. His expertise lies in accurately estimating electrical scopes of work while contributing to business development efforts that drive project success. Rashawn’s adaptability and commitment to continuous learning have allowed him to bridge the gap between field execution and project planning, ensuring precise, strategic estimates. His well-rounded perspective and dedication make him a key asset in delivering successful electrical projects and fostering company growth. 

With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing and construction, I specialize in driving digital transformation and advancing emerging technologies. At DPR Construction, I lead the adoption of innovations like AI and Computer Vision to enhance project delivery and management. Passionate about collaboration and education, I actively engage with teams to solve challenges and improve productivity through data-driven solutions. As a thought leader, I serve on industry boards and speak at events on BIM, VDC, and Reality Capture, focusing on developing standards and best practices to elevate the construction industry.

Bio coming soon.

With a strong background in management defense and traditional labor law, Adam advises clients on union avoidance, union relations, union contract administration, unfair labor practice allegations, collective bargaining negotiations, contract administration and grievance investigations. In addition to providing day-to-day counsel, he regularly represents employers in National Labor Relations Board proceedings and arbitrations, as well as in litigation in both state and federal courts. 

While Adam works with clients in a variety of fields, he concentrates much of his practice on manufacturing companies, as well as on their distributors in the transportation industry. He is extensively familiar with the issues driving those industries’ relatively high union participation rates, and the legal issues that arise as a result. 

After pursuing a degree in business administration, Adam chose to concentrate on labor and employment law, which allows him to help a wide variety of employers work through workplace legal issues every day. He understands that clients’ primary concern is their business and its operational strategy, so while managers and employers want to follow all laws and regulations, they rarely have the time or capacity to stay on top of every facet of quickly-changing labor and employment laws. That’s where Adam comes in: his goal is to know and study the law so that he can serve as clients’ trusted business partner. Adam works to protect clients’ interests by advising of risks and best practices to avoid litigation, and by defending against claims that cannot be avoided, so that business owners and managers can focus on their operational goals. 

Erez Dror is a builder at heart and an engineer by trade. With 15 years in the construction industry, he started as a carpenter and hasn’t looked back. Armed with a BSc and MSc in civil engineering (both with distinction), Erez focused his thesis on making construction smarter through real-time data and visualization. His career spans field and office roles, including Project Management for leading General Contractors. As Genda’s co-founder and CEO, he’s focused on helping General Contractors improve their operations with technology and innovation.

Ron is the Director, Craft and Field Operations for Kiewit. He has worked for Kiewit for 28 years, spending the first 20 years on the construction operation side of the business. Ron began as a field engineer working on multiple projects in roles including superintendent, project manager and project executive. He transitioned from managing projects to craft operations as the HR director on the Calcasieu Pass LNG project overseeing craft and field HR operations and training for the 4,000-plus employee project workforce. He is currently responsible for the oversight of Kiewit’s craft training, recruiting, compensation, workforce development and field HR operations throughout the United States and Canada. He currently serves as a member of the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s Workforce Development Committee.  

Stephen Dummit is President of Tradewinds Leadership, a professional coaching and development firm focused on improving mental health in the trades. He is an active member of the Nevada AGC Safety and Workforce Development Committees, as well as the Construction Leadership Council. As a former electrical contractor turned coach and facilitator, he leverages years of hands-on industry experience to connect with tradesmen and their leaders as “one of their own”. He equips front line managers and leaders with the communication, resilience and culture building tools needed to address the alarming mental health statistics in the construction industry. Stephen’s ability to bridge the gap between the field and the office is a unique perspective that drives total worker health initiatives toward tangible action. 

Alex Etchen is the Vice President of Government Relations at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. In this role, Alex leads all of AGC’s government relations efforts on Capitol Hill. Before being named Vice President of Government Relations, he served as the Senior Director for Infrastructure Advancement at AGC.  

Prior to joining AGC, Alex served as Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). He served to advance the mission and goals of FHWA while working with Members of Congress and external stakeholders.  

He also worked in Congress for nearly seven years; first for a Member of Congress from Idaho and then on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. During his tenure on the Committee, he worked on the federal-aid highway portfolio and drafted provisions included in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. 

Originally from Ligonier, Pa., Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University. 

Danielle Feroleto is the President and CEO of Small Giants, a full-service marketing agency in Arizona and Colorado. Feroleto has dedicated the last 25 years of her career to growing companies in the commercial real estate and construction industry through marketing and business development strategies. She is recognized for her strategic approach, strong networking practices, creative marketing strategies, and practical training skills. Small Giants is a Certified Woman-Owned Business, and Feroleto remains heavily involved in many organizations including serving as an AGC board member on the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA), the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) Arizona Board, and on the Industry Advisory Executive Committee at ASU’s DEWSC, and recently appointed to the ASU Alumni Board of Directors. 

Feroleto has become an industry mentor and coaches the next generation of industry leaders through her work as an associate faculty member at ASU at the Del E Webb School of Construction. Additionally, Feroleto has positioned Small Giants as one of the only firms in the nation exclusively serving the commercial real estate and construction industry and is certified as an Approved Training Provider, allowing clients and participants of workshops that Small Giants presents to receive continuing education units (CEU) through SMPS by participating in training and coaching. Having built a team of 50 employees in two cities and multiple service lines, the firm has served more than 400 clients and been a part of the successful selection of firms when completing negotiated project work, totaling more than $2 billion in projects won on behalf of clients. 

Josh Fetcko is an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in the heavy highway construction industry, primarily focused on project management. Having worked extensively in the Greater Pittsburgh market, Josh has contributed to several high-profile infrastructure projects, including the SR 28 Section A09 & A10, the expansion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway, and the SR 356 Climbing Lanes.

Currently serving as Senior Estimator and Project Manager at Gulisek Construction, Josh has taken on a leadership role, helping to mentor the next generation of heavy civil managers. His dedication to the development of the construction industry extends beyond his company, as he chairs the local Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in Western Pennsylvania and serves on the national steering committee for the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

Before joining Gulisek Construction, Josh was Senior Project Manager at Plum Contracting, Inc., where he played an integral role in bidding, managing, and delivering successful projects across the western Pennsylvania region.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he continues to mentor civil engineering students in construction estimating. Outside of his professional life, Josh is married to his high school sweetheart, Lacey, and they reside in Armagh, PA with their three daughters. Outside of construction, Josh enjoys traveling, playing guitar at his local church, and spending time with his family.

Leon has been involved with the AGC since his move to the Gulf Coast Region in 2012. He has been an active member of AGC Louisiana and is a lead instructor for the AGC CM-Lean course, having instructed numerous cohort trainings for his organization since he came a AGC Lean Construction Education Instructor in 2021. On a national level he now serves on the AGC Lean Construction Committee. Leon has worked in the New Orleans, LA area and surrounding region since 2012, with a passion and focus on Operational and Organizational effectiveness including Best Practices Identification and Implementation. His drive for continuous improvement and proactive innovative solutions dovetailed well into Lean Construction Principles & Processes. He became CM-Lean certified in 2019 and took the Leadership role as an Executive for the Lean Implementation Program and overall Lean Transformation for his organization. 

Lionel Foster is Head of Platform at Camber Creek and supports the firm’s relationships with key constituents, including current and prospective investors, team members, and portfolio companies. Prior to joining Camber Creek, Lionel was Communications Director at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, where he focused on topics such as urban development. He also has prior work experience at the Baltimore City Department of Planning and with Merrill Lynch’s Investment Banking group. Lionel has a BA from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in urban planning from the London School of Economics, where he studied as a British Marshall Scholar. He earned a JD at Georgetown Law. 

Gretchen’s father telling her she could not attend engineering school because “girls don’t study engineering” not only inspired her to complete a degree in mechanical engineering; it also fueled her passion for inclusivity. After a successful career as Ralston Purina’s first female manufacturing operations manager, Gretchen transitioned to advising large mining, energy, and construction industry organizations as a Director at FMI. She collaborates with her clients to solve strategic challenges that improve capital program delivery, senior leadership effectiveness, inclusivity, and profitability. Her clients included GM, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Dominion Energy, Newcrest Mining, DPR Construction, and TYLin. Gretchen holds an MBA and in 2018 completed her doctoral studies in leadership, organization culture, and change/agility.  

Gretchen’s 2021 induction into the National Academy of Construction, along with her creation of a successful women’s leadership program in the pipeline and crane industries in Australia, inspired her to devote more energy into building inclusive mining, energy, and construction industries. Her book, Building Women Leaders: A Blueprint for Women Thriving in Construction (Wiley US), is available on Amazon.com, and you can find her leadership podcast, Greatness, on Spotify. Gretchen is also the Founder and CEO of Women Thriving in Construction – A Global Institute created to lead and fund collaborative stakeholder efforts to promote women in the construction industry. Gretchen divides her time between Australia and the US and enjoys time with her two wonderful grown children, traveling, and playing as much golf as possible!  

Max Gallaway’s journey in the electrical industry began at the dinner table, where he was immersed in discussions about the intricacies of the business by his parents. This early exposure sparked a passion that would drive Max’s career in the years to come. 

After completing his college education, Max embarked on a professional journey that included nearly a decade of valuable experience working for two distinguished electrical contractors. This hands-on experience equipped him with a deep understanding of the industry, from technical nuances to project management intricacies. 

Max’s dedication to the electrical field extends beyond his day-to-day work as he actively engages with industry associations at both local and national levels. His involvement with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) showcased his commitment to the industry’s growth and development. Max’s contributions to the Builders’ board and the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) underscore his leadership qualities and his dedication to fostering collaboration within the construction community. 

On the NECA (National Electrical Contractors Associations) front, Max has been an active participant in as well. His roles within NECA, including contributions to the National Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (NJATC) and a focus on innovation, demonstrate his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry advancements. 

Max’s journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the family business, Max Electric, Inc. Bringing together a blend of experience, technological acumen, and a knack for salesmanship, Max has played a crucial role in driving steady growth for Max Electric. His leadership has not only shaped the trajectory of the family business but has also left a positive impact on the industry at large. 

As a speaker, Max Gallaway has previously spoken twice at the NECA EMERGE conference about Data Center Construction as well as Service & Maintenance Technology. Max brings a wealth of experience and insights, offering audiences a unique perspective on the evolution of the electrical industry, the significance of industry involvement, and the intersection of technology and business in achieving SAFE sustained growth. 

As President and CEO of Trinal, Inc., Mrs. Garcia-Abner manages the company and supervises key personnel, including the Chief of Operations and Senior Project Managers. She oversees the enhancement of Trinal’s proprietary software, the Global Project Tracking System® (GPTS®), ensuring it meets industry standards. Her expertise includes construction and project management, procurement policy development, and contract compliance monitoring. She also assists in marketing consulting services, negotiating contracts, and managing projects from start to finish. 

For nearly two decades, Mrs. Garcia-Abner has led a consultancy focused on the economic development of women and minority-owned businesses. Under her leadership, Trinal has served various industries, promoting diversity in hiring and advising senior management in both public and private sectors. Previously, she held significant roles in the City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement and Chicago Public Schools. 

Mrs. Garcia-Abner holds a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration from Governors State University and a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University. She is a certified Master Compliance Administrator and has received numerous awards, including the HACIA Professional Service Firm of the Year and the Keeper of the Dream Award. Appointed by Chicago mayors as Commissioner for Special Service Area No. 42, she is active in trade associations and serves on the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors. She is also a Board Member of the Better Government Association. 

Bio coming soon.

Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business and is a faculty member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management. 

Renowned for his insights into the fascinating convergence of AI and business, Zach is a frequent guest speaker at industry conferences and is an upcoming TEDx speaker. Additionally, he conducts intensive AI trainings and implementations, tailored to equip organizations with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively harness AI, fueling their marketing, sales, administration and operating abilities and driving revenue growth. 

Zach’s consulting acumen spans a diverse array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to dynamic startups. His professional journey has taken him from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg and back to the USA, where he co-founded GCM. 

Denise Gold joined AGC of America’s staff in September 1996 and currently serves as Vice President, Corporate & Labor Legal Affairs.  

As AGC’s in-house corporate counsel, Denise manages all of the organization’s and its affiliates’ corporate legal affairs, supporting business development, risk management, and compliance efforts. Her responsibilities include drafting and negotiating association contracts, protecting association intellectual property, advising on corporate governance, and more.   

Denise also serves as AGC’s subject-matter expert on labor and employment law and labor relations. In this role, she supports the association’s advocacy efforts and provides staff, members, and chapters with information, analysis, resources, and guidance on a broad array of traditional labor, employment, and HR legal and practical matters. 

Prior to joining AGC, Denise worked in private practice as a labor and employment lawyer and consultant in the Detroit, Michigan, area.  She earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1991 and a B.A. with distinction from the University of Michigan in 1988. 

Scott Green is the Field Technology & Innovation Director for Alberici Constructors and is responsible for bridging the gap from the office to the field with use of technology and innovation on projects. 

MBA University of Cincinnati & BSCE University of New Mexico – 18 years of experience on all three coasts with the last eight in Ohio. Professional focus on transportation and heavy civil alternative delivery, alternative technical concepts, value engineering change proposals, expedited project delivery, and partnering.

With a decade of hands-on experience in Virtual Design and Construction at a design/build architecture and construction firm, I bring a unique blend of practical hands on expertise with innovative exploration to the teams I work with. Grant current works as an industry engagement and community leader in the reality capture industry at DroneDeploy. Strategically building and meaningful connections within our key markets of construction, renewable energy, and oil and gas. Passionate about enabling genuine connections, amplifying user stories, and driving collaboration in the world of reality capture.

Cheri is VP, Head of Construction Innovation and Sustainability at AXA XL, where she provides strategic leadership and direction in sustainable construction and innovation via the implementation of processes, technology, unique insurance solutions, and enhanced customer service initiatives across all construction lines of business.  

Dedicated to supporting AXA XL’s Partners’ innovation efforts, sustainability, and technological maturity, which improve both individual enterprises, and the industry as a whole. Committed to developing innovative insurance solutions to support sustainably focused, technology-forward, innovative companies. Thought-leader, ambassador and spokesperson for AXA XL, presenting at industry events and educational organizations. 

Cheri has more than 3 decades of industry experience in insurance, sustainable building, preconstruction, construction operations, and project management.  

Nick is an Accredited Drug Screening Industry Consultant, advisor, subject matter expert, professional researcher, trainer, and speaker who has built, implemented, and managed drug-free workplace programs for thousands of employers across the U.S. and abroad for over 18 years. 

The Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI) focuses on state, federal, case law, subject-specific compliance research, policy, training, education, litigation support, research, and consulting. 

Eric Hays founded Hays Electrical Services in 2007 with a focus on strategic growth and delivering a full range of electrical solutions. Known for his exceptional drive and dedication, Eric has led the company’s rapid expansion across all business aspects. At the core of his leadership is a commitment to relationship-building and contract negotiations, which have been key to Hays’ success. Eric places immense value on maintaining strong partnerships, earning the trust and respect of both customers and staff. Outside of work, Eric is an avid hunting enthusiast who brings the same positive, goal-driven mindset to the woods as he does to leading the company. 

Dr. Irish Horsey has worked as an award-winning construction professional with over 25 years in the AEC industry and academia.  Dr. Horsey is the Director of Industry Advancement for Procore.  She is an effective senior leader and thought leader responsible for scaling business operations and industry transformation. Dr. Horsey and her team expand the reach of Procore by advancing the construction industry through education and technology.  She serves on the boards of numerous construction professional and academic organizations supporting education and research, workforce development, and industry transformation. Prior to joining Procore, she was an accomplished construction manager.  She worked for leading AEC organizations in the public and private sectors delivering successful projects and programs.

Dr. Horsey is also an educator of construction management.  Her academic career includes working as  professor at the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Department of Construction Management where she was the  founder and advisor of the Kennesaw Women in Construction (KWIC) organization.  She also served as Interim Department Chair.  She credits her success in the industry to making her a better professor and advisor to her students.

Dr. Horsey has received numerous awards and recognitions and is passionate about industry advancement.  She is distinguished as the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Building Construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she is a part-time professor and serves on the industry advisory board in the School of Building Construction. She has been recognized by Engineering Georgia as one of the 50 Most Notable Women in Engineering.  Dr. Horsey  believes her greatest contributions to the built environment are recruiting and educating its future leaders and advancing the industry through creating a more inclusive construction workforce.

Mr. Howard serves as Counsel for Federal & Regulatory Affairs at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in Washington, D.C. He oversees a broad portfolio of federal construction policy matters, advancing AGC’s legislative and regulatory priorities on Capitol Hill and with executive agencies. As AGC’s chief liaison to federal entities that procure and regulate construction services, including military and international construction, Mr. Howard leads strategic engagement with senior agency officials, congressional offices, and key stakeholders to advocate for the interests of the federal and heavy construction industry.

He received his J.D. from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and earned his B.A. (Magna Cum Laude) in English and Political Science from Texas Tech University. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland.  Jordan has been recognized as one of D.C.’s top 100 lobbyists in both 2022 and 2023 by the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics.

Jen Johnson is the Chief Product Officer (CPO) at ConstructConnect, where she leads Product Management, Product Marketing, User Experience, User Research, and Marketing. Since joining the company in 2008, Jen has played a pivotal role in driving innovation, enhancing user experiences, and positioning ConstructConnect as a leader in construction technology. 

With a strong technical foundation in Computer Science and an MBA from Georgia Tech, Jen blends deep analytical expertise with a customer-centric approach to product and marketing strategy. She is passionate about solving complex industry challenges, streamlining workflows, and delivering solutions that empower construction professionals. 

Beyond her role at ConstructConnect, Jen serves as President of AEC Cares, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming communities in need through pro bono design and construction projects. AEC Cares brings together architects, engineers, contractors, and industry leaders to make a meaningful impact through volunteer-driven initiatives. 

Under her leadership, ConstructConnect has expanded its product capabilities, refined its go-to-market strategy, and strengthened its brand presence. Jen is a champion for data-driven decision-making, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

An advocate for technology-driven transformation in construction, Jen frequently speaks on topics such as AI in construction, product innovation, and the future of construction tech. 

Overseeing the technological infrastructure, strategy, and innovation initiatives to drive business growth. 

Richard Jones is an experienced therapist, clinician, and healthcare entrepreneur operating primarily in the behavioral health space. Richard has wide-ranging professional experience across nearly all behavioral health domains. This includes mental health, substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, and intellectual disabilities. He has over 20 years’ management experience and has been instrumental in the launch and rebuild of multiple programs nationwide. Richard is passionate about providing quality care and supporting people in need. He has been the founding CEO of two non-profit organizations and two for-profit businesses dedicated to disrupting the behavioral health space for the betterment of people in need.  

Neil Jones is Egnyte’s Cybersecurity Evangelist. He possesses more than 15 years of experience in the IT Security space, and has worked in a variety of different roles in the field, including product marketing, sales and even product pricing. He’s been a designated Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) since 2008. In his spare time, he’s an avid hiker, traveler and blogger. 

Bill is an award-winning attorney with over 38 years of experience in the workplace drug and alcohol testing industry. He is the Co-Founder & Chief Research Attorney of the Drug Screening Compliance Institute (DSCI), focusing on state, federal, and subject-specific compliance research, policy development and review, training, education, litigation support, and consulting. 

Nick Kakasenko, VP of Health and Safety for Sterling Infrastructure – Nick Kakasenko brings a deep knowledge of construction safety, backed by 25+ years of experience in the industry. In his current role as VP of Health and Safety for Sterling Infrastructure, he oversees safety for 9 national divisions and over 3,000 employees. Sterling has a world-class safety program with some of the lowest incident rates in the industry. 

Bryan Kelley is a Vice President at Balfour Beatty Construction. A construction law attorney, Bryan manages the company’s legal matters in the Pacific Northwest. Bryan graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Classical Studies and attended law school at Pepperdine University. He started his law career at OIes Morrison Rinker & Baker LLP, becoming an equity partner before joining Balfour Beatty in 2016. Bryan is a recipient of the AGC of Washington Associate of the Year Award and a “Rising Star” according to Washington Law & Politics Magazine. He serves on the board of AGC of Washington and Seattle Children’s Theatre and is Vice Chair of AGC of America’s Contract Documents Forum. Bryan lives in Seattle with his wife, April, and their two children. 

Mandi is a Central Washington University alum of the safety and health management program and currently serves as the director of safety for AGC of Washington. She also has a bachelor’s degree in foreign language and teaches Spanish for supervisors in the construction industry. She recently earned her master’s degree in Safety & Health Management and published a thesis and employer best practice guide on mental health interventions in construction. Mandi has worked in AGC’s safety department for 20 years, helping members with safety programs, training, doing safety team inspections, working on legislative/regulatory issues pertaining to safety, and serving on various safety committees. Mandi currently serves as the co-chair of the AGC of America Chapter Safety Leadership committee. Mandi enjoys spending time camping and traveling with her family, including her 14-year-old daughter and 10-year-old triplets. Mandi was the only safety professional selected by Construction Business Owner for the 2019 class of top 20 Outstanding women in construction from 200 nominees and was featured in their November 2019 issue.

Bio coming soon.

Thorvaldur “Thor” Konradsson is Project Executive for Skanska USA Civil West responsible for project delivery. Thor has 35 years of experience in heavy civil construction including both U.S. and international experience in highway, transit, dam, tunnel, hydroelectric, and fish passages. He has served in key leadership roles on various Skanska Northwest projects for 15 years including Skanska’s Lynnwood Link Extension L300 – NE 200th Street to Lynnwood Transit Center Project. Thor recently received the AGC of Washington 2025 Project Manager of the Year Award in recognition of his project leadership on multiple Skanska projects. 

Karrie Kratz is vice president and business leader for Gilbane Building Company’s Chicago operations. In this role, Karrie is responsible for driving consistency and excellence in Chicago while overseeing all projects and employees in the local area. She combines her business background, strong technical building skills, and collaborative approach to lead more than 270 team members in Chicago and surrounding areas effectively. 

Karrie started her career with Gilbane in 1999, where she moved through the ranks as a field accountant, quality control manager, superintendent, project manager, and operations manager for Gilbane’s Chicago business. In 2021, Karrie was named business leader for the Chicago office. Recent key projects include Illinois Institute of Technology’s Student Housing Program and Ivanhoe Cambridge/Hines 10 and 120 S. Riverside Plaza Redevelopment. In addition, Karrie is representing Gilbane on the Chicago Community Builders Collective (CCBC), and eight-firm minority-led joint venture partnership, serving as the general contractor for the Bally’s Chicago Casino project. 

As a leader, Karrie participates in several local organizations that reflect her passion for improving advancement opportunities for women in the construction industry and mentoring and engaging youth in local communities to explore potential career opportunities in the construction industry. Karrie leads Gilbane’s Chicago chapter of empoWer, an employee resource group that advocates for the advancement of women within the construction industry, and also serves on the board of directors for the ACE Mentor Program Chicago. 

In addition, Karrie enjoys bringing positive change to the industry by participating in local industry organizations such as the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors and the Lean Construction Institute.  

Karrie holds a bachelor’s degree from the New England Institute of Technology in architectural building engineering technology and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Karrie was named vice president in 2016. 

With over a decade of experience with the 3M company in a variety of technical and leadership roles, Jason Kunz demonstrates his passion for the safety and health profession across multiple platforms. A forward-thinker, with the objective to elevate the safety, health and well-being of all workers, Jason uses his voice to amplify the profession and the professional. His life journey, blessings, and struggles have inspired a commitment to building professional communities that ensure an empowerment of their people. Jason is a husband, co-founder of Best Christmas Ever speaker, coach, and community advocate. He’s a CIH and CSP, but mostly grateful to have a J-O-B and work with some of the most passionate and compassionate people on the planet. Married since 2019, Jason and his wife Malia recently welcomed their first child and call Minneapolis-Saint Paul home. 

Jennifer Lacy has been in the construction industry for over 20 years and is Robins & Morton’s Building Forward® Lean Practice Leader. She is responsible for the continued advancement of the company’s Building Forward® approach, which is based on Lean philosophies. She is a published author, hosts a weekly YouTube live stream and is a frequent speaker at national conferences such as Lean Congress, Associated General Contractors’ Annual Conference, Healthcare Facilities Symposium and more. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Operations Management from Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

Brian Langhorst is an Industry Partnerships Manager with Procore Technologies based in Austin, TX. Brian has a passion for finding and collaborating with the best technologies available in the construction industry. After moving to Austin, TX in 2007, he spent 4 years in electrical distribution sales, and another 5 years in heavy equipment rentals. Brian joined Procore in 2017 to pursue his passion for bringing technology and innovation to the construction market. With nearly 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Brian now connects technologists, thought leaders and industry associations to continue to drive advancement and innovation. 

Jay Langston is an experienced Construction Executive with a demonstrated history of managing teams and projects in the construction industry. Skilled in Value Engineering, Project Scheduling, Project Estimation, Feasibility Studies and Design-Build Projects. Strong program and project management professional with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) focused in Business Administration, Management and Operations from the University of Florida. 

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. 

Joe is currently the chair of the Contract Documents Forum of the Associated General Contractors of America and is active in the American Bar Association Construction Law Forum, Indiana State Bar Association Construction and Surety Law Section as the past-chair, Associated General Contractors of Indiana, and Indiana Constructors, Inc.  Joe has been recognized as an Indiana Super Lawyer in the practice area of Construction Litigation, 2013-2024. He has received an AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating from Martindale Hubbell. Joe also received honors for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED, AP), and Outstanding Service Award, City of Indianapolis. 

CEO and association counsel leading organization’s efforts in labor relations, public advocacy and business education & training. Serves as a member of the City of Cleveland’s Fannie Mae Lewis Residency Construction Advisory Committee and as a trustee for the pension, annuity and health & welfare plans for many of the construction trades. Also serves as a Board Member for the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (https://www.ifebp.org/).

Chris is an accomplished IT professional with almost 30 years of experience ranging from hands on systems management to Information System strategic planning. Chris has a passion for collaborating with end users to facilitate the collection and analysis of data, empowering them to make informed decisions that drive business success.  He received a master’s degree in Information Systems Project Management from The George Washington University and is now the CIO at AGC National. Before AGC, Chris led the IT department at the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed) for 3 years and at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) for 17 years.  He has also worked as an IT consultant at Ernst and Young among other consulting firms. 

Pete Machalek is a consultant and skill-builder who specializes in helping Architecture, Engineering, and Construction professionals present themselves with confident presence, everywhere from the networking floor to the interviewing spotlight.  

In 2001, Pete and his partner co-founded SagePresence around their backgrounds in filmmaking, from which they forged a unique expertise in cultivating presence and storytelling skills in others. Throughout its history, SagePresence has focused on helping A/E/C firms grow by cultivating their client-facing team members into brand advocates of the firm, building professional relationships with prospects and clients and presenting with confident presence in shortlist interview presentations, ultimately leading client firms to win projects worth over $16 billion.  

Roy leads development, implementation and support of VDC workflows across DPR’s Central Region. A 2012 Virginia Tech Building Construction Graduate, Roy has solid experience implementing and executing VDC strategies that add value to DPR projects. As the Central Region VDC Leader, he helps DPR project teams across Texas to leverage established VDC technologies both in the office and the field, and supports model-based project management, process workflows, and construction technology deployment from pre-construction through closeout. Outside of construction, Roy enjoys sampling local craft beer and wine, hiking with his wife, and working on his family’s cattle farm in the mountains of Virginia. 

Pete Malmberg, Senior Lead Estimator at C&C Drywall, draws from 35 years of construction industry experience spanning residential development through large-scale commercial projects. Currently managing estimates for multi-story mixed-use developments, educational facilities, and healthcare centers, he develops practical technology solutions for construction processes. His background in both construction management and software implementation provides insight into streamlining industry workflows. 

A labor lawyer with 36 years of experience, Andy is the President and CEO of Martone Legal concentrating in the practice of labor and employment law, with a background in industry and human resources. 

Andy routinely counsels clients and handles matters before the NLRB, EEOC, the Department of Labor, OSHA, and numerous other federal and state agencies. He regularly represents clients in employment-related litigation in federal and state courts throughout the country (including cases based on race, gender, disability, religion, harassment, national origin, FMLA, veteran status, retaliatory discharge, the False Claims Act, and public policy discharge cases). Andy has defended clients in more than 275 federal cases. 

Andy has extensive experience in opposing union organizing campaigns, union decertification, negotiating labor agreements and arbitrating contract grievances and has advised clients in labor and employment matters in 49 states, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Japan, France, and the UK. Andy regularly negotiates an average of twelve collective bargaining agreements per year, advises clients on labor relations issues on a day-to-day basis, arbitrates several cases each year and acts as national counsel for labor and employment matters for numerous companies and employer associations. 

Bob McCall is the Director of Safety for the Master Builders’ Association of Western Pennsylvania (MBA). He has headed MBA’s safety department since 1996, assisting members with safety program development, training, safety audits, and bringing best practices in construction safety and health to the regions’ jobsites.

Bob is an active participant in several industry initiatives. He is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America’s Safety and Health Committee where he serves as a member of their Steering Committee and the vice-chair of the Chapter Safety Professionals Subcommittee. Additionally, he serves on the National Safety Council’s Board of Delegates and is the immediate past chair of their Construction and Utilities Division.

In 2022, Bob was awarded the National Safety Council’s most prestigious individual honor, the Distinguished Service to Safety Award.

Rob McKinney has worked as a safety professional in the construction industry since 2001. He worked his way up from a site Safety coordinator to Safety Director. He has participated in safety-focused groups such as the ASSE, AGC, and other Construction Trade Associations. His love for technology led him to create a blog site dedicated to constriction technology and help co-found the ConTechCrew podcast. Rob has delivered presentations at national and regional construction conferences since 2013. He is focused on educational efforts for the construction industry about the benefits of using technology to improve safety workflows and mental health efforts.  Rob is currently a member of the SALUS team, cohosting the Frontline Focus podcast, and focused on sharing the benefits of mental fitness training. 

Beginning as a trainee in the surety department at St. Paul (Seaboard) Insurance Company in 1988, and eventually working his way up to Branch Manager in Los Angeles by 1994 and Regional Underwriting Director in the New York region by 1998, Mr. McMahon offers considerable surety underwriting experience.  

Over the last twenty-three years at Alliant Insurance Services, Mr. McMahon has been instrumental in the management of large surety placements, providing his expertise in all areas of surety. His extensive network of surety and construction industry professionals coupled with his vast base of surety knowledge proves to be an invaluable asset. 

Qualifications 

Mr. McMahon has been in the surety industry for over 35 years, providing surety and construction management advice to clients nationwide. His continued efforts in education, both in learning and teaching, have kept his expertise current and relevant, allowing him to provide the highest quality service to clients.   

Education  

Mr. McMahon earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Siena College, studied Construction Management (CM) Classes at New York University, obtained his Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB) designation, and attended the Management Development Program at the University of Southern California. 

Affiliations  

Mr. McMahon a Past President of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP). He served on the board of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of San Diego from 2002 through 2005 and returned to the board in 2012 until present.  In 2024 he was also appointed to the AGC National Board of Directors. 

Personal  

Larry is married to his high school sweetheart, Heather, and they have three children, Dillon (30), Mary (28) and Bailey (25). 

Chris is one of the leaders of the Construction Technology and Innovation department at Messer Construction Co., where he specializes in Virtual Design and Construction. With 20 years of experience in the construction industry, he plays a key role in driving technology adoption and strategic growth across multiple regions. Chris has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science for more than 12 years, where he shares his expertise with future industry leaders. Passionate about innovation, collaboration, and practical problem-solving, he is dedicated to advancing construction technology to enhance project efficiency and outcomes.  When he’s not at work you can find him spending time with his children building Lego’s, fishing, camping, or enjoying sporting events and activities.  Chris lived in Columbus in his youth but has called Cincinnati home since middle school.  O-H! 

Paul Messenger is the President of our Texas operations. Paul leads a team of innovative and technical construction surety and insurance professionals dedicated to delivering best-in-class service and solutions to our clients. Paul has 20 + years of construction risk management experience, helping clients with their most challenging insurance and risk management issues. With a focus on identifying contractors’ total cost of risk, Paul works tirelessly to help his clients reduce their cost of risk, putting more to the bottom line. Prior to joining American Global, Paul previously held leadership positions at large international brokerage firms. Other areas of expertise include risk financing, contractual risk transfer, controlled insurance programs, and subcontractor default insurance. Paul is active in several industry trade organizations and was on the board of directors for the Associated General Contractors of America from 2017-2018. Paul is a graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. 

Erin Mignano is the Vice President and General Manager of the Turner’s Cincinnati business unit. After graduating from The George Washington University with a major in Mechanical Engineering in 2005, Erin joined Turner Construction and has held a variety of assignments and positions in the delivery of the company’s work. The majority of her career has been spent in the field on projects before moving into leadership roles within Turner. Under Erin’s leadership, Turner has expanded its resume with award winning projects in Hospitality, Education, Healthcare, and Commercial Interiors. In 2023, Erin transferred from Turner’s Mid-Atlantic office to the Cincinnati office to take on her current role as the business leader for the greater Cincinnati region and Kentucky.  

As a result of Erin’s unique management style, over the years she was consistently nominated for projects that required highly technical insight and a collaborative approach to project execution. She is skilled in helping all team members understand the importance of working together and finding strategic ways to make projects successful. Erin is actively involved in Turner’s community engagement as well as local non-profit and industry organization boards in Cincinnati. She has been married for almost 15 years and has a 6-year-old son at home that keeps her on her toes. 

Jeff Montgomery is the Corporate Safety Director at IWR North America, a leading specialty contractor in building enclosure systems. Jeff has over 13 years of experience in the construction industry, with a focus on safety, health, and risk management. He is also the Vice President of Risk Management at MHS Legacy Group, a parent company of five subsidiaries that provide roofing, scaffolding, insulation, metal fabrication, and building envelope solutions. He holds several professional certifications, including SMS, CHST, CRIS, and CIT. He is an active member of the American Society of Safety Professionals and the Associated General Contractors of America. Jeff is passionate about creating a culture of safety and educating his team members on how to make the right choices. He believes that safety is not only a philosophy, but a way of life. 

Executive Director of Construction and Facilities Strategic Acquisitions. Leading team providing procurement and contract administration support to University System of Maryland and University of Maryland Baltimore construction project delivery. 

James Murphy joined Willmeng in 1999 as a project manager and spent time in every position in the firm, as he brought leadership to the most technically and time-challenged projects the firm had built to date. In January of 2006, he purchased the company when the owner died unexpectedly and became President and CEO. 

In addition to his role as CEO of a $800+ M general contracting firm, Murphy’s experience now leads him to teach at one of the largest construction colleges in the United States, where he works with students growing their careers. As an ASU Del E Webb School of Construction associate faculty member, his class on Field Leadership discusses the importance of leadership skills, career pathing, personality assessments and having important conversations to grow your career in this industry.  

One of the areas of focus and success for the growth company has been a comprehensive Public Relations plan to maximize digital and traditional communications and exposure to compliment the growth and change of the company. 

As the national leader of Wipfli’s Construction and Real Estate Strategy team, Tina works with construction and real estate clients across the country to assist them in getting all they want out of their business.  From creating the ideal future vision of the company, to attracting and engaging the right workforce, and ensuring an efficient operation, Tina helps owners and top executives achieve their individual and company ideal future state. 

Mark Ostach helps people find the courage to connect. A globally recognized speaker on Digital Wellness and frequently featured in the USA Today, Mark has done two TED talks, written 2 books, and spoken to thousands of people encouraging them to embrace a spirit of courage through vulnerability. Mark has degrees in psychology, technology, and an interest in behavioral neuroscience. His mission is to remind the world that human connection is the most powerful connection we have. So please check your phones one last time and get ready to be inspired by Mark Ostach! 

Jennifer Pawlewicz, MBA, brings over 2 decades of employer relations experience to her role as Business Outreach Specialist within the Yang Tan Institute at Cornell University. Jennifer’s areas of focus include employer best practices to recruit, hire, retain, and advance employees with disabilities, accessible and inclusive workplace cultures, small business, and universal design principles. 

Jennifer supports the USDOL-ODEP funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion/EARN grant providing national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment policy. She is also the liaison for the Federal Workforce Recruitment Program that connects employers with highly motivated postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities. 

Daniel Perdomo began at 5 Points Electrical in 2019 and helped foster a community throughout his time. Daniel began his journey as the service manager and quickly worked his way up to CEO within the span of 5 years of being at the company. He shared his vision of the company as a service manager and quickly became Director of Business Development. His impact led him to an executive role as Vice President of Business Development, and within just four years, he earned the role of CEO.  

Daniel, originally from the Dominican Republic, moved to the United States with no formal education but was determined to succeed. He enrolled in courses to complete his high school and college education, setting a strong foundation for his future. In 2007, he began his entrepreneurial journey in Florida, running a successful business for four years selling electrical generators, just as he had done prior to relocating to Georgia. In Georgia, he expanded his experience by working in various fields, including the transportation industry, where he advanced from manager to district manager. During this time, he played a key role in innovating the transportation profession by integrating aspects of childcare services. He realized he enjoyed the managerial roles and worked his way into the electrical field by joining 5 Points Electrical.  

Over the past two years, he has also secured a significant partnership with Turner, marking a major milestone for the company. This relationship helped launch 5 Points’ work at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, expanding our footprint in the aviation industry and diversifying our market presence. Additionally, 5 Points has grown in the mission-critical and healthcare sectors, contributing to our curated success as we scaled our revenue from $5 million to an impressive $42 million so far.  

Along with the other executives, Daniel has guided 5 Point to receive multiple recognitions, including three consecutive years of awards from Atlanta’s Business Chronicle and the Association of Corporate Growth. Representing 5 Points with pride, he has served as a previous board member and now secretary of the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association, and in 2024, he joined the board of the National Association of Minority Council.  

In addition to these leadership roles, Daniel has participated on panels and acted as a spokesperson at major Atlanta events, including Invesco and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta event. His contributions have significantly raised 5 Points’ visibility and influence across the industry.  

Among all the success 5 Points has had, Daniel’s proudest accomplishment is his marriage of 32 years and being the father of four, as his two oldest works in the healthcare industry.   

 He is proud of his family and happy to be in a career he’s passionate about the future of 5 Points and the community that’s been formed. He finds great pride in his family and gratitude for a career that fuels his passion for the future of 5 Points Electrical and the strong community that’s been created.  

Brian Perlberg is the Senior Counsel for Construction Law & Contract Documents at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). He serves as AGC’s lead in-house attorney for all construction law and contract matters. He serves as the Executive Director & Counsel for ConsensusDocs, an unprecedented industry-wide coalition of 40 construction organizations dedicated to drafting best practice construction contracts. Mr. Perlberg serves on the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry Steering Committee for the Contract Documents, and the advisory boards to Construction SuperConference and WPL Publishing.

Manoj Perumal is the Co-Founder and COO of Mojo AI, shaping Mojo AI’s vision of fostering strong safety culture in high-risk workplaces. Manoj has held executive roles at companies like Brilliant Science, Verisys and Carrus, where he drove growth through AI innovations. His diverse background in operations, product development, and analytics reflects his commitment to driving innovation and safety across the globe. Manoj received his MBA from Wake Forest University School of Business and has an undergraduate degree in electrical and electronic engineering. He resides in Salt Lake City with his family. 

Ashley Phelps is the Assistant Director of Supply Chain Management at Gilbane Building Company. With the use of Lean strategies and tactics, her focus is ensuring project teams have the capacity and capability to streamline the procurement process and enhance relationships with key business partners. Prior to her roll in Supply Chain, Ashley lead Gilbane’s Advanced Planning and Scheduling department. With a background in scheduling, she coached teams on Lean planning and scheduling techniques with an emphasis on continuous improvement.

In over a decade of construction experience ranging from superintendent work to drafting, Ashley thrives on the complexities of building construction and building relationships with trade workers, owners, and architects.

In addition to her role at Gilbane, Ashley is vice chair of AGC’s Lean Forum and sits on the Board of Governors for the Associated General Contractors of America. She is also a board member for AGC’s Education and Research Foundation. Ashley is currently an adjunct professor at New England Institute of Technology where she teaches Construction Delivery Methods and Lean for Construction. She received her BS degree from New England Institute of Technology and her MBA from Nichols College.

As General Counsel for AGC of America, Leah serves as a strategic advisor to the association’s leadership, helping guide AGC’s advocacy, compliance, and risk management efforts. Her work is focused on identifying legal issues of concern to the construction industry and developing strategies to help contractors minimize their risk and liability, ensure compliance, and build our quality of life. Leah supports the association’s advocacy actions across all branches of government, including representing AGC’s 28,000+ member companies in federal agency rulemaking and permitting, identifying opportunities for regulatory reform, testifying before U.S. Congress, and managing AGC’s litigation program.

In addition to her legal and policy work, Leah directs AGC’s risk management programs, covering insurance, bonding, contract administration, safety, health, and environmental compliance. Additionally, Leah plays a pivotal role in knowledge dissemination through newsletters, educational resources, and web-based tools, further cementing AGC’s position as a leader in construction risk management.

David leads the Product team at Bridgit, overseeing the ongoing development of Bridgit Bench, the leading workforce planning solution for General Contractors. He has a strong understanding of the complexities and challenges of planning throughout all phases of construction and works closely with Bridgit’s partners to transform the way they manage their workforce. 

Pat Prendergast is Vice President – Operations for Skanska USA Civil West overseeing large project delivery in multiple western states. Pat is currently serving as Skanska’s Project Executive on the $834 million I-405, Brickyard to SR527 Improvement Project for Washington Department of Transportation. Pat has led dozens of heavy civil construction projects for 23 years of various types including highway, transit, mining, airport, and heavy rail. Pat’s leadership includes serving as Vice President on Skanska’s Lynnwood Link Extension L300 – NE 200th Street to Lynnwood Transit Center Project. 

Bio coming soon.

Sean Ray, VP of Craft Workforce Development for Sundt Construction, was recently named to the Board of Trustees for the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). He is also the past Chairman of the NCCER Workforce Development Committee. He has been an active member of the WFD committee for eight years. Ray is an industry veteran and passionate advocate for the skilled trades who has dedicated the latter part of his career to helping close America’s skills gap. He oversees the recruitment and training of approximately 2,000 skilled craft professionals across a dozen trades at Sundt. Ray and his team developed and implemented a successful workforce development partnership with Central Arizona College (CAC) that certify craft workers to NCCER standards and train students to become the next generation of construction professionals. Sundt and CAC received the 2020 Bellwether Award for their partnership. In 2025, Sundt won the SCOAR (Southeastern Owners and Associates Roundtable) Workforce Development Program of the Year award for their Fundamentals of Crew Leadership program. 
 
Ray entered the construction industry in 1994 as a pipefitter’s helper and quickly advanced to journeyman pipefitter, foreman, and quality control roles. He entered management in 2003 as a superintendent and has served as manager, quality manager and operations manager. Prior to the construction industry, Ray served in the United States Navy as a sonar technician on the USS Vincennes, a guided missile cruiser. When not on watch hunting submarines, he was in charge of maintenance on cooling skids for the sonar system, marking his introduction to piping systems. 

Tom Reilly is President of Turner Construction Company and a leading force in defining the company’s strategy, strengthening client relationships, and expanding Turner’s global impact. He plays a central role in driving the growth of Turner’s Enterprise Services and positioning the company for long-term success.

Tom oversees Turner’s Enterprise Services—including SourceBlue, Turner Engineering Group, Self-Perform Operations, and xPL Offsite—which are essential to delivering integrated solutions that improve project outcomes. SourceBlue is Turner’s global sourcing company, providing critical procurement and supply chain expertise. xPL Offsite implements offsite strategies and supply chain transparency to accelerate project delivery and enhance safety. Tom’s leadership has also been instrumental in expanding Turner’s presence in the advanced technology sector through Dornan Engineering, an Ireland-based firm active across Europe.

Throughout his career at Turner, Tom has led complex projects across commercial, healthcare, education, research, and Federal sectors. Notably, he helped lead Turner’s effort to rapidly deliver post-9/11 baggage screening systems at every airport across the United States—an urgent and complex undertaking that showcased Turner’s ability to respond at scale with speed, precision, and innovation.

Tom also serves as Vice-Chair of the Construction Industry Round Table (CIRT), where he champions initiatives that drive innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the built environment. Tom actively supports organizations that make a difference in the lives of others, including LIV Like a Unicorn, which helps children battling brain cancer, and Lunch Break, which provides food, clothing, and life skills to those in need. His leadership shapes Turner’s future while reflecting a deep commitment to advancing the construction industry and strengthening communities.

Lauren is an owner and Controller at Reiman Corp. A family owned construction company in business for over 75 years.  Lauren is also an active AGC supporter serving as the Board President of the AGC WY chapter for years. 

Curtis Rodgers is a Partner at Brick & Mortar Ventures, Founder of The Society for Construction Solutions (SCS)/Expeditionary Operations Group (EXOG), and engineering technology advisor to R3 Sustainability – an infrastructure developer. Curtis developed his passion for construction as an engineer at Kiewit. Over a six-year period, he led process improvement for projects in the defense, mining, energy, infrastructure, and commercial markets. Curtis co-hosted the NASA Centennial 3D Printed Habitat Challenge in 2016 and lectured for the US DOE’s Project Leadership Institute in 2017 and 2018.

Sean has been involved with the AGC since his days as a member of the Texas A&M University student chapter. He has been an active member of AGC Houston serving as a former Chair of the Construction Leadership Council, currently sitting as a member of the Houston Education and Professional Development Committee and is a lead instructor for the AGC CM-Lean course, having instructed numerous trainings for both his organization and AGC members since its implementation.  

On a national level he serves on the AGC Lean Construction Committee. Sean has worked in the Houston, Texas area and surrounding region since 2001, running projects in the role of Project Manager, and most recently as Preconstruction Manager, where he enjoys the early involvement in project development, and engagement with the client and design teams, and the opportunity that provides for ideal Lean implementation. 

Jeff Sample has devoted the past 25+ years to transforming companies. Jeff optimizes companies throughout the construction industry by designing solutions, optimizing strategic advantages, and breaking down information silos. His passion for outdoor adventure and Ironman competitions garnered him the moniker “The Ironman of IT.” 
 
As Industry Evangelist for Join, Jeff promotes collaboration and the transformation of preconstruction to help project teams reach their potential. His depth of IT experience in various industries and his passion for continuous improvement has made Jeff a popular speaker and vocal thought leader in construction, spending much of his time educating on multiple topics to better the industry as a whole. 

Casey Savlov is the Executive Vice-President at Vita Industrial. Vita’s mission is to eliminate preventable deaths and accidents in the industrial/construction and aerospace industries through modern technology solutions.  

Mr. Savlov’s background is a testament to his passion for moving the construction industry forward bringing technology solutions to the industry that support safety, productivity and innovation. Before joining Vita, Mr. Savlov held the position of Vice President of Sales at Versatile, many years prior as Regional Manager of Oracle’s Construction and Engineering business unit and before then as Vice President of Aconex.  In all roles, he and his teams delivered innovative technology solutions around the world to enhance productivity and safety across the industry. 

When Mr. Savlov isn’t working to help advance the construction industry with technology, you can find him enjoying live music as well as his children’s hockey, swimming, and dance competitions. 

Harry Schmidt is the Director of Business Strategies for O’Shea Builders.  In addition to guiding the organization’s strategic planning efforts, Harry also assists with financial and operational planning.  He has been a key leader of various Lean initiatives for the organization teaching, coaching, and mentoring design and construction teams in the field. Harry formerly served as the President & CEO of Passavant Area Hospital and as the Vice President of Facilities Management at Memorial Health System.  Before his tenure in healthcare, Harry served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force as an F/A-18 and F-16 pilot.  During that time, Harry was both a graduate and instructor at both the Navy’s TOPGUN fighter weapons school as well as the Air Force weapons school.  The principles of continuous improvement that applied to creating the best fighter pilots in the world apply directly to operational excellence in healthcare and construction.  

Felipe Serrano is a Project Manager in the healthcare group starting with Brasfield & Gorrie in April 2025. He has 10 years of construction experience in the DFW area in ground up hospital projects and renovations. A certified healthcare constructor, Felipe’s drive to innovate how we deliver projects in the healthcare space keep his curiosity high to challenge status quo and push the construction industry to new horizons. At home, Felipe spends time renovating the house or playing sports with his family.

Jeff Shoaf is the CEO of AGC of America.

Derek Sikora is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Vita Inclinata Technologies, where he leads the company’s programs and products for the aerospace and industrial divisions. With a background in aerospace systems design and mechatronics engineering, his passion for engineering man-machined teamed solutions ignited early, engineering Navy ship mission systems during his youth. Derek’s career has encompassed work in aircrew gunnery simulation, training, and passive sense-and-avoid technology for manned and unmanned aircraft. His mission is to engineer intelligent systems that complement the efforts of man, exemplified best by the Vita Load Navigator and Vita Rescue systems technology. Underpinning values for his and his team’s efforts are compressed engineering cycles and diligently listening to the voice of the customer. 

Ken Simonson has been chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America since 2001. He provides insight into the economy and what it implies for construction and related industries through frequent media interviews, presentations and the Data DIGest, his weekly one-page e-newsletter that goes to more than 20,000 subscribers.   

 Ken has more than 40 years of experience analyzing, advocating and communicating about economic and tax issues. He is a Fellow and past president of the National Association for Business Economics, and he is co-director of the Tax Economists Forum, a professional meeting group he co-founded in 1982.  

 Ken has a BA in economics from the University of Chicago, and an MA in economics from Northwestern University.  

With over 18 years in the construction industry, Kassy is a passionate advocate for the sector, believing that the future of the built world rests in the hands of construction. 

In her current role, Kassy leads conversations about the industry, with the industry—covering topics like the workforce shortage, company culture, and the technology trends shaping the future of construction. She is passionate about addressing the PR challenges facing the industry, working to reshape perceptions and highlight the value and gratification that come from a career in construction. 
 
Before joining Procore, Kassy managed high-profile commercial, luxury retail, and multifamily projects in General Contracting PM and Owner Representative roles for 10 years. In her 9 years at Procore, she has played a key leadership role in construction education, helping others understand the complexities of the industry and the transformative power of culture and education. 
 
Outside of her professional life, Kassy is an avid adventurer, enjoying hiking, whitewater kayaking, and exploring the outdoors. 

Mike Svoboda is a Project Manager for Kiewit Infrastructure Co.. Mike’s career has been focused on managing Alternative Delivery Construction Projects using CMGC, Progress Design Build, Design Build, and P3 contract models. Mike is a graduate of the University of Wyoming.

Ellice Switzer, MA, is an Extension Associate for the K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. She provides content development, training and technical assistance for the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion EARN.  As an Extension Associate, she provides national technical assistance and training on topics related to disability and employment, and U.S. disability policy. Her areas of focus include employer practices to support workforce disability inclusion, good jobs principles, demand-side strategies to improve employer engagement among disability service providers and evidence-based practices to support post-school success for youth with disabilities. Her work has included various local, state and national initiatives to support and promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities, spanning nearly 30 years. 

Dr. Michael Tatonetti is a Certified Association Executive and Certified Pricing Professional on a mission to advance associations in their pricing models for financial sustainability. As the Founder of Pricing for Associations, he and his team work with associations to harmonize pricing and value across membership, education, sponsorship, events, and marketing. Dr. Michael is a proud Association Forum Forty Under 40 honoree for his dedication to the association field and the author of Pricing for Associations, available on Amazon. You can learn more about the work he and his team is doing at www.pricingforassociations.com. 

Bio coming soon.

As the Director of Sales Acceleration at Procore, Morgan Traynor leads specialized teams of both product and industry who partner alongside our customers. Prior to Procore, Morgan was with Ryan Companies US, Inc. for over 10 years, with her last position being the Senior Director of Operational Excellence. Morgan spearheaded corporate initiatives and promoted best practices across the organization. Morgan is passionate about advancing the construction industry’s use of technology and is a proud advocate for women in construction. 

District 8 Construction – M.S. & B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Toledo.  Twenty-five years of experience with a professional focus on the delivery of complex traditional bid build and alternative delivery projects in heavy highway construction.

As Director of Innovation, Dylan VanAvery is tasked with facilitating and celebrating innovative ideas across the Mortenson organization. From generative design, DFMA to automation; Dylan and his team capitalizes on a dedicated 40,000 square feet R&D space to facilitate research and develop.  They also consistently communicate the efforts of Mortenson innovators to help celebrate a culture of innovation from the office to the field.  

Dylan began his began his career as a laborer for a small utility contractor before graduating with his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. He spent 10 years as an engineer, working in construction materials science, quality assurance and project management. Transitioning back to his construction roots has included roles such as quality manager, lean director, superintendent, senior manager and now director of innovation. He’s had the privilege of being involved in many of Mortenson’s prolific projects and takes pride in inspiring what’s possible. 

Satyam Verma currently serves as the Construction Practice Leader at Egnyte, where he excels in driving value through market recognition, product positioning, and collaborative execution. Verma is a seasoned professional with a robust track record in revenue operations, go-to-market strategies, and strategic partnerships. His diverse experience spans roles across early-stage startups and Fortune 1000 companies. Satyam is renowned for his exceptional relationship-building skills, revenue development expertise, and agile leadership.

Richard F. Vitarelli is a principal with the firm and co-leads the firm’s nationwide Labor Relations Practice and Transactional Services (M&A) groups. 

He has almost three decades of experience representing employers in strategic labor relations and collective bargaining matters, including in the context of mergers and acquisitions, restructuring and bankruptcy. He serves as strategic labor and employment counsel for employers and multi-employer associations in various industries, including construction infrastructure, new energy (offshore wind and solar), manufacturing, health care and senior living, airline, logistics, transit, higher education and state and local government. 

Rick’s collective bargaining practices includes the negotiation of national, multi-employer, specialty and industry agreements. His practice also includes representation of employers in multi-employer benefits matters, including multi-employer pension withdrawal liability and Taft-Hartley Fund collection matters. He represents employers covered by the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act. 

Rick supports employers, transactional law firms and investment firms throughout the U.S. with the labor, employment, employee benefits and immigration matters implicated in corporate transactions, leads legal diligence teams and negotiates definitive agreements within these areas. He also advises clients on post-transaction legal structure, operations and integration. 

Rick regularly provides legal advice to clients in developing proactive employee relations programs, establishing and maintaining lawful double-breasted operations, and advising clients in the context of union organizing and decertification efforts.
 

Ashley Wallis, Marketing Manager for GH Phipps Construction, has almost 20 years of experience in Marketing and has been a part of the A/E/C industry for the last 14 years. She holds an Associate’s in IT Communication and Web Design, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor’s in Marketing. She was heavily involved in entertainment marketing before her immersion into the world of construction, and thus brings a unique graphical perspective on qualification and proposal design. Ashley is a member of SMPS Colorado and enjoys helping fellow members with design ideas and one-on-one training in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. 

Kristen Wendler is Lead Solicitor Counsel for JV Driver Group, a private investment company with headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  Kristen’s practice focuses on transactional matters, both in the United States and internationally, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, corporate finance and M&A transactions.  Prior to joining JV Driver Group’s in-house legal team, Kristen represented JV Driver Group as external counsel and was a partner at a law firm in Tucson, Arizona.  Kristen is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law.  She is an active member of the AGC Construction Law and Operations Subcommittee, the AGC Contract Documents Forum, and a frequent contributor to ConsensusDocs working groups. 

Eric currently serves as the Vice President of Innovation at ARCO Construction, a Design-Build Construction business, and leads ARCO Ventures, an AEC focused venture capital investment fund. Throughout his career, he has managed web and data development teams, built his own tech, established an innovation strategy for a billion-dollar business, and actively invests in technology startups. Previously, he managed the Operational Effectiveness program at Basis Technologies (formerly Centro).  

Jennifer is the Vice President of Innovation and Advancement at the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).  Her background includes teaching high school English for 13 years and serving as the acting business manager for six years at the welding and fabrication company she and her husband founded and own. 

In her current role at NCCER, Jennifer oversees the innovation process within the organization to identify and implement strategies, opportunities and technologies that support the mission of NCCER.  

She has been with NCCER for more than 15 years where she began as a project manager overseeing the development and revision of curricula and assessments. From there she moved into the marketing department as the director where she helped enhance NCCER’s brand and presence in the construction and maintenance industries and oversaw the Build Your Future initiative to generate a renewed interest in recruitment and image enhancement for the industry. 

Jennifer actively presents about workforce development issues and resources, construction career pathways, industry-education partnerships, women in construction, and recruitment into the construction and maintenance industries.  

She holds degrees in English Education and Business Administration. 

Melissa Williams is the Chief of Operations for Trinal, Inc. reporting directly to the President. Ms. Williams has over 18 years of demonstrated leadership in the areas of EEO, affirmative action and labor compliance, community outreach, and business development and is responsible for the general oversight and supervision of all project management staff and subconsultant relationships. She provides quality control and client management in the areas of strategic sourcing and outreach, data authentication, compliance monitoring and reporting, and program evaluation and development. She also assists in the development and implementation of business‐to‐business and workforce diversity programs. Ms. Williams is responsible for the development, facilitation, and implementation of client and their users’ training programs for Trinal’s Global Project Tracking System (GPTS®) software solution. 

Ms. Williams earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Education, and Finance from Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. She is also certified as a Master Compliance Administrator from the American Contract Compliance Association and has a Certificate of Completion from Turner School of Construction Management. 

Lauren Williams is an IT Program Manager at McCarthy Building Companies, leveraging 19 years of experience in project management, Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), and field operations to drive operational excellence. Based in St. Louis, MO, Lauren began her career after earning a BS in Civil Engineering from Stanford University in 2005. Her career has been defined by her dedication to construction technology, process management, and organizational transformation. 

In her current role, Lauren focuses on enhancing user adoption, ensuring process adherence, and maintaining data integrity across McCarthy’s expansive application portfolio. This transition from Operations to Corporate underscores her passion for aligning technology solutions with the company’s strategic goals. Notably, Lauren was instrumental in leading the VDC team for high-profile projects, including the $1.7B National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency western headquarters construction project in St. Louis, MO, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Design-Build partners. 

Looking ahead to 2025, Lauren will assume a pioneering role at McCarthy as an Organizational Change Manager. In this capacity, she will develop and implement strategies to ensure the effective adoption of the company’s new ERP system, further solidifying her commitment to driving innovation and fostering growth within the organization. 

Lauren shares her passion for construction technology with her husband, Brooks Williams, Director of Construction Technology at Alberici, often “talking shop” at home about new technology and best practices. Together, they navigate life with their two boys, Dylan (8) and Evan (7), who are incredibly smart and obsessed with YouTube and video games, along with a questionable number of cats to which Lauren is allergic. 

Lauren holds a Certificate of Management – Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM) from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and serves as the Immediate Past Chair for the AGC of America’s Technology Conference Steering Committee.  

Marli Williams is an international speaker, leadership trainer, courage cultivator, joy instigator, and play activist who first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor. She has a Master’s Degree in Education along with 20 years of facilitation and leadership experience. Marli works with incredible people and organizations who are ready to elevate their energy, step into their purpose and show up for themselves in a bigger way so they can be the changemakers and leaders they’ve always wanted to be. She is the host of the Let’s Lead Together Podcast which hit the Top 5% of all Podcasts Globally within just a month of launching. She is also creator of The Connect Deck™, a card deck that provides prompts for shockingly easy and meaningful conversations and has been used by communities worldwide. When she’s not speaking, training leaders, or consulting with impact-driven organizations, you can find Marli hiking on the trails with her dogs Summit & Journey. To learn more about Marli, check out www.marliwilliams.com.  

Bio coming soon.

Mr. James Young is the Senior Director of Congressional Relations for Labor, HR and Safety for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). In this role, he works directly with members of the U.S. Congress, AGC members and press on a multitude of issues that directly affect the construction industry. Previously, Mr. Young worked for Direct Impact, the preeminent grassroots firm in Washington and Democracy Data and Communications which provides a comprehensive array of grassroots and political action solutions. Mr. Young began his career on Capitol Hill working for Congressman Benjamin Gilman (NY). 

James holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC.