2022 Women Who Build Summit UMass Amherst April 13-14, 2022
Proud to sponsor the Women Who Build Summit
AECOM delivers professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning transportation, buildings, water, new energy,and the environment, our clients trust us to solve their most complex challenges. Our teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through our unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities.
aecom.com
AGENDA Wednesday, April 13, 2022
1:00 - 7:30pm
1:00pm Preconference Workshops 3:30pm Brutalist Walking Tour An Architectural Tour of the UMass Amherst Campus 5:30pm Welcome Reception Amherst Room
Thursday, April 14, 2022
7:45am
8:25am - 4:30pm
Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:25am Welcome Remarks Carolina Cudemus University of Massachusetts Amherst Greetings Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy University of Massachusetts Amherst 8:35am
Opening Keynote Introduction by Dawn Monde, Red Thread
9:35am
Morning Panel Discussion
AGENDA CO N TINUED 11:00am
Morning Breakout Sessions See session descriptions for room assignments
12:15pm
Lunch
Remarks by Denise Berger, AECOM Champions of Change Awards 1:30pm Afternoon Breakout Sessions See session descriptions for room assignments 3:00pm
Afternoon Panel Discussion
4:15pm
Closing Remarks & Raffle Drawing
WELCOME TO THE CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE We are the people you work with every day – owners and facility managers, architects and engineers, contractors and subcontractors, project managers, consultants, manufacturers and distributors, governmental agencies, lawyers, accountants, and many other industry-related colleagues. As a non-profit, nonpartisan organization, the Construction Institute has been providing vision, leadership, problem solving skills and unique, trade-specific education for over 45 years.
PR ECO N FEREN CE WO RK S H OPS Wednesday, April 13
1:00 - 3:00pm
Boost Communication Styles: Bring Out the Best in Yourself & Others Communication is the cornerstone of all human interactions; the way we communicate drives culture. This workshop is a deep dive into the importance, power, and impact of becoming more emotionally intelligent, appreciating diversity, and harnessing synergy when all people can function together as their best selves. Laura Cooley, Operational Learning & Development Leader Room 163 (1st Floor Campus Center)
The Best Defense is a Good Offense: Keys to Claims Prevention and Mitigation Even though owners and contractors alike are becoming more and more sophisticated, the “usual suspects” plague every project: the inability to resolve claims during the project’s life. This workshop will give both owners and contractors some effective methodologies and tools that will help ensure the successful resolution of claims. Anamaria Popescu, Berkeley Research Group Dara Hendrix, Berkeley Research Group Room 162 (1st Floor Campus Center)
proudly supports the
Women Who Build Summit as they celebrate the strength and influence of women in the construction industry www.whiting-turner.com General Contracting Construction Management Design-Build Integrated Project Delivery
CONFERENCE D ESCRIP T ION S Opening Keynote
8:35 - 9:25am
Indra Nooyi, Bestselling Author, Former CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo Interviewed by Laura Cruickshank, University of Connecticut My Life in Full: Work, Family, and Our Future An intimate and powerful memoir by the trailblazing former CEO of PepsiCo. For a dozen years as one of the world’s most admired CEOs, Indra Nooyi redefined what it means to be an exceptional leader. The first woman of color and immigrant to run a Fortune 50 company - and one of the foremost strategic thinkers of our time - she transformed PepsiCo with a unique vision, a vigorous pursuit of excellence, and a deep sense of purpose. Now, in a rich memoir brimming with grace, grit, and good humor, My Life in Full offers a firsthand view of Nooyi’s legendary career and the sacrifices it so often demanded. Nooyi takes us through the events that shaped her, from her childhood and early education in 1960s India, to the Yale School of Management, to her rise as a corporate consultant and strategist who soon ascended into the most senior executive ranks. The book offers an inside look at PepsiCo, and Nooyi’s thinking as she steered the iconic American company toward healthier products and reinvented its environmental profile, despite resistance at every turn. Nooyi also lays bare the difficulties that came with managing her demanding job with a growing family, and what she learned along the way. She makes a clear, actionable, urgent call for business and government to prioritize the care ecosystem, paid leave, and work flexibility, and a convincing argument for how improving company and community support for young family builders will unleash the economy’s full potential. Generous, authoritative, and grounded in lived experience, My Life in Full is the story of an extraordinary leader’s life, a moving tribute to the relationships that created it, and a blueprint for 21st-century prosperity.
CON FEREN CE D ESCRIP TION S Morning Panel Discussion
9:35 - 10:50am
Where Are We Headed? What does the future of the industry look like? A roundtable of industry giants, representing owners, architects, engineers, general contractors and construction managers will tackle this topic. What changes do they see coming in the next five years? What challenges do they see? How do they define future success? What are the competencies that will make you valuable to the future of the industry? Denise Berger, AECOM C arol
Gladstone,
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Maintenance J anine Helwig, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Petina Killiany, Arcadis Karen Medeiros, Gilbane Building Company D avid Slomsky, Suffolk Construction Company Wendy Venoit, Cozen O’Connor, Moderator
Morning Breakout Sessions
11:00am - 12:15pm
Case Study: Roof Renovation of Gampel Pavilion, Home of UConn Basketball Morning breakout session only A case study in reviewing the challenges, constraints and limitations of repairing the exterior metal panel assembly and replacing the interior decorative ceiling panels of a geodesic dome. John Robitaille, University of Connecticut Michael Schrier, University of Connecticut Amherst Room (10th Floor Campus Center)
CONFERENCE D ESCRIP T ION S Define Your Own Success Are you afraid to take risks for fear of setting your career back? Stuck in a role you don’t love, but can’t find a way around obstacles? Join our conversation and hear from experienced A/E/C professionals as they share the best advice they received from mentors, techniques to navigate difficult situations, and ideas to explore risk to your advantage. We’ll discuss how to break through barriers and define a role that is challenging without being daunting, and ways to bring more satisfaction to your day-to-day work. Our panel includes perspectives from engineering, architecture, and business development - with a combined 100 years of experience in our industry. Andrea Baker, Dream Collaborative D orri Giles Raposa, HDR (retired) Lisa Ulbrich, Commodore Builders Room 163 (1st Floor Campus Center)
Marketing Your Unique Self Just as construction requires careful planning, so does self-marketing. Join national executive search consultants as they share industry insight and best practices on how to market your unique skills and story and get noticed within or outside of your current organization. J im Lord, Helbling & Associates Joe Wargo, Helbling & Associates Room 162 (1st Floor Campus Center)
How to Get and Keep Rock Star PMs Are you a “rock star” project manager? PMs are in the front lines of firm profitability and client satisfaction, but often do not have the training they need to become true rock star PMs. This session covers proven strategies, tools, and techniques to help project managers be effective leaders and manage projects more profitably. Mary Loden, Compass Management Consulting Room 174 (1st Floor Campus Center)
CONFERENCE D ESCRIP TI ON S Lunch & Champions of Change Awards
12:15 - 1:30pm
2022 Champions of Change Awardees
Judy Nitsch Founding Principal, retired Nitsch Engineering
Throughout her career, Judy Nitsch, PE (Retired) LEED AP BD+C, has been committed to mentoring future engineers and entrepreneurs, and to opening the door for female engineers, who are still underrepresented in the field. Her work as an active mentor for WPI’s students and through a number of professional societies, as well as her commitment to Nitsch Engineering’s annual Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day since 2002, has given many future engineers the opportunity to learn more about the industry and meet role models.
Michael Schrier Director of Design and STEM Projects University of Connecticut Planning Architecture
Mike Schrier, AIA, MBA, LEED Green Associate, has been the Storrs Campus Architect and Director of Design and STEM Projects for the office of University Planning, Design & Construction at the University of Connecticut since 2015. He is responsible for implementing and managing the STEM portfolio and other assigned projects as part of the $1.5B NextGenCT capital program. He is a natural teacher and mentor. His consistent support for women in the industry is something he shows on a daily basis and is fundamental to his character.
CO N FEREN CE D ESCRIP TION S Afternoon Breakout Sessions
1:30 - 2:45pm
Renew UMass: Our Energy Transition Story Afternoon breakout session only In line with the State’s Executive Order to transform all state-owned buildings to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, UMass is proposing a vision of campus operating free of fossil fuels. We will discuss our roadmap to net zero – what it takes, who is involved, what challenges and opportunities are presented to us in this once-in-a-generation transition. UMass is at the launching off point; this interactive breakout session will be an opportunity to pool our ideas and experiences for the collective benefit of both this project and the attendees. Ted Mendoza, University of Massachusetts Amherst Darci Maresca, University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst Room (10th Floor Campus Center)
Define Your Own Success Repeated Morning Breakout Session Andrea Baker, Dream Collaborative D orri Giles Raposa, HDR (retired) Lisa Ulbrich, Commodore Builders Room 163 (1st Floor Campus Center)
Marketing Your Unique Self Repeated Morning Breakout Session Jim Lord, Helbling & Associates Joe Wargo, Helbling & Associates Room 162 (1st Floor Campus Center)
How to Get and Keep Rock Star PMs Repeated Morning Breakout Session Mary Loden, Compass Management Consulting Room 174 (1st Floor Campus Center)
CON FEREN CE D ESCRIP TION S Afternoon Panel Discussion
3:00 - 4:15pm
Digital Disruption in the AEC Industry Digital disruption won’t wait for you to be ready. O ur panel of tech experts will give you a high-level overview of the technology landscape as well as the boots-on-the-ground view. What technologies are coming down the road? Which ones are already on the street? And which are in the backyard? J essica Chambers, Michael Baker International James Chong, AECOM Lana Graf, Nextera Robotics Robert Salvador, DigiBuild Allison Scott, Autodesk
BRG IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF
BRG’s leading construction and government contracts experts and advisors bring a range of experience, methodologies, and approaches, harnessing the firm’s collective capabilities to provide the inspired insights and practical strategies needed to stay ahead of what’s next. Our commitment to women’s leadership initiatives is key to providing the diversity of perspectives today’s challenges require.
MEET THE KEY N OTE
INDRA NOOYI BESTSELLING AUTHOR FORMER CEO AND CHAIRMAN OF PEPSICO
Indra K. Nooyi served as CEO and Chairman of PepsiCo from 2006 to 2019. Her prescient strategic thinking, insight into consumer behavior, and wisdom on managing a vast, global workforce make her one of the world’s most sought-after advisors to entrepreneurs, executives, and governments. She is also revered as a role model for women and immigrants, and celebrated for her empowering messages on inclusivity. At PepsiCo, she was the chief architect of Performance with Purpose, the company’s mission to deliver sustained growth by making more nutritious products, limiting the company’s environmental footprint, and empowering its associates and people in the communities it serves. She has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, the U.S. State Department’s award for Outstanding American by Choice, and 15 honorary degrees. In 2021, Nooyi became an elected member of the American Philosophical Society and joined the Board of Trustees of the National Gallery of Art. She was also inducted into the Asian Hall of Fame and National Women’s Hall of Fame. She is the author of the best selling book My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future, a highly-anticipated memoir that offers insight and a call-to-action from one of the world’s most-admired business leaders on how our society can blend work and family — and advance women — in the 21st century.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
ANDREA BAKER DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DREAM COLLABORATIVE
Andrea Baker has 30 years’ experience in architecture/engineering professional services. She is focused on business development, branding and communications, and strategic planning for consulting firms. Her passion is design consulting, architecture, and civil and environmental engineering. Baker values diversity, whether in team composition or client portfolio, and has experience with private and government clients, in both business development and operations roles. She has developed technical, marketing, and training materials across media types, as well as coaching professional-services interview teams on pursuits valued at $30M. Baker is driven to make her clients successful.
DENISE BERGER CHIEF STRATEGY AND INNOVATION OFFICER AECOM, EAST REGION DCS
Denise Berger, FAIA, joined AECOM in February 2020, as the Chief Strategy and Information Officer for the U.S. East Region and LATHAM. She was the former chief of operations for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. A champion of diversity and inclusion, Berger serves on several industry boards including the Construction Institute’s Woman Who Build Summit; Columbia University’s Diversity & Inclusion Task Force; Professional Women in Construction; WTS International Board; ACE Mentor Program of Greater NY; SAME; and the NY Women’s Builder’s Council. Her accomplishments include the launch of the PANYNJ Women’s Council and in 2019, she was named WTS Woman of the Year.
MEET THE SP EAK ERS
JESSICA CHAMBERS ASSOCIATE VP, DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL
Jessica Chambers has over 15 years of experience digitally transforming architecture, engineering, and construction firms through developing and implementing innovative design technology workflows. She recently joined Michael Baker International as the Associate VP and Director of Engineering Applications to drive and establish digital enablement solutions. Before joining Michael Baker, Chambers served as the Associate VP for Design Technologies at CHA Consulting, Inc. She successfully launched CHA’s reality capture program and expanded service offerings to include BIM Collaboration, Digital Twin Development, and technology advisory.
JAMES CHONG DIRECTOR, DIGITAL INNOVATION CONSULTING AECOM
James Chong is Director of Digital Innovation Consulting and Subject Matter Expert at AECOM, providing leadership and cross-functional management of strategic programs globally. He is an entrepreneur and innovator in enterprise software, artificial intelligence, security, intelligent transportation and IoT. For over 25 years, he has helped build and grow tech start-ups to Fortune 500 global companies with focus on leveraging big data and analytics for smart cities, smart transportation and smart buildings. Chong was selected into International Data Group’s “InfoWorld Top CTO 25” and is the author of The Converging Roles of Physical and IT Security which was published in the book Security 3.0.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
LAURA COOLEY OPERATIONAL LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT LEADER
Laura Cooley is a construction professional with diverse experience over twenty years in the industry as a consultant and leader in global and national AEC firms. She is an experienced leader, coach, and manager of small and large, multi-stakeholder groups and teams focused on leadership, strategy, operational excellence, learning and development. Cooley is currently a consultant, Founder and Partner of The Zip Syndicate, member of the Board of Directors for the Construction Institute, and Chair of the Board of Advisors for Nona Volleyball Academy. She was an acting Associate Vice President & Director of Training and Development for Limbach, and a Senior Manager of Operational Excellence with Gilbane Building Company.
LAURA CRUICKSHANK MASTER PLANNER, CHIEF ARCHITECT, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY PLANNING, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Laura A. Cruickshank, FAIA, the University of Connecticut’s Master Planner and Chief Architect and Associate Vice President for University Planning, Design & Construction, is responsible for the immediate and long-range planning, design, and construction of UConn’s $2B Capital Plan for Storrs, the Regional Campuses and Law School. She was Yale’s Planner, directing the planning and design on the central campus and lead the planning, design, and construction for the YaleNUS College in Singapore. Cruickshank is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, the Society for College and University Planning, the Association of University Architects and the National Organization of Minority Architects.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
CAROL GLADSTONE COMMISSIONER DIVISION OF CAPITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
Carol Gladstone was appointed by Governor Baker to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in 2015. Prior to this appointment, Gladstone was a Principal in project management and real estate at Stantec Consulting. Her experience includes three years as the Assistant Receiver for Community and Economic Development for the city of Chelsea. She began as a project manager at the Beacon Companies, where she was responsible for the award winning Rowes Wharf mixed-use waterfront project and the Hotel Meridien. She also served as vice chairwoman of the Massachusetts State College Building Authority and as a Trustee of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy.
LANA GRAF PARTNER & CEO NEXTERA ROBOTICS
Lana Graf is an expert in robotics with over 15 years experience in delivering robotic and automation solutions to multiple industrial verticals such as car manufacturing, bio tech, food processing, logistics and construction. Graf spent more than a decade as a corporate executive in the AI/Robotics sector. She has developed extensive expertise implementing advanced technologies and process automation solutions across several areas, including big data analytics, industrial IoT, AI/ML, cloud operations, and enterprise software platforms. Graf is also an impact investor with the Disruptive Technologies and Funds Group at the International Finance Corp., (IFC), a private sector arm of the World Bank Group.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
JANINE HELWIG DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Janine Helwig is the Director of Utilities in the Department of Facilities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She oversees MIT’s Central Utilities Plant and is responsible for the efficient operation and management of all campus electricity, heating, and cooling resources and distribution systems. Helwig leads her team on sustainable planning efforts to address MIT’s future energy needs while also meeting MIT’s commitment to reducing carbon. Prior to joining MIT in 2021, Helwig served as the Director of Utilities and Engineering at The George Washington University located in Washington, DC, which was her foray into district energy management.
DARA HENDRIX MANAGING DIRECTOR BERKELEY RESEARCH GROUP
Dara Hendrix, PSP, CFLC, LEED AP, is a Managing Director in BRG’s Global Construction practice, with over thirty years of experience. She has worked on a variety of projects for large builders, owners, and developers across the country. Her project experience is vast and includes civil infrastructure, transportation, commercial, residential, military, telecommunications, environmental, commercial, and more. Hendrix has been retained as an expert witness for complex construction matters, authored extensive expert reports, and provided expert testimony in mediation, arbitration, dispute review board hearings, federal and superior court for matters related to construction costs, delay, disruption, standards of care and practice.
MEET THE SP EAKER S
PETINA KILLIANY SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ARCADIS
Petina Killiany is a Senior Vice President with Arcadis, a global design and consultancy firm which operates in four Business Lines; Water, Infrastructure, Buildings, and Environment. She is the Program Management/Construction Management (PMCM) Operations Director nationally for the Infrastructure/Buildings Business Lines in North America. Her responsibilities include; Performance in regard to the company’s and her operations P&L, Client Development/company growth, and People, identifying, hiring, mentoring and retaining people. Killiany has more than 30 years’ experience in the AEC industry, of which the first half was in the architectural field, and the last half in the PMCM industry.
MARY LODEN PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT COMPASS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING
Mary Loden, PE, PMP, MBA is Principal Consultant of Compass Management Consulting. With over 30 years of experience in the architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting space, Loden is an effective leader, trainer, consultant, and project manager. She has trained and supported project managers in firms of all sizes and teaches project management at Wentworth Institute of Technology School of Management, in Boston, MA. She is passionate about developing simple and effective systems, tools, training programs, and processes for project managers to reach their full PM rock star potential.
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Supporting Women Who Build We proudly support the Construction Institute, Women Who Build Conference and all they do to help their members and our society reach its fullest potential.
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MEET THE SP EAKERS
JIM LORD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HELBLING & ASSOCIATES
As Executive Director, Jim Lord performs client development, manages a team of consultants, and recruits on assignments. A Helbling team member since 1998, Lord has represented organizations within all Helbling’s focus disciplines. In addition to securing professionals for higher education and healthcare clients, he conducts and manages mid-to senior-level searches for general, heavy civil, and specialty construction firms, as well as real estate developers. Lord is a summa cum laude graduate of Duquesne University and holds a BA in Psychology. In 2018, he earned a certificate in Advanced Executive Search and Leadership Consulting from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
DARCI MARESCA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR THE SCHOOL OF EARTH & SUSTAINABILITY (SES) UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
Darci Connor Maresca is the Assistant Director for the School of Earth & Sustainability (SES) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is responsible for curating the long-term goals for the School of Earth & Sustainability. Currently, she sits on the Carbon Mitigation Project (CMP) Master Planning Team and serves as the lead for the Living Lab Sub-Team. Deeply committed to progress, a focus of Maresca’s career has been examining complex societal challenges and developing practicable solutions through an inclusive, cross-interest approach. For more than two decades, Maresca has worked at the intersection of science, policy, and people for relevant environmental issues, specializing in strategic planning and collaborative initiatives.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
KAREN MEDEIROS CMO, GLOBAL SALES AND MARKETING GILBANE BUILDING COMPANY
As Executive Vice President, CMO, Global Sales and Marketing, Karen Medeiros leads Gilbane Building Company’s business development teams to execute the firm’s sales strategy and engages audiences to continuously build Gilbane’s global brand and visibility. Her collaborative approach has generated award-winning campaigns, innovative digital strategies, and original channels that inspire connectivity with clients, industry partners, and employees. She has held progressive roles during her long-standing career years at Gilbane including marketing management and client development in New England, divisional sales management in the greater Washington DC area, and corporate senior leadership.
TED MENDOZA CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST
Since 2012, Ted Mendoza has been a Capital Project Manager for the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Design & Construction Management Department. With almost 30 years of experience in the Construction, Communications, and Energy industries, he brings a unique and practical blend of expertise and engineering for a diversity of capital projects. His design and construction experience with the triad of energy efficiency, network technology and mechanical systems allows him to understand the complex balance of different systems and help transform buildings into intelligent structures. Mendoza is currently leading efforts to transform UMass Amherst into a carbon neutrally operated campus.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
ANAMARIA POPESCU MANAGING DIRECTOR BERKELEY RESEARCH GROUP
Dr. Anamaria I. Popescu, P.E.,PSP, PMP, is a Managing Director of BRG’s Construction Practice based in Denver, CO. She is a construction arbitrator with the AAA and a licensed Professional Engineer with more than 26 years of experience in project management, construction claims, schedule delay analysis, project controls, and contract management. Her experience includes power generation, natural gas drilling, pipelines, petrochemical and process plants, oil and gas production platforms, mining, water treatment plants, airports, telecommunications, and commercial construction in the Americas, South Africa, and China.
DORRI GILES RAPOSA HDR (RETIRED)
Dorri Giles Raposa recently retired after nearly 40 years in the AEC industry, most recently serving as senior vice president and global director of Client Development/Transport at HDR. Her responsibilities included the business development and sales of HDR’s $1 billion program in Transportation. Throughout her 25 years at HDR, Raposa was involved in many of the company’s most challenging and rewarding projects and initiatives. Since her retirement, she has served on two Boards: the HDR Foundation, it’s philanthropic giving arm; and the Board of Advisors for HMMH.
MEET THE SP EAKER S
JOHN ROBITAILLE SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
John P. Robitaille has been a Senior Project Manager for the office of University Planning, Design & Construction at the University of Connecticut since 2008. He is responsible for providing effective leadership on a wide variety of project types from building envelope restoration, major interior renovations, new capital construction and master plan implementation projects. Robitaille was a partner at Maier Design Group, LLC in West Hartford, responsible for a full range of project team management, scheduling, coordination and technical reviews. He is a registered architect in Connecticut and member and past president of the Hartford Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute.
ROBERT SALVADOR CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER DIGIBUILD
Rob Salvador is the visionary driving force behind DigiBuild, an experienced builder, project manager and construction technologist. Since the age of 10, he has witnessed what it was like, firsthand for his dad struggling to run his construction company. He eventually started his own construction company and those experiences and the lack of change over that timespan led to his mission of creating a better way to operate construction projects and the construction community. Salvador’s passion and previous cryptocurrency startup experience is what led to him becoming a blockchain expert. In 2017 he had his ‘aha moment’ and the idea of ‘how to’ apply blockchain to construction took form and DigiBuild was born.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
MICHAEL SCHRIER STORRS CAMPUS ARCHITECT DIRECTOR OF DESIGN & STEM PROJECTS UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT
Mike Schrier, AIA, MBA, LEED Green Associate, has been the Storrs Campus Architect and Director of Design and STEM Projects for the office of University Planning, Design & Construction at the University of Connecticut since 2015. He is responsible for implementing and managing the STEM portfolio and other projects as part of the $1.5B NextGenCT capital program. He is a natural teacher and mentor. His consistent support for women in the industry is something he shows on a daily basis and is fundamental to his character. He has been teaching workshops in Project Management for over fifteen years, serving as adjunct professor in the Department of Public Policy.
ALLISON SCOTT DIRECTOR, CONSTRUCTION THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & CUSTOMER MARKETING AUTODESK
Leveraging over a decade in the architecture and construction industries, Allison Scott is a “technology translator” who supports customer experience and industry advocacy within the Customer Success team at Autodesk. She oversees the strategy and execution of customer-centric programs that complement the customer journey to help construction teams gain the most value out of their innovation and technology investments, and foster loyalty and trust. Prior to this role, she supported the national Innovation group of Skanska USA’s construction division helping to investigate and integrate gamechanging tech like virtual design and construction technologies, wearables, IoT/sensors, and drones onto the jobsite.
MEET THE SP EAKERS
DAVID SLOMSKY VICE PRESIDENT OF PRECONSTRUCTION SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
With over 27 years of experience, David Slomsky is recognized as one of the best in the industry when it comes to preconstruction. As Vice President of Preconstruction at Suffolk Construction Company, Slomsky is responsible for controlling the project budget and managing the design process. Projects in his impressive portfolio of work in the Boston area include Brigham and Women’s Hospital Building for Transformative Medicine, Northeastern University Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Complex, The Broad Institute, and the John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst.
LISA ULBRICH VICE PRESIDENT AND INSTITUTIONAL GROUP LEADER COMMODORE BUILDERS
Lisa Ulbrich, Vice President and Institutional Group Leader with Commodore Builders, brings a unique perspective to projects having worked on the Owner’s side and CM side. She has spent over 30 years in the construction industry and her unique background has enabled her to think like an owner and anticipate their needs. When Ulbrich first entered the industry after earning a degree in Construction Engineering from Arizona State University, there were very few women that chose this path. She has enjoyed watching the shift and seeing more and more women in all positions within the construction industry. Building a diverse and inclusive team and influencing the organizational structure has been a career highlight of hers.
MEET THE SP EAK ERS
WENDY VENOIT MEMBER COZEN O’CONNOR
Wendy Venoit is a Shareholder with Cozen O’Connor in Boston, MA. Her practice focuses on the litigation and arbitration of domestic and international construction disputes. She is an experienced trial attorney, having handled dozens of construction disputes, some involving claims in excess of $1 billion. She also serves as an arbitrator and is a member of the panel of neutrals of the AAA (Construction), AAA Mega Projects, ICDR, CPR (Construction, Insurance Policy Holder Coverage, and Boston at Large ADR Panels), LCIA, and ICC and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. For the past eight years, she has been named in the International Who’s Who of Construction Law and was named Massachusetts Lawyer of the Year.
JOE WARGO SENIOR MANAGING CONSULTANT HELBLING & ASSOCIATES
Joe Wargo began working as a consultant with Helbling in 2006 and is now a regional manager of the firm. His recruitment experience is broad, having completed searches for A/E/C firms, general and specialty contractors, healthcare and higher education institutions, independent schools, and non-profit entities. In representing diverse clientele, he has gained a valuable knowledge of recruitment and an appreciation for both the client and candidate perspectives. He presented the popular session, “Would You Hire You?” at the 2020 Women Who Build Summit, and in January 2022, he presented a webinar through the Eastern Region of APPA (leadership in educational facilities) titled, “Five Ways to Succeed in Succession Planning.”
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P LANNING CO MMITTEE The Construction Institute appreciates the time and dedication of this year’s Planning Committee & Advisory Committee. Carolina Cudemus, Program Chair University of Massachusetts Amherst Andrea Baker Dream Collaborative
Linda Konrath HKA
Kathy Cowles KC Architects
Dawn Monde Red Thread
Maggie Drouineaud UMASS Building Authority
Joe Wargo Helbling Associates
Jennifer Kaukeinen JK Leadership
Nancy Greenwald Construction Institute
ADVISO RY CO MMITTE E Denise Berger AECOM
Zoraida Ferguson Pratt & Whitney
Laura Cruickshank University of Connecticut
Petina Killiany Arcadis
Greg Faulkner Robinson + Cole
Anamaria Popescu Berkeley Research Group
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