2024 Owners’ Roundtable
November 7, 2024
AGENDA
Thursday, November 7, 2024 9:00am - 3:30pm
8:30am Registration & Networking Coffee
9:00am Welcome Remarks
Nancy Greenwald
The Construction Institute
9:10am Opening Keynote
10:15am Breakout Sessions
See session descriptions for room assignments
11:40am Roundtable Discussions
12:40pm Lunch
1:25pm Afternoon Keynote
2:20pm Panel Discussion
3:20pm Closing Remarks
Opening Keynote 9:10 - 10:00am
Leveraging the Value of Asset Information Today, Tomorrow and for the Future
BIM was a major leap forward from CAD, which was a major leap forward from T-squares and triangles. Within the last few decades, the process of planning, designing and operating buildings and infrastructure has greatly evolved. The next generation of use cases capitalizes on the Information and Interoperability aspects of BIM and Digital Twins. Hear how owner programs are evolving to leverage the value of BIM through establishing better requirements and integrating BIM with operations to support utilizing data as a crucial asset for facility owners and operators at the organization level, while also advancing practice at the industry level.
Roger Grant, National Institute of Building Sciences
Breakout Sessions 10:15 - 11:25am
Smart Buildings and IoT - Design and Construction Considerations: An Overview for Owners and the AEC Community
Smart buildings are currently undergoing a transition from nice-tohave to need-to-have. Collaborative and outcomes-based approaches have proven successful in minimizing unnecessary complexity through features enabling a progressive and iterative incorporation of new technology throughout all phases of design, construction, operations, and maintenance. Architects, engineers, and contractors need to understand how their roles, responsibilities, and tools within this approach can better protect an owner’s vision from the cost of unplanned change, piecemealed solutions, and fragmented data. This breakout session provides an overview of the challenges and opportunities faced by smart building design and construction team members.
Brendan Cox, Siemens Industry
Sponsored by
Salon C/D
Achieving Successful Project Outcomes Through Enhanced Collaborative Delivery Methods
Industry-wide challenges continue to affect the cost and completion of projects, and the AEC industry has advanced the way projects are procured and delivered to address some of these shortcomings. Our speakers will share the best practices in planning for your project: exploring procurement options, in both in the public and private sectors, that provide a greater opportunity for down stream collaboration to improve the speed and cost of projects where traditional delivery methods fall short.
Mark Jeffko, O&G Industries
Gene Torone, SLAM Construction Services
Construction Technology Decisions Impact Your Bottom Line! The integration and deep understanding of office-centric construction technologies profoundly impacts field-centric processes, efficiencies and even productivity! A well-organized technology strategy can enhance efficiency and foster innovation across the board. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), virtual reality (VR), Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), LIDAR, Drone Technology, 360 Videography, project management software and Enterprise Resource Planning Platforms, construction companies can streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and mitigate risks, leading to faster project delivery, improved costeffectiveness and increased site-safety. But over complication and overuse of technology can have a paralyzing and costly impact on the bottom line. Choosing the right technology tools has the potential to promote collaboration among project stakeholders, and empower data-driven decision-making processes, driving holistic transformation and positioning companies at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
Niki Alborz, Exponent
A
Roundtable Discussions 11:40am - 12:40pm
Take part in dynamic and forward-thinking small group discussions as we explore the critical intersection of sustainability, technology, and strategic planning within the built environment. These conversations will provide valuable insights into navigating these complex challenges and shaping a more sustainable, secure, and profitable future for buildings.
Dawn Monde, Red Thread, Facilitator
Samantha D’Agostino, Construction Solutions Group, Facilitator
Afternoon Keynote 1:25 - 2:05pm
Key Trends for Owners in the Construction Industry
To navigate the dynamic landscape of asset construction and management, owners need actionable insights. Steve Jones, Senior Director of Industry Insights Research at Dodge Construction Network, will share critical findings from Dodge’s cutting-edge research. He will provide invaluable insights to help owners and those who work with them make informed decisions and achieve project success.
Stephen Jones, Dodge Construction Network
Panel Discussion 2:20 - 3:20pm
Owner Perspectives: Charting the Future of Facilities
Representing a diverse range of industries including higher education, municipalities, healthcare, and commercial, our panel of owners will discuss the unique challenges they face in optimizing their portfolios. Panelists will offer their perspectives on overcoming obstacles, capitalizing on emerging technologies, and fostering collaboration within the construction industry. They will share current pain points, emerging trends, and strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of facilities asset management. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in Q&A, gaining valuable insights and actionable takeaways to assist in addressing the complex issues they are tackling.
Anastasia Barnes, High-Profile Media Group , Moderato r
Michael Dorval, Eversource
Glen Garrity, Town of Bloomfield
Ann Monks, Yale New Haven Health
Michael Schrier, Yale University
ROGER GRANT
VICE PRESIDENT, BUILDING TECHNOLOGY
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BUILDING SCIENCES
Roger J. Grant, FbSI, leads NIBS building technology practice as Vice President of Building Technology. He has focused on information products and services to support design, construction and management of the built environment for over 35 years. Grant has extensive experience in building performance and technology; building information modeling; building safety and security assessment; cost planning and estimating; and project and business management. He has been extensively involved in national and international standards development and is a fellow of buildingSMART International.
STEPHEN JONES SENIOR DIRECTOR, INDUSTRY INSIGHTS RESEARCH TEAM
DODGE CONSTRUCTION NETWORK
Steve Jones is Senior Director of Industry Insights Research at Dodge Construction Network, leading studies on how economic, practice, and technology trends are transforming global design and construction. A sought-after speaker and author, he serves as Executive Editor of Dodge’s SmartMarket Report series, cited worldwide for key industry trends. Jones holds an MBA from Wharton and a BA from Johns Hopkins. He previously held leadership roles at Primavera Systems (now part of Oracle), and spent 19 years in architecture and engineering, most recently as a Principal at Burt Hill (now merged with Stantec). He actively participates in industry initiatives and serves as a judge for numerous awards.
NIKI ALBORZ MANAGER, CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING EXPONENT
Dr. Alborz, Ph.D., LEED AP BD+C, PMP, is a construction expert with over 20 years of experience in the Architecture/Engineering/ Construction industry. Holding a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, she is an expert in sustainable construction, project management, and Life Cycle Cost Analysis over a range of complex infrastructure projects. Her expertise includes integrating AI and XR technologies to enhance efficiency. Alborz is dedicated to education, curriculum development, and international funding initiatives. Her awards include the AACE International Technical Excellence Award and the CMAA Program Management Award.
ANASTASIA BARNES OWNER & CEO HIGH-PROFILE MEDIA GROUP
Anastasia Barnes is the CEO of High-Profile Media Group and publisher of High-Profile Monthly, a three-generation family-owned publication focused on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) news in New England. For over 24 years, she has led key initiatives, including the creation of HP Vision, a special edition featuring people and companies leading the evolution of the AEC industry, and FastFacts Friday, a weekly industry newsletter. Barnes hosts the Build Better podcast, interviewing AEC thought leaders, and she played a pivotal role in launching the Women in Construction and Green supplements. She also led High-Profile’s digital transition, helping to expand its reach across the industry.
BRENDAN COX SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE SIEMENS INDUSTRY
Brendan Cox is a Senior Sales Executive for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, focused on building automation. His experience in the HVAC and controls industry has been diverse, with time as a field technician, project manager and, primarily, controls design engineer. He has designed and managed controls projects for clients in the health care, pharmaceutical, commercial real estate, higher education, manufacturing and other fields. Cox has worked for Siemens for approximately six years, and also worked for a mechanical contractor for a time. Before pivoting into the controls field, he worked as a newspaper writer and editor for several years.
MICHAEL DORVAL DIRECTOR, REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EVERSOURCE
Mike Dorval is a licensed professional engineer with over 20 years’ experience managing corporate facilities. Prior to joining Eversource in 2023 as the Director of Real Estate and Property Management, Dorval held various leadership roles in Environmental Safety & Health, Real Estate, and Facilities for ESPN and The Walt Disney Company. Dorval and his team at Eversource are responsible for all things Facilities throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, from day-to-day maintenance activities, design and engineering, and construction.
GLEN GARRITY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND FACILITIES, CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGER TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD
Glen Garrity is the Assistant Director of Public Works and Facilities and the Capital Project Manager for the Town of Bloomfield. He is a licensed HVAC tradesman, certified Facilities Management Professional (FMP), and Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) through the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA). Focused on professional development, Garrity is pursuing a graduate degree in Public Administration. He develops and manages an annual operating budget of $7 million and administers work for a 5-year capital improvement plan (CIP) with current projects estimated at $40 million.
MARK JEFFKO ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT O&G INDUSTRIES
Mark Jeffko, LEED AP, is a construction expert with 36 years of experience, specializing in preK-12 and higher education projects. Overseeing nearly $2 billion in projects, he excels in managing all aspects of construction using the construction management delivery method. His leadership covers client relations, coordination with DAS and OGA, risk management, staffing, operations, quality control, safety, and financial performance. He has been part of the O&G team for 30 of his 36 years in the industry. Jeffko’s recent successes include leading the $131M Farmington High School project and the awardwinning Buckley Elementary, Connecticut’s first Net Zero Energy public school.
ANN MONKS DIRECTOR, FACILITIES DATA
YALE NEW HAVEN HEALTH
Ann Monks, MSHA, CHC, PMP, obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in 2015, and Masters of Science in Healthcare Administration from the University of New Haven in 2019. Going on 13 years at Yale New Haven Health, Monks spent her first five years in Information Technology Services, supporting the implementation of the health system’s new electronic medical record and helping develop the new Program Management Office. In 2015, Monks transitioned to the Facilities Design and Construction department as a project manager and is now the Director of Facilities Data and Technology Analytics and Program Support for the health system.
MICHAEL SCHRIER ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, CAPITAL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY
Michael E. Schrier is Associate Vice President of Capital Program Development & Delivery at Yale University, where he is responsible for project planning and design, construction, building activation, and leading the evaluation of Yale’s long-term needs. Previously, he was the Storrs Campus Architect and Director of Design & STEM Projects at UConn, managing the STEM portfolio as part of the $1.5B NextGenCT capital program. Schrier has taught Project Management workshops for over 15 years and authored the curriculum for the Certificate in Project Management at The Construction Institute. He is a registered architect in NY and CT, a LEED Green Associate, and a member of the AIA.
GENE TORONE PRESIDENT SLAM CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
Gene Torone is President of SLAM Construction Services and a Designated Design-Build Professional™ (DBIA™). He brings over 40 years of experience planning and managing construction projects, including 27 years managing design-build projects. He has been responsible for the management of over 100 design-build construction projects and hundreds of construction projects. Torone’s experience includes work for educational, healthcare, corporate and public sector clients. He is particularly adept at devising highly-effective delivery plans and construction methods using innovative fast-track and design-build techniques.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Construction Institute appreciates the time and dedication of the 2024 Planning Committee.
Dawn Monde Red Thread
Samantha D’Agostino
Construction Solutions Group
Karen DelVecchio
Pat Munger Construction
Nancy Greenwald
The Construction Institute
ANGELA CAHILL PROJECT EXECUTIVE STV
As a licensed architect, Angela Cahill, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, LEED AP, grew quickly into project management and has designed and managed dozens of large, complex, award-winning projects. At STV, she oversees a team of project managers while supervising the office’s pursuits, staffing and project scheduling. Cahill holds Gubernatorial appointee positions on the State of Connecticut’s Architectural Licensing Board and the School Building Projects Advisory Council. A founding member of NOMA Connecticut, Cahill is a Past President of AIA Connecticut, a former design studio professor, and a critic at the University of Hartford Architecture program. She also served on the CT ACE Mentor Program board and led its Hartford Chapter.