Tentative Agenda is in Eastern Standard Time (EST) | General Session | HR Track | Workforce Track
Attendees can earn up to 13.75 CE Hours at this year’s conference!
Monday, November 6, 2023
5:00 – 6:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored By:
8:00 – 9:00 AM
Mentorship vs. Sponsorship
For years, construction companies have implemented mentorship programs to make the industry a more welcoming place for women and help them advance in their careers.
But women still aren’t advancing to leadership roles at the same rate as men.
In this presentation, we explore why.
Based on the findings from the Building Better: A Women In Construction Benchmark Study by Ambition Theory and NCCER, we will unpack the following:
- Why mentorship alone does not work to advance women into leadership roles
- Why sponsorship is a powerful alternative to mentorship
- How individuals and organizations can take action today to start driving real change in the construction industry.
You will leave this interactive session with tangible solutions you can bring back to your company to implement immediately.
Presented by Andrea Janzen, Founder & CEO, Ambition Theory
Andrea Janzen, Founder & CEO, Ambition Theory
Andrea is a Certified Executive Coach with an MBA, the host of the Ambition Theory Podcast, a Forbes contributor and a top-rated speaker. She is passionate about coaching women in construction to develop themselves, set leadership goals, and get results. Since 2018, Andrea has coached and trained over 1,000 construction professionals. Before becoming a coach, Andrea was a marketing leader that worked on some of the world’s best-known brands.
9:00 – 9:15 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
9:15 – 10:15 AM
Breakout Sessions
Participants will actively engage in 3 to 4 facilitation exercises that are specifically designed for construction employees, including those working out in the field. This session will provide participants with the ability to immediately bring these exercises back to their team, including the field operations teams, to help quickly get open dialogue and active engagement. Participants will receive facilitation guides for each of the exercises they participate in during the session. This session is based on the speaker’s experience presenting to and facilitating sessions for over 1,000 construction professionals over the last ten years, including executives, project managers, superintendents, tradespeople, and support staff.
Presented by Steve Williams, President, EctoHR, Inc.; Colleen Burke, Director of Human Resources, Shareholder, EctoHR, Inc.
Steve Williams, President, EctoHR, Inc.
Steve’s experience includes all phases of the hiring and employee development process. Acting as a true business partner, Steve maintains focus on achieving the operational and financial goals of EctoHR’s clients, which includes over 50 thriving contractors in the Midwest. Steve facilitates training and development initiatives with diverse teams of construction professionals, including Executives, Project Managers, Superintendents, tradespeople and more.
Prior to founding EctoHR in 2005, Steve was the Director of Customer Service for a national Professional Employment Organization, in addition to holding positions with a payroll firm and an HR-related software Company. He holds the SHRM-SCP certification and earns an average of 20 continuing education credits annually. Steve is an active speaker, frequently providing engaging presentations to various industry groups and other organizations.
Steve lives in Brighton with his wife, Lesley, and their two children – Sammi and Charlie. When not working, Steve enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends, traveling, running and skiing.
Colleen Burke, Director of Human Resources, Shareholder, EctoHR, Inc.
With 12 years of HR experience, Colleen’s focus is on HR consulting, organizational and employee development planning, performance management, and facilitation of training. Colleen specializes in the construction industry, including ongoing work with both GC’s and specialty contractors. Colleen holds the SHRM-CP and PHR designation and is a certified Everything DiSC trainer and facilitator.
Colleen graduated from the University of Michigan in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Psychology and has been a shareholder at EctoHR since 2017. She and her husband Dave have two children, Nora and Harlan, and a rescue dog named Rusty. Colleen is an avid sports fan for all things Detroit and University of Michigan.
The increased use of social media coupled with a rise in employee activism is shifting the relationship between construction firms and their employees. To address this evolving social contract, human resource departments are beginning to look and sound more like marketing professionals. They understand that AEC employers cannot ignore the impact of news headlines impacting society-at-large because those issues (whether political, societal, or economic) eventually make their way into the workplace. They are also painfully aware that their organizational leaders are being held accountable externally for what they say or do – or do not say or do –internally.
Presented by Tami Simon, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Consulting Business Leader, Segal Company
Tami Simon, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Consulting Business Leader, Segal Company
Named one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Employee Benefit Consulting, Ms. Simon is a nationally recognized HR and employee benefits business leader. She leads Segal’s Global Corporate Consulting Business, helping address organizational and workforce needs of employers including corporations, nonprofits, healthcare providers and systems, among others. Ms. Simon works in Segal’s Washington, DC office.
Ms. Simon joined Segal in 2018 from Buck where she was a global practice leader and member of the senior executive team. While there, she successfully transformed two industry-leading and profitable businesses. Ms. Simon previously worked for Mercer, the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery, Hewitt Associates (now Aon Hewitt), and the IL Attorney General and was also a judicial intern for the Iowa District Court.
Ms. Simon serves on the Boards of Directors for the Blue Zone Institute, American Benefits Council, Employee Benefit Research Institute, Emeriti Retirement Health Solutions, and the Health Enhancement Research Organization. She is also on the Advisory Council of the ERISA Industry Committee, an editor of the BNA Tax Management’s Compensation Planning Journal, a member of the American Bar Association, and a Fellow of the elite American College of the Employee Benefits Counsel.
Hear from the Federal Highway Administration about their Strategic Workforce Development program with the goal to identify, train, place, and retain individuals into heavy highway construction careers. Over 43 states are participating in the initiative which focuses on partnerships between State departments of transportation, contractors, educational institutions, workforce development boards, and non-profits to provide training and supportive services to those interested in a highway construction career. The Arizona Chapter of the AGC will share about their successful workforce development program. Also, a contractor from the Dallas area will share about a justice involved youth job training program (ConnectU2Jobs) that began with a partnership between the Texas Department of Transportation, Associated General Contractors of Texas, Dallas College, Lone Star Justice Alliance, and Greater Workforce Solutions of Dallas.
Presented by Chrisy Currier, Strategic Workforce Development Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration; Corey Foster, Workforce Development Director, Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors; Lawrence Texada, Human Resources Business Partner, Webber, LLC
Chrisy Currier, Strategic Workforce Development Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration
Chrisy Currier is co-chair of the Every Day Counts-6 Strategic Workforce Development Implementation Team for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Chrisy provides guidance and technical support to states and FHWA Divisions on how to identify, train, place and retain individuals into highway construction projects.
Chrisy works for the FHWA Office of Innovation and Workforce Solutions. Prior to joining the workforce development team, Chrisy was the Right of Way Program Manager for the FHWA Texas Division and a research specialist in the Government and Public Affairs Division with the Texas Department of Transportation. Chrisy graduated from Baylor University with a Master of Public Policy and Administration. Chrisy enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures with her husband and three children.
School-to-work employment is a critical way to engage high school students in a industry so they can explore the many career options available, earn money, and potentially solve your long-term workforce needs. Pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship is on the rise but many contractors question whether youth employment is a feasible solution for this industry. This engaging facilitated panel will address the primary concerns that contractors face when considering youth employment:
- Connecting with students interested in work experience
- Working within the guidelines of the insurance industry
- Adhering to child labor laws for hazardous occupations like construction
- Ensuring it is a meaningful experience for the student
Moderated by Laura Cataldo, Director, Baker Tilly
Panelists include:
- Guidance counselor/educator
- Insurance agent
- Child Labor Law specialist
- Contractor experienced with youth employment
Laura Cataldo, Director, Baker Tilly
Laura Cataldo, director with Baker Tilly, has been with the firm since 2017. Laura works with real estate and construction firms of all sizes to evaluate business practices and assist with management challenges. Having worked in the real estate and construction industry for almost 25 years, Laura offers a depth of experience working with management teams to improve profitability and succeed in the changing marketplace. She excels at working with dynamic and demanding environments that require relationship building, versatility and challenge.
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Break Between Sessions
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
More details coming soon…
Presenters to be announced…
Join us for a panel discussion regarding how HR and Operations can successfully partner for the greater good of growing the business. The session will explore how successful companies have put aside the competing priorities between HR and operations to come together to co-create solutions that help build a strong organization while fighting the war on talent and a tumultuous and competitive economy.
Moderated by Christi Pilutik, President, ALTA Consulting
Panelists include: Matt Binsfeld, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. Keyan Zandy, Chief Executive Officer, Skiles Group; Shelby McEntire, Director of Human Resources, Skiles Group
Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Janelle Pogodzinski, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, is currently the VP-Chief Human Capital Officer at J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. Brennan is a Marine Construction company headquartered in La Crosse, WI with operations nationwide. Brennan is a union employer with over 600 employees. Janelle has more than 20 years of HR experience and has been with Brennan for two years.
Prior to Brennan, Janelle was a part of HR teams in the manufacturing and foodservice distribution industries. She is passionate about creating an environment in which learning and development is at the forefront and focused on doing the right thing for the company and its employees.
Keyan Zandy, Chief Executive Officer, Skiles Group
Keyan is a longtime Lean enthusiast and advocate with a curiosity for how Lean processes and tools can improve teambuilding and teamwork in construction. As Skiles Group’s CEO, Keyan is responsible for driving corporate growth and guiding the company’s strategic direction while maintaining a dual focus on client service and nurturing a progressive company culture.
With an emphasis on technological advancement, continuous improvement, and innovation in construction, Keyan shepherds the firm’s commitment to improving project delivery processes via Lean Construction and Lean project planning initiatives. He is the co-author of The Lean Builder: A Builder’s Guide to Applying Lean Tools in the Field, which simplifies and clearly articulates the benefits of seven primary Lean concepts, and delivers them in a highly-relatable, immediately-applicable, and field-friendly manner. Keyan also serves as Chairman for Smart Safety, an award-winning crisis management communication and emergency response tool.
Matt Binsfeld, CEP & President, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Matt Binsfeld has served as President & CEO of J.F. Brennan Company (Brennan) since December 2018. He is the fourth-generation leader of the 104-year-old family business. Brennan is a nationally leading water-based infrastructure contractor, employing over 700 people with annual sales of $300M and work locations throughout the continental United States.
Prior to becoming President & CEO, Matt worked as Brennan’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), 2008-2018. During his time as COO, Matt collaboratively worked with teams of skilled engineers and trades professionals to deliver technically sophisticated water focused projects to private industrial, state and federal owners. Matt further fostered and led substantial growth efforts achieved through organic development of the Brennan workforce, internally launching new business ventures and overseeing the acquisition and integration of strategically important businesses. Since first serving in this corporate leadership position in 2008, Matt and his team have grown organizational sales five-fold through organic and new business acquisition strategies.
Presently, as President and CEO, Matt leads and collaborates with teams of people in setting organizational strategies and delivering financial results in accordance with board directives. He further works with executive leadership overseeing the operational delivery of Brennan services, corporate financial performance, regulatory compliance and capital expenditure planning that exceeds $10M annually. His work includes finding, developing and completing acquisitions of businesses that fit the Brennan culture and strategically grow the organization. Human capital development and servant leadership are core values for Matt and he spends a great deal of time working with leaders to develop strategies that build the world class Brennan workforce.
Matt is a board member for the Brennan Companies and works closely with the board chair to set and lead all Brennan board meetings. Matt also serves as an outside board member for Trust Point Inc., a financial services company headquartered in LaCrosse, WI. He and his brothers have recently completed a successful leadership transition from the third generation of family leadership to the present day fourth generation of leadership.
Additional board work includes: President and board member of the Western Dredging Association, Board of Directors for the Mayo Clinic Health System- Franciscan Medical Center, Inc., Marquette University School of Engineering Advisory Board, President and board member for the Catholic Foundation of West Central Wisconsin, past President and board member of the Aquinas Catholic Schools Foundation and former board member for the Boy Scouts of America- Gateway Area Council.
Matt holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Tulane University and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree from Marquette University. He is an active member of Executive Peers in Conference, formerly TEC, and is an Eagle Scout. Matt and his wife Megan have been married for 17 years and together they have four daughters. He resides with his family in LaCrosse, WI.
Shelby McEntire, Director of Human Resources, Skiles Group
Shelby serves as Skiles Group’s Director of Human Resources where she is responsible for her firm’s most complex—and rewarding—aspect: people! Her responsibilities include strategic and tactical oversight of recruitment and retention; learning and development; performance management; culture and engagement; compliance; employee relations; and benefits design and administration. With a passion for the employee experience, Shelby diligently balances the growth of progressive, people-focused initiatives with support for her leadership team’s strategic vision and goals, all in service of the company’s evolving needs.
Shelby does not subscribe to the notion that human resources exists solely to protect the organization from its staff. She positions herself as a bridge between employees and the firm, working as an advocate for all parties involved. She strives to set and then keep re-setting the bar in the field of human resources, and fiercely defends the notion that HR deserves a seat at the table. Shelby achieved and maintains both her SHRM-CP and PHR certifications and graciously accepted her company’s peer-nominated Legacy Award in 2021.
Christi Pilutik, President, ALTA Consulting LLC
Throughout her nearly 20-year career, Christi has partnered with construction leaders to improve their employee experience. As a third-generation construction professional, she has an intimate knowledge of the unique challenges this industry faces, and what it needs to thrive.
Christi intertwines honesty and humor into her work and has an adaptive approach with each of her clients. This applies to all services, whether in team development programs, one-on-one coaching sessions, or large group facilitated meetings and workshops.
Christi is sought after as an employee experience advisor, human resources leader, change agent, coach, team developer, facilitator, and mental health advocate.
Presented by Nathan Barry, Dean of Career and Technical Education, Metropolitan Community Colleges; Sara Hansen, Director of Business Development, AOI Corporation
Nathan Barry, Dean of Career and Technical Education, Metropolitan Community Colleges
Dr. Nathan Barry has more than 15 years of higher education experience in both faculty and administrative roles. He joined MCC in 2016 as the Dean of Construction Education.
Prior to joining higher education, he worked in construction and land development holding a variety of roles. As the Vice President for Strategic Operations, he leads the strategic planning efforts, including facilities planning, development, and overall facilities operations. Barry holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska Kearney, a Master’s in Business Administration from MidAmerica Nazarene University, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
Sara Hansen, Director of Business Development, AOI Corporation
Sara Hansen is a Director of Business Development for AOI Corporation in Omaha Nebraska. She works to promote safer building strategies through the use of pre-fabricated construction. Her passion is to increase the number of individuals pursuing careers in the building industry specifically the Skilled Trades.
Prior to AOI, she was a Regional Workforce Development Manager for Turner Construction Company, assisting clients in fulfilling labor needs through pipeline programming. Sara has 15 plus years working for State Government, holding positions with the Health and Human Services, The Nebraska Department of Labor and The Department of Education. Sara Worked as an investigator for Adult Protective Services, Re-employment programming and Business Services. She has helped to create certificate programs for individuals with disabilities and individuals with barriers to employment.
Sara has developed program models, utilized nationally, partnering with Education and Community Workforce Programs to pipeline individuals into the Skilled Trades. Thus Fostering relationships between Union and Non-Union Employers to better educate and up-skill the current workforce.
She holds a bachelor’s of Science from the University of Nebraska Omaha in Human Resources and Family and Consumer Science. She serves as the Executive Workforce Board Chair of the youth committee for Heartland Workforce Solutions, and participates in several non-profit workforce advisory boards as she strives to increase programming for the untapped workforce.
She has been married for 23 years and is a mother of two amazing teenagers. And strives to live everyday by a quote from St. Francis, “Start by doing what’s necessary, then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
This session will feature a moderated conversation with the founders of two successful local workforce development programs. Aaron Frumin will discuss how uncommon Construction is helping prepare a new generation of construction professionals in New Orleans and its plans to expand to other areas. Chad Sutton will outline how LBW College is building “vertical” partnerships with regional elementary, middle and high schools to expose more students to construction career opportunities and use construction to instruct key STEM skills.
Presented by Aaron Frumin, Founder, Executive Director, unCommon Construction; Chad Sutton, Director of Workforce Development, LBW Community College
Aaron Frumin, Founder, Executive Director, unCommon Construction
In 2005, Aaron Frumin dropped out of college and responded to Hurricane Katrina with the Red Cross. Later that year, he took his first job in construction as the least skilled worker at a day labor company in the Reno-Tahoe Area. On the worksite, Aaron found himself profoundly surprised and rewarded by the mental and physical rigor and satisfaction of a hard day’s work. So, when he joined AmeriCorps’ National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) the following year, he was excited to sharpen his skills and apply them to a positive impact in the recovery effort across the Gulf Coast. He went on to lead community volunteers, AmeriCorps and partner families in the rebuilding effort for the next three years as a House Leader with New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity, where he loved teaching people new skills through a shared and empowering experience. So, Aaron went back to school and earned his degree at Tulane before spending three years as a middle school reading and social studies teacher through Teach for America in Colorado.
Through his journey, Aaron learned valuable lessons about teamwork and selflessness, how strong a collective impact could be and developed a more personal understanding of the deeply rooted problems facing our communities.
Today, Aaron is the Founder and Executive Director of unCommon Construction – a New Orleans-based nonprofit that uses the build process to empower youth to lead the workforce after high school or college. Through unCommon Construction’s apprenticeship program, high school students apply to join a diverse team to earn hourly pay and school credit for building a house in a semester. With the revenue from each project, unCommon Construction matches apprentices’ paychecks with an Equity Award Scholarship, which they can use for further education, industry certifications or the tools needed for a full time job.
In all, Aaron’s most proud that he hasn’t paid for a haircut in more than 15 years.
To learn more and get involved, visit www.unCommonConstruction.org and follow on social media @uCCNOLA.
11:30 – 11:45 AM
Break Between Sessions
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored By:
12:45 – 1:00 PM
Break Between Sessions
1:00 – 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
The competition for great employees continues to shape how construction attracts, retains, and engages its talent. Workforce shortages, stretched compensation budgets, and a perception of economic change is impacting pay practices for all contractors. Coupled with fast, evolving market conditions, the sense of being behind the eight-ball and always playing catch-up is very real. This session will explore contractor compensation practices (some successful and some fraught with consequences), proactive next steps, and trends that will have significant impact on 2024 pay activity.
Presented by Jeff Robinson, President, PAS, Inc.
Jeff Robinson, President, PAS, Inc.
Jeff is President of PAS, Inc., in Saline, Michigan, a company that specializes in compensation research and consulting for the construction industry.
A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Jeff has over forty years of experience in the construction industry. Prior to founding PAS, Inc. in 1979, he spent ten years with a large Midwest contractor, holding several project positions in accounting, office management, controls, workforce planning, and corporate positions in human resources and compensation administration.
Jeff is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America, the Construction Financial Management Association, SHRM, AICPA, and WorldatWork (formerly the American Compensation Association). He is a past national secretary of the CFMA and currently serves on CFMA’s Financial Benchmarker Committee and CFMA’s Publications Advisory Committee, and a member of AGC’s Open Shop committee.
An ongoing struggle for many in our profession is spending significant time preparing and delivering ‘training’ which results in very little noticeable improvement when the workers return to their daily job. But sometimes the issue is that we focused on ‘learning objectives’ rather than ‘business objectives’ and as a result we can show head counts of how many completed trainings but then struggle to demonstrate how the training efforts resulted in observable workplace improvements.
This session will examine the fundamental question of whether training is even the proper solution to an identified business need. Then how developing it needs to work in reverse: starting with answering the question of what the learner needs to be doing differently effort. Then what is the best method for taking learners down the path which ultimately leads them to the end result of demonstrable, tangible behavior change.
Presented by Paul Smith, Head of Coworker Development, Baker Construction Enterprises
Paul Smith, Head of Coworker Development, Baker Construction Enterprises
Paul Smith has spent 30 years coordinating the development of training resources to support organizational initiatives and individual improvement toward achieving success. He has designed, implemented, and evaluated instruction in both the public and private sectors, as well as for all career levels and learning styles. He serves as Head of Co-Worker Development for Baker Construction Enterprises, the largest concrete construction company in the United States.
He has written multiple articles, conducted webinars, speaks at conferences, and authored the book “Learning While Working: Structuring Your On-the-Job Training”.
For more information on Paul’s background and experience, please visit www.linkedin.com/PaulSmithATD.
It’s time to hit pause and come up with a new plan. We are marketing for new talent the same way we did 50 years ago. To reach the future workforce, we need to make monumental changes in our marketing plans and revolutionize our approach for attracting and retaining top talent. This presentation will not only inspire but equip attendees with innovative language and techniques to showcase careers in the trades, highlighting their indispensable contribution to our industry, and to society as a whole. We have the big, hairy, audacious goal of changing the perception of the ‘construction worker,’ and we believe that if we work together, our industry can make it happen.
Presented by Anne Brown, Director of Workforce Development, AGC of Michigan; Brian Town, CEO, Michigan Creative
Anne Brown, Director of Workforce Development, AGC of Michigan
Raised on jobsites and in her family’s masonry business office, Anne has more than 25 years of construction industry experience in diverse roles, and is currently in her dream role as AGC of Michigan’s Director of Workforce Development.
Prior to joining AGC in 2021, Anne served as Director of Business Development and Marketing for an AGC member firm – one of Michigan’s largest self-perform contractors.
Anne holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Public Affairs from Central Michigan University, and combines her passion for the people that Build America with her career experience and educational background to elevate and celebrate the skilled trades workforce.
Brian Town, CEO, Michigan Creative
Brian is the CEO of Michigan Creative, a full-service marketing and creative agency in Lansing, Mich., that he founded in 2011 after a long career in education, including 11 years with the United Plumbers and Pipefitters.
Brian’s unique background as an educator in the skilled trades and a marketing and branding expert have turned Michigan Creative into a go-to resource for construction industry clients that want to tell their story and celebrate the workforce.
Brian and his team of 16 full-time creatives love to inspire clients to think about their business in a way they never have before, and solve problems with innovation and creativity – generating ROI and building lasting relationships.
More details coming soon…
Presented by Nathan Barry, Dean of Career and Technical Education, Metropolitan Community Colleges
2:00 – 2:15 PM
Break Between Sessions
2:15 – 3:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
It has been a busy year for construction industry employers having to navigate the many labor and employment law changes coming down from federal and state agencies and the courts. This session will provide participants with an up-to-day summary of recent labor and employment law developments and offer practical tips on how to remain in compliance.
Presented by Stuart R. Buttrick, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Stuart R. Buttrick, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Stuart Buttrick is one of the most prominent management-side labor attorneys in the United States. Stuart is also the team leader of the Faegre Drinker labor management relations (LMR) team. He represents employers nationwide in labor relations matters, including in proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), in arbitrations, in litigation and in contract negotiations.
According to the Human Capital Institute, organizations with strong coaching cultures are more than twice as likely to be a high-performing organization, than other organizations that don’t. Research also shows that great leaders can get 110% effort or more from their motivated employees! Coaching is a business requirement, not optional. It’s crucial that leaders create a culture of coaching that will help your entire organization reach its potential, by coaching your teams to peak performance.
Presented by Kimara Mayberry, Human Resources Manager, Clark Construction Company
Kimara Mayberry, Human Resources Manager , Clark Construction Company
Kimara P. Mayberry is the Human Resources Manager for Clark Construction Company, with Headquarters located in Lansing, Michigan and additional locations in Auburn Hills, MI, Grand Rapids, MI and Alpena, MI. She is also the Founder and Principal Consultant for Platinum
Consulting Group. Her consulting clients include organizations in the For-Profit sector and Non-Profit organizations with a strategic focus on Leadership Development and Justice, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Kimara has over 20 years of extensive leadership experience in the Construction Management, Healthcare, Higher Education, Non-Profit, Supply Chain/Food Distribution, and Manufacturing Industries.
Kimara is a highly sought after Speaker, Trainer and Facilitator. Her areas of expertise include
Human Resources Management & Talent Development, Employee Relations, Training/Instructional Design, Leadership Coaching, Performance Management, Justice Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
Kimara is a 2007 graduate of Philander Smith College with a B.A. in Organizational
Management, Cum Laude and Distinction in Field. She graduated in 2012 with an M.B.A in Ethics and Business Administration from Harding University, in Searcy, Arkansas. Kimara is nationally certified as a PHR (Human Resources Professional), a SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional) and a CHAA (Certified Health Access Associate).
Kimara is very active in the Human Resources/Talent Development Community. She currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors for the Detroit Chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management), as President and Chair of the Board. Detroit SHRM is the largest SHRM affiliated chapter in the state of Michigan. She also serves on the Michigan State Council of SHRM as the East District Director, and is the immediate past Vice-President of Finance for the West Michigan ATD (Association for Talent Development).
Kimara is also very active in NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction). She currently serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Vice-President for the NAWIC Lansing Chapter, the largest NAWIC Chapter in the state of Michigan, and as the NAWIC North West Regional Chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Kimara is also a member of NABWIC- the National Association for Black Women in Construction. Kimara is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, the Lambda Rho Zeta Graduate Chapter, in Pontiac, MI where she currently serves on the Executive Board as President. She also serves in leadership roles on the State and Regional levels of the Sorority.
AGC of Kansas’ “Build Up Kansas” – www.buildupks.com – started five years ago and now is charged by the Kansas Legislature to ramp up CTE/Vocational Trade Programs in 298 Kansas high school. These CTE/Vocational programs will attract and energize the pipeline of young women/men into the construction trades to meet market demand, a projected demand of over 58,000 new workers in the next five years. In addition, Build Up Kansas hosts a HR Platform (powered by Arcoro) to allow for AGC members to post their job openings (by craft & city) and also provide high schools students the ability to post their resumes/credentials for employment opportunities into the construction industry.
Presented by Mike Gibson, Executive Vice President, AGC of Kansas; Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships, Arcoro; James Busch, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, NCCER
Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships, Arcoro
Carrie Gardenhire has spent over 20 years helping companies develop sustainable strategies, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs across many industries, including construction, software, workforce development nonprofits, media publications and educational products. Developing ways to improve both employee success and business outcomes has been paramount throughout Gardenhire’s career as an operations leader, digital marketer, and project manager.
James Busch, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, NCCER
James Busch is a Workforce Development Manager for NCCER and provides expert support for organization’s seeking accreditation through NCCER and will relentlessly and cooperatively seek solutions for their workforce and training challenges and opportunities.
He has extensive knowledge and experience in post-secondary education and has had the honor of fostering many partnerships with industry leaders and has a passion for bringing industry and education together.
Before his move to education, he served ten years in the U.S. Army and as a Direct Support Mechanic for the Federal Civilian Service. James received his B.S. in Career & Technical Education from Northern Arizona University and is a proud resident of “The Big Sky State” of Montana.
This session will explore how Hoover City schools worked with the Alabama AGC and the local construction industry to establish and successful run a skills trade academy as part of the new Riverchase Career Connection Center. The academy now serves over 100 students annually, thanks in large part to the ongoing support and leadership provided through the chapter by the industry. The speakers will share their story and offer tips on how to create similar successful partnerships in other communities.
Presented by Debra Smith, Director, Hoover, AL City Schools; Jeff Rodgers, President of Services, Alabama AGC; Rachel Harvey, Chief Preconstruction Manager, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
Jeff Rodgers, President of Services, Alabama AGC
Jeff Rodgers is President of AGC Alabama Construction Industry Services, Inc., the service company of the Alabama AGC that manages and markets insurance products and services to Alabama’s construction industry. Jeff began his employment with Alabama AGC in 2012 serving as Section Manager and Vice-President of Alabama AGC before assuming his role as President of the Service Company in August 2015. In addition to his employment with AGC, Jeff serves on a number of state and local agencies, commissions, and boards representing the interests of the construction industry.
Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Jeff has spent most of his life in Birmingham. Prior to joining the staff of Alabama AGC, Jeff served 8 years working as the Operations Manager for a high-risk industrial contractor and 7 years as Director of Client Services for a local independent insurance agency with a focus on construction risk. During this time, Jeff was heavily involved with the construction and insurance industries, serving on the Board of Directors for Alabama AGC, the Subcontractors Association of Alabama, and the Birmingham Independent Insurance Agents.
Jeff and his wife, Kristi, have 3 children: Zachary (23), Olivia (19), and Ava (15).
Rachel Harvey, Chief Preconstruction Manager, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
As Chief Preconstruction Manager, Rachel oversees regional projects from an executive level. With an extensive knowledge of construction, she optimizes value for our clients by ensuring that projects are appropriately staffed and have access to the resources they need to maximize quality and efficiency. Rachel focuses on establishing long-term partnerships that allow us to serve our clients as a trusted resource when they plan for new projects and as their contractor when they are ready to build.
In Rachel’s 23 years with Brasfield & Gorrie, she has managed the preconstruction efforts of over $5 billion of construction projects, as well as managing the construction of several fast-track design-build industrial projects. Known for her servant leadership and dedication to client service, Rachel works with the precon team, owners, and often design team to manage project budgets. Rachel also has substantial design-build expertise focused primarily on aerospace and industrial projects. Rachel has also had the opportunity to travel internationally to negotiate projects and assist clients with planning.
Rachel is a Founders Award winner which is the highest honor given to Brasfield & Gorrie employees. She is passionate about the future of the construction workforce and won the AGC Alabama Build-South Workforce Development Award in 2020, followed by the AGC Women in Construction Award in 2022 which highlighted her role as a difference-maker in the industry. Rachel served on the board of Directors for the Birmingham Chapter of the Alabama AGC for four years as well as on the State board of directors of the Alabama AGC for 6 years with her most recent role as Chairman of the Board in 2020. She has assisted two local high schools in establishing skilled trades academies and has also served as a Board Member with the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama and the Construction Career Opportunity Program.
Rachel earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science from Auburn University. Rachel is also active with the Special Needs Ministry at Mountaintop Church, as well as serving as a booster with the Simmons Middle School Band and assistant with the Hoover High School Color Guard. Rachel and her husband Gary live in Birmingham, with their two daughters Chesca and Gabby. Gary’s son Tyler lives in Nashville, TN with his fiancé. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys traveling with her family, relaxing at the lake and chauffeuring her daughters to their many sports and activities.
3:15 – 3:30 PM
Break Between Sessions
3:30 – 4:30 PM
Culture Drives Business, Business Drives Culture
Culture drives business. Business drives culture. The construction industry has seen a nearly unprecedented need for skilled labor to keep up with the demands of the built environment. This demand has increased the need for construction companies to reevaluate their company culture and how they attract, train, promote, and retain construction professionals and new and emerging talent.
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the key learnings of how people-first culture drives business success
- Create dialogue on how to leverage culture to solve real time business challenges
- Recognize the key building blocks to drive cultural change
Presented by Lisa O’Brien, Director of Industry Culture, Procore Technologies
Lisa O’Brien, Director of Industry Culture, Procore Technologies
Lisa O’Brien is a firm believer in the unlimited creative potential in every human being. She has focused her career on executive, leadership, and organizational development fueled by that perspective. Lisa is a McKinsey alumni who has over 20 years of international experience in executive development and organizational change working across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. She has mentored upcoming executive coaches from all over the world and is currently a Master Certified Coach candidate with the International Coach Federation. Lisa is also an international keynote speaker and published author. Lisa currently serves as Director, Industry Culture for Procore Technologies supporting the conversation around culture change in the construction industry. She resides in her home state of Colorado and enjoys nature, painting, dance, photography, and diverse travel.
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Networking Happy Hour
Sponsored By:
6:00 – 8:00 PM
Networking Dinner (Location TBA)
Join us at this year’s networking dinner & spend time building meaningful connections with peers in your industry.
The location of this year’s networking dinner will be announced soon! Pre-registration & an additional fee are required to attend this event.
Sponsored By:
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
7:00 – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 – 8:45 AM
Labor Shortage or Culture Deficit – Addressing the Real Issue in the Construction Industry
Headlines scream “labor shortage” and ”nobody wants to work in construction” but is that really true? It all depends on your workplace culture. There are fundamental issues that need to be addressed but all is not lost. Interviews with nearly 100 best workplace contractors, findings from the People in Construction research over the past six years and experience in the field confirms there is much good in construction. Learn what the best contractors are doing to attract and retain people. Discover critical gaps that must be addressed if you are to overcome your labor challenges. Rather than telling you there is a labor shortage, this fast-moving session will tell you what you need to do to create a motivated work force that wants to stay and wants to produce. This will validate your path or put you on a new one. Either way, you confidently depart with clear direction.
Presented by Wally Adamchik, President, FireStarter Speaking and Consulting
Wally Adamchik, President, FireStarter Speaking and Consulting
Wally Adamchik is dedicated to making better construction leaders.
- In his youth, he worked with his father and brother in construction in NYC.
- His mother was the first woman to referee a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.
- At the University of Notre Dame, Wally was the mascot—that’s right, he was the Leprechaun.
- As an Officer of Marines, Wally deployed throughout the world. In tanks and then Cobra attack helicopters, He served in operations and maintenance roles.
- MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- President of FireStarter Speaking and Consulting. A national construction leadership consulting firm providing speaking, coaching and consulting to those in and around construction.
- Author of No Yelling: The Nine Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know to Win in Business. And of Construction Leadership from A to Z; 26 words to lead by
- Certified Speaking Professional, Certified Management Consultant.
- Father of two college athletes and married for 30 years.
When you add all that up you get an honest expert who understands the multi-national as well as he does the family construction company and is able to modify his approach to make an impact in both. Since 2003 he has supported some of the most notable firms in the construction industry and is a regular presenter at industry gatherings. Wally delivers usable ideas and insights that you can put to use the minute you get back to work.
8:45 – 9:00 AM
Break Between Sessions
9:00 – 9:45 AM
Breakout Sessions
Executing at a high level often attracts more responsibility and workload. Not recognizing this pattern in the workplace can be dangerous. In this session, we will learn about the overutilized strategy of giving more work to our high performers while struggling to grow our underperformers. When we allow some employees to “skate” by, we can breed resentment and a struggling organizational culture. By ensuring we lead with retention best practices, understand our employees’ recognition preferences, and managing burnout, we will better equip ourselves to lead with integrity and tackle the tough conversations.
Presented by Courtney Brockman, Zelle Consultant, Training and Development Manager; Zelle HR Solutions
Courtney Brockman, Zelle Consultant, Training and Development Manager, Zelle HR Solutions
Courtney’s unique background and positive outlook serve her well in her role as the HR Consultant, Training and Development Manager with Zelle Human Resource Solutions. Courtney’s skills allow her to make meaningful cultural impact, develop others personally and professionally, and create lasting connections. Courtney focuses on employee engagement and retention, training and development, establishing organizational change, implementing marketing strategies, and facilitating recruitment processes.
Courtney graduated from Iowa State University focusing on business and entrepreneurship. She has also received her Human Resources certification from Cornell University, SHRM-CP through the Society of Human Resource Management and Professional Certified Marketer® in Marketing Management from the American Marketing Association.
Learn about upcoming benefits trends, what is driving them, and what other employer groups in the market are doing to protect and enhance their plans.
Presented by Julie Taffera, First Vice President, Employee Benefits, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Julie Taffera, First Vice President, Employee Benefits, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Julie Taferra has been consulting employers on employee benefits strategy since 2012. While she consults clients in all industries, she has a strong focus on construction. Her consulting approach starts with evaluating each organization’s culture, budget, and challenges in order to craft a long-term strategy using data to achieve results. In 2016 she was selected as one of Employee Benefit Advisor’s Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising. Julie received her MBA in Project Management from Capella University and a BA from Cal State Long Beach and a Certificate in Construction Management from SDSU.
More details coming soon…
Presented by Zach Fields, Vice President, Construction Ready, K-12, Construction Ready
The construction industry faces a chronic need for skilled workers, especially in 2023. Organizations that prioritize people’s employee benefits and their experiences with employee benefits will have a distinct advantage in attracting today’s diverse and evolving workforce.
This presentation will serve as an overview of people-centric considerations in health, welfare, wellbeing, and retirement benefits. We’ll discuss how the construction industry can improve outcomes for increasingly diverse workforces through changes in benefit program design, communication, and delivery. We’ll also explore how benefit program management is evolving to increase employee involvement.
Presented by Gage Stille, Senior Vice President, National Corporate Solutions Leader, Segal Company
9:45 – 10:00 AM
Break Between Sessions
10:00 – 10:45 AM
Breakout Sessions
The missing piece of your key worker’s compensation package – the topic is important to companies and key workers because it effectively provides both financial stability to the contracting company and financial security to the targeted key workers. Any industry experiencing a strong demand combined with an exceeding small supply of talented employees creates a perfect storm of opportunity for job seekers. Unfortunately, this makes key workers of contracting companies a target for competing companies who can pay more for the key workers. This trend can take on a domino effect causing havoc in the industry. Key workers have leverage in this environment and history shows they are wielding it to a significant effect. This is a significant problem contracting companies are looking for ideas to solve.
Presented by Rick Willard, Founder, Willard Financial Group, LLC
When you think about jobsite hazards, physical risks are probably at the top of the list — an unprotected fall, an unmarked restricted zone, etc. But what about the dangers you can’t see?
Construction workers are statistically at a higher risk for mental health issues than virtually every other profession and have the highest suicide rates of all industries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In fact, construction workers are more likely to die by suicide or overdose than every other workplace related fatality combined.
This session will provide solid solutions and resources on the value of mental health awareness initiatives to provide safer job sites, a more profitable business, and combating the labor shortage by helping to attract, engage and retain your workforce.
Presented by Mandy McIntyre, Owner, Level Up Consultants
Mandy McIntyre, Owner, Level Up Consultants
Mandy McIntyre is the Owner of Level Up Consultants in Cleveland, Ohio. Before starting her business, she was Vice President of 1st Choice Roofing Company in Cleveland where she worked for nearly 10 years in the roofing industry. She serves on the National Women in Roofing’s DEI Committee and is Chair for the Cleveland Council. She has been around construction most of her life as her family owned and operated a small general contracting business.
As a change agent for mental health, she serves on the Construction Suicide Prevention Taskforce collaborating with OSHA and other supporters in the construction industry to promote mental health awareness. Mandy is a registered Mental Health First Aid instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and a yoga and meditation teacher through the Yoga Alliance. She has completed Cornell University’s DEI certificate program and Harvard University’s Leadership Principles
program respectively
ERISA fiduciary responsibilities are not new, but recent transparency and disclosure requirements open the door to plan participant class action lawsuits and government-related audits and penalties. Learn how to protect your plan.
Presented by Julie Taffera, First Vice President, Employee Benefits, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
75 years of growth in the Atlanta market meant two things to owner Jonathan Strack. Risk and opportunity. Growth was inevitable, successful growth wasn’t. New challenges require new solutions and Strack went all in to address the labor issues facing construction. A recommit to the historical foundation through a rigorous values exercise and an investment in training and culture to become a destination for constructors in the market. From getting active in high schools to find new employees to keeping current employees through innovative training and enhanced culture, it is a full court press to simply be better in all facets of the game.
This information loaded presentation will give you proven ideas to put to use in your company. Any one of them will make an impact; Strack will show you how they employed six unique and complementary strategies.
Presented by Eric Cooley, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Strack, Inc.; Jonathan Strack, President, Strack, Inc.; Marc Smith, Director of Organizational Development & Chaplain, Strack, Inc.
Eric Cooley, Executive VP & Chief Financial Officer, Strack, Inc.
Eric has more than two decades of experience serving in construction financial management roles. Over his career, Eric has had the privilege of building and developing many successful teams in the areas of finance, accounting, HR, IT, project management, training, and recruiting. He holds a BS in Business Administration from Longwood University and an MBA from Campbell University. He is also a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) and IMA Certified Management Accountant (CMA). During his career, Eric has gained a mix of public, private, and private equity experience with company revenues from $100 million to $4 billion. Eric enjoys working collaboratively across the organization to strategically solve business problems, create structure, and develop systems.
Jonathan Strack, President, Strack, Inc.
Jonathan Strack started his career at Strack, Inc. at 12 years old as a laborer and worked his way up through the business as an operator, superintendent, project manager, vice president, president, and finally CEO, learning what it means to be a good leader from the greatest man and mentor that anyone could ever have: his father, Joe Strack.
HUMBLE HEARTS, OPEN HANDS.
Being raised in the business and serving the company in all aspects of the work, Jonathan is known by his employees for his humble, “follow me” attitude. He truly leads the team from the front line and uses his generosity and kindness towards all people as a direct example. Jonathan believes that you should lead by being a servant first in all things that you do, and that there is little that can’t be accomplished by putting others before yourself.
BETTER EVERY DAY.
Jonathan has led the way for growth and provided vision for the future of Strack Inc., unlike anyone else. Under his leadership, Strack has grown from a $20 Million a year company to a $225 Million a year company, all while expanding into new market segments and construction disciplines. Now operating with more than 625 employees, Strack serves both the private and public construction sectors, all while staying true to its roots from the late 1940’s as a grading contractor.
MINDFUL IN EVERYTHING
Jonathan is marking a career highlight this year by being a part of growing and developing Strack, Inc. from its 50th anniversary to its 75th anniversary. A huge part of this milestone has been Jonathan’s vision to invest in the future of Strack, Inc. and the future of the heavy civil construction industry by spearheading the development of a state-of-the-art training program that includes a 2,500 sq ft training facility, CAT equipment simulators, an in-house training team, a mobile training center, and an 8-acre equipment training ground.
EVERYONE MATTERS
Jonathan’s goal is to “live life with” all of his employees while empowering them to build their skills, career, and future.
Marc Smith, Director of Organizational Development & Chaplain, Strack, Inc.
Marc knows less about construction and more about people. Although his father worked in the industry, Marc’s hands-on experience is leading 32 teams of volunteers in disaster relief and building homes and wells domestically and internationally. Marc earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, after which he took the unlikely path to full-time ministry. He holds a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary and spent over 20 years in campus and student ministry. As Marc says, he’s in the “people development” department at Strack. He loves to invest in others and to share anything he’s learned about life, leadership, or organizational systems that might help people grow.
10:45 – 11:00 AM
Break Between Sessions
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Closing General Session
11:00 – 11:45 AM
Unveil the Magic of AI in Construction with Expert Trainer, Wendy Sellers!
Join us for an illuminating session designed exclusively for the construction industry. In this captivating session, industry expert Wendy Sellers, equipped with the prowess of ChatGPT, will unravel the mysteries of generative artificial intelligence.
Embrace the future by harnessing the potential of AI to not only elevate your productivity but also propel the industry to new heights. Bid farewell to apprehensions about AI taking over, and instead, discover how it can become your ultimate ally. Check your to-do list, get creative, get factual: get things done!
What Awaits You in This Session:
- Demystifying ChatGPT: Understanding its Essence and Mechanism
- Navigating ChatGPT: Your Pathway to Seamless Access
- Crafting the Perfect Prompts: Unleashing Text Generation and Summarization
- Mastering the Art of Inquiry: Posing the Right Questions to ChatGPT
- Precision in Results: Strategies for Attaining Utmost Accuracy
Step into a realm where AI seamlessly integrates with construction, amplifying your skills and expertise and above all: help maintain your sanity! Let Wendy Sellers, The HR Lady®, guide you through an enchanting journey of learning and empowerment. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape your future in construction with the magic of AI!
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Mental Health HR Workshop: How to Create Organization Wellness: Recovery First Aid and Stress Management – Ticketed Event
73% of today’s workforce experiences stress that affects their mental health. If left untreated, stress can lead to mental health and substance use issues as employees struggle to cope. In the first part of this workshop, understand the impact mental health and substance use have on not just employees but their family members. Learn to identify signs that someone is struggling and have a productive conversation to provide support and resources.
In the second half of this workshop, zero in specifically on the issues that lead HR professionals to feel burnout. Step through the stages of burnout and get practical tips to manage stress and improve resilience.
Pre-registration & an additional fee are required to attend this event. Lunch will be provided to registered attendees. $269
Presented by Rich Jones, Chief Clinical Officer, Youturn Health
12:00 – 4:00 PM
Workforce Field Trip: See Construction Education Programs in Action – Ticketed Event
Join us for an optional excursion to visit local elementary, middle and high schools that have put in place successful construction-focused programs. These programs are exposing students to construction skills in a way that reinforces core curriculum content areas like math and science.
Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about the programs and see them in active during live student instruction. The programs were established and are supported by AGC members with the Georgia AGC Chapter and the Construction Ready group. (Note – final plans for the visits are being finalized.)
Pre-registration & an additional fee are required to attend this event. Lunch will be provided to registered attendees. $50
Sponsored By:
If you plan to attend either of this year’s post-conference events, your flight home should be scheduled to depart after 6:00 PM EST. If you DO NOT plan to attend either of this year’s post-conference events, your flight home should be scheduled to depart after 2:00 PM EST.
About the Conference
AGC’s Construction HR & Workforce Conference is the premier education and networking destination for HR, training and workforce development professionals in the construction industry.
For Workforce Professionals: Explore the latest workforce development efforts underway across the country and share your own success stories.
For Training Professionals: Stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge techniques being used in the world of training and development.
For HR Professionals: Find out whether you’re maintaining compliance with current employment laws and best practices.