Speakers

Alexandria (Lexi) Anderson

Alexandria (Lexi) Anderson is an emerging professional in CSI and a scholarship recipient of the CSI Foundation Scholarship for the 2023 CSI National Convention. She graduated from the College of Architecture at the University of Tennessee and is working towards licensure as an architect at MBI Companies Inc. She is involved in the Academic Programs Committee for CSI and is also a committee member of the Farragut West Young Professionals and is actively engaged in supporting the development of young professionals in the Knoxville community. When she is not working, she spends her time writing novels and plays with her two maltipoos, Matcha and Ace.

Angela Andrews

Angela Andrews is an award-winning claims professional whose passionate and dedicated claims work propelled her into management roles early in her career. Angela specializes in claims practices and law and has served as Claims Manager for some of the fastest growing niche Carriers in the industry.

Since 2008, Angela has been a brand ambassador and spokesperson for a number of claims organizations – delivering insurance education and diversity education through seminars, curricula and trainings. In 2014, Angela started the Northern Virginia Claims Association which quickly propelled to serve the largest membership base of its affiliates in the state.

Angela has been awarded the distinctive honor of Claims Professional of the Year by a panel of advisors to the Claims and Litigation Management Association (CLM) also serving as a proctor and instructor for three years in the Property & Casualty school for candidates of the Litigation Management Institute. Angela also served as a founding chapter member of the Northern Virginia CLM chapter.

In 2021, Angela founded Green Public Insurance Adjusting, an Ohio-based public insurance adjusting firm currently staffing 5 employees. She also founded the Heartland Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (HAPIA) in 2023 – a nonprofit organization serving the community and helping train and mentor individuals in the industry.

The Virginia Commonwealth University alum is a sought-after speaker, host and correspondent who leverages her background in insurance, marketing and communications. 

Peers have praised Angela’s friendly and open communications style. She is regarded as a continual learner who seeks to bridge the complex world of insurance and regulations to help make her mentees’ work and personal lives more efficient.

Through her organizations and online networks, Angela has helped more than 3,000 developing claims professionals find employment and training opportunities in the field.

Dory Azar, OAA, LEED AP, MRAIC

Dory Azar is an architect and content creator who captivates large audiences with his distinctive blend of architectural knowledge and humor.  With more than 150,000 followers on Instagram and 90,000 on TikTok, Dory's videos have amassed over 65 million views and over one million shares. Dory has redefined the way people perceive architecture through his laid‐back approach, demystifying a profession that can seem enigmatic to the public. His unique take on discussing architecture has been featured in media outlets such as The Daily Mail, Archello, and City Life Magazine.

Amy Baker, AIA, CSI, CDT, SCIP

Amy Baker is an Architect and Specifications Consultant with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in the technical development of projects with a passion for exterior enclosure detailing, building science, building codes, and specifications. Amy is pleased to serve on the Board of Directors for the Building Enclosure Council of Greater Detroit, the Detroit Chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), Specification Consultants in Independent Practice, and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). She is also on RIB SpecLink’s Product Innovation Advisory Board, where she contributes ideas for improving the functionality of one of the leading spec writing platforms in North America.

Dr. Brandi Baldwin, Ph.D.

Dr. Brandi Baldwin is the CEO of Millennial Ventures, an award-winning startup launching social impact projects in the education and workforce innovation space. 

Dr. Brandi is a former Wharton Business School Lecturer and was previously appointed to the Philadelphia Mayor's Millennial Advisory Commission. Other noteworthy accomplishments include being named one of Philadelphia's Most Influential African Americans, receiving the Business Journal's 40 Under 40 award, and the "Take the Lead" award from the Girl Scouts. She also sits on the Technology Review Committee at Ben Franklin Technology Partners and is a member of the Investment Committee at NextFab Ventures.

BW Brisco

BW Brisco is a certified firestop instructor and subject matter expert focusing on smoke and fire barrier compliance. He has been in the construction industry for over 40 years, and specifically in the firestop industry for 30 years. Working with the design/specification community, city inspectors, general contractors, sub-contractors, facilities management, and distribution, has given him unique insights into the field of life safety.

Ivette Bruns, CSI, CCS

Ivette Ramirez Bruns, CSI, CCS, is currently Associate Principal | Specifications at RATIO Design. She has been writing commercial architectural specifications for over 25 years and has been an active member of the Indianapolis Chapter of CSI since 1995. She's held several positions with the Indianapolis Chapter including Board Member, Secretary, Education Committee Chair, and Membership Chair and is currently President. She is also co-presenter for CSI Certification Classes. She has also been involved with the CSI Great Lakes Region including GLR President, Education Committee Chair, Awards Committee Chair and Presenter at several GLR Conferences. She has been on the committee to organize several GLR Conferences and was on the Host Committee for CONSTRUCT in Indianapolis in 2009. Her primary focus is to educate those that work with her and inspire those coming into the industry to continue learning more about the technical information and specifications behind the design.

Bill Charney

Bill Charney is widely recognized as one of North America’s foremost authorities on board leadership and Policy Governance.  Bill’s primary focus is working with and helping individual boards clarify their expectations, roles and accountability to proactively establish performance standards for the organizations they lead.

Since earning an MBA in Organization Management at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Bill has served on numerous boards, ranging from a small association with no employees to an international trade association, both of which he chaired.  Bill also has seen boards from the “CEO perspective.”  Bill founded and served nine years as the highly successful initial CEO of a prestigious Denver nonprofit (the Cherry Creek Arts Festival). His leadership tenure as CEO brought the nonprofit organization international acclaim as one of the most highly regarded arts festivals in the country, and for its pioneering volunteer management, environmental and corporate partnership programs.

Tony Ferrante

Tony has been in the Construction Industry his whole life. Starting in the ready-mix concrete world with experience in quality control, testing, mix design, and operations; he then moved into the roofing industry. There he learned the many facets and systems of roofing from both hands-on experience and studies. Tony achieved his Registered Roof Observer certification, then operated as a Building Envelope/Roofing Inspector. He was a manufacturer's representative for years promoting building enclosure products. Through CSI he earned his Construction Documents Technologist certification. Now as a Senior Building Enclosure Consultant he assists designers, owners, and contractors in helping to build better buildings.

Kevin Fitzgerald

Kevin Fitzgerald is an architect with twenty-five years of experience in architecture, construction, and real estate. A former Associate at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Kevin is a Senior Development Risk Manager for Raymond James Affordable Housing Investments, managing construction risk for properties nationwide. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude, from Syracuse University, and a Master of Real Estate Development from UMD College Park.

Julie Foley

As a lifelong resident of Michigan, Julie Foley has been in the AEC industry since starting college and taking her first step onto a construction site in 2003. She earned a five year Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. Continuing with her education, Julie earned a Construction Documents Technology (CDT) certification from CSI in 2020 and her Architect Registration in 2022. She is an active member and volunteers for a variety of professional organizations including CSI’s Academic Program Committee, CSI’s Awards Committee, is her CSI chapter Education co-chair, and authors tests questions for CSI exams.

Julie’s career began in the experiential and events marketing industry with modified architectural projects. Not only was she helping with logistic planning of trade shows but also designing and construction for the booths and mobile marketing events. This transitioned to architectural positions focusing on educational, high-end retail, industrial, automotive architecture, project management, specification writing, and creating a training program for younger staff. Her passion for documentation, coordination, and education is well received on a project site.

When Julie isn’t getting her boots dirty, studying for her next certification, helping others pass their exams, or earning continuing education credits, she enjoys time with her family, pets, and reading. Regardless of what she’s working on, she will stop and support any individuals in their personal and professional journey. She’s passionate about life and helping others succeed.

Melody Fontenot, AIA, CSI, CCCA, CCS, CDT, SCIP

Melody Fontenot, AIA, CSI, CCCA, CCS, CDT, SCIP is a senior specification writer with Conspectus, Inc., a national specifications consultancy. Originally from Oklahoma, now based in Portland, Oregon, she is an active member of the Portland CSI chapter, as well as a member of AIA and SCIP. A licensed architect and experienced spec-writer, Melody has over 20 years' experience in project management, construction documents, specifications, and construction contract administration for commercial projects, along with a passion for product research, spec content management, sharing spec knowledge, and improving communication in the AECO industry.

Zak Galla

Zak Galla is a seasoned professional with over 18 years of experience at Sherwin-Williams. He has established a reputation for innovation, problem-solving, leadership, and relationship building. Currently serving as an Enterprise Account Executive (EAE) at Sherwin-Williams, Zak helps clients with their design, specification, architectural and high-performance coatings needs. He has worked with firms to provide specs for projects large and small, including schools/universities/colleges, factories, airport terminals, and health care facilities. Prior to being an EAE, he held multiple positions in sales and management, where he accomplished several notable achievements, including divisional and president’s awards.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Zak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of Houston-Downtown and an AAS in Film/Cinema/Video Studies. He continues to stay updated with the latest trends in architecture build design, and technology. He is committed to driving business growth and advancing technology solutions.

Steve Gantner, RA, CCS, CCCA, CDT

Steve Gantner, RA, CCS, CCCA, CDT is executive vice president for Conspectus, Inc, a national consultancy. He is based in St. Louis, MO and has more than 30 years' experience in all phases of construction, including programming and planning, budget review, design, coordination, construction documentation, design team management, construction specifying and contract administration in a wide variety of facility types. His specialty areas include design-build, construction management, integrated project delivery, owner project requirements documentation, project systems and performance descriptions, procurement and construction specifications; quality assurance reviews; and is a Conspectus Cloud (award-winning decision management tool) expert and development contributor. Steve is passionate about education and collaboration between the specifier and the construction team and is available for classes and presentations.

Consolato (Cons) Gattuso

Consolato (Cons) Gattuso has over 30 years’ experience in engineering, design, and operations and brings extensive leadership in real estate, commercial property, and technical consulting industries to the GBI Board.

In his current role, he is responsible for developing, implementing, and enhancing engineering standards. Prior to joining Piedmont Office Realty Trust, Cons served as Senior Vice President of Technical Operation for Zeller, developing capital and engineering strategies for acquisitions. He also led Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) smart buildings service, created and developed JLL’s Retro commissioning Program and Energy Best Practices and ran the energy program for a 120 MM sq. ft. Real Estate Portfolio with Equity Office Properties.

Brandon Greer, CSI, AIA, LEED AP(BD+C)

Director of Cladding Fiberon

Lynsey Hankins, CSI, IDCEC, Industry IIDA, ASID

Lynsey has worked in the construction industry since 2009 with the majority of time spent in the commercial sector. Lynsey is Master Painter Institute (MPI) Certified, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Construction Specification Institute as Institute Director from the South-Central Region. Lynsey is an AIA and IDCEC accredited presenter and is an Industry Member of IIDA and ASID. Lynsey's passion for color and design comes from several years in the flooring and high-performance coatings divisions. Lynsey partners with owners, architects and designers to assist in providing the best quality products to fit the look and feel the space and owner requires.

Donovan Heminokeky

Donovan Heminokeky is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in building envelope systems and restoration. With over thirty years of experience in the industry, Donovan has held various roles including Technical Sales Representative, Operations Manager, and Vice President/General Manager, and is currently the Building Envelope Systems Senior Field Application Specialist for Henry a Carlisle Company. 

Throughout his career, Donovan has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the quality and integrity of construction projects. His responsibilities have included jobsite observing, project inspecting, providing technical support, facilitating sales, overseeing project management and quality control, and product and system installation training. 

Donovan's dedication to excellence is evident in his proactive approach to problem-solving and his ability to develop effective solutions to meet project specifications and warranty requirements. He is also skilled in customer relationship management, with a focus on building trust and delivering exceptional service to clients. 

With a background in the US Armed Services and extensive specialized training, Donovan brings a unique blend of technical expertise and practical knowledge to his work. He is known for his leadership abilities, strong communication skills, and commitment to continuous improvement. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Donovan attended Saint Leo College, the University of Oklahoma, and served in the US Army where he graduated as the Honor Graduate of the US Army Corp of Engineers Construction, Rigging and Explosives Demolition Schools. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience with others and is dedicated to helping his team and clients succeed.

Alison Hoagland

Alison Hoagland, an Architect and Principal at Mackenzie, has designed and delivered projects in a variety of markets, including retail, commercial, hospitality, educational, industrial, and public safety facilities. Alison is passionate about sustainable architecture, and has led many of Mackenzie’s LEED projects, and worked to develop Mackenzie’s Building Science Committee. She is a Green Globes Professional as well as a Green Globes Assessor; LEED accredited; and trained in thermographic analysis. As a leader, Alison fosters a strong team atmosphere that extends across consultant and client teams. Her attention to detail and grasp of the “big picture” of every project enables her to lead her team to success.

Melody Jackson

Melody Jackson is the GAF Building Science Manager for the Southwest U.S. Melody has 11 years of experience in the AEC industry and spent 7 years working in construction law. She has over five years of experience as an independent specifications writer. Most recently she has 4 years’ experience in the commercial roofing industry as an architectural representative. She holds a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Houston. She is actively involved in various professional organizations such as AIA, IIBEC, NWIR, and CSI. Melody has served on the CSI Houston Board of Directors for over six years and served two terms as Treasurer. In June she began a term as Vice President for Publications and Public Service for the Houston CSI Chapter. She is a founding member of the National Women in Roofing Houston Chapter.

Chris Kasa

Based in Minneapolis, MN, Chris has 20+ years of commercial construction industry experience and leads the Nystrom specification team by partnering with design professionals to provide substantial product solutions, detailed technical support, and superior service. 

Rajesh Kaul

Experienced, dedicated and result oriented Engineering Principal/Manager/Teacher with twenty-eight plus years’ experience in the field of building sciences and construction, consulting engineering, teaching, project, and team management. Highly technical and performance driven manager, professional engineer, experienced in building systems designs, condition assessment and construction contract administration and management, for different building types like healthcare, educational, commercial, high rises, Industrial, Institutional, government (state and federal) and other building types.

Candace Kitchen 

Candace Kitchen is the primary presenter and educator for Total Door Systems’ courses on life safety and building codes. She has more than four years’ experience working with architects, engineers, hotels, fire safety personnel, and others to provide them the latest information on life safety building codes and product options to help ensure compliance. Candace is a central part of Total Door Systems’ customer service team and helps each customer with her characteristic high energy and positivity.

Alexander Lungershausen AIA, CSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA, SCIP, LEED BD+C, Dipl.-Ing

Alexander Lungershausen AIA, CSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA, SCIP, LEED BD+C, Dipl.-Ing is a registered architect and certified specification writer with 33 years of experience in projects of all sizes. Alexander has written specifications for 17 years for work valued at over $2 billion; including numerous LEED projects. He continues to work as a Project Architect in the Commercial and Transportation Sector. Alexander is a Fulbright Scholar with a Master of Architecture degree from the University of New Mexico and from the Technical University, Berlin, Germany. He also holds a Business Degree of the HSBA in Hamburg, Germany as well as the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in the German Army. He is fluent in German and Spanish (born in Peru) and is the past President of the Portland CSI Chapter. He is a founding and active member of the Industry Forum and JEDI(Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) committee.

Clifford Marvin, CCS, AIA Assoc., LEED-AP

I've witnessed the production of architecture from all angles. My initial experience was in the trades, starting with demolition. In between working for several architecture firms, I worked for the City of New York for seven years in two different mayoral agencies. Now I write master guide specifications for a software company and no longer work on projects. My emphasis will be on the specifier's role but all participants can benefit from learning about certification.

Bill McHugh

Bill McHugh is Technical Director at the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) & National Fireproofing Contractors Association (NFCA).  

Bill participates the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), State of Illinois, and City of Chicago code development processes as an active proponent for fire-resistance industries.  

He is a member of and past president of the Northern Illinois Chapter (now part of Chicago Chapter), past Institute Director, and past Region President (North Central), and a member of the Construction Specifications Canada’s Toronto Chapter,

He produces Life Safety Digest, the magazine of effective compartmentation, is principal author of the FCIA Firestop Manual of Practice, NFCA Handbook of Accepted Fireproofing Knowledge, and other industry documents. 

He presents at industry events locally, nationally and internationally, and liaisons with many other associations. 

Bill can be reached at bill@FCIA.org or bill@NFCA-online.org.FCIA.org or bill@NFCA-online.org.

Brian Miller, CSI

Brian Miller is Senior Vice President of ARCAT, North America’s largest and most active building product research and sourcing platform. Since his early days at Sweet’s Catalogue, through his many years as a building product sales and marketing consultant, and now presently with ARCAT, Brian has spent the past 37 years working with the sales and marketing executives of the most frequently specified brands in commercial construction. Brian now shares the insights gathered during that time as his way to give back to an industry he loves, in the hopes of giving today’s and tomorrow’s brand leaders a significant leg up on their competition.

Outside of ARCAT, Brian is an oil painter whose works have been featured in juried exhibitions.  He’s an avid cyclist, a lifelong Rotarian, world traveler, and nature lover. He makes his home in Loveland, Ohio.

Robert A. Miller PSP, CSI, CDT

Robert Miller is a Perimeter Security Consultant with over 35 years’ experience, offering proactive insight into today’s challenging physical security needs. He skills lend to him guiding those looking to secure their perimeter by assessing the vulnerability of their site and determining the correct products and design layout relative to their needs.  Robert has used his expertise in supporting the design and construction teams on major league sports facilities, military facilities, data centers, and many public safety facilities.   

Robert is a board-certified Physical Security Professional (PSP) by ASIS and Construction Document Technologist (CDT) by CSI. He is an AIA presenter who has presented over 500 times to various design professionals. Currently serving as Chair on the Security Industry Association Perimeter Security Terminology group and Technical Advisor on the ASTM F14.50 subcommittee on High Security Fence and Perimeter Barriers. 

Kevin Mlutkowski

Kevin Mlutkowski joined Advanced Architectural Products (A2P) in 2023 after 20+ years expanding market opportunities in structural engineering, fire protection, and green building. In his current role, Kevin leads efforts to expand the market for A2P’s GreenGirt continuous insulation and SMARTci building enclosure systems. Kevin holds a BS in technical communications and chemistry from Lawrence Technological University and an MBA from Oakland University.

Dr. Mukherjee currently holds professional memberships with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Construction Research Congress (CRC), and he is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington, M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo, (SUNY) and a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India.

Mekram Mohammad 

Mekram is the eastern US sales and architectural manager for Rockfon North America and supports a team of 9 reps. He is responsible for revenue generation and specification growth. He holds an MBA and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois. Mekram began his career as an architectural designer and moved quickly to an associate. He began his Rockfon tenure in 2017 as a district sales manager and continues to be a thought leader and ceiling resource in the markets he serves. Outside of work, he enjoys travel and spending time with his family in New Jersey.

Lindsey Montgomery 

Lindsey Montgomery is Hycrete’s US Division Business Development Director with more than 14 years of experience in the AEC industry. Lindsey specializes in business strategy, sales management, client education, and marketing. She has a strong history of building strategic partnerships and identifying opportunities to maximize value for clients and stakeholders. Lindsey coordinates cross-functionally with marketing and sales teams to align tactics and selling techniques with brand messaging. Her role also includes identifying opportunities to generate new business leads and build long-term relationships, which included conducting research on core customer demographics and market trends.

Frank Mruk

Frank Mruk is an architect and strategist. He is a founder and executive director of the Center for NY Strategic Innovation and the Boston Center for Smart Building Technology. He was educated at Pratt Institute, Pace University and at the University of Oxford. Frank is a Fellow of the Strategic Planning Society in the UK and of the American Institute of Architects. He is a past President of Metro NY CSI, the Association for Strategic Planning and AIA Rhode Island where he is a Morse Stone Fellow.

Amlan Mukherjee

Amlan Mukherjee is a Director of Sustainability at WAP Consulting following 18 years as a Professor of Civil Engineering at Michigan Tech. He has an extensive background in life cycle assessment for construction materials and has facilitated the development and implementation of the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the North American asphalt industry. He has served as a Life Cycle Assessment Specialist at the Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) supporting the Climate Challenge team and various efforts related to the implementation of sustainable public procurement. He also serves on the Acquisition Policy Federal Advisory Committee for the General Services Administration.

Dr. Mukherjee currently holds professional memberships with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Construction Research Congress (CRC), and he is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Michigan. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington, M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University at Buffalo, (SUNY) and a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India.

Amy Musanti

Amy Musanti is the Director of Sustainable Building Solutions at ASSA ABLOY based in Berlin, Connecticut. She has 17 years of experience in the opening solutions industry and is a part-time adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. Amy has a BA in Communication/Information Technology from Monmouth University and a MS in Organizational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Currently Amy is serving on the Design for Freedom Working Group and the SIA ESG Advisory Board.

Mark Ogg

Mark has over 29 years’ experience in the construction industry, spanning the Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Industrial, and Commercial markets. He is a credentialed PMP, CDT, and CCCA. With an extensive background in cost estimating and project controls, work process development, technical design development, construction safety, and contract negotiation. Mark manages the project life cycle from conception through completion. Mark is currently the president of the CSI Next Chapter and serves on the Editorial Advisory Committee for Construction Specifier Magazine as well as the CSI Academic Programs Committee. Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati and his Master of Construction Management from Western Carolina University. Mark currently serves as a Senior Manager of Projects with a global commercial real estate services firm.

Doyle Phillips, Ed.D., CCCA, CPC, FCPE

With over 45 years in in the construction industry working in various positions, Doyle now works as a construction educator, holding a position as an Associate Professor with the University of Oklahoma, sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of construction professionals. He has been a CSI member of CSI 1998 and has served as a volunteer at the national level in various capacities. He currently serves as Treasurer of the CSI OKC Chapter, the President-elect for the CSI South Central Region, and is a Past National President of the American Society of Professional Estimators. He loves to volunteer in the local community.

Liz Price

As a BIM specialist, Liz focuses on project delivery, virtual design and construction, model coordination, implementing BIM adoption/maturity within firms, and research of BIM technology. Liz works to establish cohesive workflows and documentation, seeing that a project runs seamlessly from start to finish. Her keen eye for detail and holistic understanding of the big picture makes her an invaluable asset to the design team.

Tim Proodian

Tim is a distinguished American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) speaker and subject matter expert focusing on healthcare smoke and fire barrier compliance.   m has been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, working with hospitals across the southern part of the United States.  Tim also works with facilities to streamline their pre-construction risk assessments, Infection Control Risk Assessments. Assisting healthcare facilities with performance improvement to increase life safety accountability and compliance with new construction and existing facilities. He is heavily involved with CMS, Joint Commission, and DNV in finding life-safety solutions that keep the facilities compliant with current life-safety standards.

His primary responsibility is to assist hospitals in working on keeping their smoke & fire barriers compliant.  He provides onsite training and certifications for engineers and contractors who may work above the ceilings.  Tim is also involved with the architects, engineers, and general contractors in healthcare, providing AIA certification training with a focus on firestop design in healthcare environments.

Michael Rader

I’ve worked exclusively in the field of fire protection for 35 years. I became the first Fire Marshal for Parkland Health in January 2010, where I quickly learned the challenges of Life Safety compliance in healthcare. Since then, I’ve participated in over 25 different state and federal healthcare compliance surveys, and countless other fire and insurance inspections. 

I live in Roanoke, TX with my wife Jennifer of 25 years. Together we have four children and six grandchildren. I’m an automotive enthusiast and enjoy shooting sports and the outdoors in my spare time. 

Mary Beth Reed

Mary Beth Reed is GAF’s Building Design Manager in the Southeast.  Having worked in commercial roofing for the past 11 years, on the contracting side prior to the manufacturing side, Mary Beth has a unique perspective balanced between building science principles and real life applications.  This, along with her extensive knowledge of roofing systems and Codes, allows Mary Beth to help the specification community with building design solutions that make sense, are based on best roofing practices, and that work.  

Mary Beth’s passion for educating, empowering, and mentoring others is demonstrated by her activity in a number of associations including IIBEC (Immediate Past President of IIBEC Florida), AIA, CSI, National Women in Roofing (Past President of NWiR South Florida), Roofing Contractors’ Association of South Florida, and as an industry representative for the Broward County Board of Rules and Appeals.

Jack Sadler

Jack is the CEO and Co-Founder of Part3, where the mission is to enable Architects and Engineers to take back control over their projects, and manage Construction Administration with speed, automation, and intelligence. Jack has held strategic roles and helped launch multiple tech companies prior to taking on the challenge of connecting construction teams and starting Part3.

Peter Sharp

Peter Sharp graduated with an honours degree in Electrical Engineering with specialties in Communications, Electronics and Digital Computers. His career has included design and development in the fields of broadcasting, industrial automation & controls, and the deployment of industrial telecommunications systems and infrastructure. As a staff engineer at the University of Toronto, Peter authored an installation manual setting the standards for a new campus-wide communications network based on the then newly published TIA568 standard.  More recently, Peter has fulfilled the role of engineering consultant and design authority in the development of numerous industrial and commercial facilities, including operational control centres and data centres, primarily for air, ground, and rail transit services. As chair of several TIA sub-committees, he guided the preparation of ICT-related standards. Now in semi-retirement, and as a technical writer and editor, he continues to participate in the formulation of TIA standards for communications infrastructure management.

Adam Shoemaker

Adam Shoemaker is the Director of Corporate Sustainability at ClarkDietrich, overseeing the Architectural Services Group's CSI interactions. He established the company's first GRI-based Sustainability program, detailed in their 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report. Adam is a LEED AP BD+C and CDT® certified professional with expertise in navigating the complexities of sustainability, building codes, and green building programs for the construction industry. His deep understanding of cold-formed steel framing, honed over a career spanning manufacturing and engineering roles, strengthens ClarkDietrich's commitment to providing sustainable solutions for the built environment.

Erin Spadavecchia

Erin Spadavecchia is the Program Manager for Sustainability at ASSA ABLOY based in Berlin, Connecticut. She helps guide ASSA ABLOY’s sustainability program to increase the awareness and transparency of sustainable openings solutions. Erin has been with ASSA ABLOY since 2014, previously as an Architectural Consultant in New York and Connecticut. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Biotechnology with a concentration in Ecology and Environmental Biology from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts. Currently Erin is serving as Immediate Past President of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Metro New York Chapter. She is also the 2023 winner of the CSI National Environmental Stewardship Award. Erin will serve as a mentor to students in Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s new Environment, Justice, and Sustainability Mentorship Program this year. She is also a volunteer for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley and the mindful MATERIALS Community Engagement Group. 

Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT

Nathan Taylor, CSI, CDT, is an accomplished international professional with extensive architectural design and building envelope experience. He holds a Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning and is highly involved in CSI. Nathan oversees the Construction Phase Service and Forensic Investigation scopes of project work at DTR Consulting Services. He is an advocate for spending time on construction sites and "learning by doing". He is passionate about drawing as a form of design communication and hosts an annual Architectural-themed drawing event each October. He and his family live in northern California and enjoy spending time outdoors. He stays actively creative by drawing and writing novels in his free time.

Tim Thiel

Tim Thiel currently works in Sustainability Transformation and the Circular Economy at Covestro. In this role, his focus is to help achieve the corporate mission of making Covestro truly sustainable & fully circular. He focuses on the implementation of Covestro’s strategy towards a Circular and Climate-neutral Economy. As of 2024, he is a 25-year veteran of Covestro with prior experience in strategic marketing and business development in various vertical markets, including the building and construction industry. In addition to serving as GBI’s Chair of the Board, Tim represents Covestro on the Board of the 2030 Districts National Network. Additionally, Tim plays an active role in collaborating with the Pittsburgh chapter of the Green Building Alliance and serving on their district advisory committee. Sustainability and the recycling of materials is another passion that he has developed over the years leading to Tim’s current role on Covestro.

A native of Pittsburgh, Tim earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting as well as a Master’s of Science in Accounting from Robert Morris University. He also holds a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.

Cesar Valencia

Cesar Valencia has been working with Hycrete for close to two decades. Cesar is currently serving as the West Coast Technical Sales Representative responsible for WA, OR, CA, ID, CO, UT, and NV. His extensive waterproofing and construction knowledge make him a valued leader of our team. He previously worked in Hycrete’s operations and warranty department for 13 years. Cesar excels in managing projects from early stages of conceptual design through planning and construction for waterproofing applications. Cesar works together with clients, design professionals, and project related personnel on coordination, specifications, scheduling, and implementation of project details from design through construction.

Heather Worrell

As RATIO’s Director of Design Delivery and firm Principal, Heather manages BIM technology, drawing/modeling standards, and Project Delivery training across the firm. She heads up several Project Delivery task groups, including Project Management training and standardization. She works alongside experienced Project Managers, Quality Control Advocates and BIM Specialists to review where project teams can improve their workflow and become more efficient in the delivery of their projects. She facilitates meetings amongst consultant teams at the onset of projects and is engaged as needed throughout the project lifecycle. 

Heather is a registered architect with over 20 years of experience and values her time spent working on projects as well. This project work allows her to see standards and workflows in action and gives her a chance to understand where improvements are necessary. 

A driving force in RATIO’s early adoption of BIM technology more than two decades ago, she has overseen the evolution of RATIO’s digital design process and is recognized as a national leader in the field.

Michael Young, FCSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA

Michael Young, FCSI, CDT, CCS, CCCA is a Construction Manager for the City and County of Denver in Colorado.  Mike earned his degree in Construction Management from Colorado State University and has over 40 years’ experience in construction with the past 20 years’ as a Project Manager in municipal government, managing projects through every stage of the Facility Life Cycle.  Mike has been active at local, regional, and national levels of CSI for 30 years and is currently serving on the Institute Board of Directors.  Mike enjoys being actively involved in representing CSI at the Associated Schools of Construction Region 6 and 7 annual student competition, he is a member of Colorado State University’s Department of Construction Management Professional Advisory Development Board, and an Adjunct Instructor at the Community College of Denver where he teaches Construction Practices and Documents.