Agenda Subject to Change
Tentative Agenda is in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) | General Session | HR Track | Workforce Track
Continuing Education will be offered; more details to come!
Sunday, October 20, 2024
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Registration/Exhibit Hall
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
Monday, October 21, 2024
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Registration/Exhibit Hall
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored By:
8:15 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome/Opening Remarks and Keynote Presentation
In last year’s groundbreaking session, we revealed a hard truth: mentorship alone is not enough to advance more women in construction. This year, we are not just talking about change – we are making it happen.
Join Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, and guest speakers from Adolfson & Peterson as they expose the raw, unfiltered realities of sponsorship. Discover how real-world sponsorship relationships are rewriting the rules and smashing barriers in an industry long overdue for a revolution.
In this session, we will:
- Unveil the Truth: Dive deep into why mentorship has failed to level the playing field and why sponsorship is the game-changer we need.
- Hear the Voices of Change: Listen to compelling stories from sponsors and protégés at Adolfson & Peterson who are living proof that sponsorship transforms careers.
- ROI of Sponsorship: Understand how fostering sponsorship within your organization can lead to significant business outcomes, including landing major projects and delivering a substantial return on investment.
- Engage and Challenge: Participate in thought-provoking discussions that will push you to rethink your approach and confront uncomfortable truths.
- Leave with Power: Walk away with bold, actionable strategies to ignite sponsorship in your organizations, taking things beyond the promise of change to actually delivering it.
This is not just another conference keynote; this is a call to action. We are challenging you to break the mold, disrupt the status quo, and lead the charge in creating a future where women – and everyone – in construction rise to the top.
Presented by: Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO, Ambition Theory; Katie Hegarty, Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; Jason Heustis, Construction Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; Scarlett Schmidt, Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction; and Brian Yahn, VP of Operations, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
Meet the Speaker: Andrea Janzen
Andrea Janzen 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.
Meet the Speaker: Brian Yahn
As Vice President of Operations, Brian Yahn oversees all field operations in Northern Colorado and leads the efforts to provide training to support the ongoing growth of Adolfson & Peterson Construction’s field staff. Brian believes in continuous improvement for field operations and that relationships are the foundation of success.
Brian began his career as an intern with AP. Over 25 years later, he has worked his way up from field engineer, assistant superintendent, superintendent, senior superintendent, general superintendent, and then construction manager. In every role, Brian consistently showed commitment, quality, and problem-solving in all his endeavors.
Brian holds an associate of arts degree from Northeastern Junior College and a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Colorado State University. He is certified as a LEED Accredited Professional and is a member of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Executive Leadership Academy.
Meet the Speaker: Katie Hegarty
Katie Hegarty, Senior Project Manager for Adolfson & Peterson Construction, began her career as a project engineer in the construction industry in 2008. Hard work, lean concepts, and emotional intelligence have supported her growth. She finds passion in growing teams, continuous research, and seeing a plan come to completion. She leads by example with a can-do attitude and has connected highly performing teams across the world. She is involved in the Colorado State University Construction Management Department and AGC of Colorado Chapter. She is proud to be an Iowa native yet calls Colorado her home.
Meet the Speaker: Jason Heustis
As Construction Manager, Jason Heustis is responsible for strategic planning, risk management, and operational oversight for projects primarily in Northern Colorado. Jason provides training and guidance of Adolfson & Peterson (AP) construction projects teams and support staff.
Jason joined AP in 2003. During his career at AP, he has worked in numerous project markets, including healthcare, higher education, K-12 and municipal. Jason has a passion for healthcare construction having grown up with many family members practicing. He leads AP Healthcare Tactical Team, is an ASHE Certified Healthcare Constructor, and has had several articles published on occupied healthcare construction.
Jason holds an associate of applied science degree from Bismarck State College and a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Colorado State University. He also is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Meet the Speaker: Scarlett Schmidt
A fourth-generation builder, Scarlett Schmidt grew up in the industry. She left the family contracting business in 2019, joining Adolfson & Peterson after a successful joint venture between the two firms. Her 15 years in the industry have taught her a great deal from preconstruction to project management. Adept at building consensus, her innovative management of the day-to-day project activities ensures streamlined communication, documentation, and above-all, collaborative success for her projects. Scarlett is one of those people who drive team success through silent, and at times not-so-silent, support and determination. Scarlett is a graduate of Arizona State University where she earned her master’s degree in architecture. Her love of design informs her ability to build.
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
9:50 AM – 10:45 AM
Breakout Sessions I
In this session, Kelly Flagg, Executive Director of AGC Maine, will present on their workforce development program, the Maine Construction Academy. This program developed in 2022 is focused on the development of both current and future construction workforce through thoughtful collaboration with contractors, community partners, local workforce boards, and state agencies. This innovative program has gained lots of attention both in Maine and across the nation as they partner to support new populations of job seekers. The program uses a certified pre-apprenticeship to registered apprenticeship pathway model to engage individuals in the construction trades. During this session, tips will be shared on program development, communication and branding, and how to partner with local agencies and workforce boards to improve program outcomes.
This session will be great for those interested in workforce development, from project leaders to human resources, to AGC Chapter staff. Each participant will leave with actionable items that can be implemented immediately, as well as guidance for longer term workforce development planning.
Presented by: Kelly Flagg, Executive Director, AGC of Maine
One of the construction industry’s major challenges is attracting and retaining a strong workforce. A key element of retention is having effective, engaging leadership in the field. In addition to sharing impactful stories on how others in the industry are strengthening their leaders, we will provide education on top leadership skills necessary for effective field leadership. The session will close with a roadmap for how to increase field leadership competency and success.
Presented by: Tina Nazier, National Leader, Construction and Real Estate Strategy, Wipfli LLP; and Justin Gabrielson, President, Midwest Region, Ames Construction
After several years of increasing pay activity, signs suggest we are now positioned for salary increases to relax a little, maybe returning to historical patterns. But it’s the detail in these signs that show a mixed bag of how 2024 and 2025 will play out. Critical job families are experiencing faster pay growth, compression is rearing its ugly head again, turnover continues to affect professional and middle management staff, and even compensation folks just can’t seem to agree on a single number. This session addresses current pay practices and trends, the impact on compensation in the current talent market, and proactive strategies necessary to maintain a successful compensation program as we transition into 2025.
Presented by: Jeff Robinson, President, PAS Inc.
This dynamic conversation will explore creating greater partnerships and engagement in the world of diversity and inclusion. We also will discuss where we are today with D&I and more importantly, where we want to go. Come ready to share your insights, success stories, and challenges. Our expert speakers will provide practical strategies you can take back to your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and drive positive change!
Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; and Jorge Quezada, Vice President of People & Culture, Granite Construction
Meet the Speaker: Kelly Flagg
Kelly Flagg is the Executive Director for AGC Maine. AGC Maine is known for its legislative advocacy and also for providing safety education, management courses, technical training and apprenticeship opportunities through the Maine Construction Academy. Kelly also holds a seat on the Career Management Associates roster as a Contract Speaker and Trainer and is a Member of the National Association of Women in Construction and the Maine State Transportation Innovation Council.
Throughout her career, she has become a trusted advisor to many in business leadership, human resources and safety management.
She is particularly passionate about teaching front line and newly promoted supervisors how personal leadership growth can improve team dynamics. Her focus is on supporting development of the individuals in order to enhance the team.
Meet the Speaker: Tina Nazier
As the national leader of Wipfli’s Construction and Real Estate Strategy team, Tina works with construction and real estate clients across the country to assist them in getting all they want out of their business. From creating the ideal future vision of the company, to attracting and engaging the right workforce, and ensuring an efficient operation, Tina helps owners and top executives achieve their individual and company ideal future state.
Tina is a strong advocate for the construction industry. She has spoken at multiple national AGC events and other state, regional, and national events. Her energy, dedication to helping our industry thrive, and focus on strategies for growing and developing our leaders and people is evident in her passion and presentation style. She engages audiences through a workshop-based approach so participants can immerse themselves in the content to get the most out of their learning experience.
Meet the Speaker: Jeff Robinson
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. Jeff is also a member of AGC’s Open Shop and Union committees.
Meet the Speaker: Jorge Quezada
Jorge is Granite Construction’s Vice President of People & Culture. In this role, he is responsible for Workforce Compliance and Inclusive Diversity, where he helps the company implement strategies that address Granite’s guiding belief that diverse backgrounds, perspectives, cultures, and experiences enhance creativity and innovation. He brings an innovative approach to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and looks to make a lasting impact at Granite and in the construction industry.
Meet the Speaker: Justin Gabrielson
As president of the company’s Midwest region, Justin Gabrielson leads, implements and helps to shape decisions made for the region that align with the organization’s vision and mission. Working collaboratively with clients, project stakeholders, engineers, subcontractors, and vendors, Justin oversees regional operations and identifies opportunities to enhance programs, performance, and policies, while remaining focused on ensuring our people are put in an environment where they can succeed for the client, themselves, and the company.
Justin joined Ames Construction in 2003 as a project engineer and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University in Civil Engineering with a minor in Business Administration. He is a licensed professional engineer, a member of the AGC Minnesota Chapter Board of Directors, and a member of the Minnesota AGC Labor Negotiations Committee.
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
11:05 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions II
Wondering how you are going to attract Gen Z and Alpha while addressing the growing talent shortage? Learn about The Rosendin Foundation’s innovative approach to providing Gen Alpha the opportunity to learn hands-on how to build safely from industry experts and cultivate an interest in a construction career.
This session will be great for those interested in workforce development, from project leaders to human resources, to AGC Chapter staff. Each participant will leave with actionable items that can be implemented immediately, as well as guidance for longer term workforce development planning.
Presented by: Jolsna Thomas, President, The Rosendin Foundation
The construction industry is at a crossroads, facing immediate hiring needs and long-term workforce development challenges. HR and workforce development professionals often find themselves working in parallel lanes with conflicting priorities, but it is time to change that narrative.
This breakout session is designed to break down silos and foster collaboration, addressing the unique challenges and pain points of both HR and workforce development. We will explore how to create synergistic solutions that align their objectives and drive holistic success.
In this presentation, you will hear about:
- Collaborative Solutions: Discover how HR and workforce development can work together to promote women in construction effectively.
- Learning from Others: Participate in mixed-group discussions to share experiences and brainstorm actionable solutions.
- Getting Buy-In: Establish a plan of action for effectively communicating the value of sponsorship to your leadership team and stakeholders, highlighting how these efforts contribute to tangible business benefits and support long-term organizational goals.
By the end of this session, you will leave with practical strategies and collaborative approaches to overcome industry challenges and drive meaningful change in your organization.
Presented by: Andrea Janzen, Founder and CEO, Ambition Theory
This workshop will kick off with a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the Hispanic/Latino construction workforce, delving into its vital contributions to organizational excellence. We will explore three pivotal shifts that promise to enhance workplace dynamics and drive substantial progress. Participants will gain a deep understanding of these shifts, including the significant advantages organizations can achieve by adopting these changes within the next 90 days. The session also will provide practical guidance on seamlessly integrating these shifts into daily operations and strategic planning. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights and strategies to leverage the unique strengths of the Hispanic/Latino workforce to foster a more dynamic and successful organizational environment.
Presented by: Dr. Patty Delgado, Co-Founder and Executive Director, El Puente Institute™; and Dr. Alejandra Mielke, Coach and Consultant
This presentation explores the crucial role that youth recruitment plays in shaping the future of the construction industry. As our current workforce ages and the demand for skilled labor continues to rise, it is imperative that we focus on engaging and attracting young talent to sustain and grow our industry. This presentation will cover a range of topics, from understanding the challenges young people face when considering careers in construction to implementing effective recruitment strategies.
Presented by: Jereme Montgomery, Business Development Manager, Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Jolsna Thomas
Jolsna John Thomas is President of The Rosendin Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of Rosendin Holdings, parent company to Rosendin Electric (Rosendin) and Modular Power Solutions (MPS). She oversees all volunteerism and community giving for the company. Since her tenure commenced, The Rosendin Foundation has awarded over $1.9M to over 200 nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. It also launched TRF Camp Build, a weeklong hands-on construction camp for middle schoolers nationally. Jolsna also serves on Rosendin’s DEI Advisory Committee to the Executive Committee and chairs the BIPOC Employee Resource Group.
Outside of work, Jolsna serves as President of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Austin Chapter as well as Chair of the City of Austin’s Public Safety Civil Service Commission. When not serving on board and commissions, she enjoys entertaining and travel.
Jolsna obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin and her Juris Doctorate from American University Washington College of Law.
Meet the Speaker: Jereme Montgomery
Jereme Montgomery has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. He has nearly 30 years of construction experience with the past 22 years working specifically in the concrete industry. He started his concrete career working for the Nebraska Department of Roads in the Material and Testing Laboratory. His main expertise in concrete was working as a concrete operations manager for a design build firm, managing and constructing quality concrete flatwork. From 2006-2017, he promoted concrete and aggregate products as the Executive Director for the Nebraska Concrete and Aggregates Association. Since then, Jereme has worked for Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc. as their Business Development Manager, focusing on workforce development, workforce recruitment, marketing, and sales.
Meet the Speaker: Alejandra Mielke
Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez Mielke has worked tirelessly over the last 22 years to debunk deficit thinking views that undervalue the strengths and potential of the Latinx and Hispanic communities. As a lifelong educator and researcher at The University of Texas at Austin and later as the founder and CEO of Alejandra Mielke, Ph.D. Coaching & Consulting and Latina Power Coaching, Dr. Mielke helps current and emerging Latinx/Hispanic leaders transcend implicit biases and systemic barriers and become the valuable assets they are meant to be for any organization. With close to 10,000 hours of training delivery, Dr. Mielke’s professional focus is to concretize DEI efforts in organizations, increase engagement and mitigate attrition, reduce intercultural tensions, and improve intercultural communications.
Meet the Speaker: Patty Delgado
Dr. Patty Delgado is an experienced Industrial-Organizational (I/O) Psychologist with twenty years of experience, the CEO and Founder of The Bridgify Group, a boutique research firm, and Co-Founder of El Puente Institute™ which focuses on supporting organizations with effective strategies to prepare for the future workforce. With expertise in the science of human behavior in the workplace, cultural competency, and business psychology, Dr. Patty’s scope of work focuses on bridging research with people management and workplace practice. As a workforce strategist, she focuses on identifying barriers and solutions for workforce advancement and development. Dr. Patty understands the value of a diverse workforce where leaders and employees create a cohesive work environment that represents and celebrates differences. Dr. Patty is a contributing author, a board member of various organizations, has been featured in multiple podcasts, and serves as a Hispanic/Latino workforce expert and leader in the national Hispanic community. Dr. Patty holds a Bachelor’s in Business and Marketing and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, and Doctorate in Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology (I/O).
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch
Sponsored By:
1:15 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions III
You may have heard the old adage, “What happens if we invest in developing our people and they leave us?” Well, “What happens if we don’t, and they stay?” Join Abigail Boll and Megan Holland of Ames Construction as they explore the value of investing in their people as an effective means of retention. This interactive session will focus on effective implementation of employee training and mentorship and the widespread benefits of investing in your people at every step of their career.
Presented by: Abigail Boll, Project Manager & Intern Director, Ames Construction; and Megan Holland, Regional EEO Officer, Ames Construction
Employee engagement and retention are at all-time lows and burnout at an all-time high. Traditional HR solutions are failing miserably to turn things around. Keeping people happy is paramount yet most of us don’t understand the real sources of our own happiness or anyone else’s. This session focused on the science of human happiness will help attendees understand what really works to increase engagement and reduce burnout and how happy employees are more engaged and thus increase profitability. The strategies for happiness are interwoven with inspirational stories from Rob’s study of happiness as he sailed around the world on his own sailboat, making the presentation both informational and motivational. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and skills to better engage teams, increase their own happiness, and help others find happier lives as well.
Presented by: Rob Dubin, Speaker & Corporate Trainer, Happier NOW!
Join Janelle and Kelley as they delve into the compelling narrative of how J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) successfully navigated three OFCCP audits—all within the challenging timeframe of the fourth quarter of 2023. This engaging session will cover the spectrum of audits Brennan faced, the specific requirements and inquiries posed by the OFCCP, and the strategic responses that led to their success.
Learn about the invaluable roles played by external partners and how key business leaders were integrated into the audit process. Most importantly, Janelle and Kelley will share practical insights and provide participants with an outline and checklist of essential preparations. This toolkit is designed to empower your organization with the knowledge and readiness needed to effectively manage an OFCCP audit.
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain firsthand advice from experienced professionals and leave the session equipped to turn any audit into an opportunity for compliance and improvement.
Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, Chief Human Capital Officer, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; and Kelley Blank, Human Capital Operations Manager, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Rob Dubin
Rob Dubin is an in-demand keynote speaker and corporate trainer specializing in employee happiness, engagement and resilience. He is a serial entrepreneur who created multiple 7 figure businesses and he has partnered with dozens of Fortune 500 companies to craft their marketing messages, improve training and increase profits.
After a near death wilderness survival experience that was international news and resulted in a call from the President of the United States Rob focused more of his life on understanding human happiness and life fulfillment. At the age of 42, he and his wife sold their home, bought a sailboat and set off to sail around the world. They went on to spend the next 17 years living on their sailboat and learning about happiness from people in over 100 countries.
Rob has studied happiness with Yale University and spoken on Happiness at Harvard University. He has appeared on stage with Tony Robbins and Les Brown, on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Fox. Rob is a frequent speaker at HR and other conferences in the US and internationally. His TEDx talk on Happiness was viewed over 250,000 times in its first three months. A book Rob co-authored focusing on Employee Happiness is an Amazon No. 1 Best Seller He interweaves the science of human happiness with lessons learned at sea resulting in presentations that are memorable, inspirational and give sound strategies for creating happier people starting immediately.
Meet the Speaker: Janelle Pogodzinski
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 three 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.
Meet the Speaker: Kelley Blank
Kelley is the Human Capital Operations Manager for J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. Kelley has 10+ years of experience in Human Capital. Kelley oversees compliance, policies, benefits, and recruiting. Kelley serves on the Winona State University HR Advisory Board and is a LASHRM committee member.
Meet the Speaker: Abigail Boll
Abigail Boll is a Project Manager with Ames Construction. She holds a BSBA from Creighton University and a BS from the University of Michigan. Notable projects over the course of her career have included the development of the Greensboro Randolph Mega Site, the expansion of I-26 from Asheville to Hendersonville, NC, and the iconic Goethals Bridge connecting New York and New Jersey.
In addition to project management responsibilities, Abigail spearheads outreach and recruitment efforts and Ames Construction’s internship program in the Southeast. Committed to fostering the next generation of talent in the industry, Abigail is passionate about the recruitment, development, and retention of young professionals. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, Abigail strives to empower emerging leaders and cultivate a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization.
Meet the Speaker: Megan Holland
Megan Holland, Regional EEO Officer, Ames Construction
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
2:30 PM – 3:25 PM
Breakout Sessions IV
This presentation will challenge misconceptions and strategically market the building trades to Generation Z. We will delve into who Gen Z is, emphasizing their unique traits as digital natives who value transparency, authenticity, and meaningful work.
This session is designed to transform perceptions and inspire a proactive approach to welcoming Generation Z into the building trades, ensuring a robust future for the industry.
Presented by: Brian Town, CEO and Founder, Michigan Creative
Join in a group-wide facilitated conversation focusing on recruiting and training individuals from nontraditional – to the construction industry – communities. Participants will be asked to share details about successful programs they are involved in that are recruiting and preparing people for careers in the construction industry who may be criminally-justice involved, or who are from communities not traditionally well-involved in construction like Black Americans, Native Americans, Women or who are participating in work authorization programs like Temporary Protected Status, refugee, or the H-2B visa program. Participants also will be asked to help craft new ideas for recruiting and training future construction professionals from those communities. The contents of the conversation will be captured and shared as part of the after-action report for the conference. All session attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated by Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships for Arcoro.
Facilitated by: Carrie Gardenhire, Director of Association Partnerships, Arcoro
In this session, we will discuss:
- Tips for developing and formalizing a compensation strategy;
- Expectations and enhancements in compensation programs;
- Common industry incentive compensation approaches;
- Balancing company objectives and employee interests in creating and assessing incentive plans;
- Foundational do’s and don’ts of incentive compensation plan design and administration;
- Trends and forecasts for employee compensation programs.
Presented by: Priya Kapila, Head of Compensation and Rewards, FMI Corporation
The presentation will explore the significant impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Human Resources (HR) function as of 2024. Key areas of focus include automation and streamlining of routine tasks; transformation of talent acquisition and management; workforce development through reskilling and upskilling; promotion of diversity and inclusion; ensuring regulatory compliance and governance; data-driven decision-making; job redesign and workforce planning; and effective communication and change management. The session will highlight how AI enhances efficiency, improves decision-making, and fosters a more inclusive and adaptive workforce while addressing the challenges and ethical considerations involved.
Presented by: Michael Stoyanovich, VP, Senior Consultant – Administration & Technology Consulting, Segal; and Michael Venezia, VP, Senior Consultant – Administration & Technology Consulting, Segal
Meet the Speaker: Brian Town
Brian Town is an author, speaker, educator, and the founder of Michigan Creative, an award-winning branding and marketing agency specializing in web development, video, branding, and social media marketing, designed to help businesses systemize their lead generation and scale their profits.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunication from Michigan State University and his MBA and Masters of Education from the University of Michigan, Brian spent the first 14 years of his career in education as a film and television production teacher at Haslett High School. He is the creator of The Vision 22, a nationally recognized film and TV production program.
In addition to teaching at Haslett, Brian also spent twelve years as an educator at the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, where he taught journeymen and women to create their unique curriculum as they developed the next generation of skilled trades workers through their apprentice programs.
In 2011, Brian scaled Michigan Creative, his award-winning agency, from a bootstrapped startup to the marketing and branding powerhouse it is today. His in-house team consists of 20 employees, and the company brings in over two million dollars in annual revenue.
Michigan Creative specializes in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in a variety of industries, ranging from knowledge-based experts to clients in manufacturing, building, and skilled trades.
Meet the Speaker: Priya Kapila
Priya Kapila is a partner with FMI and head of the Compensation and Rewards team. This discipline is dedicated to conducting annual compensation and benefits surveys exclusive to the built environment, performing compensation benchmarking studies and developing effective and rewarding compensation programs.
Clients benefit from Priya’s considerable expertise in building strategically aligned approaches to fairly and competitively compensating employees at all levels. Initiatives regularly performed include executive compensation review, organization-wide salary structure development, short-term and long-term incentive plan design, FLSA audits, performance management consultation, pay equity testing, ownership and management succession planning, and compensation policy and procedure documentation.
Priya is a past president of the Compensation and Benefits Network of Greater St. Louis and the past vice president of the Arizona Total Rewards Association.
Meet the Speaker: Michael Stoyanovich
Michael Stoyanovich is a Vice President and Senior Consultant in Segal’s Administration & Technology Consulting (ATC) practice. He is located in the firm’s San Francisco office and has over 20 years of experience in the technology and benefits industries. Michael has extensive expertise in employee benefits plan administration and technology and considerable experience working with multiemployer plans.
Michael leads Segal’s cybersecurity team within the ATC practice and has been fundamental in establishing cybersecurity services to assist our clients. His cybersecurity work has included creating organizational security controls frameworks, defining and reporting on cybersecurity governance progress, performing cybersecurity training, and establishing a third-party vendor assessment service to identify business partners who may be putting client data at risk.
Meet the Speaker: Michael Venezia
Mike Venezia is a Vice President and Senior Consultant in Segal’s Administration & Technology Consulting (ATC) practice, affiliated with the New York office. He has nearly 30 years of experience in HR/benefits outsourcing and technology. Mike leads Segal’s ATC consulting for the corporate market where he addresses the technology, administration, and operational needs of employers including corporations, nonprofits, associations, and higher education institutions, among others.
Mike focuses on understanding his clients’ business challenges and objectives and producing meaningful outcomes. He delivers client value through strategy and delivery of HR technology and administration solutions.
Meet the Speaker: Carrie Gardenhire
Carrie Gardenhire has spent over 25 years helping companies develop sustainable strategies, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs across many industries, including construction, software, nonprofit, media publications, and educational products. Developing ways to improve both business outcomes and employee success has been paramount throughout Carrie’s career as an operations leader, digital marketer, and project manager. Today, she focuses on partnerships with key construction associations to align technology solutions with the needs of an evolving construction marketplace.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
General Session
The session will feature a panel of leaders from the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community discussing the urgent need to prioritize mental health and suicide prevention in construction and the work they have done to foster a supportive work environment through targeted mental health training, education and resource campaigns, and most importantly, organizing contractors to lead efforts to protect their employees and worksites. The session is geared for both participants looking to start an initiative as well as those looking to expand or enhance programs already occurring in their local area.
Presented by: Meredith Baciak, Wellness Coordinator, Miron Construction; Bruce Morton, Senior Loss Control Consultant, Marsh & McClellan Agency; and Elizabeth Polheber, Operating Group Safety Director, Mortenson
Moderated by: Mark Kessenich, CEO, AGC of Greater Milwaukee
Meet the Speaker: Meredith Baciak
A dynamic leader with solid Corporate Wellness management and education experience, Meredith has a passion for motivating individuals within companies to be the best they can be. By applying her exercise and sports management background, her love of workplace culture and her passion for positivity and people, she is highly motivated to lead others and help them become the best possible version of themselves in a real and relatable way. With a contagious personality that can relationship build and work with people of all levels, she helps all employees become engaged with their individual, overall well-being in order to help them thrive in the workplace and beyond.
Meet the Speaker: Bruce Morton
Bruce Morton is a Senior Loss Control Consultant with Marsh McLennan Agency (MMA). Bruce provides services to construction, manufacturing, general industry, and trucking clients with a specialization in construction safety and loss control. His goal is to help companies make the workplace safer and more productive. Prior to joining the MMA team, Bruce spent 10 years as a safety director and consultant with a general contractor.
Bruce is a founding member and president of the board of the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community, an organization that provides resources and training for construction workers and works to destigmatize mental health issues in the industry. He is a published author and a highly sought-after speaker on mental health. Bruce is also a member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, Associated General Contractors, and Wisconsin Underground Contractors Association.
Elizabeth Polheber
Elizabeth “Lizzy” Polheber is a prominent leader in construction safety with a decade of experience. Her career highlights include receiving the 2018 Rising Young Professional Award from the Daily Reporter and the 2021 Women in Construction Award. In 2022, she was named Safety Professional of the Year by the American Society of Safety Professionals, and she was a pivotal contributor to the receipt of a National Construction Safety Excellence Award. Lizzy’s dedication was further recognized in 2023 with the Harvey Peterson Award from the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lizzy co-founded the Wisconsin Construction Wellness Community (WCWC) in 2020, aimed at improving worker wellness. She also serves on the AGC of Milwaukee board and as a board member for the Girls on the Go Project, demonstrating her commitment to both industry advancement and community service. After re-joining Mortenson in 2024, she continues to lead and innovate, remaining a pivotal figure in shaping the future of construction safety.
Meet the Speaker: Mark Kessenich
Mark Kessenich is Chief Executive Officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Milwaukee (AGC-GM) – a construction contractors trade association representing over 300 members in southeastern Wisconsin. The AGC-GM provides members with professional services in education, industry networking, leadership development, and safety programming, as well as representing the industry in public policy, civic engagement, and workforce and economic development initiatives. AGC-GM negotiates and manages Milwaukee area labor contracts with the Operating Engineers, Cement Masons, Bricklayers, Laborers, Carpenters, and Iron Workers.
Prior to AGC-GM, Mr. Kessenich worked as President & CEO of the Wisconsin Regional Training Partnership / BIGSTEP, a critical partner to recruiting and preparing individuals for opportunities in the skilled trades in the construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking Reception
Sponsored By:
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Offsite Networking Dinner (Ticketed Event) – Maggiano’s Little Italy Denver
Join your peers for a fun night of networking at Maggiano’s Little Italy Denver with family style Italian fare and drinks!
Maggiano’s is approximately a 6-minute walk — 2 blocks southwest — from the conference headquarters.
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
6:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Registration/Exhibit Hall
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored By:
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
General Session
Your employer brand is your company’s reputation both inside and outside your organization. It is the reason candidates say, “I WANT to work there!” Your employer brand exists, whether you built it or not. Take control and shape it to be a positive hiring influence.
In the war for talent, the employer brand is a crucial component of attracting candidates. Having a solid employer brand is the foundation for making hiring easier, faster, and resulting with more quality hires. You have it: now use it.
In this session, we will share inspiring examples of brilliant employer brands and demonstrate ten ways to activate yours.
Presented by: Rachel Kennedy, Chief Light Keeper, Southern Lighthouse®
Meet the Speaker: Rachel Kennedy
Business is about people. We spend more hours at work than with our families, yet so many companies struggle to communicate their story in a way that will attract the right people for the job and give employees an aligned purpose. After 13 years of leading recruitment at The Beck Group and The Container Store, Rachel understands the challenges growing firms face to attract and retain quality talent. That’s why Southern Lighthouse was created: to help growing businesses shine a light on their stories and share them in a way that attracts those who identify with that light. Rachel graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology from Austin College and holds a master’s in Sustainability from Southern Methodist University.
8:50 AM – 9:10 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions V
Learn from Waukesha County’s experience on a ten-year journey to develop a talent pipeline to support the construction trades and manufacturing industries. Working collaboratively with business leaders, educational leaders, public officials and other community advocates, Waukesha County continues to drive solutions to help meet employers’ workforce needs.
Presented by: Rich Barnhouse, President, Waukesha County Technical College; Amanda Payne, President & CEO, Waukesha County Business Alliance; Steve Olson, Building Trades Teacher, Oconomowoc Area School District; Tim O’Brien, CEO, Tim O’Brien Homes – High School Building Trades Program Sponsor; and Rick Andritsch, Partner, VJS Construction Services
Moderated by: Mark Kessenich, CEO, AGC of Greater Milwaukee
Join in a group-wide facilitated conversation focusing on recruiting and training high school students. Participants will be asked to share details about successful programs they are involved in that are recruiting and preparing high school students for careers in the construction industry. This will include sharing details about how firms are finding ways to safely bring high school students out to job sites or otherwise expose them to the industry. Participants also will be asked to help craft new ideas for recruiting and training future construction professionals from those communities and how to best connect with the next generation. The contents of the conversation will be captured and shared as part of the after-action report for the conference. All session attendees will have an opportunity to participate in the discussion. The conversation will be facilitated by Matt Clark, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, at NCCER.
Facilitated by: Matthew Clark, Senior Manager of Workforce Development, National Center for Construction Education and Research
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.
In this micro-workshop, we will learn about and work through the six most frequent construction training hurdles that prevent us from maximizing our training efforts and implementation. This hands-on workshop helps break down and inspect your own upcoming or recent training: its components, its hurdles, and a list of possible solutions to overcome these hurdles. Whether you are an executive of a small subcontractor looking to implement training or an HR director with an L&D department for a large organization, this micro-workshop is built for you.
Presented by: Amy Powell, Founder and CEO, Well Works; and Beth Haselhorst, President, Media-Vox
Meet the Speaker: Julie Taffera
Julie Taffera 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.
Meet the Speaker: Amy Powell
Amy Powell, the founder and CEO of Well Works, has developed and implemented essential construction ‘people’ skills programs, workshops, training, coaching, and consulting for those working in and with the industry. With over two decades of experience in construction, Amy recognized that the success of our projects relies not only on technical and management skills but even more so on our leadership skills. Frustrated with the lack of applicable or accessible training, she pursued her M.Ed. in Adult Education and developed products and services to support the most critical aspect of our industry: the people.
Meet the Speaker: Beth Haselhorst
Beth Haselhorst, President of Media-Vox, has over 25 years of experience developing training solutions, specializing in the construction industry. Her expertise in instructional design and engaging content development ensures that training programs are concise, relevant, and immediately applicable on the job. Beth thrives on collaborating with Subject Matter Experts and project teams, recognizing that safety is the top priority, quality is way more than a checklist, and doing it right the first time is the goal. Using pre-built training frameworks, she effectively supports busy L&D teams and SMEs alike, ensuring both training and business goals are achieved.
Meet the Speaker: Rich Barnhouse
Richard G. Barnhouse, Ph.D. was appointed the 7th president of Waukesha County Technical College on January 5, 2021. Prior to his presidency, he served as vice president of Student Services and Enrollment Management at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. Previously, Barnhouse served as associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of Wisconsin Colleges from 2011 to 2016, dean of students at Moraine Park Technical College from 2007 to 2011, and assistant campus dean for Administrative Services at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan from 2004 to 2007. He earned a doctorate from Cardinal Stritch University, a master’s degree from Central Michigan University and a bachelor’s degree from Brock University in Ontario, Canada.
Under Rich’s leadership, WCTC began an 8-week calendar, started Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programs and developed the Excelerate initiative, which allows high school students to enroll in programs – just like any other College student.
Rich has prioritized building relationships with local business and industry partners by exploring new collaborations and opportunities and ensuring the College offers the education and training needed for an evolving workforce.
Meet the Speaker: Amanda Payne
Amanda Payne is President and CEO of the Waukesha County Business Alliance leading the county’s largest business association.
In her over 10 years at the Alliance, Payne has played a key role in transforming the Alliance’s advocacy work, getting local business leaders engaged in the public policy process, and ensuring the voice of business is heard on critical issues. She leads the Manufacturing Alliance of Southeastern Wisconsin, working with Alliance manufacturing companies to ensure a strong manufacturing sector for the county and the region.
Payne is a Waukesha native and received her bachelor’s degree from Butler University. She was recognized as ’40 Under 40′ award winner by the Milwaukee Business Journal and “People to Know in Manufacturing.”
Meet the Speaker: Steve Olson
Steve Olson has been a certified staff member at Oconomowoc High School (OHS) since the fall of 1995. Through the years, he has taught many different classes in the technology education department of OHS, including Materials and Processes, Innovations, Inventions and Problem Solving, and Welding. In 1997, he developed the current Building Trades program at OHS which consists of three levels of classes: Building Trades 1, 2, and 3. Since the inception of the Building Trades curriculum, it has been the focus of Steve’s teaching.
In 2006, Steve built his first student-built home with his Building Trades 3 class. From 2006 to 2010, Steve partnered with Brookstone Homes to build 4 student-built houses with his classes from Oconomowoc High School. In 2010, he partnered with Tim O’Brien Homes to build 14 more student-built houses together.
Steve graduated from UW-Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology Education and earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National-Louis University.
Meet the Speaker: Rick Andritsch
Mr. Rick Andritsch has been associated with the construction industry since 1986. In 1998 he joined VJS Construction Services (VJS) as Senior Project Manager, and in 1999 he was promoted to Partner and Vice President of Business Development. Based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, for more than 75 years, VJS has served as a leading general contractor, construction manager, and design builder, playing a pivotal role in shaping and revitalizing communities throughout Wisconsin. The firm’s areas of expertise span various sectors, including K-12 Education, Higher Education, Senior Living, Multi-Family Housing, Corporate, Civic and Community, Manufacturing/Industrial, Aviation, Religious, Retail and Hospitality, and Healthcare markets.
Prior to joining VJS, Mr. Andritsch attended the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and Keller Graduate School of Management.
Mr. Andritsch maintains an active membership with the Associated General Contractors of America and currently serves on its Board as the 2024 Vice President. Throughout his tenure with the national organization, he has held various leadership roles, including serving as the past Chair of the Business Development Forum, past Vice Chair and Chair of the National Building Division, past Chair of the Public/Private Industry Advisory Council, past Co-chair of the American Institute of Architects/Associated General Contractors Joint Committee, and served on the National Board of Directors of AGC of America.
Meet the Speaker: Tim O'Brien
Tim O’Brien is President of Tim O’Brien Homes which was founded in 2007. He grew up working in the office and the field for two large commercial general contractors in the Midwest, gaining knowledge related to project management.
Tim graduated with an M.S. in Civil Engineering-Construction Engineering Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He followed his passion in homebuilding after graduate school; after working for two national, publicly traded homebuilders, Tim went out on his own to form a new residential home building company focused on building green and energy efficient homes. He continues to develop knowledge in building high performance homes through various associations. Since the inception of Tim O’Brien Homes (TOH), the company has been honored to receive the National Housing Quality (NHQ) Silver Award in 2015 and 2016, and then the Gold Award in 2017. At the start of 2018, the company broke ground in the first net zero energy neighborhood in Wisconsin. In 2022, the company won a national industry award for its accomplishments in consistently high levels of customer satisfaction as rated by a third party.
Tim has been an active member of the local and state builders’ association, as well as Habitat for Humanity. He is a trustee on the Wisconsin Builders Foundation (10 years), a non-profit and the education and philanthropic arm of the Builders Association, supporting skilled trades development and training for the home building industry, as well as providing scholarships to students going into construction and apprenticeship programs.
Meet the Speaker: Matthew Clark
Matthew Clark has over fifty years of experience in the construction industry, with 25 of those years as a workforce development professional. Right after graduating high school, Mr. Clark began his construction career in the helper ranks and worked his way up to project superintendent. In 1990, he joined the Okaloosa Applied Technology Center as an instructor, and in 2002 he was appointed as the Dean of the CHOICE Construction Technology Institute, located in Northwest Florida.
In 2009, Mr. Clark returned to the private sector as the Director of Workforce Development for KBR, and in 2013 he joined the Jacobs Engineering Field Services team. Afterwards he joined the National Center for Construction Education and Research as a Senior Manager of Workforce Development in 2021. In this capacity, he provides guidance and support to organizations that want to use NCCER to build robust and effective workforce development programs that align with industry standards and culminate in Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Adult Career/Technical Education with an Educational Leadership Endorsement.
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
10:20 AM – 11:10 AM
Breakout Sessions VI
More information coming soon!
Discover how to overcome the critical talent shortage in commercial construction by mastering targeted outreach recruitment strategies. This intensive training equips HR and recruitment leaders with cutting-edge techniques to engage top-tier candidates through compelling messages in a highly competitive market. Walk away with practical tools to enhance your employer brand, optimize job descriptions, and implement recruitment tactics tailored to the unique challenges of the commercial construction industry.
Presented by: Rachel Kennedy, Chief Light Keeper, Southern Lighthouse®
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.
The year 2024 has been a wild one in labor and employment law. This session will provide a recap of 2024’s notable Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, National Labor Relations Board, and Department of Labor regulatory actions and decisions, as well as discuss notable court cases from around the country that impact construction industry human resources professionals. Attendees might not leave the presentation with a rocky mountain high, but they will come away from it with practical guidance on today’s most pressing HR issues.
Presented by: Stuart R. Buttrick, Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Meet the Speaker: Stuart Buttrick
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.
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
General Session
Construction is experiencing a digital transformation that is inspiring confidence, driving new opportunities across the industry, and impacting the future workforce. Innovations in technology are changing how we build and creating opportunities for improved performance, safer work environments, and addressing the industry’s labor challenge. Hear from Dr. Horsey as she discusses how emerging technologies are reshaping the hiring and retention landscape in construction. In this session you will learn about technology and enhancing recruitment, strategies for retaining the current workforce, and preparing for the future workforce.
Presented by: Irish Horsey, PhD, Director, Industry Advancement, Procore Technologies, Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Irish Horsey, PhD
Dr. Irish Horsey has worked as an award-winning construction professional with over 25 years in the AEC industry and academia. Dr. Horsey is the Director of Industry Advancement for Procore. She is an effective senior leader and thought leader responsible for scaling business operations and industry transformation. She leads a team of professionals focused on corporate social responsibility through philanthropic efforts. Dr. Horsey and her team expand the reach of Procore by advancing the construction industry through technology, education, and advocacy programs. She serves on the boards of numerous construction professional and academic organizations supporting education and research, workforce development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to joining Procore, she was an accomplished construction manager. She worked for leading AEC organizations in the public and private sectors delivering successful projects and programs.
Dr. Horsey is also an educator of construction management. Her academic career includes working as professor at the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Department of Construction Management where she was the founder and advisor of the Kennesaw Women in Construction (KWIC) organization. She also served as Interim Department Chair. She credits her success in the industry to making her a better professor and advisor to her students.
Dr. Horsey has received numerous awards and recognitions and is passionate about industry advancement. She is distinguished as the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in Building Construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she is a part-time professor and serves on the industry advisory board in the School of Building Construction. She has been recognized by Engineering Georgia as one of the 50 Most Notable Women in Engineering. Dr. Horsey believes her greatest contributions to the built environment are recruiting and educating its future leaders and advancing the industry through creating a more diverse construction workforce.
12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Workforce Site Visit (Ticketed Event)
Join us for an optional excursion to the campus of the innovative Explorative Pathways for Innovative Careers (EPIC) in nearby Littleton. Attendees will have an opportunity to see how the high school CTE program is training future construction professionals – thanks to an innovative collaboration with contractors and the AGC of Colorado. In addition to touring the facility and sitting in on classes, attendees will meet with the program’s principal and several current students. They will share details of how the program was created, how it recruits students, what the learning experience is like, and how they work with the industry to place graduates in construction careers. Boxed lunch to be provided. Bus will depart at 12:45 p.m. and plan to return to the hotel by 4:00 p.m.
12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
HR Workshop (Ticketed Event)
Join us for an engaging case-study exercise led by industry professionals, designed to deepen your HR knowledge and sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Explore topics that are most impacting your organization, collaborate with peers, and gain tangible, real-world examples to apply within your teams. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your expertise and drive meaningful change in your organization. Sign up today and elevate your HR practice to the next level!
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.