Meet This Year’s Construction HR & Training Professionals Conference Speakers
Partner and Vice President of Business Development, VJS Construction Services
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. 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. Mr. Andritsch is in the final stages of completing his responsibilities with the AIA/AGC Joint Committee.
Mr. Andritsch places great importance on community service and involvement. He has previously chaired the Board of Directors for Rogers Behavioral Health and the Rogers Hospital Board, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Rogers Foundation Board. Additionally, he has held the position of Chair for the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County Board and currently serves as Vice Chair for the Waukesha County Business Alliance, with an upcoming role as Chair. Moreover, he is a board member of the Architectural Review Board for the Village of Oconomowoc Lake, the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Public Forum, and actively contributes as a member of the Leadership Council for the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.
Due to his philanthropic endeavors, community engagement, and exemplary leadership, Mr. Andritsch has been honored with numerous awards, including the “40 under 40” accolade by the Milwaukee Business Journal, the “Committee Chairman of the Year” title by AGC of Greater Milwaukee, and, alongside his wife, the esteemed “Family of the Year” recognition by Family Service of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Rick and his wife Stacie have been married for 30 years and are proud parents to two daughters, Sam and Lulu. Sam, aged 23, is currently pursuing a degree in epidemiology, while Lulu, aged 21, is studying abroad in Barcelona, focusing on a career in neurobiology. Stacie works as an in-house attorney specializing in labor and employment for a national healthcare system. Outside of their professional lives, the family shares a passion for fly fishing and traveling together.
Wellness Coordinator and QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Facilitator, Miron Construction
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.
President, Waukesha County Technical College
Meet the Speaker: Richard G. Barnhouse, Ph.D.
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.
Beyond WCTC, Rich has been involved in several local organizations, including serving as a board member of the Waukesha County Business Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of Waukesha County, as well as membership in the Independent Business Association of Wisconsin, among others.
Human Capital Operations Manager, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
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.
Co-Founder and Executive Director, El Puente Institute™
Meet the Speaker: Dr. Patricia 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).
Filmmaker and Corporate Trainer
Meet the Speaker: Rob Dubin
Rob Dubin was an award winning filmmaker who traveled the world making TV programs and commercials for Fortune 500 companies. He is also a serial entrepreneur who created multiple 7 figure businesses. 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. He has studied happiness at Yale University and spoken on happiness at Harvard University and on the TEDx stage. Rob has appeared with Tony Robbins, Les Brown, The Today Show, Fox, Good Morning America and others. His TEDx talk on Happiness
has been viewed over 250,000 times.
Executive Director, AGC Maine
Meet the Speaker: Kelly Flagg
Kelly Flagg is the Executive Director for AGC Maine. AGC Maine is known for it’s 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.
President, Media-Vox
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.
Senior Project Manager, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
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 Colardo Chapter. She is proud to be an Iowa native yet calls Colorado her home.
Founder and CEO, Ambition Theory
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.
Head of Compensation & Rewards, FMI Corporation
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.
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.
Connect with Rachel at Rachel@SouthernLighthouse.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelkingkennedy/.
Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez Mielke
Alejandra Mielke, Ph.D. Coaching & Consulting, LLC
Meet the Speaker: Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez 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.
Business Development Manager, Stephens & Smith Construction Co., Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Jereme Montgomery
Jereme 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.
Senior Loss Control Consultant, CHST
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.
National Leader, Construction and Real Estate Strategy, Wipfli LLP
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.
Building Trades Teacher, Oconomowoc Area School District
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. He has been married to Ann, his wife of 26 years. They have two children, Luke (25) and Lilly (23). In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors.
President & CEO, Waukesha County Business Alliance
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.” She and her husband live in Waukesha with their three children.
Mortenson Construction
Meet the Speaker: Lizzy 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.
Founder and CEO, Well Works
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.
Chief Inclusion Officer and VP of People & Culture, Granite Construction
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: 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.
Speaker & Founder, Michigan Creative
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. (this will change depending on who we are talking to)
In his forthcoming book, The Lonely CEO, Brian shares his insights and best strategies for avoiding resistance, solidifying your belief in yourself as the right person to run your company, and systemizing your marketing and hiring processes to grow and scale a sustainable business.
Vice President of Operations, Adolfson & Peterson Construction
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.