Arunee Prather
Arunee Prather
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am a member of the Innovation Team. I am helping the team develop the NetRisk application. NetRisk empowers project managers to accurately predict project completion dates and costs and is the only Monte Carlo tool that can model the risk of float use during simulation.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I enjoy being a bug hunter and code breaker. I search for a bug in the program and bring it down.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Implementing the Unifier system at the Port of Long Beach was my first PMA project and it was exciting and challenging.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Yes, I love coding. Joining the Innovation Team allows me to work close to the programming side. I can communicate with my application every day. Sometimes it goes on strike and doesn’t behave. But it’s fun to learn about its bad behavior and deal with it and bring it back to be a good application!
What university or college did you graduate from?
I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and my MS in that field from Azusa Pacific University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Huntington Library is one of my favorite places.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I love traveling and being active. I also love photography and I had the opportunity to participate in the Port of Long Beach’s annual photography contest last year! It was a really fun event and I got to have my work displayed at the Port along with the other participants. We actually use the photos I took for this event in our POLB proposals and SOQs.
Jodi Burke
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently working on the upgrade to Deltek Vantagepoint.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Currently, I am really enjoying the huge variety of tasks that I am working on, whether it is assisting with reporting, helping develop new processes, or interacting with PMAers.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
Being here for 20 years!
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
The upgrade to Deltek Vantagepoint is going to be great for PMA. Vantagepoint has a more modern user interface, updated dashboards, and more intuitive navigation.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
I gave my first presentation at the 2019 Deltek Insight user conference in Orlando. I presented “Creating a Complex Expense Report Workflow” and was able to assist a couple of people afterward with their company’s expense reporting process. Helping people find solutions is very rewarding for me.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
I try to always be patient, kind, and to see the bright side of things.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
The Big House – University of Michigan stadium. Go Blue!
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I am a beekeeper to 3 very active beehives. Each hive starts out with about 10,000 bees and grows from there. I currently have about 125,000 bees between the 3 hives. I have harvested honey once this year and will again in September. Yes, I have been stung multiple times and it still hurts, but I still sit next to the hive and watch them delivering pollen to the hive. It is very mesmerizing. I am also a chicken wrangler. I have 34 chickens that provide about 30 farm-fresh, free-range eggs each day. Yes, I have a couple of slackers!
Do you have any secret talents?
My family and friends call me the baby whisperer. I can usually calm down an unhappy child.
John Sheridan
John Sheridan
What current project(s) are you working on?
Primarily, I am helping analyze and negotiate large time entitlement and cost disputes. My largest focus is supporting MTA on several East Side Access capital projects and analyzing a claim for a large New York bridge project. I am also working with Gary Jentzen on an Eversource assignment and on Nantucket Cottage Hospital, and with Steve Rusteika on the Marshfield DPW and Police Department projects.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
The reason I am still at PMA after 30 years is because I get to work with bright, talented people, both staff and clients, on large, challenging construction projects. I have a diversified portfolio of assignments that allows me to collaborate and work to resolve complex issues and do it with some of the brightest people in the industry. I have been spoiled at PMA, surrounded by a special group of leaders and professionals who have worked with me for many years and who have a work ethic that is second to none. I also get to draw on the talent from across the company to help with these efforts.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
There have been many shared successes over the years, culminating in where I am today as Division Director. PMA NE has continuously been one of the largest, most successful offices within PMA over the years, and that is the result of the excellent team with which I have had the pleasure to work. PMA NE’s success is also a testament to the many, many successful assignments/projects this regional team has pursued and executed, several of which received national awards. The Boston Business Journal award recognizing PMA NE as a “Best Place to Work” is also special to me.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
Not by choice, but the recent events that have forced people to work from home has given PMA another option in its “tool belt” to better service clients. Combined with the variety of services we can provide, excellent communication tools like Teams and NetPoint as our standard, and clients who are more receptive to consultants performing their work remotely, PMA can better service existing and new clients using our “bench” wherever it may be located.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
If I had to pick one project, the Albert Sherman Center Project (a $420M Life Science Research Facility with supporting Power Plant Upgrade and Parking Garage) might be the best example of great work by the team that I worked closely with. I believe today PMA has name recognition as an organization that provides superior services to its clients. However, in November 2006, this pursuit was considered a huge reach/risk when PMA proposed and beat out the largest program management firms to win this assignment. PMA then executed and received multiple national awards for this project, which helped put PMA’s name on the local map as one of the top OPM firms in New England. The rest is history…
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
Sports has been a big influence in my life growing up in NY, especially the concept of “team.” I admired many sports heroes from a bygone era, including Mickey Mantle, Willis Reed, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jack Nicklaus, etc. However, the biggest inspiration to be the best I could be came from my parents and family. I was the firstborn of Irish immigrants who had nothing when they came to this country, and they worked hard to raise a family in the Bronx. Nothing was taken for granted, you appreciated what little you had, and understood the value of family and friends. Education was the door opener and you gave 110% whether on the court or in the office. I have always valued and appreciated those who are closest to me. Still do…
What university or college did you graduate from?
My education was all NYC, starting with parochial grammar and high schools, and matriculating to Manhattan College in the Bronx. I received my BS in Civil Engineering in 1976 from Manhattan and then attended Brooklyn Polytechnic for my Masters in CE, finishing it in 1978. Two other prominent PMA leaders who graduated from Manhattan College were Tim McManus who opened the Boston office and Bruce Stephan, our West Coast ED.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Ember and Oysters were a couple of Marshfield restaurants that Laura and I often would be seen in on a Friday night, sitting at the bar to enjoy a small bite with the locals. If we got the chance, we would head up to Portsmouth, NH and look for a spot to dine overlooking the water. However, recent events have changed that to just enjoying meals at home.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
Not sure if it is a “fun fact” but those who know me are aware I try to stay active, sometimes with results that were detrimental to parts of my body. For many years, both staff and clients expected me to show up for meetings wearing some bandage or splint based on my last “healthy sports event” (generally pick-up basketball). The only advantage to getting older and slowing down is that there have been fewer bandages!
Do you have any secret talents?
I wish I could claim “fish whisperer”, but alas, no secret talents…what you see is what you get.
Wee Orwatthana
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently I am working on a laboratory and pharmaceutical expansion and renovation project.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I enjoy leading meetings: ensuring that everyone is on the same page; assigning responsible parties, action items, and deadlines; communicating team conclusions and next steps for team alignment, problem-solving, and planning. The beauty of it is not only the learning curve and knowledge I’ve acquired while preparing and orchestrating the meetings and summarizing notes for wider audiences but also getting to see what the team discussed and built up transformed into reality. I believe enjoying the process of doing something is as important and meaningful as enjoying the outcomes.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
My career highlight is my 3.5 years experience at PMA working on a laboratory and pharmaceutical renovation project. I have been implementing schedule control and monitoring, interactive planning sessions, and schedule analysis to develop and maintain schedule as well as align team expectations and execution plans for a complex, full operating, and uninterrupted manufacturing site. Because of the success of this project and the additional capacity, the client was able to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been able to utilize the new facility to start production, aiming for over 50 million COVID tests per month.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
I am excited about the concept of a hyperloop for public or freight transportation. It would be good to have high speed transportation with more energy efficiency.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Developing and maintaining project master schedules, creating document workflow diagrams, and being highly involved in process control systems scope with multiple parties from different locations are all challenges. These are very complicated and technical subjects, totally new to me, and challenging to the entire project team.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
My grandfather, who was born in a rural area in Phuket, Thailand inspires me. He started everything from zero: from an employee of a grocery shop in a farmer market in Phuket town to a business owner in the hospitality industry. He is my role model for working, perseverance, and contribution to community. “Work like you own it” and his dedication for everything he did no matter whether it’s for his family or others is the starting point of his success and is one of the most valuable things I’ve learned from him.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received my bachelor’s degree from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
I earned my master’s degree at Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts. This is where I was introduced to PMA through my professor, Gary Jentzen!
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite local establishment is the American Repertory Theater.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I traveled approximately 4,500 miles – 5 days 4 nights via Amtrak Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Lake Shore Limited train through Los Angeles – Sacramento – Portland – Montana – Minnesota – Chicago – New York – Boston with 2 checked bags and 2 carry-on bags while enjoying the view, food, and chatting with other passengers. That’s how I moved from LA to Boston by myself in 2013 after living there a year and a half. It’s also exactly 7 years ago this month.
Do you have any secret talents?
Fruits and Vegetables Carving. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/WeeMyCarving/
Blake Cuneo
Blake Cuneo
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently I am involved in a pharmaceutical program with two major projects. One is to expand an existing facility in Massachusetts and the other is building a new facility in Shanghai, China.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Yes, being a part of a large team is where I thrive. I enjoy working with groups that all face the same challenges and have a common goal.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
The experience of being on an international project with an international team has been my biggest highlight at PMA. This has been a great opportunity to explore different working, management, and communication styles. Attending and presenting at the 2019 NetPoint Conference in Denver is a close second.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
In the last couple of months, our pharma client has been exploring how to transfer a COVID-19 antibody test internationally. This has been an interesting and satisfying mini-project to aid in combatting the current pandemic.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received my bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I’ve lived in South Boston for the last few years and have a few local favorites. Hard to choose just one, but I’ll say Local 149.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I’ve had my motorcycle permit/license since I was 16!
Do you have any secret talents?
My secret talent is woodworking.
Brian DeFilippis
What current project(s) are you working on?
I have been working on a number of school projects and on other public facilities. Some these include: Catholic Memorial School (Boston, MA), West Elementary School, Ballardvale Fire Station, Senior Center (Town of Andover, MA), North Acton Fire Station (Town of Acton, MA), Tewksbury DPW Facility (Town of Tewksbury, MA), project audits for UMASS Medical Center (Leominster and Worcester), and project audits for MassDevelopment (Boston, MA).
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I love listening to clients discussing their vision and objectives for a proposed project from the hiring of a designer/architect to the project turnover, then watching each project come together and see the results of the team’s planning.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I have been fortunate to work on many different project types, both public and private.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
I am encouraged by the careful planning that goes into sustainability and into energy-efficient structures that little by little add up to make a better world.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
On one project, the general contractor went out of business before the project was completed. I had to work closely with the Town officials to ensure we provided the Town with the most protection possible. I also had to work closely with the bonding company to ensure the project was delivered to the Town as quickly as feasible.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
My dad’s parents immigrated to the US from Italy. Listening to the stories of why they came here, the challenges they faced, and how they made a new home in America is inspiring. Progress comes in time; you have to constantly work at it.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I love Boston! Anything Boston: Fenway Park, Seaport District, Harbor Walk, North End; it goes on and on!
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I am a landlord and own rental properties. Needless to say, this keeps me busy when I am not at work.
Do you have any secret talents?
My talents lie in keeping the greenest lawn, planting, and gardening.
Sejal Brownlee
What current project(s) are you working on?
I currently lead the Human Resources department and my responsibilities include employee relations, benefits, and immigration. I am also a member of the Task Force Committee to assist the company through the current pandemic, the Teleworking Efficiency committee, and Career Development Committee, just to name a few.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Yes, I get to interact with everyone! Seriously, it’s a joy to work with everyone and assist where I can.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
My career highlight so far is my career advancement throughout the years here at PMA.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
Currently, this unfortunate pandemic that we are in has been keeping everyone and especially me very busy. The good that has come out of this though is the closeness of PMAers. In my opinion, we have come together to support each other more than ever, which says a lot about us as individuals and as a company. I am proud to be the Director of the Human Resources Department where I interact with PMAers on many different levels daily, and I am excited to be a part of the PMA family.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
The Career Development Program (Performance Pro) was a challenge, but also a benefit to employees and the company in many ways. We took feedback from the program into consideration, and the Career Development Committee is planning on gearing the program back up again soon. Stay tuned!
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
I am who I am today because of my great-grandmother, Maggie “BigMa” Irick. She had a huge hand in helping my mother raise me and I am so grateful for her. She lived to be 100 years young, which is a blessing. I lost her February of this year (2020), which was the hardest thing I’ve had to deal with in my entire life. I keep going and I will keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be to carry on her legacy.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I am a proud graduate of Clemson University! GO TIGERS! I bleed orange and am a huge Clemson Tiger football fan as well. During football season you can catch me cheering with my Tiger head on!
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I will share two. Locally, as I am a part of the Ann Arbor office, my favorite restaurant is called the “Black Pearl.” Whenever I visit Ann Arbor, I have dinner there; it’s a must. In Atlanta, where I live, my favorite local establishment is a restaurant called “Poor Calvin’s.” Clearly, I love food!
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I was a ballerina for 8 years and I ran cross country.
Do you have any secret talents?
I was an All-State soloist throughout high school (so I’ve been told that I can sing). Ask Dr. Gui: he got a personal “Happy Birthday” song during our party we had in Ann Arbor last year for him!
Steve Rusteika
Steve Rusteika
What current project(s) are you working on?
My group currently has 25 open projects that we are managing. I spend the bulk of my time on the Town of Marshfield Police Station and DPW Facility Projects, the City of Quincy Public Safety Complex, and three projects in the Town of Andover: West Elementary School, New Ballardvale Fire Station, and Andover Senior Center. We continue to be actively involved with projects at Harvard University, MIT, and Northeastern University, and in the construction of the new YMCA Facility in Lynn, MA. Recently, we were selected for two new projects: an expansion of a food processing plant in Danvers and a sludge processing plant in New Jersey. The group continues to be very busy.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I really enjoy mentoring and guiding people so they can always improve and grow professionally, like I did early in my career. PMA has always been employee focused and this COVID 19 pandemic we are experiencing has made that even more clear. We are successful because we have great people who work very hard and are committed to each other, our clients, and PMA. I enjoy helping people achieve their goals.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
For me, the top three are the historic restoration of the McKim Building at the Copley Square Library, the Albert Sherman Center at the UMass Medical School in Worcester, and the Renaissance Boston Marriot Waterfront Hotel in Boston.
The McKim Building at the Copley Square Library was the first publicly funded municipal library in the country. It is simply an astounding building with many treasures from books to paintings. I managed phase II of the historic restoration as one of my very first projects after joining PMA. I still like to sit in the Bates Hall reading room on the second floor and just stare at the beauty of the building.
At $442 million, the Albert Sherman Center at the UMass Medical School in Worcester is the largest project I have managed to date. The project not only included the Sherman Center but also a major expansion of the co-generation power plant and the new Plantation Street Garage. As the Chancellor has repeatedly stated: “The research being done at the Sherman Center will change the world forever and save many lives.” It feels wonderful to have been involved in the project. The Sherman Center was the last project that my friend, confidant, and mentor, Scott Libby, and I worked on together. I will always have great memories of those days when we were together.
The Renaissance Boston Marriot Waterfront Hotel was a unique experience. PMA was already working with Marriott in providing planning and scheduling support for the project. Marriott asked PMA step in to fill the role of general contract/construction manager while Marriot held all the subcontracts. Several PMA folks were involved when that happened, including Chris Carroll, Dr. Gui, Bob Sanders, Gary, and me. It was the toughest and one of the most rewarding projects I have ever worked on.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
I am always pleasantly surprised by the new people joining PMA. The more we grow, the greater the diversity and breadth of knowledge I see and experience. This keeps me fresh and focused on always improving what we do and how we do it. I find myself learning every day. It is exciting and something I look forward to.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Every project or assignment is transformative, challenging, and unique. No two projects are the same; every project is like starting a new job. Clients, team members, projects, issues, etc. are all different. There are unique challenges, personalities, and complexities to manage and deal with. This is what keeps it interesting. Each project or assignment has made me better at what I do. This is one reason I have stayed at one company for thirty years, along with really liking what I do, the people I work with, and the company.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
This is a hard question with several answers. First, as many of us have experienced in our professional careers, I have had the huge benefit of working with people who have inspired me. There was Paul Tibbetts at Modern Continental Construction, Vic Hagan and Lisa Chapnick at the City of Boston Public Facilities Department, and many at PMA. They were all outstanding in their own ways and showed me that hard work and a thoughtful approach to resolving issues and planning ahead are critical to success.
Secondly, I watched my father and father-in-law work blue collar jobs to make a better life for their families. My father worked for forty years at the Boston Water & Sewer Commission and my father-in-law worked two jobs as a glazier and car cleaner. They were an inspiration for me.
Lastly, I am motivated by my own family. My wife, Kitty, and I just celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary. We have three children, Matt, Tim, and Anne, a daughter -n-law, Katrina, and two grandsons, Simon and Eliot. Life is wonderful.
I have learned much from all of them and continue learning new things every day.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I attended Northeastern University in Boston, and received my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Civil Engineering. When my children were looking at colleges, they asked me how I selected Northeastern University. It was simple, I was living at home in South Boston and the university was accessible via public transportation.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
If I had to pick one, it would be Fenway Park. The Red Sox have always been my favorite local sports team to follow and watch. Attending a game at Fenway Park is something very special and just awesome. The feeling of ascending the ramp out of the lower level into the Park is unexplainable. It’s my favorite place.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
Every year, I take the plunge into Boston Harbor on January 1st. I have been doing it for many years with family members and friends. It is always a great way to start the new year.
Do you have any secret talents?
I am really good at reading books to my grandsons and playing with them.
Deborah Shaer
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently supporting owner’s project management (OPM) services for the Shrewsbury Beal Elementary School, Saugus Middle-High School, and Sharon High School Projects. All of these projects are made possible by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), a quasi-independent government authority that funds capital improvement projects for K-12 public schools in the Commonwealth.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I enjoy managing the cost controls on my projects such as updating total project cost reports, preparing the Propays (MSBA reimbursement submissions) for our clients, reviewing contractor potential change orders, and monthly requisitions. I like working with numbers as it gets the project team (architect, OPM, contractor) paid and gets the Districts their MSBA grant reimbursements. All this keeps the projects moving. Nothing can slow down a project more than an impediment to cash flow.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
On the Tahanto Middle/High School project (Tahanto) for the Berlin-Boylston Regional School District, the entire project team – contractor, owner, architect, all of us – was able to come together and split the cost of donating used furniture, sports equipment, textbooks, etc. to an underprivileged school district in Jamaica. It was a wonderful endeavor for all of us to get done.
Donations were made possible by a company called IRN: The Reuse Network (IRN), a recycling center that matches surplus furniture and equipment with charities and nonprofits around the world. Tahanto was the first project PMA collaborated with IRN on, and we continue to do so on current projects such as the Saugus Middle-High School. I think this is one of the greatest things PMA and our clients do.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
For many K-12 projects, PMA contracts services led by Multivista which specializes in visual construction documentation. Multivista visits the project site during construction and takes pictures as the project is being built. The photos get “assigned” to their respective location in the new building via association with the construction drawings. The client then has access to a website that allows them to see how the building was constructed and to see what is behind the walls, ceilings, etc. This is a helpful tool for whenever future renovations to the building might be needed. This is an exceptionally helpful tool for facilities managers of these new schools as well.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
I developed a “Communication Plan” template that has been utilized by multiple PMA projects to satisfy the MSBA’s requirement at the beginning of all of our K-12 projects for a Communications Plan.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
My family – Mom, sister, brother-in-law push me to be the best I can.
What university or college did you graduate from?
BA in Communications from Simmons College, Boston (now Simmons University)
My degree in communications has contributed greatly to my work in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (A/E/C) industry. Accurate, timely, consistent, and clear communication, both written and oral, is essential in any industry. In our industry of construction with so many moving pieces, parts, and “players” to the projects, it is imperative that the OPM as the client’s “gate-keeper” to all project entities (architects, architect’s engineers, contractor, the public, town departments, owners, etc.) be able to craft concise, understandable correspondence to keep all project stakeholders informed of project developments.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I like the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. I like Fenway Park and the Red Sox too.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I am a huge animal lover and give automatic monthly donations to several animal charities including Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), World Wildlife Federation (WWF), and World Animal Protection.
Dennis Lucey
Dennis Lucey
What current project(s) are you working on?
We are in final stages of a pharmaceutical expansion and renovation project. The project will deliver additional diagnostic services to a growing public need. It is very exciting to be part of a solution that will positively affect billions of people each year.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I love the collaborative atmosphere of PMA. I love working with our teams to help clients solve their complex project needs.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
Where to begin…. It is incredibly satisfying to see your efforts manifest in the built space. Over the course of my 20 years at PMA, I have had the pleasure of working on numerous biopharma, transportation, and healthcare projects, amongst others. However, my greatest point of pride is seeing the project management and planning process come to fruition; to be able to help transform a group of individuals into an orchestrated and coordinated project team is very rewarding.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
I have had the pleasure of helping implement new project management software tools that have provided owners new ways to collaborate and deliver projects more efficiently. It has been satisfying to see how process and system improvements have enabled better project delivery.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
Both of my parents worked in public service (teacher and water engineer). Their dedication to the public good was a true inspiration and has helped lead me to a career when I can help deliver projects that improve society for the good of all.
What university or college did you graduate from?
BS in civil engineering, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, 1997
MS in engineering management, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 2000
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite places depend on the season: winter = up in the mountains, summer = out on the water.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
Dennis is actually my middle name. Also, my brother and I share the same birthdate (but we are not twins, we were born five years apart).
Do you have any secret talents?
I love open water swimming and participate in several races and fundraisers each summer.
Mary Aiello
Mary Aiello
What current project(s) are you working on?
I’m finalizing edits for the new PMA website (Check it out! It’s fantastic!), and I’m working on a PMA content library. I’m also working on a qualifications package for the Wayne County Commissioner’s office.
What is your career highlight so far?
I still enjoy being included on PMA teams that need translation and editing services. Working on PEMEX and SFMTA are on the list, and a recent project that comes to mind involved editing a west coast water agency’s design-bid-build model contract documents.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Today’s user prefers to receive information in micro bits vs. reading and entire user manual. In other words, the typical user prefers to learn by doing and not by reading. Videos that chunk steps in a process are a great example that responds to this type of need. We also see this idea expressed when videos accompany software downloads and walk users through the various aspects of how to use the application.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Eastern Michigan University (graduate and undergraduate)
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I love taking my grandsons to the Henry Ford Museum; they loved the Lego exhibit! For dining out, Flemings and Bonefish Grill (or anywhere they make a mean Manhattan).
Fun Fact!
I am a volunteer in an outreach program at a local women’s prison. I’m also working on getting a national certification as a technical translator.
Salvador Agosto
Salvador Agosto
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently assigned to the Southern Division of Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) in Lawrenceville, NJ. I work in the Operation & Resources Department as a project coordinator for several major projects within the division. These projects include the building of new electrical substations, the reinforcement of distribution circuits, relocation of existing OH&UG facilities, and a program of projects created to optimize the reliability of the system. This ensures that critical services are maintained and restored for PSE&G’s customers without disruption.
What is your career highlight so far?
I would have to say that the highlight of my career was working in the Renewable Energy industry particularly in wind power and biomass. I find this to be a fascinating area of the industry where I was able to expand my knowledge and apply project controls as well as project management techniques in a dynamic and innovative capacity. Also, my experience acquired in the pharmaceutical industry calls for mention due to the complexity and diversity of industry projects.
With PMA, my highlight to date came in 2013 while working with my current client (PSE&G). Following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy, I joined one of the formed “storm mode” teams to coordinate work and track work progress under highly urgent circumstances that set the company’s outage records. I was able to utilize my quick decision-making and prioritization skills while working through the area’s state of emergency.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
I have seen an increase in the use of cloud-based construction management applications that allows users to edit, manage, and track the progress of their project from any web-connected mobile device. Other areas of innovations are the implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and the increasing popularity of sustainable construction, renewable materials, and “green” building.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and an MBA from Rutgers University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I grew up in the Caribbean so I really enjoy going to the beach. My favorite local beach is in Belmar, NJ. It’s a leisurely beach with an upbeat environment and good restaurants for the post-beach munchies. The boardwalk allows for running, bike riding or as of late, a runway to chase after my 2 year old son. My wife and 6 month old daughter find it rather comical.
When I’m not wrangling my toddler, you can find me remaining active in other ways such as playing basketball, golfing, running or biking. I also play percussion instruments in my spare time, so there’s a good chance you’ll find me at the local outdoor music festival enjoying the music.
Fun Fact!
PMA Consultants was founded in 1971, which is the same year Ray Tomlinson invented internet-based email. It’s also the same year the Baltimore Colts won the Super Bowl V Championship.
Shannon Katt
What challenges exist for women in the construction and engineering industry? Any path you’ve taken to overcome these?
The construction industry has changed significantly since I first started on jobsites. The construction arena used to be a very tough place to work. There were constant challenges from men to a woman’s knowledge and authority, both in the field and in the trailer. To overcome these challenges, you had to do your job well and know everything there was to know about your work. You also had to have very thick skin and be able to ignore a lot of negativity and misogyny. That posture doesn’t happen much anymore. Enough women have joined the industry, such that we aren’t an anomaly, and we aren’t assumed to be unqualified.
What current projects are you working on?
A claim for the Toronto Transit Commission, scheduling support for a Brewery in Mexicali, Mexico, scheduling support for a hospital in New York, helping a contractor with some change order issues in Edmonton, a schedule risk analysis in an undisclosed location in Asia, and a schedule risk analysis for a mega-project in Texas.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
There’s not really a single highlight. I’m very lucky to get to travel all over the world doing scheduling and schedule risk analysis work in the oil and gas industry. It’s challenging work in interesting locations.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
We are seeing more use of NetPoint from our clients, which is fun to see since I’ve been part of the testing team since the very beginning of the software.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona. My degree is in Aeronautical Engineering.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
The Wrigley Mansion. The mansion was built by the Wrigley family (think chewing gum). It’s a historic landmark in Phoenix with a really interesting history. After ownership passed from the Wrigley family, the mansion went through a series of owners and bankruptcies and was finally saved by Geordie Hormel (think canned foods). He remembered spending time there as a child and couldn’t allow the mansion to be demolished. His family wanted local residents to be able to enjoy it, so it’s been turned into a club that includes a bar and restaurant. The mansion has the best view of Phoenix in the city.
Provide a Fun Fact?
I’m on the board of a local charity called SniffAZ that raises money to fund spay/neuter services to low income residents. Did you know that every two s/n surgeries saves one animal from the euthanasia list (at least in Phoenix)?
Rick Johnson
Rick Johnson
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Currently, I am working on a Risk Analysis for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on the State Road 528 Expressway to Cape Canaveral and the Albuquerque Rapid Transit (ART) project in Albuquerque, NM for the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Also, in the preparation stage to facilitate a Value Engineering (VE) study for the Volpe Center project at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
What are some of your career highlights?
Having facilitated a VE Study for the World Trade Center Transportation Hub and then two Risk Mitigation and Value Management workshops for the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center to mitigate costs and recover schedule for the reconstruction of the World Trade Center program.
What is something new/innovative happening in your industry?
The application of the Value Engineering Methodology to organization/agency processes is relatively new to FDOT. In the past they have done process mapping with a flow diagram and the assignment of responsibilities, but District 4 is trying a new and different approach. Francisco Cruz and I have been assisting FDOT District 4 with several of their internal processes. Each one is different and presents its own challenge but methodology helps the team to think about the function of each step within the process and how it affects or may affect other steps within the process.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Facilitating the I-95 Express VE workshop that consisted of 30+ people from two different FDOT Districts that have a history of not necessarily working well with each other.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I get to the office (when in town) every day at 6:00 – 6:15 am, have a couple of cups of coffee and review my schedule for the day or the coming days and catch up on email. There are very few interruptions at that time of day.
From which university did you graduate?
I graduated with a BSE & MSE in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida (UFC) (the 18th ranked undefeated UCF Knights)
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My wife, Nien, and I enjoy going to football and basketball games at UCF and on at least one day of the weekend we try and play golf at Orange Tree Golf Club.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I can pull an engine out of any air-cooled Volkswagen in 10 minutes or less. I can then completely disassemble the engine and rebuild it from the crankshaft up. (That takes more than 10 minutes)
Dina Keirouz
Dina Keirouz
Managing Director, Los Angeles
What challenges exist for women in the construction and engineering industry? Any path you’ve taken to overcome these?
Although the number of women in engineering and construction has greatly improved, it’s still far too low. In construction, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that women make up less than 9% of people working in construction. There are still those in the education system and in math- and science-related industries that believe boys are more capable than girls in these areas.
I grew up with four brothers and my father always used me as an example when he lectured them about achieving good grades. I typically made excellent grades so I never had an inferiority complex about my capabilities. Professionally, I didn’t really pay any attention to it until I started going up the corporate ladder. I did have to assume a posture and communicate differently on-site for superintendents and foremen to take me seriously. But I didn’t let it impact me and throughout my career, I’ve always made sure that my ideas and needs were voiced and heard.
I also realized in talking to my female friends—who often sought advice from me when they were negotiating new positions—that women, “in general,” don’t usually “ask” for things like a raise, better treatment, or a promotion. Women need to do a better job asking for things that we know we deserve as much as our male counterparts. But you better be good because qualifications matter as well as diversity of thought.
What current projects are you working on?
I’m currently working on the POLB project controls and Unifier rollout, and I just copresented our achievement with the client at an AACE conference. I was also working in a support function with PMO/project controls for ComEd in Chicago.
My day-to-day job includes addressing client concerns, pursuing the next project(s), mentoring and managing my staff, and preparing responses to proposals and interviews. I also believe that the good relationships I’ve developed with previous clients throughout my career should be maintained and can play a role in supporting my counterparts outside of my region (SoCal). I continue to reach out and present PMA to them no matter where they are in coordination with my colleagues in other regions.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I don’t know if I have only one highlight, but I always enjoy inspiring people to step up and improve professionally and personally. Breaking the mold is important.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
3D printing. I mean, this is some real sci-fi happening! The structures that they can build with a 3D printer is something that I saw once in a sci-fi cartoon back in the 1980s. And now we’re seeing that technology in use today.
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Washington. Loved going to college! It was great fun.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I’m a foody and there are many restaurants that my husband and I like to frequent; no specific one comes to mind. He’s in the business and I accompany him when he does secret shopper trips and when he writes reviews for restaurants. I love the beach but New York City is in my soul. There’s just so much to do there.
Provide a Fun Fact?
I’m a dance maniac. Provide some good soulful music and I‘ll dance for hours; I also belly dance and kick box.
Robert Sanders
Robert Sanders
What current projects are you working on?
GLWA Fire Remediation, GLWA Rouge River Outfall Disinfection Oversight, GLWA 120-kV Water Treatment Plant; GLWA Biosolids Dryer Facility, GLWA Grit Chamber Forensic Analysis, to name a few.
What is your career highlight at PMA so far?
I’ve been fortunate to have worked on numerous challenging and rewarding mega projects, such as Visteon Village and the JW Marriott in Grand Rapids (MI), as well as serving on five generations of DWSD/GLWA continuing owner’s representative capital improvement program contracts.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
I’ve noticed a change in the past five years that has deepened my appreciation for working for a firm that places a high value on serving as a trusted advisor. I see a trend in moving away from basic communication to a more remote, electronic process: more and more companies are turning to “virtual” sources instead of humans. As a relationship-driven/based firm, PMA has always valued speaking in person, face-to-face, or voice-to-voice to clients as this is a pillar of the genetic code and foundation upon which PMA was built.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I attended University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
What is your favorite local establishment?
The Stone House in Lexington (MI), which has been a part of my wife’s family for generations. The Stone House was built in 1930 and is an amazing piece of Michigan’s architectural history and heritage. The “Maltese castle,” as it’s been called, was created using stones and sand from the shores of Lake Huron. In addition to providing annual guided tours to raise funds for the local Meals on Wheels, we’ve also hosted drop-in guests that include a congresswoman and motorcycle clubs.
Fun facts?
My roommate while attending U-M was Rick Snyder, current governor of Michigan.
Don Fredlund
Don Fredlund
Chief Operations Officer, Phoenix
What current project(s) are you working on?
Expert Assignments:
• Claims on 3 separate construction contracts associated with the $2.6B Toronto Spadina Subway Extension Project located in Toronto, CN
• Claim on the $140M JW McCormack Post Office/Courthouse Repair and Alternations Project located in Boston, MA
• Claim on the BP-432 (Pods C and D) Baggage Handling System Expansion Project located in Orlando, FL
• Insurance Claims on the $1B East End Crossing Project located in Indiana/Kentucky
Contract Specifications Upgrade:
• Santa Clara Valley Water District
What is your career highlight so far?
Becoming part of PMA leadership when I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to start our “west coast presence”; I also got involved with corporate matters. That met one of my key career goals and reasons I came to PMA after spending many years working for large contracting firms (i.e., being one of thousands). It gave me much more opportunity to grow professionally in all aspects of management and have a say/control over my career while I helped a small company at the time to grow to what PMA is today.
It’s all about the people one works with and it’s rarely the result of one person’s efforts. That said, I have numerous highlights as an expert where a team of PMA professionals’ technical excellence resulted in a “win” via a ruling by a judge or jury that went the way we saw it, and our client was extremely happy with the result. Perhaps the most notable on a personal note was our firm’s expert work in South Carolina for a major pharmaceutical client that involved over a 2-3 year period and as many as 25 PMA employees flying back and forth to South Carolina from many offices. Testifying in a 100-year-old courthouse in the “south” (velvet curtains and all) was surreal! Plus, we got the ruling we and our client hoped for…can’t beat that. It was a complete and total team effort by many PMA employees who sacrificed a lot personally, a shining moment for PMA, and an opportunity to work with one of the country’s premier construction law firms.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
While this is not so new or innovative relatively speaking in PMA standards, there is a continued trend toward the use of project delivery systems that allow for public and private clients to pick contractors on a qualifications basis or not strictly on price. Being the relationship firm we are and what we have to offer our clients technically, that trend is right up our alley. Throw increased use of and appreciation by some large players in the industry of NetPoint® and GPM® (PMA’s proprietary scheduling software) into that mix and we (meaning PMA, the consultants, contractors, and owners) will all benefit from that in the future.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Michigan Technical University located in Houghton, Michigan, where they only allow in and train technically smart and physically tough engineers as evidenced by PMA’s tendency to hire lots of people from there, including some of its best leaders.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I have eaten at so, so many restaurants in the U.S. and a few international spots (e.g., Mexico City and Shanghai, China) over the last 30 years and have flown into/out of every major airport in the U.S. it seems. Impossible to pick a favorite. Now if the question was the most unusual food eaten, that is an easy one. In a nice, quaint, and upscale restaurant just outside of San Francisco, one time I had “pigeon legs.” Yes, we were with a client. The things one does for client relationships. Guess what? It tasted like…wait for it…chicken.”
Fun Fact!
Now that is a good question. My wife of almost 44 years says we really have only been married 22 years because I am gone half of the time. That is technically not true, but one reason I have been married that long is because I have learned not to argue technicalities.
Looking back to the major pharmaceutical client assignment described above, after testifying on the witness stand and in response to some question from the judge, I actually said, “This was fun.” He laughed and gave me a strange look. Go figure.
Bruce Stephan
Bruce Stephan
Executive Director, San Francisco
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am multi-tasking on several home office assignments including LA Metro Best Practices Study; Santa Clara Valley Water District Construction General and Special Provisions Re-write; Port Authority of NY & NJ Functional Requirements for a new Contract and Document Management System, NYC Department of Design & Construction Schedule Delay Analysis; Novo Nordisk Contract Risk Review and Federal Transit Administration PM Oversight Consultant PMOC.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career at PMA is having founded, grown and led two major Regions (Mid Atlantic & the West). I love to create new things; and PMA has provided me an unparalleled opportunity to do so while continuing to build both technical and soft skills. PMA’s truly unique corporate culture creates never-ending opportunities for anyone interested in doing more than just the day-to-day grind.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
A major innovation in the industry that has dramatically changed construction since I started is the use of more collaborative contracting mechanisms like Design-Build, Public Private Partnerships, CM/GC, CM at Risk and Integrated Project Delivery. These all have taken the industry from an adversarial battle between owners and contractors to a more efficient, productive, and dare I say fun way to successfully build projects.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated Manhattan College with a BS in Civil Engineering and Golden Gate University with a law degree.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
The great outdoors, be it a mountain, the ocean or a hike in the City.
Fun Fact!
I have run the NYC Marathon three times and rafted down the Colorado River for 17 days.
Amanda DavyRomano
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently I am a part of the scheduling team for the PMO for Peoples Gas. Peoples Gas is working to upgrade its natural gas delivery system throughout the city of Chicago; a 20 year project to replace approximately 2,000 miles of natural gas pipes.
What is your career highlight so far?
The University of Chicago New Hospital Pavilion Project was a big highlight for me; managing construction cost and the entire change order process was not a small task on a 1.1 million square foot state-of-the-art hospital. I’ve had the opportunity to guest lecture a few times at Northwestern University for scheduling class; it’s a great feeling to be able to share career experience with young minds that look at you as an “expert” in the field. Especially when I still consider myself a young mind learning every day.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
NetPoint. I’ve been a NetPoint user since the first release and it has been great to see how it has developed and how it is becoming more and more used, and not just in the construction industry. I’m excited to see its continued development and growth.
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Illinois
What is your favorite local establishment?
I am a bit of a foodie and enjoy trying new restaurants so it’s tough to pick just one. Some staples though Sepia, Bristol, Mercadito, Au Cheval, I could go on…
Darrel Field
Darrel Field
What current project(s) are you working on?
I’m working on two Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) projects:
1) a biosolids dryer facility and
2) sewage sludge incinerator air quality control upgrades (installing scrubbers) at the Detroit Wastewater Plant.
What is your career highlight so far?
Coming onboard to PMA and spending six years, on-site, during construction at the Detroit Wastewater Plant.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The DWSD biosolids dryer facility is the largest of its kind in North America; the project is on a scale that no one else in the country has done before.
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Michigan
What is your favorite local establishment?
Home, because that’s where my family is.
Fun Fact!
I went flying with my oldest son, AJ, after he got his pilot’s license, and he set the plane down in the middle of nowhere (actually a grass airstrip in Chelsea, MI). It was more exciting than I had planned for!
Ken VanderJagt
What current project(s) are you working on?
Automated People Mover Project at Orlando International Airport, schedule oversight. Schedule development and updating for pipeline projects for Layne Northern Corporation. Schedule oversight of various water and water reclamation projects for Orange County Utilities. Starting a contract time assessment project for Florida Department of Transportation. Cost estimating for various projects at Orlando International Airport.
What is your career highlight so far?
The relationship I gained with Marriott Vacation Club International in Orlando for Primavera Scheduling services that resulted in PMA staffing a half dozen scheduling positions at MVCI and extended scheduling roles with Marriott contractors Hunt Construction Group, Catafulmo Construction and others. I caught the client’s attention at a local Primavera P3 information seminar by asking questions indicating I knew how to run the software. Marriott’s timeshare division was in a major expansion mode at that time and brought PMA in to schedule projects for them throughout the United Stated, Caribbean and Europe.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
One of the most innovative scheduling applications I became involved in recently was the application of real-time planning to the implementation of SAP SE (Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing) a German business enterprise software solution at Marathon Corporation. SAP was implemented as a replacement for legacy mainframe accounting, management and human resource programs. Major IT firms SAP, Deloite, HCL Axon, and Wipro combined with Marathon IT Staff to develop, plan, test, rehearse and cutover to SAP. I was brought in a as “Cutover Manager” to participate in the planning and scheduling of the effort. We had a 6-person scheduling team that ran real-time schedules 24 hrs a day. Cutover planning involves several phases and rehearsals. Phases include “Preparation”, “Downtime”, “Uptime”, “Go-Live” and “Post-Go-Live”. In general, these phases provide for system backups and security, data downloads, data conversions, loading new programs and converted data, system testing, security closures, and account balancing. The Cutover Managers constantly monitored the schedule and updated it with actual activity starts and finishes based on the emails. Cutover Managers also carefully tracked the Critical Path at all times and inquired with Team Leads for progress reports when completions were due. The objective was to send out the next activity email within minutes of its predecessor’s emailed completion notice. Hence “Real-Time” scheduling. Performance improved with each rehearsal and a successful implementation was completed as planned in January 2014.
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, BSCE. Dr. Gui was my professor for CPM Scheduling. I started with PMA immediately after graduation in December 1978, reporting for work on December 26, 1978.
What is your favorite local establishment?
My favorite resort is Marriott’s Ocean Pointe resort in the West Palm Beach area. I stayed there with my wife and daughters several times while I was the scheduler on the successor unit buildings. My family fully enjoyed the beautiful beach, pools and resort amenities. More locally to my residence my favorite feature is the bike trails and bike ways of Orange and Lake Counties. Orange County’s West Orange Bike Trail is just a couple of blocks from my house and provides 30 miles of bike trail as it interconnects with the Lake County trail. Unlike most of Florida, Lake County has hilly terrain, the top hill being referred to as Sugarloaf Mountain. This is a favorite road bike training spot for Fernando Villanueva and I.
Fun Fact!
Is Ken related to politician Guy VanderJagt or NFL kicker Mike VanderJagt? No, but I do like to golf, run, and bicycle and I did complete a sprint triathlon after I turned 50.
Chad Crittenden
Chad Crittenden
What current project(s) are you working on?
Dudley Square Bruce Bolling Municipal Building ($126M). New Carver Elementary School (~$55M). Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversight of Wynn Everett Casino (~$1.7B). New Somerville High School (~$150M).
What is your career highlight so far?
There are a number of distinguishable events that come to mind. I would say one of the most personally rewarding highlights of my career was a surprise “thank you” ceremony from the students and staff upon completion of the Rochester Memorial Elementary School. The entire building population gathered in the gymnasium and surprised the project team with a few kind words, and they performed a song they had written and rehearsed for weeks to express their appreciation for the PMA and Gilbane team.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
One ongoing innovation I’ve always found interesting is the incorporation of evolving technology into day-to-day project management applications. I believe that touchscreen technology, software enhancements, and web-based file share systems may soon entirely eliminate the need to print out contract documents, including addendums, bulletins, and other changes. The change to an electronic format and a designer-administered, web-based protocol will ensure that owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors are always working from the same and most current set of documents. This technology would also allow for integrating and linking other project documentation, such as shop drawings, submittals, change orders, etc. and will undoubtedly have a dramatic impact on the efficiency of the entire project team.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Wentworth Institute of Technology, Construction Management Program.
Fun Fact!
Although I’ve worked in construction since the age of 16, I started my college career in Wentworth’s Computer Science Program. But I quickly realized my passion was in the high-paced world of construction, so I changed my career path.
Walter Hartley
What current project(s) are you working on?
Shrewsbury Public Library Addition and Renovation, Carver Elementary School, and Somerville High School.
What is your career highlight so far?
Rochester Elementary School: This was my first project with PMA and it also happened to be the elementary school I attended. It was great to take care of the town I grew up in and provide them with a renovated school.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Green building has been a huge part of construction for all public buildings we have been working on and it is continually changing and updating.
Tell us more about your work overseas.
I spent the first year of my career out of school in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It was a great experience and I learned many things I am still using today. It was challenging and fun to work with people with such different levels of skill and experience.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Merrimack College – Bachelor of Science Civil Engineering 2010.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature?
Gillete Stadium – Home of the New England Patriots. Great football team and not a bad seat in the house.
Fun Fact!
I love to play golf in the summer and play hockey year round.
Doug Campbell
What current project(s) are you working on?
I’m working on Orange County Utilities Water & Wastewater and doing miscellaneous estimating.
What is your career highlight so far?
A highlight was being the OAR Project Manager on the Airside 1 Renovation at Orlando International Airport with PMA. I was also on the contractor’s team for Disney Animal Kingdom Infrastructure and Universal Studios’ Lost Continent Island of Adventure.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction from the University of Florida and an MBA from the University of Central Florida (UFC).
What is your favorite local establishment/feature?
I really enjoy living in my neighborhood, Baldwin Park. I can walk or ride my bike to hundreds of restaurants, stores, YMCA, you name it.
Fun Fact!
I’m recently remarried and we are expecting our first child this summer. My daughter graduates from UCF in May and my son graduates from high school in June.
I was a Naval Aviator and I flew fixed wing and rotary wing (helicopters). I still have my commercial single-engine and rotorcraft certification but I have not flown an aircraft since 1989.
I love traveling but I shun the large hotels and fancy stores for the quiet village life. I enjoy learning and experiencing the people and places. My favorite city (to date) is Hong Kong and the village of Ting Kua. My dream trip is to travel by rail from Singapore to Bangkok stopping and overnight in the historic small towns along the way.
I grew up on the Florida Gulf Coast in Clearwater. I’ve only been to one other place where I thought I could have had a better childhood and that was the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The whole pickup truck and surfboard culture would have been fun.
Vivek Puri
Vivek Puri
Vivek is involved with researching, developing and improving methods and tools for project planning, scheduling, management and risk at PMA.
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am working on the NetPoint, NetRisk & Schedule Analytics development team.
What is your career highlight so far?
I was awarded the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (JCEM) 2014 Best Paper Award for my paper “Modeling of Simultaneously Continuous and Stochastic Construction Activities for Simulation”. Also, I was involved on two patent applications submitted with Dr. Gui and others. One more is in the works!
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The use of technology, automation and artificial intelligence in planning and execution of construction projects. There is a lot of research going on in the field of AI based planning of projects. In theory, these AI’s can work with a fleet of autonomous robots which actually execute the project and provide feedback to the AI. Based on the feedback the AI updates the plan to account for variations and taking any corrective action if necessary without delay.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I attended Purdue University for my PhD and Indian Institute of Technology Madras (M.Tech), Panjab University, for my B.E.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite spots are Millennium Park and the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago.
Scott Worth
Scott Worth
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently providing program scheduling services on The District Detroit program. The program is a mixed-used development anchored by the new Detroit Red Wings Little Caesars Arena. Crain’s Detroit Business recently described the arena and program as the following: “The $627.5 million 20,000-seat arena is scheduled to open in September 2017 at I-75 and Woodward Avenue. The venue is the centerpiece of The District Detroit, a 50-block mixed-use development of $1 billion or more of new office space, retail, residential, bars and restaurants.”
What is your career highlight so far?
PMA has provided me with the opportunity to work on several projects that make a significant long-term impact on various communities they serve. However, The District Detroit and, previously, the Detroit International Riverfront are projects that have the potential to change perceptions of the City of Detroit and lay the foundation for the city to continue its rebirth.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The construction industry has continued to figure out how to best use the Internet to share information. Over the last few years as bandwidth has increased, both web-based tools and cloud-based resources are allowing information and documents to be freely shared between users. In turn, sharing information is allowing greater collaboration and increased consistency in reporting.
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Michigan, BSE – Civil Engineering
Wayne State University, MBA
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Wherever my family is, which, in the fall, is typically at a local metropark running cross country. In the fall the local state and metroparks are my favorite places to spend a day enjoying the colors, weather, and my family.
Fun Fact!
My wife, Nichole, and I have been blessed with seven children. We are currently enjoying raising a toddler, shepherding our oldest son through the college experience, and everything in between. It keeps us busy but we enjoy every (well, most every) minute.
Rob Collins
Rob Collins
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently closing out two University of Massachusetts Building Authority projects at the Amherst campus ($29.9 million Champions Center and $95 million Life Sciences Lab). I’m also part of a PMA team working for the General Services Administration (GSA) on a $23+ million claim.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career is a tie between the MassDOT Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T) aka the “Big Dig” with PMA, as well as my time at the Naval Base Adak Alaska before coming to PMA.
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- For the $15 billion Central Artery Tunnel Project in Boston, I worked with a fabulous group of professionals in the claims and changes department where I got more “claims & changes” experience in just a couple of years than what most people get in a lifetime.
- While I was in the service, one of my assignments for the Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Office was at the Naval Base in Adak, Alaska. Adak was a very close-knit community of about 5K people where all residents were military-related (no civilians.) The construction season there was from about March to November. From November 1983 to May 1986 (my tenure on base), myself and one other officer were the Project Managers for approximately $100 million of work completed in place. Some projects included:
- Building three, 2 million gallon, underground fuel storage tanks designed to withstand a 10’ interior wave in the event of an earthquake
- Rehabilitation of an active weapons compound that was “rumored” to store nuclear weapons (talk about tight security!!!)
- A design-build project for 405 family housing units. The 2 & 4 bedroom houses were constructed as complete units (everything done but installing the appliances) in Portland, Oregon and then barged to the island (a 4 bedroom weighted 84 tons)
Apart from the interesting projects I helped to manage while at Adak, I also got to experience the island’s very unique climate. During the 30 months I was stationed there (Adak is located about 1200 miles from Anchorage, 500 miles off the coast of Russia and 700 miles off the coast of Alaska), I saw it reach a high of 70 degrees once, saw a low of 17 degrees, observed winds of up to 133 MPH (the island’s nickname is “birth place of the winds”) and rode out many, many earthquakes.
The largest earthquake I experienced was an 8.2 on May 7, 1986, complete with tsunami warning, which required us to evacuate to high ground. During the week after the 8.2 earthquake we had over 400 aftershocks, some as high as 6.4. Daylight during the winter in Adak, Alaska was from about 10AM to 4PM, and during the summer was from about 5AM to midnight.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Although not really a “new” concept, Lean Construction is definitely becoming more prevalent.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received my bachelor of science in civil engineering (BSCE) from the University of Maine and a master of science in civil engineering (MSCE) with a geotechnical focus from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I would say Bretton Woods Ski Resort in northern New Hampshire.
Could you tell us more about your time in the Navy?
I spent about 24 years in the US Navy Civil Engineer Corps – 11 years on active duty and 13 years in the Reserves. During my 11 years of active duty I had assignments in:
- Public Works – I was the Assistant Public Works Officer at the Naval Air Station Willow Grove in Pennsylvania
- The Seabees – I was assigned to the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) FOUR– a 570 person, self-contained (with its own doctor, dentist, chaplain, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, steel workers, equipment operators, equipment mechanics, engineering aids, equipment, weapons, etc.) deployable construction battalion.
- During my first deployment (8 ½ months) to Naval Air Station, Sigonella Sicily in Italy, I was the S-2 (Plans & Training Officer) which included Plans, Training, Weapons, Communications and Security
- My second deployment (7 ½ months) to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, I was the C-6 (Charlie Company Commander) where I was responsible for about 70 carpenters and steel workers acting as a construction company
- Two tours as an Owner’s Rep managing civilian construction projects for the Navy. 1st was as an Assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (AROICC) in Adak Alaska and the 2nd was as the Assistant Officer in Charge then the Officer in Charge / Warranted Contracting Officer of NAVFAC Contracts at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York.
What led you to PMA?
Destiny maybe? While I liked all of the three different assignment types I had in the Navy, I liked the Owner’s Project Management assignments the best.
In 1984 I was involved in a “large” (by Navy standards at that time) $2 million claim while in Adak, Alaska. I was so busy working on my day to day assignments that I did not have time to work on the claim. As a result, the Navy hired a PMA competitor to analyze the claim and provide me support. I remember sitting in my conference room listening to the claims consultant running through its analysis and thinking to myself, “I could do that. And if I did, where would it be? It would probably be in Boston because that would be the closest to home (northern Maine). I could get a job like that.”
When I was getting out of the Navy in January 1993 I answered an advertisement PMA placed in ENR to work on the Big Dig in Boston and the rest is history.
Eric Lowther
Eric Lowther
What does your job entail as a Managing Director?
Along with a leadership team of Dennis Lucey, Wayne Beauregard and Angel Arvelo, I manage the project controls group in New England. That means identifying and winning new work, recruiting new employees, providing ample opportunities for existing employees to grow, assuring the services we provide are top notch, expediting payment of invoices and maintaining a professional, fun and supportive environment at a profit.
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently engaged on a number of projects here in New England. I am supporting MASSDOT in the resolution of a delay claim on the Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation Project. I am providing interim project controls oversight on the MBTA’s Green Line Extension Project. The team and I have invested considerable time over the past four months pursuing and preparing for new work at Massport.
What is your career highlight at PMA so far?
There have been so many great moments over the years, but I would have to pick my recent twenty year anniversary because it is symbolic to me of all that is great about PMA. So much of today’s professional marketplace is highly transitory, however the factors that contribute to rewarding careers are not. Being appreciated, making meaningful contributions on important projects, being surrounded by those you respect and admire who are stable and enlightened, generous ownership, and a “do the right thing for our employee and client” ethos are why twenty years click by in the blink of an eye.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
I am actively involved with two important innovative trends in our industry, GPM/NetPoint and the new generation of Project Management Information Systems (PMIS). NetPoint/GPM is heavily engrained in each of our assignments yielding new insights and collaboration every day. On the PMIS front, we are seeing a target rich environment of owners looking to invest in new PMIS systems as they embark on large capital programs. I expect that assisting owner organizations navigate the selection, design and implementation of new PMIS systems will be an important growth area for PMA in the next 5 years.
Can you tell us about some interesting places you have traveled to for work?
I have visited several very interesting places while traveling for PMA.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I attended Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.
Fun facts?
When I’m not busy in the office, my wife Brigid and I are busy raising our six children: Conor, John, Maeve, Margaret, Clare and Eileen. We have a child in every even number grade. 12th, 10th, 8th, 6th, 4th and 2nd. This past summer I arranged for an impromptu Bring Your Daughter To Work Day. Perhaps there is a future PMAer in the bunch?
Francisco Cruz
Francisco Cruz
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently supporting several capital investment projects at Noven Pharmaceuticals in Miami, where I’m serving as the facilities project manager. I am also performing risk analyses and value engineering studies for various business processes and infrastructure projects at the Florida Department of Transportation.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I would definitely choose working as project controls and risk analyst for the PMO at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ). I had the opportunity to work on some of most challenging but exciting infrastructure projects, which include tunnels, bridges and terminals. I also had the honor to work with some of the best architects and engineers from the PANYNJ as well as consultants.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The use of Augmented Reality during design and construction. In addition, while Virtual Design and Construction is not new, it is gaining momentum as owners are leveraging the use of building information modeling to improve design, and foster collaboration and communication between project participants. Both of these innovative approaches can be incorporated from conceptual design throughout construction and facility management.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic; a Master of Engineering in Construction Management from University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez, and a Certificate from Stanford University in Virtual Design and Construction.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite restaurants in Tampa are Byblos (Lebanese), and Matoi (Japanese). Now, for a weekend full of treats, nothing beats playing dodgeball on the sand, snorkeling and catching the sunset at Honeymoon Island.
Provide a Fun Fact?
I got married on a leap day, so I always have a lot of time to plan our wedding anniversary celebration!
Ken Macsay
Ken Macsay
What current projects are you working on?
I’m supporting NetPoint’s end users as well as its deployment, support and implementation. I’m also working on a cloud-based document management pilot.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
It would have to be the implementation of our MPLS network, VOIP ShoreTel phone system, and Concur Expense Reporting.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Big Data (new tools to analyze and dissect company wide information) and the Internet of Things (the interconnection off all devices) are the big buzz words floating around.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a Bachelors from Michigan State University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite establishment depends on the city; in Chicago it’s Kinzie Chophouse, Au Cheval, and Rossi’s (a dive bar); in Grand Haven, MI it’s Fricano’s Pizza.
Provide a Fun Fact?
Did you know that nearly 17% of users are safeguarding their accounts with the password 123456?
Eduardo Nazario
Eduardo Nazario
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently working on several projects in the US and other countries. I recently completed a cost risk assessment for Brammer Bio in Boston. My international projects for Johnson & Johnson have me working in Santiago, Chile; Mexico City; Bogota, Colombia; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
I also continue to manage my staff and provide support to our clients while furthering my goal to keep growing PMA’s National Pharma Practice.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I would say maintaining the Pharma Practice after the industry fallout in 2009. While I was in Puerto Rico, many of the big pharmaceutical companies closed their operations on the island, but thanks to our network and good working experience, we were able to maintain our business with many of them through their projects in the Americas.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Based on a project I am currently working on, I see that most of the big companies are implementing open work areas as a work space innovation. Witnessing the culture shock on losing an office to start working in a cubicle or open space, and then seeing how the workers have adapted to it has been a great experience.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I have a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. A proud Boilermaker!!!
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Being from Puerto Rico, I love going to the beach. As per entertainment, I am a basketball freak; I love to follow my Boilermakers and the best NBA franchise: the Boston Celtics!
Provide a Fun Fact?
I met my wife in Orlando while we were both on vacation. She is from Ecuador and I am from Puerto Rico, so for us Orlando is the center of the universe.
John Philbrick
What current projects are you working on?
I am providing schedule review and, when needed, claim support for Orange County Utilities and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. I provide planning-level schedules for the Florida Department of Transportation District 5 for use in establishing contract time. I am a part of the estimating team in Orlando.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have always enjoyed scheduling. I was able to be a part of the implementation team at PSEG in New Jersey for six years, where we were able to work with Primavera P6 at the portfolio level in planning and monitoring approximately 400 projects a year with annual spending in excess of a $1 billion.
Are you a member of any professional organizations?
I am a member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International and was recently elected Director of Region 3. As one of eight AACE regions, Region 3 (US – Southeast) includes Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. I am also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, National Academy of Forensic Engineers, and Florida Engineering Society.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
These are exciting times to be working in Project Controls. It is fascinating to work with the management of project portfolios. It is also interesting to see such great advancement in the new project management software.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1979.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite local establishment is the YMCA Pool at Cady Way Park in Winter Park. It is a 50 meters-long pool where I swim on a weekly basis during the summer time with the Master’s swim team.
Provide a Fun Fact?
I play acoustic guitar, mostly for myself and at times perform for others. I was even in the PSEG talent show a couple of years ago and gave a very relaxing performance, according to the performance reviews (I did not notice anyone falling asleep as I was playing!)
Tony Oliva
What current projects are you working on?
Currently I am working on the close-out of the Boston Public Library Central Branch Renovation; feasibility studies for the Boston Arts Academy in the Fenway and the Minot Middle School in Wareham MA, and as advisor on the feasibility study for the Mattacheese Middle School for the Dennis-Yarmouth School District.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlights include Boston Public Library project‘s CMAA award as well as the Massachusetts School Building Authority featuring the Sherwood Middle School project for their “Story of a Building” Seminar in 2015.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Electronic delivery of documentation in construction is nothing new, but the software packages for management of the projects are continually getting more robust, as are the contractors’ adeptness at utilizing the feature sets.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from Princeton University in ’82 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Architecture.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I enjoy the courtyard at Boston Public Library’s McKim Building, particularly when the summertime music at lunch program is active. But ask me again in a few years after we finish building across the street from Fenway Park!
Provide a Fun Fact?
I am part of PMA’s South Coast arm, commuting a healthy (or is that unhealthy?) distance, but enjoying the charm of living in that area of the state. Our recent uptick in landing jobs in that region is nothing but good news to me. My free time is spent making art, singing, and acting in community theater, and enjoying time with my family.
Angel Ripepi
Angel Ripepi
Managing Director, San Francisco
What current projects are you working on?
I am currently working on the San Francisco Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Central Subway project which involves constructing a new lightrail line that will improve public transportation in one the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world. I provide master scheduling services, time extension analyses and negotiations, cost management, and forecast reporting. I also prepare monthly progress reports using Primavera Contract Manager and Primavera P6.
Another major project I’m involved with is the Orinda Water Treatment Plant Reliability and Maintenance project which consists of replacing the existing filter under the drains and disinfection system and installing a redundant power building and other appurtenances, as well as the interior coating of the Orinda wash water tank. I provide construction phase scheduling services which include analyzing the contractor’s construction schedule and evaluating the adequacy of the construction activities and durations; identifying up-front risks, and providing detailed comments. Additionally, I am providing baseline, monthly updates, and change order reviews.
What is your career highlight so far?
Transforming an incomplete and unreliable 65 project P6 database that we inherited from a previous project administrator into a workable and useful resource of information was incredibly challenging in the best way. The effort our team put into the project changed the course of the entire program and was recognized by the client.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
The use of drones and robots in the construction industry is incredible. For example, improvements on the new floor layout robot that can complete a 50,000 sqft floor plan overnight without superintendent/foreman errors are changing the industry at a very fast pace. There are no interpretation errors–just upload the AutoCAD floor plan into the robot and the entire floor will be ready for work by next morning.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Católica Andres Bello in Caracas, Venezuela and a master’s degree from University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, CA.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I like to eat and San Francisco is a great place for foodies. One of my favorites is Mandalay, a modest, low-key Burmese restaurant recommended by a Burmese friend.
Provide a Fun Fact?
Thursday nights are religiously observed as soccer night for me. I have been playing soccer since I was 7 years old. There was a time I was very serious about it; now I play just to stay in shape and have fun. We can talk soccer any time–just let me know.
Ankur Phour
What current projects are you working on?
Currently I am working with one of the leading NY/NJ public agencies as a project controls adviser, working on their multi-billion dollar 10-year capital plan program. I am working on cost management, schedule management, data integration/management, KPIs, and pretty much everything and anything to help the clients deliver the projects on time and within budget. It is really very rewarding to see the projects that you support touching people’s lives in some form every day and once in a while being mentioned in the newspapers. It really brings a smile to the face reading it and thinking, “Hey, I know all about that project!”
What is your career highlight so far?
There are quite a few highlights, but there was this one time when the director I reported to at the time got an email from one of the client’s Senior Project Managers that she appreciated all the work we had been doing for her. I mean it might have been just a couple of lines but small things like these keep you moving. They kind of serve as building blocks towards your professional development. It’s funny, because we had a rather serious meeting earlier that day with her, and if anything I was expecting some sort of a critical feedback.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
In my opinion, robotics is one of the most innovative things happening in our industry. It would not only change how we manage projects but will completely change cost and schedule reporting. The projects would be shorter, cheaper and safer. It would completely revamp the risk registers and risk management processes. Anyone who follows the infrastructure industry and works in capital projects knows that finding finances to fund some of these projects is getting more and more challenging. Sure, there are innovative ways like project financing and PPP but even then so much of infrastructure needs an upgrade or needs to be built. Thanks to some of our economist friends, we now know that lack of proper infrastructure eats into productivity and into nation’s bottom line. So robotics is more of a need than a want today, and that’s what makes me more excited about the future of this invention and its role in our industry. If anything, it will make services that PMA provides even more valuable. Companies like Komatsu are already playing with the robotics-related ideas so I am sure its isn’t too far away now. It really is exciting!
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received my Masters in Business Administration from The College of William and Mary in Virginia and my Bachelors in Civil Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I am a huge fan of The Met museum. Chances are if I am not picking up my phone on a Saturday, I am in the Met.
For food I would say Vapiano near Union Square and the best Indian food I have had in NYC was at Junoon.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
For a long time I was the only one with my name on social media so I always felt this sort of a uniqueness feeling that “yeah, I am the one.” Then one morning I woke up at 5:30AM to the Facebook notification “Ankur Phour sent you a friends request.” There was this guy half way around the world who happened to be an engineer himself. Two things happened after that day- 1. I was no longer the only Ankur Phour on Earth, and, 2. I stopped checking social media after getting up in the morning.
Fernando Villanueva
Fernando Villanueva
What current projects are you working on?
I have been the project lead for PMA’s work for Orange County Utilities (OCU) for more than 17 years as an extension of OCU construction and engineering department staff. My roles over the years have included project controls, cost validating, cost estimating, value engineering, value analysis, scheduling, change management, claims avoidance, and claims resolution.
Currently, PMA is a subconsultant under a five-year program management contract. My main role is project controls manager. So far, I have worked on all of the Orange County water supply facilities: the Southern Regional Water Supply Facility; Eastern Regional Water Supply Facility; Western Regional Water Supply Facility; Hidden Springs Water Supply Facility; Vistana Water Supply Facility; and the East Service Area Potable Water and Reclaimed Water Storage and Repump Facility; as well as all of the Orange County reclamation facilities: the South Water Reclamation Facility, Eastern Water Reclamation Facility; and Northwest Water Reclamation Facility.
What is your career highlight so far?
Having become a trusted advisor to OCU management.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
NetPoint is increasingly used for presentations to OCU management and as a practical tool to demonstrate a point to contractors.
Are you involved with any industry organizations?
I’m a member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers, Project Management Institute, and the Construction Management Association of America. I’m presenting at my local chapter, North Florida AACE®, about their new online community. I also received the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies Technical Achievement and the North Florida AACE Star Awards for my role with these organizations.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
OCU’s South Water Reclamation Facility (SWRF) improvement project has been ongoing for over 15 years. Orange County Utilities provides water, wastewater, and solid waste services to unincorporated areas of Orange County. OCU operates the SWRF, which has a treatment capacity of 43 million gallons per day. I have served as the OCU owner’s representative throughout multiple phases of transformation, including renovation, refurbishment, and new construction. Some of my duties have included assisting the county with contract development and price negotiations for major changer orders, and I have provided construction administration, cost estimating, schedule analysis, and pay request evaluation services. Today, SWRF is undergoing yet another major renovation that will continue into 2019.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I really enjoy my work at the county. Over the years, I have developed many professional working relationships that have become long-lasting friendships. I feel like a member of their team and they trust my guidance and advice.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1987 with a bachelor’s of science in mechanical engineering.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
As an avid cyclist, when I am not spending time with my family on the weekends, I look for bicycling routes all over Central Florida.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I have completed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, visiting and sampling all the major fine bourbon distilleries on the trail. The trail is a must-try if you like fine Kentucky bourbon.
Rob Hoeg
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I am currently supporting the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (MPA) Department of Capital Programs and Environmental Affairs at Logan International Airport. For the past five and a half months, I have been tasked with implementing a standardized schedule management and control system (we’re using P6 EPPM) for MPA’s rolling five-year capital plan of more than 300 individual projects.
What are some of your career highlights?
I would say that my career highlight so far has been the opportunity to guest lecture for a day at Roger Williams University. It was an exhausting experience, and I have newfound respect for college professors, but it was also a lot of fun. I hosted two classes that day at 90 minutes each; the class was “CNST 450: Construction Planning and Scheduling.” I taught the students the basics of NetPoint. I had thought that the experience would be very valuable for practicing my presentation skills, but let me be the first to say that I found it nerve racking to have 20-25 adults staring at you, waiting for you to say something stimulating. The whole experience was exhilarating!
What is something new/innovative happening in your industry?
Much of my professional background is in construction scheduling, whether it be schedule management, schedule analyses, schedule composition, or schedule controls. I would argue that the most innovative and new trend in the CM industry is something that is neither new nor innovative. I would argue that the CM community feels (to me) to have a growing respect for the importance of the project schedule. Of course, the project schedule has been around for a long time. However, it feels like with every passing year, there is a greater reliance placed on the role of the schedule in project management. Certainly those of us who understand the value of the schedule (ahem, those of us at PMA) have had maybe more than one unfortunate experience of debating the portion of the pie that the schedule is given over the life cycle of a project, but as of late, and on an upward trend, it feels that career project managers have begun to allow the project schedule a seat at the table, right next to the budget’s seat.
Obviously, this change in the tide is due in part to organizations like PMI, CMAA, and the AIC, among others…but, I believe this change says more about the people, the “schedulers,” who have had the responsibility to convey and depict very technical information in a clear, concise manner for all to understand.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
My greatest challenge, by far, has been this P6 implementation at MPA. It’s been fun, tiring, stressful, and exciting … a true roller coaster of emotions. But it’s been a success. Before we (PMA) came along, MPA did not have a unified means to track the progression of projects, nor did MPA have a unified means to align the physical progression of projects with the financial planning/progression of projects. Before P6 EPPM, the majority of MPA project managers did not have any (clear, defined) responsibility to their project schedules. The implementation of P6 EPPM at MPA will allow for true program management to take place and will provide a central location where all 300+ capital projects can exist for analyses and tracking.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Yes, absolutely. Now, to be completely honest, while I’d rather be reeling in a tuna some 100 miles southeast of Long Island on a 92’ Hatteras sportfish than working (Who wouldn’t?!), that would most certainly not pay the pills, as they say… But PMA is a pretty great place to work. Truly, the best thing about showing up to work every day are the people. You know, it’s an interesting thing to work at PMA. Clearly, we’re a large, successful firm, and we are trying to grow larger and more successful every day. But, through our professional growth, PMA has maintained a culture of unity and support while encouraging personal growth. Many “comparable” firms, both larger and smaller, have quickly devolved into a culture of work, while PMA has instead created its own cultural attributive adjective: “PMAer.” To me, that’s a drastically underrated benefit of working at PMA, and that’s what I enjoy most about coming to work every day.
From which university did you graduate?
From Roger Williams University with a BS in construction management.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Local establishment? If you haven’t had a pizza from Lynwood Café in Randolph, you haven’t experienced one of the great pleasures of life.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I love Canadian beer, I drink Highland Scotch, I’m an enormous hockey fan, I could talk about bridge construction until we run out of oxygen, but most of all, I live and die by the Oxford comma.
James Green
James Green
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I perform cost management functions for Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) on a variety of electric transmission and distribution projects ranging from $1.5 million to $200 million.
What are some of your career highlights?
Prior to working at PMA, I had no experience in electric delivery projects. Therefore, my career highlight is becoming technically proficient in this field in order to effectively communicate with the wide range of stakeholders who have an interest in successful project execution.
What is something new/innovative happening in your industry?
A few years ago, with the principal aid of some key PMA scheduling professionals, PSE&G embarked on a campaign to perform project cost forecasting using the standard scheduling tool, Primavera P6. Initial progress was not very successful; however, I’d like to see further examination of IT-based cost/schedule integration that would be usable for these types of projects.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
As a project controls engineer, my key challenge is establishing and maintaining the communication avenues vital to the success of each project. In my role, success is defined by the degree to which each project is completed at or under its budgeted cost.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
The best part of my job is interfacing with people of different backgrounds and possessing a variety of skills. I also thoroughly enjoy playing a mentoring role for my younger colleagues.
From which university did you graduate?
Bachelor of Science, University of Rochester (NY), 1967
MBA, State Univ. of New York at Buffalo, 1991
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I enjoy watching the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center and am a sports junkie in general.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I once thought about becoming a professional musician (cellist) and still love to sing!
Nick Gendron
Nick Gendron
Senior Associate, San Francisco
What current project(s) are you working on?
Facebook campus/Truebeck Construction – The team is building the newest addition to the Facebook Campus located in Menlo Park, CA. The project will incorporate 420,000 sf of state-of-the-art office space, gourmet restaurants, and rooftop parks designed by Gehry Partners. The campus will also include a seven–story green parking structure that incorporates solar panels on the top floor. Pedestrian bridges will be constructed to connect other Facebook campus structures.
PMA is helping Truebeck Construction to develop their standards and procedures, and laying the foundation for the contractor to build a competent, effective scheduling department to assist in making them a competitive force in the Bay Area construction market. We are doing this by using their largest current project, Facebook, to do it right and make the process consistent for every project that follows.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career has been the opportunity to work with my fellow PMAers. In my experiences on the GC side of construction, it is not easy to find such a high volume of decent and highly knowledgeable people. I have not met anyone in PMA that I could tell is “just going through the motions.” It is a great feeling to be a part of a team that has the knowledge, drive, and experience for any situation that I could find myself in professionally, and, even better, they are just a phone call away. I take pride in the fact that I work with such a diverse and well- informed team.
What is something new/innovative happening in your industry?
Pull Planning/Lean Scheduling – Many markets and sectors of our industry are utilizing pull planning as a way to plan projects in short intervals. Pull planning really seems to be a geographical phenomenon in the Bay Area, and owners and general contractors are seeing measurable benefits from its use. It is predominantly being used in the healthcare industry, and owners are now starting to make lean scheduling, (or IPD) part of the contractual requirements. The benefit to PMA is that NetPoint is a VERY useful tool to schedule small, short-interval scopes of work that can be incorporated into the master schedule.
Drones – Being in Silicon Valley, technology is finding its way into the construction industry in amazing ways. General contractors are utilizing drone technology for more than just getting an aerial picture of a project. Drone photos can be made into 3D BIM models, calculate the volume of stockpiled materials, and be very beneficial in providing accurate quantity surveys for updating schedules. For example, here at Facebook we are utilizing a company called Skycatch for daily drone photos to help the team in a number of ways.
What is something you get to do at work every day that you love?
To me, the feeling of being valued by my team and our clients is something that I take the most joy in. Working with clients that value our opinions and expertise is great. Being part of a team that can be open to PMA’s professional perspective makes me love coming to work.
From which university did you graduate?
I obtained my Construction Management degree from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I have been a San Jose Sharks fan my entire life and now that I live in the Bay Area again you can bet I will be in attendance at the shark tank. I will say, when Seattle gets their own NHL team, I am jumping ship because I have to represent the Pacific Northwest!
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I get ridiculed because of my “fancy Friday” attire by fellow PMAers. All week long we work hard, solve problems, make difficult decisions and at the end of the week it wears on us. We are tired, exhausted and it may be the norm to put on that old college sweatshirt and go to work, TGIF am I right? Not this guy. I wake up a little early, get in a fresh shave, throw on my finest bow tie and head to work. I see it as a little pick-me-up at the end of the week. I finish the work week strong-willed, strong-minded and well dressed. When I moved from Chicago back to the Bay, our friends in Chicago joined me in celebrating one fancy Friday.
Jennifer Collazo
Jennifer Collazo
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently working on a program for Johnson & Johnson in Puerto Rico that involves several plants from Puerto Rico, the US and Europe. I have been charged with developing an integrated schedule and cost report for various projects within the program.
What is your career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career in PMA is having the opportunity to be a client representative on breakthrough technology projects. These projects, while challenging, have given me the expertise necessary to further help our clients in new projects.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA
A project that was a particular challenge was one for which I needed to develop a qualification and validation schedule while the technology to be used and qualified (continuous manufacturing) was still being developed.
From which university did you graduate?
I got to spend the best years of my youth at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus studying Civil Engineering when women were still a minority on campus, and in 1997 I graduated and joined the “real” world.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Although I love all kinds of music, I only like to attend classical music concerts. Since I don’t play any instrument, it is a true delight to see all those musicians perform; to me it is magic.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I love karaoke! Even though I don’t have a gift for singing, I compensate for it with enthusiasm. Every party that my husband and I host includes karaoke, so if you ever attend our house, be prepared to join in on the stage with a song.
Ty Vess
Ty Vess
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently, I am working on the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation’s (HART) light rail project and Denver International Airport’s Great Hall Project.
What is your career highlight so far?
So far my career highlight has been working in Hawaii on the new light rail project. In addition, everyone I have worked with at PMA has been so very helpful. I love being surrounded by professionals who all have a can-do attitude.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
The utilization of Building Information Modeling (BIM) seems to be growing at a very quick pace and is being adopted by more and more clients. This is forcing the engineering and construction fields to embrace it or be left behind.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
My original assignment on the Hawaii HART project was to work in the Changes and Claims group. The client was short staffed which resulted in my role changing to Resident Engineer for the construction of three transit stations and an interstate off-ramp less than a month after arriving on the island. It was very interesting working with the local contractors and learning the local culture. Did you know that backhoes are referred to as hoptoes? And Mauka (towards the mountain) and Makai (towards the ocean) are directions listed on engineering and construction drawings? The best part was Hawaiian (aka Aloha) shirts were considered formal business attire at work. I didn’t have to tuck my shirt in for almost a year.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Currently I am assisting HART with large construction claim disputes which requires a lot of contract research which I oddly find to be interesting. The Denver Airport is also rewarding since we are helping our client maneuver through their first P3 project. This project has also enabled me to start using PMA’s NetPoint scheduling software. Learning new tools is always fun.
From which university did you graduate?
I earned my MBA at Regis University in Denver, Colorado in 2006 and my undergraduate degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines in 1994.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite is the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Every show is amazing due to the acoustics from the surrounding red sandstone formations (aka Red Rocks), the vibrant energy, and the rather spectacular views. I consider it mandatory to see at least one or two concerts there per year, preferably more.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I am an avid SCUBA diver who becomes grouchy if left to dry out for an extended period of time. Our family (my wife and two sons) were all certified at the same time and have been diving together ever since. My wife and I continued our training to become Dive Masters and have been lucky enough to dive all over the world. The Hawaii assignment helped with that.
Joe DeSantis
Joe DeSantis
What current project(s) are you working on?
Currently, I divide my time between the Saugus Middle/High School Project in Saugus, MA (75%) and the Smith Elementary School Project in Danvers, MA (25%).
What is your career highlight so far?
Closing out the Essex Technical High School Project is a career highlight for me because it marked the completion of my first project with PMA. The project had many moving pieces, and was difficult to close out. This required the PMA team to put in extra effort to bring the project to the finish line. There were four or five critical path tasks towards the end that seemed to take two steps forward and one step back. In our field it is easy to get caught up with compounding issues and deadlines looming, but watching the students excitedly explore the new building was such a rewarding experience. It gave me the opportunity to take a step back and appreciate how all of our team’s efforts will impact thousands of students’ lives for decades to come.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
I look forward to witnessing the utilization of virtual reality in construction planning and design. I’m also interested in seeing the implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) construction worker tracking and the impact that this technology will have in claims analysis in the future.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
The transformative project would be the above-described Essex Technical High School Project. My biggest challenge was the punch list closeout at the North Reading Middle/High School Project.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
One of my favorite parts about my job is the importance of social interactions. Every day I learn something new about construction, politics, or people. It’s critical that our PMA team is in constant collaboration with our clients, architects, construction managers, and all involved parties to ensure that we are all working towards the same goal.
From which university did you graduate?
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I’m a big fan of all things Boston sports – Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, Bruins (in that order).
I purchased my first home last summer in Wakefield, MA.
I am the proud uncle / godfather of my nephew Giovanni.
Larry Louree
What current project(s) are you working on?
I develop estimates and evaluations of change orders for wastewater, reclaimed-water, manufacturing facilities, airport claims, man-made recreational lakes, and anything else that comes along.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
In my career, unique projects seem to be attracted to me. We had a contract to develop sites for two pre-fabricated food service locations inside a theme park. The design had changed on the buildings, so our team had to make a template of the irregular shaped building to lay out the foundation so it would match up. Working hours were limited to the closed hours of the park, which changed daily. We had extensive clean up at the end of each night shift to make sure the park was ‘show ready’. Scheduling this, as well as managing our resource costs versus production, was especially challenging. When we finished, both buildings fit on their foundations like a glove, and they looked like they had been there for years. At PMA, my highlight so far is being able to work with some great mentors in the Orlando Office.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
In the Baggage Handling System (BHS) world, the next big thing is using a tote-type conveyor system instead of a belt-type conveyor system. This newer system in North America will provide easier tracking of bags, less bag jams, and simpler control designs and operation. In the PM world, ‘agile’ is the buzz world. There is some success using it in a hybrid way in construction projects, but it remains to be seen how this will work out in the long run.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
My challenge was doing some preliminary feasibility research to determine the load bearing of a section of floor that was part of the original building built 35 years ago. While the owner had all of the documents on file, it was difficult to find all of the data to confirm that the equipment we wanted to place on the floor would work. This project also involved working with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to get their input into this project so it would meet their needs.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
Every day is something different. It keeps me on my toes and ready for whatever happens. The best thing about coming in every day is getting to work with my PMA co-workers.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated Magna Cum Laude, Associates in Computer Science from Orlando College, Orlando, Florida in 1986.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
For a family style meal, we like to go to Vincent’s Italian Restaurant in Mount Dora. Good food, reasonably priced.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
We have provided homes to six Siberian Huskies over the last 42 years. Two were rescues and we had two at one time. Our current fur baby is 2-year-old Henry Cooper Whiskey. He is the first boy of our pack, and the first puppy in about 25 years. Boys are different from girls. He could be in all of the Husky MEMEs on Facebook.
Yes, we live in tropical Central Florida, but they have adapted. (I would not bring one of his Alaskan cousins here; it would be too hot for them.) He has learned to run until he gets hot, then come inside and lays on the tile in the bathroom. However, when it’s ‘Florida cold’, he loves being outside. Huskies are great with kids, very friendly to all. They have the attitude of a four-year-old child, always looking for the next adventure and opportunity to learn something. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Joseph Ruskowski
Joseph Ruskowski
What current project(s) are you working on?
Right now I’m working on the Newark Airport Terminal One Redevelopment Program for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I have been fortunate to work on a variety of interesting projects across multiple industries and states. I started my career with the NHDOT working on the state’s first large design-build project which was a vertical lift bridge connecting New Hampshire to Maine. Since joining PMA have been fortunate to work in both the Boston and NYC offices. In Boston, I worked on bridge and highway projects for MASSDOT, construction projects at several universities, aviation, and pharmaceutical projects. In NYC, I have worked on the Second Avenue Subway extension for the MTACC and the construction of a new terminal at Newark Airport for the PANYNJ.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
For the program I am currently on, we are utilizing laser scanning, BIM, and an integrated program schedule to coordinate over 100 interdependencies between the eight projects that make up the program.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you’ve had at PMA?
One I particularly remember was working on the Second Avenue Subway project in NYC for the MTACC. The portion I worked on was the acceleration of the station finishes and systems contract to open the three stations. The acceleration was a very fast-paced process to complete numerous change orders, finishes, installation of systems, and testing/commissioning.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I work with a great group of people that I am continually learning from.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I earned my BS in Civil Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 2010.
I am currently completing my MBA in Project Management from Southern New Hampshire University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Locally, my wife and I enjoy taking our 1-year-old daughter to parks such as Liberty State Park, which has great views of NYC.
Being from Massachusetts I try to make it to at least one Patriots game a year at Gillette Stadium.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I spent my summers growing up on an island in Maine with no electricity and had my first boat with a 4HP motor when I was about 13 years old.
John Skerry
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently working full time managing projects for NB Development at Boston Landing in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston. We recently broke ground on a 450,000-sf indoor track and field facility that also includes a 5,000-person capacity music venue and retail spaces. I also continue to support the construction side of the ongoing lease-up effort for the development.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
The completion of 40 Guest Street at Boston Landing and the few months after were especially memorable. This coincided with the Boston Celtics and numerous office and retail tenants all moving into their spaces over the course of the summer. This was a critical milestone in the development and seeing the increase in foot traffic, retail business and the overall activation of the campus was very satisfying after years of planning and management.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
The construction industry has always been slow to embrace technology, but I believe this is changing. I think we will see the industry more rapidly embrace technologies such as augmented reality and more advanced cloud-based project management software to streamline the flow of information and create a connected jobsite.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you’ve had at PMA?
Last summer I managed the renovation and expansion of the NB Fitness Club. It was a phased renovation on a tight 12-week summer schedule. The feedback we received on opening day from the members and staff was very gratifying.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I have always loved to build, solve problems and learn new things which I get to do every day. Every construction project is different so there is always a new technology, method or material to learn about. I particularly like learning about the MEP systems of my projects and the latest trends in construction technology.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I earned my BS in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I enjoy visiting the local craft breweries and pop-up beer gardens in Boston. We have a great craft beer scene here.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I once bumped into Ben Affleck at a Dunkin’ Donuts in Harvard Square.
Michael Haas
Michael Haas
What current project(s) are you working on?
I have been working on the San Francisco International Airport Superbay Hangar PMSS, and helping out in Chicago assisting the Project Management & Control Department of Peoples Gas.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
Overall, I enjoy just getting to work with different clients and industries and gaining different perspectives on project controls and scheduling. I have worked on projects for Peoples Gas, SFO Airport, Southern California Edison, the Port of Los Angeles, ComEd, Silicone Valley Clean Water Authority, and the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
The transition of scheduling software from server-based to cloud-based is new. This is something clients were wary of at first, but now it is becoming more of the norm as the technology has advanced and it has become easier to use. Cyber security has also advanced, which has helped those who were open to the technology but concerned about security to be more comfortable with a cloud-based solution.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you’ve had at PMA?
They have all been challenging and transformative in their own ways. I enjoy the diversity of clients and projects which allows me to continue to grow and learn.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I have a bachelor of science degree in accounting from California State Polytechnic University and a master’s degree in finance & organization leadership from the University of La Verne.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I really enjoy going to baseball games at Dodger Stadium in downtown LA.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I am an Eagle Scout, and I am an assistant Scoutmaster for both of my sons’ troops. Part of the fun has been participating in the annual 55-mile backpacking trip we do each year in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a great time getting to enjoy nature and the trails with my sons.
Laurissa Maunze
Laurissa Maunze
Marketing Coordinator, Chicago
What current project(s) are you working on?
As marketing coordinator for the Chicago office, I help support internal activities, such as our Lunch ‘n Learn series, and external activities like the NetPoint conference. I also make administrative decisions, assist in onboarding processes, help create content for social media and our newsletter, assist in responding to bid opportunities, and act as the building liaison.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
In my role as a member of PMA’s social media team , I see the use of Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook platforms become increasingly powerful ways for businesses to reach an expansive audience. Social media posts appeal to current and new customers alike, providing them with information, resources, and the ability to connect with a company in ways not previously possible. Within the organization, we have been utilizing Microsoft Teams, an instant messaging app similar to what you’d see with Facebook Messenger. This also has greatly increased communication and collaboration.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you’ve had at PMA?
The PMA Chicago office underwent a major renovation in late 2017. I was lucky to be part of the team who helped monitor progress and make aesthetic choices. Through this process I was given the opportunity to see how project teams collaborate and an inside look into what it takes to plan, prepare, and execute tasks. Our new open layout office is now so refreshing and welcoming that it’s nice to say I had a part in it.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
One aspect of my I job I really enjoy is working with a great team of friendly colleagues nationwide. Truly everyone is willing to either help or guide you to someone who can provide additional assistance.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated with a BS degree in speech communication with a specialization in public relations from the Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
One of the best parts of living in Chicago is being surrounded by art and activities. The summers are best when you can go out and enjoy the festivals, or a simple walk along the riverfront outside our office.
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
I initially went to university as a theater major, and though I made the right decision to switch, I still love performing.
Seve Ponce de Leon
Seve Ponce de Leon
What current project(s) are you working on?
I work on the development of NetPoint, our in-house planning and scheduling software. My main role is in quality assurance and quality control where I focus on testing, customer support, and documentation as well as the processes, tools, and methods that we use
What is your career highlight so far?
My highlight has been coordinating the transition of our team to an Agile/Scrum development framework, as well as implementing standard testing procedures.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
Something called behavior-driven development. Like test-driven development, tests are written prior to coding, and then code is written to pass the tests. The difference is that tests are written in plain language by anybody! Exciting, right?
What university or college did you graduate from?
University of Wisconsin – Madison
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
One of my favorite things about Madrid and Spain in general is the culture surrounding food and drink. For example, when you order a drink, you’re almost always given a bite along with it. Also, you can eat standing up in many bars. Lunch is the main meal of the day (2pm). And many meals are prolonged with conversation, desserts, and digestifs.
Fun Fact!
I am the “younger” twin.
Laurie Blacker
Laurie Blacker
Sr. Tech. Admin. Assistant, Detroit
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am supporting the Detroit office with all their administrative needs, in addition to reviewing and reconciling monthly project invoices for GLWA projects.
What is your career highlight so far?
It may sound trite, but honestly my highlight has been working with such a great group of people for all these years. I talk to people who have dealt with so many conflicts with co-workers or management on the job, but here at PMA Detroit I can count those issues on one hand. As our fearless leader Bob likes to joke, working here is like a fantasy come true. I feel very blessed.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
From my point of view, the movement from paper to electronic documentation and correspondence is staggering. While doing spring cleaning from 20 years ago, I’m seeing shelves and boxes full of paper letters, faxes, and reports that are now pretty much all accomplished via email, with pdfs and electronic files replacing paper on a shelf.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA
Actually, it was when I was assigned for 2+ years to the Marathon Detroit DHOUP project. Although I hated leaving “my” desk and “my” people and I loved coming back home to the Detroit office again, I not only learned a lot at Marathon, but have made lasting friends.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
First, interacting with such a professional, kind, and interesting group of people. Second, seeing how downtown Detroit has transformed since 1987. From a ghost town to the exciting place full of opportunity it is now, it’s been wonderful to be a part of.
From which university did you graduate?
Although I attended years of classes at both Henry Ford and Schoolcraft colleges, I changed my mind too much to actually obtain a degree. I guess you could say I graduated from the University of PMA.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I absolutely love utilizing the Detroit River Walk, a landmark that PMA actually helped bring to life. I can cross the street in front of our building during lunchtime, hit the River Walk, and enjoy a 2.72 mile stroll along the Detroit River, savoring the water, the boats and the birds, the landscape, and the people watching. It’s a very nice perk to have access to!
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
My wonderful husband and I host concerts in our back yard! We’ve hosted everybody from local artists just starting out to nationally touring musicians who have performed in front of thousands. As performers, they enjoy the intimacy of being able to look their audience in the eyes and talk with them afterwards. It’s an amazing experience to have such talent right in our own back yard – we have to pinch ourselves sometimes.
Sergio Ponce de Leon
Sergio Ponce de Leon
What current project(s) are you working on?
As the lead product manager for NetPoint, I focus on defining the strategy for the product, translating the strategy into the development roadmap, and gathering requirements for and prioritizing corresponding features. We’re also currently evaluating alternative platforms, architectures, and designs for the next generation of NetPoint.
What is your career highlight at PMA, so far?
My highlight at PMA has been the opportunity to be involved in the design and development of all three of our products: NetPoint, NetRisk, and Schedule MD. I’ve been able to spec and design features on the cutting edge of the project planning and scheduling industry.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
With advances in processing hardware and machine learning algorithms, in conjunction with reductions in data collection and storage costs, the 2010s finally ushered in a wave of near-human level performance in many artificial intelligence tasks. Meanwhile, as the construction industry finally seems ready to embrace the types of technologies that have disrupted most other industries by now, the confluence of these two developments provides an exciting context for where we can take NetPoint, NetRisk, and Schedule MD in the years to come.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a B.S. in Environmental Science and an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction and Applied Data Science from the University of Michigan.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
The Raven’s Club, an early-20th-century speakeasy-style cocktail bar & restaurant on Main Street in Ann Arbor.
Fun Facts?
I’ve traveled to 50+ countries (and counting!), where I’ve seen the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal in India; hiked to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (at 5,895 meters) in Tanzania; been chased by a rhinoceros and stepped on by an elephant in Nepal; seen the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Rwanda and gone great white shark cage diving in South Africa; been bungee jumping (x2), sky diving (x2), and SCUBA diving (x50+) in the Galapagos and Great Blue Hole; and camped overnight in the Amazon rainforest, where I swam with pink river dolphins and caught piranhas for dinner!
Jerry Klanac
Jerry Klanac
What current project(s) are you working on?
Since early June 2015, I’ve been doing extended work for AstraZeneca (AZ) as an assist to the Global Head of Project Controls, who is Pete Jackson, a former PMA employee. It is an exciting time at AZ because they are reorganizing their Global Engineering Group. Pete and I are assisting the vice president in a series of activities to transform the organization. PMA is actively involved in revising project organization structures and processes to best use the talents that AZ has gathered. In addition, we also review project controls efforts on all major AZ projects worldwide. One of the recent projects I reviewed was for expansion of their Dunkirk, France, operations.
I am also doing a similar engagement for the BP Whiting Refinery Mid-Cap project group. In this situation, PMA is asked to assess the project management competencies of project leaders and define mechanisms to close the gaps—whether through additional training or refining of current project development and execution processes.
What is your career highlight so far?
There are many career highlights but I am most proud of these two:
Development of Quantitative Risk Analysis: I have played a key PMA part in creating an exciting line of consulting work that relates to the application of project risk management principles, techniques, and tools. I was involved in establishing a six-step process for conducting cost and schedule risk analysis—a process seen by our peers as the industry standard for projects. Through this initiative, I have helped to mentor several colleagues in becoming extremely talented risk analysts, and they are now taking this effort to new levels.
Adjunct Faculty Member: I have always desired to be a teacher, and it is very rewarding to leverage my experiences on worldwide projects and to teach project management at both the university level at University of Dayton and at the industry level at venues such as the BPWay and Moscow School of Management. There is much joy in being the “know-it-all game show host” who gives the “Who Wants to be a Project Management Zillionaire” lecture. The version we delivered at the BPWay training was just as glitzy and theatrical as the television show!
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
I think project management and construction across all industries are trying to adapt to breakthroughs in technology that allow more data and information to be seen in real time and communications shared nearly instantaneously. There is a demand to analyze project performance information quickly and thoroughly, and then use illustrative graphics to convey information in a meaningful way. What I used to do in a week in the 1980s for project controls can now be done in a few hours when the technology at hand is used effectively.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I have an undergraduate civil engineering degree from the University of Dayton and an MBA in finance, business statistics, and policy studies from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
“The world is my oyster …” so something local is not necessarily nearby: 18 holes of golf at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. I try to play there every year.
Fun Fact!
I pitched my co-rec softball team to the Ann Arbor City Championship in 1994 with only 9 players!
Bryan Ritch
Bryan Ritch
What current projects are you working on?
As a true project management firm for the construction industry, we are always working on responses to request for proposals (RFPs) and statement of qualification packages. I work with our regional proposal managers and marketing staff to make sure they have the resources to deliver a winning submittal. For the marketing team, we are close to completing a project to update our approach and processes for different marketing areas including: branding, social media, proposals, marketing materials, conferences, and advertising. I am also working on the marketing planning for our 8th annual NetPoint and GPM conference.
What is your career highlight so far?
I have a few different career highlights at PMA as a graphic designer and as the director of marketing. Earlier in my career at PMA, I worked with our claims experts to develop graphics, including interactive flash animations to demonstrate project and schedule delays. These animations were used in claims negotiations as part of PMA’s expert testimony. As marketing director, my highlights are in the success we have as a team. I’ve seen the number of proposals submitted increase 40% in the last two years and our win rate increase by 10%.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
For the construction industry, I think the development and use of Project Management Information Systems (PMIS) has been an invaluable and innovative development. Construction projects are one of the most complex types of projects to manage with massive amounts of data, documentation, and details. Implementation and use of a PMIS for collecting and organizing project information can provide advantages to project managers in decision making for planning, organizing, and controlling projects, resulting in multiple quality outcomes. PMA has implemented or used e-Builder, Oracle’s Primavera Unifier and P6, and ProCore on its projects. PMA also actively develops project scheduling innovations on planning, scheduling, delay, and acceleration. We have a patented methodology for planning and scheduling called the graphical path method™ (GPM) used in our scheduling software, NetPoint.
For marketing, innovation is evident in the development of marketing automation tools and platforms like Hubspot or Salesforce’s Pardot. We use these marketing automation tools for marketing campaigns on thought leadership and our scheduling software for lead generation and prospect management.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I earned my MBA from Walsh College and bachelor’s in graphic design from Eastern Michigan University.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I really enjoy the Detroit Institute of Arts, located in Midtown Detroit, Michigan, which has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Marketing is a small functional group at PMA and it has required a lot of self-teaching to attain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage marketing projects. Working with PMA’s operations staff, who are experts in project management and project controls, has also transformed how I approach project work.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I really like the people I work with at PMA, and for this reason I have worked at PMA for the last 17 years. I’ve also benefited from PMA’s goal to be innovative as it has provided interesting challenges for me and the marketing team.
Dr. Gui Ponce de Leon
Dr. Gui Ponce de Leon
Chief Executive Officer, Ann Arbor
Why did you choose to start Project Management Associates/PMA Consultants?
In July 1969, I was fortunate to be offered an internship as a scheduling consultant with Townsend & Bottum, Inc., (T&B) then the largest Michigan contractor. They had just purchased an IBM 360/30 computer and couldn’t make heads or tails of the scheduling software, which was known as Project Control System (PCS). There were sample schedules provided with the software that included Start-to-start & finish-to-finish logic, and the T&B scheduling knowledgeable personnel had been schooled on traditional CPM/arrow diagrams, and, of course, couldn’t understand the sample schedules.
By the spring of 1970, it occurred to me that if such a huge construction company couldn’t figure out the future of computerized CPM scheduling, perhaps I could develop a career consulting on that. I was already on track to get a PhD in project networks and this provided a pathway for my research. After T&B declined to join me in this endeavor, I set up a company, DBA Project Management Associates. In July of 1971, having learned that Bechtel had just taken a building permit to build a tower down the road from its building, Bill Bottum reconsidered and offered me the opportunity to incorporate PMA as a subsidiary to T&B so that they could remain competitive with Bechtel in the area of computerized project scheduling and project controls. The initial incorporation of PMA, Inc. was as a subsidiary of T&B.
What do you feel has led to PMA’s growth and success?
Some contributors happened without design. Included is our uncanny ability to attract incredible talent who are passionate about what PMA does. Another is an exceedingly conservative approach to managing our finances, something that I picked up from Bill Bottum. We desire to always do the best for our clients, in some cases way beyond what is reflected on the invoice. We take pride in doing good work that is successful for the client.
Be that as it may, in fall of 1988, after nearly crashing like clockwork every four years, starting in 1972, I decided we would not grow again from the 14-15 people in PMA at that time until I figured out the one ingredient that would make our practice sustainable. After 41 years of nonstop reading, I had a ‘eureka’ moment while reading Stanley M. Davis’ Future Perfect: when I realized that it was all about relationships, relationships, relationships. The relationship is where the PMA world intersects with the clients’ world. So we developed a whole new way of thinking founded on seeking strong client relationships, making them stronger and taking a long-term perspective. It is by following relationships that PMA evolved from a scheduling-dominated practice to a full-fledged project management service provider with strong project controls and scheduling expertise that spilled over into claims analysis and expert testimony.
Who has been your influence for directing PMA?
Early on it was clearly my mentor, Bill Bottum. While there are some marked differences between how Bill and I lead, there are also substantive commonalities. Bill was supremely client driven, such that T&B, a David among Goliaths, got beyond their share of the market. He was also always pushing the envelope adopting cutting-edge technology; he was into 3D modeling in the mid-1970s! And of course with the presence of yours truly, a force to reckon with in computerized project controls. Bill and I read pretty much the same books and always stuck to our word.
What type of future growth do you see for PMA? Succession planning?
Starting in 2009, we began planning our future in five-year intervals. We are right on track as to growth in the current 2014-2018 planning cycle. But a key driver toward growth is an intent to grow revenues 5% to 7% annually.
As is well known, Dax was named CEO-elect last November, and we are on track for him to take over as CEO after 10 years in the CEO-elect role. We have also initiated steps to transition leadership from first generation to second generation leaders.
What is your career highlight so far?
Too many to choose from and, to be fair, I would have to rack my brain so that every five-year interval is fairly considered. But if I look back after our last relapse (again in the fall of 1988), I would have to include the Central Artery/Tunnel project in Boston as a sub to Bechtel (1989-2006); the opening of the Chicago and New York offices in 1996 and 1997; the decision to become an innovator in 2000; the Visteon Village and JW Marriott projects (2001 & 2007); the publication of the FSBOK in December 2010; our first patent on the graphical path method (GPM) in 2012; our amazing schedule analytics IP so well captured in our new software offering, Schedule IQ; and the decision to turn over the reins of the CEO office to Dax Ponce de Leon in 2025.
Not to go back too far, but the opening of the Orlando office in 1984 and the Detroit office in 1985 were significant highlights in our history.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
In the project management space, definitely our new scheduling method, GPM; BIM modeling, including 4D modeling; risk analysis; and more progressive strategies to well-established alternative project delivery methods.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received a PhD from the University of Michigan in May 1972, and an MS in construction engineering management in December 1969. I did spend one year at Vanderbilt University in structural engineering before coming to Michigan to pursue a degree in construction management, and I received my BS in civil engineering from the National University of Engineering in Lima, Peru, in December 1965.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
I eat way too often at the West End Grill and Chop House. Clearly, while I don’t partake much anymore, going to the Big House for a home game in the fall is an amazing experience. While hardly local, being one hour away from Lake Huron and two hours away from Lake Michigan is an amazing Ann Arbor feature. Anyone who hasn’t been to the shores of any Great Lake needs to fix that. Let’s not forget canoeing in the Huron River, not to mention running along the river.
Fun Fact!
I love getting from home to work in less than 10 minutes. Whenever I meet people on the plane and they learn I am from Ann Arbor, nine out of ten times they ask, “Do you teach at the U of M?”
Noel Alvarez
Noel Alvarez
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently working on front-end planning for two manufacturing expansion projects for Bausch Health (Tampa, Florida) and cost controls for a confidential project for a pharmaceutical client in North Carolina.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
The invitation to present on interactive planning sessions with NetPoint in Copenhagen, Denmark has been my highlight to date.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry (CM or PM related)?
The resurgence of performance indices and the validation of these by external benchmarking companies such as IPA are notable innovations.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
As one of the earliest adopters of interactive planning sessions with NetPoint, I jointly facilitated planning workshops for 3-4 days on a major capital improvement program for a pharmaceutical client with whom we have enjoyed a longstanding relationship. I like to believe that these efforts were instrumental in launching interactive planning sessions on NetPoint as we know them today.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
The freedom to reach out to anyone in this company with questions or requests for guidance or support in order to accomplish the most pressing matters at that time is one of the features I love.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I received my Bachelors of Architecture from Cornell University in 1996.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
We go to Chroma Modern Bar + Kitchen when the wife and daughter want a fancy/uppity dining experience.
We like Chik-fil-A, when the son really needs to get his fix for waffle fries.
We all love hanging out in downtown Winter Park, Florida (if ever in the area, give it a try).
Provide a fun fact about yourself?
1. I was raised in one of the top 5 surfing spots in the Caribbean (Rincon, Puerto Rico) and I have not a clue how to surf – as a matter of fact, I have a hard time swimming!
2. I attended a boarding school for all four years of high school (it was co-ed).
3. I played in the Pennsylvania state high school baseball championship game (I think it was 1990 or 1991).
Andrew Chattaway
Andrew Chattaway
What current project(s) are you working on?
Being new to the Midwest I am focused on learning from the terrific team here and growing our Chicago Office business. I’m very excited about bringing my experience from running our New York group to the team and seeking out new opportunities and challenges
What is your career highlight so far?
I’ve been fortunate to have the experience of performing project controls related work in many diverse industries, which have included everything from building a new refitting complex for nuclear submarines to making a Sony home video special with Elmo! But I would have to say working for PMA in downtown Manhattan at the Lower Manhattan Construction Command Center are experiences I can take with me and build on for the rest of my career.
What is something new or innovative happening in your industry?
I have recently been involved with our PMA VDC Knowledge Practice, looking at trends and new technology in virtual design and construction. However, I have recently been very focused on Business Intelligence (BI) reporting and visual data analysis.
What university or college did you graduate from?
Plymouth College of Art and Design in the U.K. I specialized in photography, film and television, but I am proof that you never know where you are going to end up!
What is your favorite local establishment?
I am looking forward to exploring all the new restaurants and eateries that Chicago has to offer. I am a bit of a foodie and also a music lover, so I think I have come to a great place to find both!
Fun Fact?
In my film production days when I worked at Broadway Video in NYC, I completely embarrassed myself in an elevator with Nicole Kidman! I was tongue-tied and a little star-struck. It’s not every day you walk into an elevator and meet a movie-star!