2025 Agenda
Tentative Agenda is in Central Daylight Time (CDT) | General Session | HR Track | Workforce Track
Continuing education credits will be offered; more details to come!
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
AGC Employment Law & HR Compliance Workshop
Who Should Attend: HR professionals, legal/compliance teams, project managers, and construction industry leaders
Join us for a dynamic half-day workshop designed specifically for HR and compliance professionals in the construction industry. With employment laws evolving rapidly, this session delivers the insights and strategies you need to stay compliant, mitigate risk, and support your workforce effectively.
Workshop Highlights:
- Legal Update Presentation by top employment law attorneys
- Industry Panel Discussion featuring HR leaders from leading construction firms
- Interactive Roundtables on hot-button HR topics
- Networking and Q&A Opportunities throughout the session
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert Legal Insights: Get the latest updates on federal and state labor laws, wage and hour rules, union-related developments, DEI, immigration, and enforcement trends.
- Real-World Strategies: Hear directly from HR leaders in construction on how they are adapting policies, managing audits, and leveraging technology to stay compliant.
- Collaborative Learning: Participate in interactive roundtables on topics like multistate compliance, mental health in the field, and supervisor training.
- Actionable Resources: Leave with practical tools and guidance to implement immediately.
Presented by: Tami Culkar; Angelica Ochoa; Micah Dawson; Jacqueline Del Villar; and Lindsay Reimer, Fisher Phillips
Register now to secure your spot and empower your team with the knowledge to navigate today’s complex legal landscape.
Separate registration required — $309.00
Meet the Speaker: Angelica Ochoa
Angelica Ochoa is a partner in Fisher Phillips’ Denver office. Her practice covers virtually all aspects of employment-based immigration into the United States. She has experience in obtaining nonimmigrant work visas and employment-based immigrant visas for management, professionals, and specialized skills employees. With respect to employment-based nonimmigrant work visas, she advises and represents companies in the preparation of a variety of petitions. With respect to employment-based immigrant petitions, she advises and represents clients in all employment preference categories as well as adjustment of status. She also advises companies on I-9 employment eligibility verification best practices and assists clients through I-9 compliance issues. She regularly provides management training on immigration-related subjects.
Angelica has experience guiding foreign clients through consular processing of both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. In addition, she represents clients in appeals to the Administrative Appeal Office (AAO). She also has a wide range of experience with family-based immigrant petitions and naturalization and citizenship applications.
Angelica has been recognized by Chambers USA, Immigration (2021 – 2025) and recommended as a leading practitioner for Immigration Law by The Legal 500 United States (2021, 2023).
Meet the Speaker: Micah Dawson
Micah Dawson is a Partner in Fisher Phillips’ Denver office, advising employers on how to comply with state and federal regulations and develop the best corporate practices and policies. He has significant experience litigating on behalf of national and international employers in state and federal courts across the country and has successfully tried cases in both jury and bench proceedings. He also represents veterans on a pro bono basis and has successfully appealed claims before the US Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and the Federal Circuit.
As a member of the firm’s Wage and Hour Practice Group, Micah has obtained favorable outcomes for clients in various wage and hour matters, including class and collective actions, under the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and various state laws across the country. Micah is also a member of the firm’s Labor Relations Practice Group and is involved in all aspects of traditional labor law under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) and the Railway Labor Act (RLA), including union avoidance and elections, defense of unfair labor practice charges, collective bargaining negotiations, system board hearings, and labor arbitrations.
Meet the Speaker: Jacqueline Del Villar
Jacqueline Del Villar is a Houston-based attorney in Fisher Phillips’ Charlotte office, focusing on workplace safety and OSHA compliance. For her, this work is more than just a practice area—it’s personal. With grandparents who once picked onions and uncles and siblings who’ve spent their careers in construction and the skilled trades, her practice has always hit close to home as she understands firsthand how important it is to keep workers safe.
As a first-generation American and college graduate fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Jacqueline bridges the gap between employers and their workforces during some of the most difficult moments after a workplace incident. Her ability to connect directly with both employees and management ensures clarity during investigations and builds trust when it matters most.
Jacqueline represents employers nationwide following serious workplace incidents, making it a priority to meet clients where they are—whether on a farm at sunrise on the West Coast or inside a food manufacturing facility at midnight in the Midwest. She regularly handles on-site investigations, OSHA inspections, and litigation across industries including agriculture, construction, warehousing, solar, food safety, recreational vehicles, and food distribution and production. To date, she has defended employers in both federal and state OSHA matters in more than a dozen states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin.
Meet the Speaker: Lindsay Reimer
Lindsay Reimer is an experienced trial attorney who defends employers in litigation in state and federal court and in arbitration throughout the country. Lindsay has litigated hundreds of class and collective actions involving wage and hour issues under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and state wage and hour laws and focuses her practice on defending employers across the nation in this complex litigation. Lindsay also regularly advises clients on day-to-day employment issues arising under federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Additionally, she provides preventative services to reduce the likelihood of litigation, including general consultation, development of employment policies and employment agreements, and consultation regarding legislative current events and judicial trends.
Before joining Fisher Phillips, Lindsay worked as an attorney at a boutique law firm in Houston, Texas, with a national presence focused on wage and hour litigation. She represented clients at trial and arbitration and gained significant appellate experience, obtaining favorable orders from the United States Courts of Appeals for the Third Circuit, Fifth Circuit, and Tenth Circuit.
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Sponsored By:
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored By:
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Opening Session
Meet the Speaker: Trey Pebley
Trey Pebley is the Chief Administrative Officer of Foremost Paving, Inc., a Highway, Heavy Civil, and Utility construction firm that performs work in South Texas. Trey received a Bachelor of Baccalaureate Science Degree in Management from Texas A&M University in 1994 and Masters of Land Economics and Real Estate from Texas A&M University in 1995.
Trey has been actively involved in the AGC at the state and national levels since 2000. He has served the AGC of Texas as President, a Board of Director, Municipal Utilities Division Chairman and as an Area Chairman. At AGC of America, he has served as Chairman of the Utilities and Infrastructure Division. He is currently serving on the AGC Charities Board and is a member of the Consulting Constructors’ Council. Over the years, he has served on many other AGC of America committees.
Meet the Speaker: Jaime Andress
Jaime has over 15 years of experience in the field of Human Resources. Her career includes an extensive background in training design, curriculum development and facilitation, as well as employee relations, development, and performance management. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Huntingdon College, an MBA from Auburn University at Montgomery, and has also earned the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation.
With special interest in partnership building and creating opportunities to invest in people for the life of their career, Jaime brings positive momentum for long-term success of the employees she represents. She has served as a speaker at numerous industry events and was named as one of AGC Alabama’s 40 Under 40 in Construction. Jaime currently serves on AGC of America’s HR steering committee.
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM
General Session
Gen Z is ghosting the construction industry. They are harder to recruit than past generations—and even tougher to keep. You cannot bid on big contracts if you do not have the workforce to deliver. This no-fluff, fast-paced session reveals The 6 Essentials that actually work to attract, engage, and retain younger workers. Based on real-world success—not theory—you will leave with practical strategies you can start using before the next crew clocks in.
Presented by: Haydn Shaw, CSP, Founder of People Driven Results
Meet the Speaker: Haydn Shaw, CSP
For over twenty-five years Haydn Shaw has helped 30,000 leaders and managers better lead people and change. Hailed as a “leadership guru” by the Washington Post, Haydn has spoken and consulted over 5,000 days. Haydn has the Certified Speaking Professional designation, earned by just over 15% percent of
professional speakers.
250,000 people have attended the workshops he developed.
He has spoken to over 150,000 people and worked with more than 1,500 businesses (from Fortune 500 companies to startups), not-for-profit organizations, and governmental agencies. He is an expert in cutting turnover with Gen Z and Millennials, maximizing change momentum, and reducing change resistance and has coached hundreds of leadership teams.
The results from his long-term organizational development and change projects have been written up in business school case studies. Previously a consultant for Franklin Covey for thirty years, he was one of four consultants to win their Chairman Award for 4000 days with clients.
He is the author of Sticking Points: How to Get 5 Generations Working Together in the 12 places They Come Apart. TIME wrote, “Shaw is an expert on cultural differences at the office.”
9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
9:50 AM – 10:45 AM
Breakout Sessions
Learn how Burns and McDonnell are leveraging employee assessments to support career development for their craft personnel. The session will include details of how assessments support individual career growth and the importance of aligning employee aspirations with organizational goals. The team of Burns & McDonnell will also outline how they create personalized development plans based on assessment results. And they will cover how they use their Short Service Worker program, apprenticeship programs, and on-the-job-training to develop the ideal workforce.
Presented by: William Fuller, Burns & McDonnell Constructors; Chad Whetro, Burns & McDonnell Constructors
You would not show up to a jobsite without the right tools—so why manage Gen Z without the ones that actually work? This hands-on session gives you three power tools to reduce Gen Z turnover. One is so effective it is now part of the U.S. Navy’s leadership manual for officers at sea. These tools reinforce three of the 6 Essentials from the morning session and are built for real-world use—not HR theory. If you are ready to stop the revolving door and start building a crew that sticks, this is your blueprint.
Presented by: Haydn Shaw, CSP, Founder of People Driven Results
The construction industry is facing a hiring and retention crisis and traditional recruiting tactics aren’t enough to solve it. This session will explore how intentional career development pathing can become a powerful tool for attracting and keeping top talent. Learn how to build an internal university of resources tailored to your workforce, and design career frameworks that align with those resources to create clear, role-specific growth opportunities. We will examine the measurable ROI of workforce roadmaps and explore how to put these strategies into action today.
Presented by: Stephen Hunt
The year 2025 has ushered in a transformative era in employment law, marked by a new Presidential administration that is reshaping the federal enforcement landscape. This presentation will delve into the substantial changes that have emerged, focusing on the implications for construction employers. With a keen eye on recent court rulings and evolving regulations, we will explore the dynamic environment surrounding employee pay, safety and health standards, discrimination, and harassment.
Presented by: Stephen E. Irving, Peckar & Abramson
Meet the Speaker: William Fuller
William Fuller is a highly experienced Training Specialist at Burns & McDonnell, with a remarkable career spanning over five decades in the construction industry. Beginning his journey in 1970 as a carpenter helper, William’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and his firm belief that “failure is not an option and can’t can’t stay” propelled him to achieve journeyman status in multiple skilled trades and gain expertise across three additional disciplines. Over the years, he has held roles as a foreman, superintendent, and even founded his own construction company.
In 1996, William broadened his impact by moving into education. For 29 years, he served as an adjunct instructor with the Associated Builders and Contractors, delivering NCCER-accredited safety courses. His passion for training deepened during his tenure as Training Campus Manager at the Construction, Maintenance, and Education Foundation (CMEF), where his leadership helped CMEF become NCCER’s largest accredited training center. A notable highlight of his career is co-establishing the Mobile Crane Operator Certification Training Program through a key partnership with Norman (Rob) Smith, a respected local crane expert. In 2018, William’s excellence was nationally recognized when he earned the prestigious title of Craft Instructor of the Year.
Meet the Speaker: Chad Whetro
Chad Whetro serves as the Director of both the Workforce Development Department and Equipment Department at Burns & McDonnell. With over 30 years of experience, Chad has played a senior leadership role in some of the most significant Oil & Gas construction projects across the United States, collaborating with industry giants such as LyondellBasell, ConocoPhillips, Shell, and ExxonMobil.
Throughout his career, Chad has continuously enhanced processes, procedures, and best practices to advance safety, boost productivity, and integrate cutting-edge technology. His efforts have been instrumental in addressing the skills gap in the construction industry, positioning the field for success well into the 21st century.
Meet the Speaker: Stephen Hunt
As an accomplished learning leader with experience in both the public and private sectors, Stephen Hunt has 18 years in learning roles across the United States. His unique perspective comes from eight years as a middle and high school science teacher and football coach, followed by nine years leading talent development teams for large-scale global organizations in the consulting, automotive, environmental, and construction industries. His work in that time has primarily focused on learning technology integration, employee onboarding and training, leadership and executive development, and talent management execution.
In his former role as Manager of Training and Development at Gray Construction, a multibillion-dollar general contractor in Lexington, Kentucky, he built the training team from scratch to serve 2,500 team members across the country and overseas. Since 2022, he has served as the key architect of an internal university (GrayU), utilizing an LMS to spearhead and accelerate the development of Career Frameworks for over 1,500 operational and support roles across Gray and its sister companies. He has also led the charge for a makeover of the company’s onboarding and performance management processes, streamlining the team member experience with a more strategic and intertwined approach.
Meet the Speaker: Stephen Irving
Stephen E. Irving is a Partner in Peckar & Abramson’s Houston office and co-vice chair of the Labor &
Employment practice. He focuses his practice on labor and employment law, including occupational
safety and health. He has been practicing since 1995 and has been board-certified by the Texas Board
of Legal Specialization since 2007. Stephen’s experience includes successfully contesting OSHA
citations, defending collective action wage and hour claims, employment discrimination, sexual/racial
harassment, wrongful discharge, Payday Act claims, and enforcing non-compete agreements.
Stephen regularly works with clients facing government investigations, including OSHA, MSHA, EEOC,
and the Wage-Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. He is also experienced in employment
immigration matters such as temporary/non-immigrant worker visas and visas for employment-based
lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
Stephen is an experienced advisor across the spectrum of employment law, training HR and management
personnel in a variety of employment law topics, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act,
Americans with Disabilities Act; Family and Medical Leave Act, sex, age, national origin, and race
discrimination; sexual harassment; racial and other harassment; employee discipline and performance
evaluation; HIPAA/private health information; wage and hour law; and other related matters.
10:45 AM – 11:05 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
11:05 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
Participate in a collaborative, facilitated conversation designed to share existing, and craft new strategies for retaining existing craft and salaried workers. Learn from colleagues around the country about what they are doing to improve workforce retention and share what you are doing that works. You and your colleagues will also spend time developing new workforce retention solutions. We will capture the contents of the conversation and share with all participants and AGC members afterwards.
Facilitated by: Haydn Shaw, CSP, Founder of People Driven Results
AGC of Wyoming has been playing the long game on Workforce Development. Statewide efforts have been in kindergarten classrooms, all the way to the University Construction Management. Their efforts are led by our contractor members. They actively raise funds, plan initiatives and events, interface with teachers, and testify to the legislature on Workforce issues and the need for adequate CTE funding.
Presented by: Ian Alvstad, 71 Constructions; Dan Benford, AGC of Wyoming; Kenny McKillop, DRM, Inc.; Serena Tays, S&S Builders, LLC; and Colby Willett, Knife River
This session will begin with a primer on what has changed – and what hasn’t – in a post-covid world. Medical trend cost pressures and mitigating tools will be covered in depth and the session will then pivot to the unique risks/cost exposure caused by the GLP-1 anti-obesity medications (AOM’s) for contractors, and how to evaluate and manage these exposures. We will then address what employers can (must) take to manage this exposure. This will include a detailed review of the areas HR leaders should include in their evaluation for future coverage consideration (i.e. fully insured/self-insured, captive, employee turnover, etc.). With these tools, the attendee will be in a better position to make informed, data driven decisions about these complicated drugs – and continue to evaluate as the cost/benefit ration shifts in coming years.
Presented by: Dr. Andrea Jones, Lockton Companies; Chris Williams, Lockton Dunning Benefits
Explore how J.F. Brennan Company bridges the gap between HR and Marketing to create a cohesive brand that resonates with both employees and clients. This session delves into strategies for aligning internal culture with external messaging, showcasing how a unified approach can enhance employee engagement, attract top talent, and strengthen client relationships. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications such as collaborative onboarding experiences, employee-driven content, and branded storytelling that bring company culture to life.
Presented by: Janelle Pogodzinski, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.; Kimberly Walters, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Ian Alvstad
Ian Alvstad is an experienced Estimator and GPS Foreman with more than a decade in the civil construction industry. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming and is actively involved with multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) boards. Through these roles, Ian has been instrumental in strengthening the connection between education and industry, advocating for the vital role CTE programs play in workforce development.
Meet the Speaker: Dan Benford
Dan Benford grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the son of lifelong Career and Technical Education advocates both in the classroom and administration. Dan comes to us with a strong background in education and leadership.
Dan joined the AGC of Wyoming team in September 2021 in Workforce Development and began serving as Executive Director in 2023. He is a passionate advocate for the construction industry, starting with the trades courses in our public school system, to advanced training at our community colleges and university, to the crews working around our great state.
Meet the Speaker: Kenny McKillop
Kenny McKillop began his career in heavy civil construction in 2000 and is now a Project Manager and third-generation owner of DRM Inc., a respected construction company with a long-standing commitment to quality craftsmanship and community leadership. Building on his family’s legacy, Kenny brings a forward-thinking approach to project management, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and collaboration across every phase of construction.
In addition to his role at DRM Inc., Kenny serves as Secretary of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wyoming, where he advocates for the advancement of Wyoming’s construction industry and supports initiatives that strengthen workforce development. He is also a founding member of the Northeast Wyoming Young Contractor Association, an organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in construction.
Driven by a passion for building—both roadways and relationships—Kenny continues to uphold DRM Inc.’s reputation for integrity, innovation, and excellence throughout South Dakota and Wyoming.
Meet the Speaker: Colby Willett
Colby Willett is a Construction Manager for Knife River with over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He started his career as a shop laborer and advanced his career to become a manager. He is a fourth-generation member of his family in construction.
Colby has been involved in recruiting the next generation for construction careers in Wyoming by speaking to students of all age levels. He was one of the original founders of the Wyoming Young Contractors Association and is now on the Board of Directors for AGC of Wyoming.
Colby has been awarded multiple community involvement and customer service awards throughout his career. He is passionate about guiding the next generation toward fulfilling careers in construction.
Meet the Speaker: Serena Tays
Serena Tays began her career at S&S Builders, LLC in 2008 and worked her way up to her current role as Controller. Today, she plays a key part in the company’s leadership team, overseeing financial operations, business strategy, and organizational management. Her work is defined by precision, strong organizational skills, and a deep commitment to workforce development.
Beyond her role at S&S Builders, LLC, Serena is a passionate advocate for skilled trades and community involvement. She actively serves on multiple local and state-level boards, including the AGC Wyoming State Workforce Board, AGC Gillette Workforce Board, the Youth Emergency Services Foundation board, and the Gillette Area Leadership Institute steering committee chair. She is particularly dedicated to introducing young people to meaningful career paths in the trades through education, outreach, and mentorship.
In recognition of her civic involvement, Serena received the AGC Charles M. Smith Civic Activity Award in 2021 and was nominated for the 2024 Sherry McGrath Spirit of Gillette Award. She is currently working toward her Construction Risk and Insurance Specialist (CRIS) certification and continues to lead with heart, vision, and a strong belief in building up her community through skilled trade opportunities.
Meet the Speaker: Dr. Andrea Jones
Bio coming soon.
Meet the Speaker: Chris Williams
Chris Williams currently serves as Vice President in our New Orleans office. Chris has nearly a decade of experience intimately overseeing the management of a large corporate insurance program. His background in hospitality, government, construction and corporate administration uniquely positions him to serve as a strategic adviser for a broad range of businesses.
Prior to joining Lockton, Chris was a part of Barriere Construction Co. LLC, where he last served as Director of Administration and Employee Development. In the role, he oversaw many administrative functions, including human resources, benefits and wellness, workforce development, and marketing and communications. Chris served on the company’s Senior Executive Committee and Executive Committee and played an integral role as a strategic decision-maker for the business. Utilizing the skills gained from his unique background, he aims to help companies control the cost of insurance while bringing new ideas to help improve the impact of the insurance program, increase employee engagement, and enhance bottom-line results.
Meet the Speaker: Janelle Pogodzinski
Janelle Pogodzinski, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, is currently the VP-Chief Human Capital Officer at J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. Brennan is a Marine Construction company headquartered in La Crosse, WI, with operations nationwide. Brennan is a union employer with over 600 employees. Janelle has more than 20 years of HR experience and has been with Brennan for five years.
Prior to Brennan, Janelle was a part of HR teams in the manufacturing and foodservice distribution industries. She is passionate about creating an environment in which learning and development is at the forefront and focused on doing the right thing for the company and its employees.
Meet the Speaker: Kimberly Walters
Kimberly Walters is the Senior Marketing Manager for J.F. Brennan Company with more than 15 years of management experience spanning advertising, digital media, marketing, and public relations. Her passion for transforming brand direction, namely moving organizations away from gut-driven ideas and into strategies rooted in data, clarity, and measurable success, has shaped her career. She has a proven track record of aligning marketing efforts with business goals to drive growth, enhance brand visibility, and improve customer engagement.
A believer in brand and cultural alignment, Kimberly specializes in delivering a consistent brand experience across the employee, client, and recruitment journey. She leads a high-performing team focused on integrated marketing strategy, content creation, and branded communication, while overseeing backend analytics tools and systems. Her focus on cross-functional collaboration ensures that Brennan’s values are consistently reflected, from recruitment materials to client proposals, making the brand not just visible, but deeply resonant.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch & Presentation
Sponsored By:
1:15 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions
Building Pathways is addressing workforce gaps by introducing underrepresented young adults to meaningful careers in the construction industry—often illuminating paths they did not know existed. This session will explore how the program combines hands-on training, career mapping, and individualized coaching to help participants identify their strengths and align them with real industry opportunities. With strong employer partnerships and a mission-driven approach, Building Pathways is not only preparing the next generation of skilled workers but also building long-term retention through purpose-driven engagement.
Presented by: Chris Hicks, Building Pathways; Shanna Saldaña, Building Pathways; and Troy Snoddy, Post L Construction
This session explores trust-building as an essential—but often overlooked—leadership skill that needs to be developed to complement strong technical skills. Many frontline supervisors and new managers struggle with how to build trust without being perceived as weak, or how to set boundaries without coming across as distant. Cultural norms, generational expectations, and lack of role models can all make it more difficult to know how to lead relationally, especially in diverse or multilingual crews. Through practical tools and real-world construction examples, participants will learn how to shift from compliance-based supervision to commitment-based leadership. They will examine the specific behaviors that cultivate trust—such as transparency, consistency, and respectful communication—and how these behaviors reduce conflict, increase accountability, and foster safer, more productive teams.
Presented by: Dr. Alejandra Mielke, Alejandra Mielke, PhD Coaching & Consulting, LLC
With construction evolving in ways both beneficial and challenging, the importance of attracting top talent persists with compensation continuing to play a key role in attracting and retaining employees. Pay practices across construction are being affected by workforce challenges, financial limitations, and diverging expectations about industry expansion or decline. What seems simple, gets complicated fast as growth or stagnation varies by construction sector and by job family. This session will explore pay research, trends, behaviors, practices, and discrepancies between forecasts and real-world outcomes, all having significant impact on 2026 pay activity.
Presented by: Jeff Robinson, PAS, Inc.
This session will provide a practical overview of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) as it applies to the construction industry. Designed for both union and non-union contractors, critical concepts will be covered related to 8(a) vs. 9(f) agreement, protected concerted activity, and discussions of wages and working conditions. Drawing from real-world negotiations, the presentation will highlight key takeaways in areas such as improving training programs, strengthening recruitment initiatives, effectively administering mandatory sick leave, and addressing complaint investigations with consistency and compliance.
Presented by: Tami Culkar, Fisher & Phillips LLP; Danielle Curtiss, GH Phipps
Meet the Speaker: Shanna Saldaña
Shanna Saldaña serves as Vice President of Operations for Building Pathways, a nonprofit workforce development organization. With 20 years of experience spanning construction management, nonprofit leadership, and workforce strategy, Shanna leads operational planning, program design, and grant-funded initiatives that prepare underrepresented populations for high-demand careers in construction. A graduate of Texas Christian University, Shanna brings a unique blend of leadership, education, and hands-on industry collaboration. She is passionate about creating equitable access to construction careers, building partnerships across industry and community, and demonstrating measurable impact through innovative training pathways.
Meet the Speaker: Chris Hicks
Chris Hicks began his career in sales, hospitality, and entertainment management before transitioning to construction through the Building Pathways program. Starting as a client, Chris demonstrated exceptional commitment and leadership, quickly standing out for his strong work ethic and natural ability to guide others. Recognizing his aptitude for mentorship, Building Pathways invited him to join the team as a Pathways Coach, where he now supports and trains incoming clients as they launch their own construction careers. His journey—from participant to coach—embodies Building Pathways’ mission to open doors, remove barriers, and create second chances through workforce development. Chris’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of investing in people.
Meet the Speaker: Troy Snoddy
With more than 18 years of experience in commercial and institutional construction, Troy Snoddy currently serves as Superintendent for Post L Group Construction. He has managed field operations on some of North Texas’s most notable projects, including Dickies Arena, AT&T Stadium, Toyota Headquarters, and Parkland Hospital. Troy’s background in civil engineering technology and trade experience in plumbing, pipefitting, and glazing give him a deep understanding of every stage of the construction lifecycle. He is recognized for his strong focus on safety, quality, and mentoring emerging talent. Troy brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to workforce development, emphasizing the importance of skill-building, leadership, and safety culture on job sites.
Meet the Speaker: Dr. Alejandra Mielke
Dr. Alejandra Rodríguez Mielke is the owner of Alejandra Mielke, PhD Coaching & Consulting, LLC, a leadership development firm based in Austin, TX. With over 10,000 hours of training delivery, she specializes in helping organizations transform technically skilled managers into confident, human-centered leaders.
Her work focuses on bridging the gap between technical expertise and people skills, enhancing cultural awareness, and aligning teams to improve collaboration, engagement, and performance. Drawing on her background in organizational psychology and intercultural leadership, Dr. Mielke creates practical, research-based programs that reduce turnover, foster trust, and strengthen communication across diverse teams.
She also serves as Director of Mentorship for ALPFA Austin and volunteers with the Austin Community Foundation, advancing Latino leadership and professional development across Central Texas.
Meet the Speaker: Jeff Robinson
Jeff Robinson is President of PAS, Inc., in Saline, Michigan, a company that specializes in compensation research and consulting for the construction industry.
A graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Jeff has over forty years of experience in the construction industry. Prior to founding PAS, Inc. in 1979, he spent ten years with a large Midwest contractor, holding several project positions in accounting, office management, controls, workforce planning, and corporate positions in human resources and compensation administration.
Jeff is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America, the Construction Financial Management Association, SHRM, AICPA, and WorldatWork (formerly the American Compensation Association). He is a past national secretary of the CFMA and currently serves on CFMA’s Financial Benchmarker Committee and CFMA’s Publications Advisory Committee, and a member of AGC’s Open Shop committee.
Meet the Speaker: Tami Culkar
Tami Essis Culkar is co-leader of the firm’s Construction Industry team. Tami has been a traditional labor lawyer for nearly 20 years, representing private and public sector employers in contract negotiations, grievance arbitrations, unfair labor practices charges, strikes, and other litigation involving employment law and benefits.
Tami is a skilled negotiator who bargains pro-employer collective bargaining agreements with a constructive and collaborative approach. She has negotiated over a hundred labor agreements covering industries including education, performing arts, logistics, cannabis, construction, and hospitality. She utilizes her training in interest-based approaches to negotiate client-centered agreements that enhance effective operations and improve employer-employee relations. Her practical and efficient approach allows her to help clients reach their goals while building relations.
If union avoidance and/or litigation is required, however, Tami has conducted labor board hearings concerning representation, unfair labor practices, work jurisdiction disputes, and unit clarification. She works to mitigate clients’ risk and achieve business goals through cost-effective and pragmatic approaches.
Tami regularly counsels employers on a spectrum of personnel management issues including Title VII, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Colorado Labor Peace Act, Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and work-related implications of COVID-19. She is uniquely qualified based on her years of negotiating and understanding of human nature.
Meet the Speaker: Danielle Curtiss
Danielle Curtiss has been the General Counsel for GH Phipps for over 15 years. She doesn’t like to admit how long she’s been in this industry, but she obtained both her undergraduate degree in Business (BSBA) and her Law degree (J.D.) from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Prior to joining GH Phipps, Danielle was a Labor and Employment and Litigation attorney for a large law firm and spent some time as an in-house lawyer for a national specialty subcontractor. In 2019, Danielle was appointed to the Colorado Worker’s Compensation Appeals Board. In addition, she sits on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Worker’s Compensation Coalition and the Elevation Chapter of National Charity League, is a member of the AGC Legislative Committee, and is a former Trustee of the Colorado Children’s Chorale.
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
2:30 PM – 3:25 PM
Breakout Sessions
Join this facilitated conversation session to share details of what your firms are doing right when it comes to crafting effective internship programs. In addition, be ready to help craft new ideas for creating internship programs that expose future workers to the many career opportunities, rewards, and challenges of working in the industry. This is an everyone-participates session, so come ready to contribute.
Facilitated by: Anthony Alleman, Pepper Construction; Justin Shields, Mass Excavation
Join us for an insightful discussion with early-career professionals who recently launched their careers with AGC member companies. Hear firsthand how they approached the job search process, what attracted them to specific employers, the red flags they spotted during interviews, and what ultimately made them say ‘yes’ to an offer. Panelists also will share what they hope to gain from their first five years in the industry, how they assessed professional development opportunities during the interview process, and what they believe the construction industry must do to stay competitive with the next generation.
Presented by: Jill Cates, Baldwin & Shell Construction Company; Lillian Huchro, Granite Construction; and Brennan Lantzy, Vaughn Construction
Moderated by: Jaime Andress, Caddell Construction
Local AGC HR committees are on the front lines of shaping construction workforce development—connecting employers, educators, and communities to build sustainable talent pipelines. This panel will spotlight best practices from high-performing HR chapters across the country, with chapter presidents and committee members sharing practical insights on how they have mobilized stakeholders, launched impactful initiatives, and tackled local workforce challenges.
Attendees will walk away with proven strategies they can adapt in their own markets, along with ideas and materials for committee structure, outreach tactics, and program development. Whether your chapter has a longstanding HR committee or is just getting started, this session offers a playbook for action—and inspiration.
Presented by: Carrie Gardenhire, Arcoro; Shelby McEntire, Skiles Group; and Sarah Rathborne, Rogers O’Brien Construction
Moderated by: Meloni Raney, TEXO Association
With immigration enforcement making headlines and new enforcement efforts underway, Human Resources leaders in the construction industry must be ready to adapt quickly. This session delivers a timely briefing on the current state of immigration policy, including the most significant policy and regulatory shifts, and enforcement priorities of the Administration. Attendees will gain practical strategies to ensure compliance with evolving immigration regulations and risk mitigation approaches by hearing firsthand from a contractor that recently experienced a highly publicized immigration enforcement action. The perspective of an immigration law expert and a contractor will provide a valuable and unique opportunity to equip you with the insight and tools to stay ahead of change and turn compliance into a competitive advantage.
Presented by: Bruce Buchanan, Littler Mendelson P.C.; Jackie Hickman, Hedrick Brothers Construction Company, Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Jill Cates
Jill Cates is a construction professional dedicated to advancing the future of the industry through leadership, service, and innovation. A graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in Construction Management, she now serves as an Assistant Superintendent with Baldwin & Shell Construction Company, where she is responsible for monitoring project progress, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and overseeing on-site staff. Her journey into construction was shaped by hands-on experience in the trades and a determination to build a career that blends technical skill with leadership and vision. As president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Student Chapter at UA Little Rock, Jill played a pivotal role in transforming the chapter into one of the nation’s top student organizations, leading it to earn the prestigious AGC of America Emerging Student Chapter Award. She also introduced new traditions and events that strengthened industry partnerships and created opportunities for her peers. Through her work, Jill continues to inspire the next generation of builders while making a meaningful impact on Arkansas’s construction community.
Meet the Speaker: Lillian Huchro
Lillian Huchro is a recent graduate of the Construction Management program at Murray State University. She was an active member of the MSU AGC Student Chapter and enjoyed going on career-based field trips and volunteering with her chapter. Lillian is currently working for Granite Construction as a field engineer, where she completed an internship before graduation.
Meet the Speaker: Brennan Lantzy
Brennan Lantzy is a recent graduate of the Construction Science program at Texas A&M University (TAMU). While at TAMU, Brennan was a member of AGC, the 2024 Constructionarium team, and the ASC Project Management competition team. Brennan is currently working as a junior estimator for J.T. Vaughn Construction and enjoys going on job site visits with his estimating team.
Meet the Speaker: Anthony Alleman
Bio coming soon.
Meet the Speaker: Justin Shields
Justin Shields serves as the General Manager of Mass Excavation (Mass X), a leading civil construction firm headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. With over 20 years of experience in Alaska’s oil and gas sector, Justin brings a proven track record of operational excellence, strategic leadership, and project delivery in remote and highly regulated environments.
Prior to joining Mass X, Justin spent 18 years managing and executing complex projects on Alaska’s North Slope. During this time, he developed deep expertise in remote logistics, safety and regulatory compliance, and the execution of critical infrastructure under extreme conditions. Notably, for 8 of those years, he successfully owned and operated an energy services company, providing high-value support solutions to a diverse portfolio of North Slope clients across the country. This entrepreneurial background, coupled with extensive field experience, informs his results-driven approach to team leadership, client engagement, and operational performance.
A core focus of Justin’s leadership philosophy is workforce development. He is a strong advocate for employee mentorship, training, and professional growth—firmly believing that an organization’s greatest asset is its people. Under his direction, Mass X launched its Heavy Civil Construction Internship Program, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical, on-the-job experience. The program provides college students with structured mentorship, technical training, and exposure to all aspects of heavy civil construction operations, preparing them to transition successfully into the workforce upon graduation.
Justin’s commitment to industry advancement extends beyond his role at Mass X. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the AGC of Alaska Workforce Development Committee, where he actively contributes to statewide initiatives aimed at strengthening Alaska’s construction workforce pipeline. He also played a key role in developing and implementing AGC’s Business Development Boot Camp, which was featured at the AGC National Convention.
Meet the Speaker: Bruce Buchanan
Bruce E. Buchanan counsels employers on immigration compliance issues, conducts internal I-9 audits, represents employers in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) inspections and audits, Immigrant and Employee Rights (IER)/Department of Justice investigations, E-Verify issues, and employment-based visas. Also, Bruce practices labor law where he represents employers before National Labor Relations Board and U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division and in collective bargaining. Before focusing on immigration, Bruce served as senior trial specialist for the NLRB for 20 years, counseled clients on union-filed representation petitions, represented employers in collective bargaining, and advised on wage and hour and Family and Medical Leave Act matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Bruce regularly writes and speaks on immigration compliance and labor law issues for employers and served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law for 10+ years. Among his many publications, Bruce co-authored the book, I-9 and E-Verify Handbook, 2017 and 2024 editions, and was an editor of the Employer Sanctions of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, 2024 edition. He was a longtime member of the Verification and Documentation Liaison Committee of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Meet the Speaker: Jackie Hickman
Bio coming soon.
Meet the Speaker: Carrie Gardenhire
Carrie Gardenhire has spent over 25 years helping companies develop sustainable strategies, improve efficiencies, and reduce costs across many industries, including construction, software, nonprofit, media publications, and educational products. Developing ways to improve both business outcomes and employee success has been paramount throughout Carrie’s career as an operations leader, digital marketer, and project manager. Today, she focuses on partnerships with key construction associations to align technology solutions with the needs of an evolving construction marketplace.
Meet the Speaker: Shelby McEntire
Shelby McEntire serves as Skiles Group’s Director of Human Resources where she is responsible for her firm’s most complex—and rewarding—aspect: people! Her responsibilities include strategic and tactical oversight of recruitment and retention; learning and development; performance management; culture and engagement; compliance; employee relations; and benefits design and administration. With a passion for the employee experience, Shelby diligently balances the growth of progressive, people-focused initiatives with support for her leadership team’s strategic vision and goals, all in service of the company’s evolving needs. Shelby does not subscribe to the notion that human resources exists solely to protect the organization from its staff. She positions herself as a bridge between employees and the firm, working as an advocate for all parties involved. She strives to set and then keep re-setting the bar in the field of human resources, and fiercely defends the notion that HR deserves a seat at the table. Shelby achieved and maintains both her SHRM-CP and PHR certifications and graciously accepted her company’s peer-nominated Legacy Award in 2021. Shelby currently serves as chair for the TEXO HR Committee.
Meet the Speaker: Sarah Rathborne
Sarah Rathborne is the Senior HR Manager at Rogers-O’Brien Construction, where she partners with leaders and employees to create a supportive, people-focused workplace. She is passionate about building programs that help employees thrive and strengthening company culture through collaboration and empathy.
Meet the Speaker: Meloni Raney
Bio coming soon.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break
Sponsored By:
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM
General Session
Artificial Intelligence is transforming how companies find, recruit, and retain talent, but only if it is used strategically and responsibly. In this keynote, Zach Giglio, CEO of GCM, will share real-world examples of how construction companies are already using AI to streamline their workforce efforts in recruiting, job descriptions, retention strategy, and workforce planning.
Zach also will confront the risks head-on, including how bias shows up in AI systems, and what HR professionals must know to use AI ethically and effectively. This session will provide a candid, practical, and actionable look at where AI fits (and doesn’t) in the construction workforce and how HR professionals can lead the way.
Presented by: Zach Giglio, Founder & CEO of GCM
Meet the Speaker: Zach Giglio
Zach Giglio is CEO of GCM, an award-winning agency that shows organizations how to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to become more efficient and profitable. He is certified by the Wharton School of Business in AI strategy for business and is a curriculum committee member on AI at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management.
Renowned for his insights into the fascinating convergence of AI and business, Zach is a frequent keynote speaker at industry conferences, a TEDx speaker and was recently honored as one of Charleston’s Forty under 40. Additionally, he conducts intensive AI trainings and implementations, tailored to equip organizations with the requisite knowledge and skills to effectively harness AI, fueling their operations, sales, marketing and administration abilities and driving revenue growth.
Zach’s consulting acumen spans a diverse array of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to dynamic startups. His professional journey has taken him from Washington D.C. to Johannesburg and back to the USA, where he co-founded GCM.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Offsite Networking Experience
Kick back, connect, and enjoy true Texas hospitality at our networking reception in the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas—the World’s Largest Honky Tonk. Live music, great food, and unforgettable conversations await in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Buses will depart the Omni Fort Worth at 5:45 PM just outside the main entrance of the hotel.
Sponsored By:
Co-Sponsored By:
Thursday, October 16, 2025
7:00 AM – 7:50 AM
Breakfast
Sponsored By:
7:50 AM – 8:50 AM
General Session
This session will feature a series of shorter presentations that highlight innovative and successful workforce development and HR approaches. These include Innovation Spotlights on how Nebraska has worked with the Career Pathway program to hold a statewide career signing day. Forge Now will provide an overview of its innovative workforce training program and how it is helping veterans, criminal justice-involved individuals, and many others launch careers in construction. And hear from a group that is working to place Special Operations veterans into career paths including construction.
Presented by: Stephen Brightman, Forge Now; Rob Holmes, Forge Now; Bo Jones, CareerPathway.com; and Dominic Perez, Special Operators Transition Foundation
Meet the Speaker: Stephen Brightman
Bio coming soon.
Meet the Speaker: Rob Holmes
Bio coming soon.
Meet the Speaker: Bo Jones
Bo Jones knows what it means to build from the ground up. As the founder of Tru-Built Construction and founder/CEO of CareerPathway.com, Bo has combined decades of leadership in construction, real-estate development, and tech to bridge the gap between ideas and reality. From physical infrastructure to digital innovation, he’s passionate about creating systems that spark growth.
CareerPathway.com is Bo’s answer to a broken career exploration-to-connection system. The solution is a web-based platform that connects individuals seeking education and career options with colleges and businesses that have opportunities available. Simplifying how people plan, grow, and hire. His work is fueled by the belief that when individuals have direction, entire communities thrive.
Meet the Speaker: Dominic Perez
Dominic Perez is a cybersecurity leader and U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with more than 16 years of experience in elite military and corporate leadership roles. During his career in Special Operations as a Green Beret and Army Ranger, he led cross-functional teams in high-stakes missions across the Middle East and Africa, integrating technical expertise with mission execution at the tactical, strategic, and diplomatic levels.
After transitioning from the military, Dominic built a successful career in corporate cybersecurity, serving in business-aligned leadership roles for a Fortune 100 company. He is currently an Associate Director of Cyber Defense, where he manages a cross-functional program protecting top executives and global brand resilience. His unique background allows him to bridge the worlds of business, technology, and leadership, translating complex risks into actionable strategies for executives and leadership teams.
Dominic also serves on the Alumni Advisory Board for the Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF), a nonprofit dedicated to helping Special Operations veterans successfully transition into meaningful careers across a multitude of industries. Through this work, he partners with organizations to connect them with exceptional talent; leaders who bring unmatched resilience, adaptability, and mission-first commitment to the private sector workforce.
He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).
8:50 AM – 9:10 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
Sponsored By:
9:10 AM – 10:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
This session will feature AGC Curriculum Development Director and AGC EDGE Supervisory Training Program instructor who will present on the needs of the AGC member companies and how they are addressing the skills gap and workforce shortage.
Presented by: Dan Beatty, Constructive Leadership Solutions; Paul Flentge, Flentge Development Group; and Warren Kiesel, Associated General Contractors of America
This follow-up to the keynote presentation takes things a step further. Zach Giglio will walk participants through hands-on workflows for three high-impact areas:
- Recruiting: How to use AI to write job descriptions, build outreach campaigns, and analyze candidate fit.
- Retention: How to have AI help you identify which employees are likely to stay, and how to keep them.
- Workforce Strategy: How to create custom workforce personas and find overlooked hiring pipelines using your own (even imperfect) data.
Attendees will leave with prompt templates, example workflows, and the confidence to start applying AI to their workforce processes right away. No technical background is required.
Presented by: Zach Giglio, Founder & CEO of GCM
In 2025, HR leaders faced unprecedented pressure from senior executives concerned about continually rising healthcare costs. To support HR executives in effectively communicating their narrative in 2026, this presentation will outline eight top strategies.
Presented by: Julie Taffera, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
In an industry where regulatory landscapes shift with each administration, being proactive rather than reactive is critical. This session will walk attendees through how we prepare and approach compliance that we adapt and refine as federal, state, and local policies evolve.
We will explore how to build a compliance infrastructure that doesn’t just meet today’s standards but is resilient to tomorrow’s changes, whether they come from the Department of Labor, EEOC, OSHA, or other regulatory bodies. From conducting internal audits to tracking legislative updates and preparing for government inquiries, attendees will leave with practical tools and strategies for their HR compliance approach.
Presented by: Kelley Blank, J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.
Meet the Speaker: Dan Beatty
Dan has over 35 years of experience in the heavy civil construction industry, specializing in project management and estimating. His career focuses on managing construction processes across diverse business units, ensuring competitive, high-quality bids and projects that meet client expectations. Dan’s expertise includes transportation projects such as bridges, heavy concrete, hydroelectric dams, light rail systems, and marine works for large LNG plants. A skilled presenter, facilitator, and trainer, Dan is passionate about delivering high-value solutions.
Meet the Speaker: Paul Flentge
Paul Flentge has been a Chicago area construction industry member for over 30 years. Paul began his career as a carpenter and expanded through site supervision and project superintendent. His experience includes general building, safety management, leadership, and training. He served as a superintendent and Safety Director at Pepper Construction for more than 18 years. Paul currently provides safety management and supervisory consulting services to the construction industry.
Meet the Speaker: Warren Kiesel
As Director of Curriculum Development at AGC since 2014, Warren has led the creation of industry-recognized education programs that support construction professionals nationwide. His work includes developing AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, Lean Construction and BIM curricula, and credential exams like CM-Lean and CM-BIM. He collaborates with subject matter experts to deliver practical, real-world learning that drives workforce development and career growth.
Meet the Speaker: Julie Taffera
Julie Taffera has been consulting employers on employee benefits strategy since 2012. While she consults clients in all industries, she has a strong focus on construction. Her consulting approach starts with evaluating each organization’s culture, budget, and challenges to craft a long-term strategy using data and managing population health to achieve results. In 2016, she was selected as one of Employee Benefit Advisor’s Most Influential Women in Benefit Advising. Julie received her MBA in Project Management from Capella University, her BA from Cal State Long Beach, and a Certificate in Construction Management from SDSU.
Meet the Speaker: Kelley Blank
Kelley Blank is the Human Capital Operations Manager for J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. Kelley has over 10 years of experience in Human Capital. Kelley oversees compliance, policies, benefits, and recruiting. Kelley serves on the Winona State University HR Advisory Board and is a LASHRM committee member.
10:00 AM – 10:20 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
10:20 AM – 11:10 AM
Breakout Sessions
This session focuses on strengthening company culture and improving retention by staying connected to where it all begins—the field. We will introduce Indyvations, a company-wide initiative designed to celebrate and elevate innovative ideas coming directly from our crews. By recognizing and building on these real-world solutions, we reinforce the value of field experience, drive continuous improvement, and lay the groundwork for long-term team engagement and growth.
Presented by: David Isabella, Independence Excavating, Inc.; Marco DiGeronimo, Independence Excavating, Inc. (Demolition); and Richie DiGeronimo, Independence Excavating, Inc. (Paving)
Tension on the jobsite isn’t just inevitable—it’s a sign that people care. But when miscommunication, generational differences, or stress go unchecked, it can derail progress, morale, and retention. This practical session introduces a powerful yet easy-to-use framework for improving team communication and resolving conflict on the jobsite. Grounded in the widely adopted 5 Voices system and customized for the construction industry, attendees will recognize the different communication “voices” that exist on their teams. Understanding them can mean the difference between explosive conflict and productive dialogue. If you have ever wished for a better way to handle conflict without having to “play referee,” this session is for you. Discover how a bit of communication clarity can build jobsite harmony—one voice at a time.
Presented by: Dan Beatty, Constructive Leadership Solutions
Financial stress is a growing concern among American workers, driven by market volatility, persistent inflation, and global unrest. Many employees—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly uncertain about achieving key financial milestones, such as purchasing their first home. Employers have a unique opportunity to support their workforce by offering financial wellness benefits that empower employees to take control of their financial futures. By tailoring financial wellness programs to meet the diverse needs of your workforce, you can deliver cost-effective benefits that enhance employee satisfaction, boost retention, and strengthen your position in a competitive talent market.
Presented by: Richard Reed, Segal
As the conference comes to a close, join industry-leading HR professionals for a dynamic discussion reflecting on the key takeaways from the conference sessions. This interactive wrap-up will distill the most valuable strategies, solutions, and lessons learned by addressing the challenges the construction industry faces and how to turn those insights into actionable steps for your own organization. Walk away inspired, informed, and ready to put fresh ideas into practice the moment you return home.
Facilitators: Members of the AGC of America HR Steering Committee
Meet the Speaker: David Isabella
David Isabella is a Project Engineer at Independence Excavating. As a fourth-generation DiGeronimo, he brings a deep-rooted view of the company’s mission and culture. With degrees in Accounting from Ohio State and an MBA from Case Western, David aligns field experience with strategic execution and growth. His focus: strong teams, scalable systems, and innovation rooted in real-world operations.
Meet the Speaker: Marco DiGeronimo
As a fourth-generation family member at Independence Excavating, Marco DiGeronimo has spent the past 10 years growing within the company. He began by pushing a broom in the field support shop and eventually worked his way onto the demolition team, traveling to projects across the country. His hands-on journey from the ground up has given him a unique perspective and a strong understanding of many different roles.
Meet the Speaker: Richie DiGeronimo
Richie DiGeronimo is a fourth-generation member of the Independence Excavating family and has been immersed in the world of construction for most of his life. At just 22 years old, he has already built a strong foundation through Caterpillar’s Think Big program, where he earned industry certifications, technical training, and a college degree.
Richie now travels full time as a heavy equipment field mechanic, primarily supporting the company’s paving division. While he may not be based in the office, he takes pride in carrying forward his family’s legacy through hands-on work, dedication, and a deep commitment to the field.
Meet the Speaker: Richard Reed
Rick Reed is a Vice President and Defined Contribution Practice Director in the firm’s Boston office, with over 30 years of experience. He has extensive expertise in the management of retirement plans, specializing in strategic guidance, plan design, compliance, plan mergers, investments, plan administration, governance and communications.
Rick has worked with many corporate, Taft-Hartley and not-for-profit clients including healthcare, colleges and university institutions, on all aspects of retirement programs and has specialized experience in defined contribution plans.
11:10 AM – 11:30 AM
Refreshment & Networking Break
11:30 AM – 12:20 PM
General Session
This panel conversation will explore how the construction community in the Houston area worked with a variety of owners to set conditions for and pay extra to create a sustainable construction workforce. This voluntary program, called C3, has been key in helping firms recruit and retain a sustainable workforce. The panel also will focus on why finding ways to create a sustainable workforce is key to successfully advocating for new workforce measures and creating new legal pathways for people born outside the U.S. to work in construction.
Presented by: Mike Holland, MAREK Companies; Stan Marek, MAREK Companies; and Tom Vaughn, Vaughn Construction
Moderated by: Linda Lorelle, Lorelle Media
Meet the Speaker: Mike Holland
Mike Holland is the Chief Operating Officer for Marek Brothers Systems, Inc., an 87 year-old family owned interior finishes specialty contractor, with offices across Texas and in Atlanta, Georgia. Mike is the immediate past Board Chair for the C3/Construction Career Collaborative, and Co-chairs the Construction Sector Council for the Greater Houston Partnership’s Upskill Initiative.
He has served on the boards of the Associated General Contractors of Houston, American Subcontractor’s Association, Houston Chapter (past chair), and Associated Builders and Contractors, Houston Chapter (past chair). He also serves on the board of community non-profits Covenant House Texas (current board chair), and previously the Foster Family YMCA and Greater Houston YMCA Association boards. Mike has been with Marek for his entire 54-year career in the construction industry.
Mike’s journey began as a part time warehouse worker with MAREK while in high school/college (two years), transitioned to a stint as a union apprentice carpenter/drywall mechanic (1975-78), then into the office as an estimator/project manager, sales manager, Division President, and Chief Operating Officer.
Meet the Speaker: Stan Marek
Stan Marek is the president and chief executive officer of the Marek Family of Companies, one of the largest interior contractors in the Southwest. A native Texan, Stan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Texas A&M University. He began his working career in the drywall industry during summers in high school and continued part-time until completing his tour of active duty with the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
In 1970, Stan worked as a journeyman carpenter on large commercial projects before joining Marek Brothers, where he was named president in 1982. He is a member of Texas A&M’s Constructor Hall of Fame and co-founder of Texans for a Sensible Immigration Policy and the Construction Career Collaborative.
Meet the Speaker: Tom Vaughn
Tom Vaughn, Chairman, Vaughn Construction has spent his career in the construction industry, leading Vaughn Construction as President, CEO or Chairman for the last 25+ years. The Company focuses on healthcare, education and research facilities, with nine offices in Texas. The company builds technically complex projects of all sizes and has been privileged to build some state landmarks. The company specializes in Construction Management at Risk and has also delivered some of the largest public design build projects in the state.
Tom’s focus has been on safety, quality and urgency, while adhering to the company’s original core values and being a true builder. This approach has led to an outstanding safety record and over 98% of the company’s work coming from repeat clients.
Tom has served as speaker at the University of Texas Continuing Education Seminar on Construction Management at Risk and Design Build. He also served as guest lecturer for Texas A&M university and the University of Houston. He has also been involved directly in legislative efforts to improve alternative delivery methods, and the business environment for the construction industry.
Meet the Speaker: Linda Lorelle
A two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and two-time winner of the American Women in Radio and Television’s prestigious Gracie Award, Linda Lorelle anchored the evening news at KPRC, Houston’s NBC affiliate, for nearly 17 years. Since opening her media firm in 2009, the Stanford (B.A) and Mizzou journalism graduate (M.A) has garnered an extensive roster of Fortune 500 clients, NGOs and educational institutions, and hosts the award-winning podcast, Our Voices Matter, dedicated to reminding us of our common humanity. In February 2024, she launched Civil Dialogues in partnership with Jean Becker, former chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush. The democracy project partners with presidential library foundations and the Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy to host town halls across the nation, providing a safe space for Americans to learn about and discuss difficult topics affecting the country, without being demonized. As co-founders of the Linda Lorelle Scholarship Fund, Linda and her husband, Lou Gregory, have awarded more than $4.7 million in college scholarships and life skills training to nearly 400 Houston area students over the last 34 years. In September of 2023, former Lorelle Scholars, joined by Linda and Lou’s daughter, Lindsey, assumed leadership of the organization and are ushering in a new era.
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Workforce Site Visit
Join us on a field trip to Forge Now, a local construction workforce development program that offers intense, immersive, hands-on training courses. See how they work with industry professionals to craft their technical programs and learn how they work with veterans, criminal-justice involved individuals, and other communities to recruit and prepare new entrants into the construction industry. Participants in the field trip will tour the facility and have an opportunity to meet with Forge Now’s students and educators.
Separate registration required — $60.00
About the Conference
AGC’s Construction Workforce & HR Conference is the premier education and networking destination for workforce development, HR, and training professionals in the construction industry.
For Workforce Professionals: Explore the latest workforce development efforts underway across the country and share your own success stories.
For HR Professionals: Find out whether you’re maintaining compliance with current employment laws and best practices.
For Training Professionals: Stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge techniques being used in the world of training and development.