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Mr. Apostol is a semi-retired environmental consultant, restoration ecologist, teacher, and writer. He graduated from Iowa State University in landscape architecture in 1977. Mr. Apostol credits Professor Robert Dyas, a noted lover of the Midwestern tallgrass prairie (and World War 2 vet), with sparking his interest in native ecosystems and how to use them in landscape design and planning. He has had a 40 year career based in the Pacific Northwest and California.

Mr. Apostol was a licensed landscape architect in Oregon from 1983-2015. His career has included private and public practice. Mr. Apostol practiced independently for 15 years, spent 11 years with the US Forest Service, 6 years with MIG’s Portland office, and has worked with AECOM recently as a Senior Visual Resource Specialist.  At the Forest Service he collaborated with ecologist Nancy Molina on development of a process for applying landscape ecology to forest management. This was published as  “Forest Landscape Analysis and Design,” and led to consultation and teaching on applying its ideas around the US, Canada, and in Europe.

A long interest in the restoration of natural ecosystems led Mr. Apostol to write and edit “Restoring the Pacific Northwest,” published by Island Press in 2006. This book provides a broad geographic overview of regional ecosystems and the state of the art for restoring them to health. He followed this with publication of “Designing Sustainable Forest Landscapes” (Taylor and Francis Press), Another area of interest is conservation of scenic landscapes, and in 2016 Mr. Apostol led a team to research and write “The Renewable Energy Landscape” (Routledge Press).

This book looks at the impacts on the visual landscape of large scale commercial energy project, particularly wind and solar. In semi retirement, he continues to consult, teach, and write. Mr. Apostol’s teaching has included  adjunct terms at Portland State, Oregon State, and University of Oregon, where he currently teaches Applied Ecology for Landscape Architects. 

Mr. Thomas focuses his practice on handling matters involving the construction process, including up-front contract reviews, commercial litigation, professional liability defense and trial work. He has represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, architects, engineers, land surveyors and landscape architects in all phases of construction claims. He is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois, the Federal Court of Claims, and several Federal Courts. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Defense Research Institute and its Construction Law Committee, Product Liability Committee, Building Products – Substantive Litigation Group, and Professional Liability Committee, where he served on the Steering Committee, and Design Professional Subcommittee. Mr. Thomas is an associate member of the ASCE and the AIA, and is a Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America. He is recognized by U.S. News – Best Lawyers as a Best Lawyer in Construction Law, and was honored as Lawyer of the Year in Construction-Litigation for 2022.

Mr. Aronfeld was born in Chicago and raised in Wichita, Kansas and is a distinguished attorney who graduated cum laude from the University of Miami School of Law in 1991. He founded his own firm in Coral Gables, Florida, and has gained international recognition for his dedication to representing individuals against major corporations, notably securing a significant jury verdict against Walt Disney World. Mr. Aronfeld, a graduate and faculty member of the Trial Lawyer College, has appeared on numerous national television programs and frequently lectures across the country. Board Certified as a Civil Trial Lawyer by both the Florida Bar and the National Board of Trial Advocacy, he specializes in personal injury cases and has been honored as one of Florida’s Super Lawyers and named among the “20 Most Intriguing Floridians” by Florida Magazine. 

Mr. Eckard is Board Certified in Business Litigation by the Florida Bar (less than 300 lawyers in the State of Florida are Board Certified in Business Litigation), specializes in white-collar criminal investigations and defense, all areas of commercial/business litigation, professional licensing, and administrative proceedings for physicians, health-care professionals, attorneys, accountants, securities dealer/brokers, insurance agents etc. His background, training, and experience in both business litigation, government investigations, and criminal defense make him uniquely qualified to handle business crimes. Mr. Eckard is a 1998 graduate of Stetson University College of Law (honors). He also holds an LL.M. Degree in International Law and Business from Stetson University College of Law and has been a frequent guest lecturer on topics involving international law. He has taught courses for the National Business Institute, the Clearwater and St. Petersburg Bar Associations, and others, as well as given CLE’s on topics such as: Evidence, Covenants, Representations, Practicing International Law, Damages in Business Cases, The Intersection of Business Litigation and Probate, The Business Divorce, and Private Placement Offerings for Securities Investments. Mr. Eckard was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1999 and is admitted to practice in Washington, D.C., Texas and before the United States District Court for the Middle, Northern and Southern District of Florida, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Florida Supreme Court, the United States Court of International Trade, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Tax Court. He has been admitted to practice law pro hac vice in over 15 other states and federal jurisdictions.

Mr. Feuer, a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, brings over a decade of litigation expertise, having completed more than 60 jury trials, including 35 as lead counsel, with a focus on personal injury and criminal law. Prior to founding Aaron Feuer Law, PLLC in 2023, he honed his skills at two leading personal injury firms in Miami, where he achieved record-breaking settlements and resolved nearly 1,000 cases in favor of his clients. His extensive trial experience spans state and federal courts, with numerous civil jury trials successfully completed. He began his career as an Assistant State Attorney, specializing in homicide and gang violence cases. During his tenure, he completed over 40 criminal jury trials with a flawless conviction rate in homicide cases, earning accolades such as the 2016 Trial Award for Outstanding Performance and the 2013 SAO Rookie of the Year Award. In April of 2014, Mr. Feuer became the first ever State Attorney to compete in the Guns N’ Hoses (16th) Annual Charity Boxing Tournament, fighting for the police on the ‘Guns’ side. A graduate of the University of Florida (B.S. in Finance), and Florida State University (J.D.), and former college football player at Dartmouth College, he also completed advanced advocacy training at Keble College, Oxford. Based in Miami, he serves clients across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. A passionate sports fan, Mr. Feuer enjoys cheering for the Miami Dolphins and Miami Heat in his free time.

Ms. Herzlich is an experienced civil litigator with more than a decade of experience. She recently joined Cohen & Blostein, P.A. as an associate in the plaintiff’s division where she focuses her practice on plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice. Prior to joining Cohen & Blostein, P.A., she represented both plaintiffs and defendants in litigation. She was a partner at a large insurance defense firm where she represented corporations, hospitals, insurance companies, inter and intrastate motor carriers, government agencies and their subcontractors in automobile negligence, premises liability, products liability, medical malpractice, transportation litigation and wrongful death litigation. Thereafter, she shifted her focus to plaintiff’s personal injury and joined the nation’s largest personal injury law firm as a trial attorney where she represented individuals and their families in wrongful death, automobile negligence, premises liability, and negligent security matters. She also has extensive experience in consumer rights litigation and has successfully tried over 500 bench trials appearing in nearly half of the 67 counties in Florida. Ms. Herzlich is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell®. with special recognition from the judiciary. Born and raised outside of Boston, Massachusetts she began her legal career in the Northeast before moving to Florida in 2011. She received her Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and Urban Economics from the University of Connecticut School of Business in 2007 and her Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law where she graduated with a concentration in Real Estate in 2010.

Mr. Panter is the Managing Partner of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, a Miami-based personal injury law firm that has been serving the community for over 30 years. Board Certified in Civil Trial Law, he has achieved significant verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals in cases involving personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, and medical malpractice. Mr. Panter has argued in many jurisdictions throughout the state including multiple District Courts of Appeal and the Florida Supreme Court. Beyond the courtroom, he is deeply involved in community service—having led multiple legal and civic organizations, lectured for professional associations and schools, and supported causes ranging from scholarships and education to the arts and animal rescue.

Mr. Zappolo is a shareholder with Zappolo Law, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where he focuses his practice in the areas of commercial, civil and complex business litigation. His corporate clients range from mom-and-pop businesses to much larger corporations, all of whom are treated with a distinctive hands-on approach, whether the forum is state, federal or international court. He is a regular speaker at legal education events, focusing on trial advocacy. Mr. Zappolo is a member of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and an Emeritus Member of the Craig S. Bernard Inn of Court, LIV (Master of the Bench and former Pupilage Leader). He earned his B.S. degree from Florida State University; his M.S. degree, with honors, from Florida State University; and his J.D. degree, with honors, from St. Thomas University School of Law.

Professor Rahmeyer was on the faculty at USU for 31 years and spent 10 years as research faculty at Colorado State University. Professor Rahmeyer is the past Department Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at USU as well as the senior professor of the Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics program of the Utah Water Research Laboratory. He also served at USU as the director of the Hydro Composite Modeling Program, the division head of Water Engineering, the interim division head of both the Structures Division and the Transportation Division, and as the Undergraduate Curriculum division head. Professor Rahmeyer is currently working part time as a senior associate for Ayres and associates in Fort Collins Colorado, where his primary role is to conduct national workshops in hydraulics, culvert flow, and urban drainage for the National Hydraulic Institute of FWHA. He is a fellow and lifetime member in the American Society of Civil Engineers. Professor Rahmeyer has been a member of several professional societies, and serve on committees for the American Society of Engineering Educators (ASEE), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the International Association of Hydraulic Research (IAHR), the Association of State Dam Safety Officers (ASDSO), the Instrument Society of America (ISA), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the International Erosion Control Association (IECA), and the American Society of Heating and Refrigeration Association (ASHRAE). He has regularly attended and presented at the annual conferences of ASDSO, ASEE, ASCE, IAHR, ASCE National Department Heads, and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). In the past, he has been a member of the United States Committee on Large Dams (USCOLD) and the International Committee on Large Dams (ICOLD). Over the last several years, Professor Rahmeyer has created and presented a workshop on open channel flow for HalfMoon Education and finished serving on the Bluestone Dam UASCE IEPA and on several 100% DDR review panels for the USACE. He has been on the board of directors for the Utah Floodplain and Storm Water Management Association since 1986. Professor Rahmeyer was a member the 2008 Bettelle “Final Independent Peer Review Report for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the Vegetation Policy for Local Flood Damage Reduction Systems” which reviewed many of the guidelines and policies for management of levees, floodwalls, embankment dams, and appurtenant structures. Some of his recent awards include the AHRAE Technical/Symposium Paper Award, the ASHRAE Crosby Field Award for Research, and the South Pacific Division Regional Project Delivery Team Award from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has received the Idaho Transportation Department 2012 Excellence in Transportation Award and the 2011 ACEC of Idaho Engineering Excellence Grand Award for the I-84 New York Canal Modeling and Modification. Professor Rahmeyer further received an honorable mention at the 2012 National AECE award ceremonies for his work with the I-84 New York Canal.

Mr. Miller has been a distinguished leader in the HVAC industry since 1995, bringing three decades of expertise spanning nearly all areas of focus in the HVAC industry. He holds an HVAC Master’s License in Maryland and Virginia, as well as a Stationary Engineer license. Mr. Miller is a proud member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), recently lecturing at the 2025 annual conference regarding Thermal Energy Networks. In 1998, he obtained a Security Clearance, enabling him to work on highly specialized and mission-critical classified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) projects across the globe. His portfolio includes HVAC construction and system integrations in Egypt, India, the UK, Western Europe, the Caribbean, and throughout the United States, projects that extend far beyond the scope of traditional commercial MEP work. Since 2016, Mr. Miller has been based in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continues to provide subject-matter expertise in all areas of HVAC. He also founded ProProfitBuild.com, a platform dedicated to empowering tradesmen and construction professionals. With real-world proven strategies, he addresses financial management practices, 1:1 construction and business management mentoring, and implementing proven practices and procedures to improve the continuity of business for trade-oriented businesses.

Mr. Fiebig holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado, Denver. He is a licensed architect in several states, and he provides both consulting and design services to clients throughout the country. Mr. Fiebig is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, as well as an NCARB certificate holder. He is a LEED green associate, as well as a certified fire protection specialist, credentialed through the National Fire Protection Association. As a forensic architect, Mr. Fiebig provides analysis of architectural standard of care in design and construction projects, with special emphasis on multi-family residential projects. He performs cause and origin analyses of building system installations and failures, including roofing systems, window and door systems, exterior wall cladding systems, waterproofing, and foundation systems, with a specialization in passive fire-resistive assemblies and active fire-protection systems. Mr. Fiebig provides premises liability analysis regarding slip/trip and fall accidents and accessibility code compliance, and provides maintenance and inspection procedure analysis with an emphasis on NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems. As well, he performs damage assessments on existing facilities related to storms, accidents, fire, and natural disasters. As a design architect, he provides traditional design services for residential and light commercial buildings, and provides code consulting for clients, specializing in life/safety, egress, and fire protection code requirements to assist clients in properly designing and detailing these critical elements of design and construction. Mr. Fiebig also provides traditional services during construction including construction observations and special inspections when required by the jurisdiction of authority. His experience includes several trial and deposition testimonies regarding design, construction, and the built environment, as well as mediation and arbitration support for litigation purposes. Mr. Fiebig holds active memberships in many professional organizations including AIA, NCARB, NFPA, USGBC, NICET, and others. He is a published writer in Common Ground, the national magazine for the Community Associations Institute.

Mr. Ray Meyer brings an extensive background of over 50 years in the field of Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Engineering and Testing, and Forensic Investigations. His work is centered on challenges related to expansive and soft soils, soil-structure interactions, and the testing of construction materials for large, complex projects in the public and private sectors.

In his role as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Engineering at the University of Houston, Mr. Meyer instructs courses on Construction Materials Testing, and Soils Mechanics and Foundation Engineering. This teaching role has refined his ability to demystify complex engineering concepts for individuals with little to no technical background, making him adept at conveying ideas to non-engineers and those with non-engineering backgrounds.

Mr. Meyer’s career spans a wide range of civil engineering projects, where he has applied his geotechnical expertise to design and analyze structures such as bridges, waterfront structures, deep foundations (e.g., piles, auger cast piers), slabs, pavements, runways, channels, levees, and drainage systems. His work includes critical aspects of industrial paving, airport runways, side slope stability, groundwater drainage, and complex construction scenarios like cofferdams and wet wells and earth retaining structures.

Additionally, Mr. Meyer is highly experienced in geotechnical forensic investigations, which involve analyzing structure issues such as foundation failures, pavement distress, slope stability, bulkhead and pier performance, and site moisture problems. His forensic expertise also addresses issues stemming from soil movement due to environmental factors like drought and rainfall, underground utility failures, and interactions between foundations and site vegetation.

Throughout his career, Mr. Meyer has served as a subject matter expert in disputes regarding foundation and pavement performance, making him a valuable resource for understanding and resolving complex geotechnical issues in civil engineering projects.

Mr. Kurdi has been serving the electrical industry for over 30 years as an engineer, electrician and trainer. Mr. Kurdi has engineered (designed, specified and analyzed) government buildings (police stations, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, city halls, court houses, libraries, and jails), housing buildings (affordable, senior, assistant, memory care, adaptable use and student), hospitals, data centers, sport arenas, commercial office buildings, water/wastewater treatment plants and electric utility distribution and substations. Mr. Kurdi’s experience as an electrician includes estimating, laying out, wiring, installing and maintaining electrical systems for residential and commercial buildings. He has served as an engineer on construction projects in numerous locations in Texas, including San Antonio, Arlington, Bryan and Manor. He has developed and taught thousands of seminar hours over the years at Dunwoody College of Technology, Minnesota Electrical Association, IEEE and others. The seminars include NEC Code, electrician’s exam, MV system, electrical wiring, apprenticeship, estimation, electrical design, Revit MEP, and project management. Mr. Kurdi holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in Adult Education. He is a registered electrical engineer (PE) in 37 states, including Minnesota and Texas. He holds a Class A master electrician license from the State of Minnesota. Currently, Mr. Kurdi is a senior electrical engineer and department head at BKV Group (A&E Firm with offices in Chicago, Dallas, DC & Minneapolis). Mr. Kurdi served as NCEL Board Member (Jan 2021 – present), IAEI MN Chapter president (Jan 2018 – Jan 2023), chair of IEEE Twin Cities PES/IAS (Aug 2019 – Jan 2023), Minnesota State Board of Electricity member (Jan 2018 – Jan 2020).

Ms. Chalker-Scott, has a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Oregon State University and is an ISA certified arborist and an ASCA consulting arborist. She is Washington State University’s Extension Urban Horticulturist and a Professor in the Department of Horticulture. Ms. Chalker-Scott conducts research in applied plant and soil sciences, publishing the results in scientific articles and university extension fact sheets. She is also actively involved in enhancing the scientific literacy of her audiences by teaching them how to assess the credibility of information from print and online sources. Ms. Chalker-Scott also is the award-winning author of five books and was featured in a video series – The Science of Gardening – produced by The Great Courses. She also is one of the Garden Professors – a group of academic colleagues who educate and entertain through their blog and Facebook pages. Ms. Chalker-Scott’s educational contributions to science-based information have been recognized by such groups as Garden Communicators International, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the International Society for Arboriculture.

Dr. McCoshum has designed urban, suburban, and rural conservation projects across the United States. His research expertise includes monarch ecology, milkweeds, and native bee communities, and he has more than 15 years of experience working in the arid Southwest. Dr. McCoshum has extensive experience rearing monarchs in laboratory settings, growing milkweeds, and creating vegetation management plants, and urban conservation designs. In addition to his research and professional work, he is the author of Inviting Pollinators and Other Wildlife into Your Garden, which dives into the processes of creating robust, aesthetically pleasing, wildlife habitats.

Mr. Mohney is the Engineering Geology Program leader for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The Engineering Geology Program at ODOT encompasses site characterization, subsurface exploration, slopes and embankments, geologic hazards, groundwater, geotechnical instrumentation, and planning and research activities. In this role, he also oversees the Unstable Slopes (landslide/ rockfall) Program for ODOT. He is a registered geologist and a certified engineering geologist in Oregon with over 30 years of experience in Oregon and the western states. Mr. Mohney has been the Engineering Geology Program leader since 2004. Prior to this, he had been a staff and project-level geologist for consulting firms and the mining industry as well as for ODOT. He is a graduate of the Geology Program at Portland State University. During his professional career, Mr. Mohney has been involved in the investigation, design, and construction of a wide range of challenging earthwork projects including high fills on soft ground, side slope embankments, and cut slopes in mixed-face conditions. His other work includes landslide and rockfall mitigation, ground improvement, and dewatering.

Ms. Quinn-Davidson is a Fire Advisor and the Director of UCANR’s Fire Network. Ms. Quinn-Davidson’s primary focus is on the human connection with fire, and increasing the use of prescribed fire for habitat restoration, invasive species control, and ecosystem and community resiliency. Ms. Quinn-Davidson works on prescribed fire issues at various scales, including locally in Humboldt County, where she works with private landowners to bring fire back as a land management tool; at the state level, where she collaborates on policy and research related to prescribed fire, and helps inspire and support prescribed burn associations; and nationally, through her work and leadership on prescribed fire training exchanges (TREX). Ms. Quinn-Davidson is passionate about using prescribed fire to inspire and empower people, from rural ranchers to agency leaders to young women pursuing careers in fire management, and everyone in between.

Yana Valachovic is the County Director – Forest Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Yana is passionate about finding solutions to challenging problems bringing her skills in forestry, natural resources and sociological research, design and mitigation of the built environment for wildfire resilience, as well as her years rooted in County government and community engagement. She is a member of the California Governor’s Wildfire Forest Resilience Task Force and other California state fire policy workgroups. She is the co-lead of the Northern California region of the California Fire Science Consortium and is a founding member of the Northern California Prescribed Fire Council. She has co-authored papers on fire behavior in California forests and the intersection of fire performance in home and landscape design.  She is active in California policy development and has been a technical resource for bioenergy, forest management, home hardening, and improvements to defensible space legislation. She will share her experience from post-fire assessments that have helped craft her vision for adaptation.

Ms. Avalos is a nationally renowned leader in providing accessibility-related services and is a sought-after speaker with a knack for using an upbeat approach to help others understand the complexities of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over 40 years of experience, she provides expert witnessing on ADA, 504, Federal Housing Administration, and Air Carrier Access Act legal cases. In 1990 she founded Accessology Too, LLC which is a national leader in providing accessibility consulting services and is one of the largest U.S. firms dedicated solely to accessibility and access issues. Since its founding, Accessology has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board to remain knowledgeable and adept with the constant changes that occur regarding ADA guidelines. Accessology has worked on numerous multi-million dollar projects to impact accessibility compliance during all stages, from schematics to construction and final inspections. Since 2005 Accessology has specialized in the development, execution, and monitoring of the required ADA Transition Plans for Title II entities to help them avoid access-related litigation since so much litigation is tied to not having a Transition Plan on file. Ms. Avalos and her team at Accessology are committed to removing structural and attitudinal barriers that adversely impact people with disabilities.

Mr. Kurdi has been serving the electrical industry for over 30 years as an engineer, electrician and trainer. Mr. Kurdi has engineered (designed, specified and analyzed) government buildings (police stations, sheriff’s offices, fire stations, city halls, court houses, libraries, and jails), housing buildings (affordable, senior, assistant, memory care, adaptable use and student), hospitals, data centers, sport arenas, commercial office buildings, water/wastewater treatment plants and electric utility distribution and substations. Mr. Kurdi’s experience as an electrician includes estimating, laying out, wiring, installing and maintaining electrical systems for residential and commercial buildings. He has served as an engineer on construction projects in numerous locations in Texas, including San Antonio, Arlington, Bryan and Manor. He has developed and taught thousands of seminar hours over the years at Dunwoody College of Technology, Minnesota Electrical Association, IEEE and others. The seminars include NEC Code, electrician’s exam, MV system, electrical wiring, apprenticeship, estimation, electrical design, Revit MEP, and project management. Mr. Kurdi holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s degree in Adult Education. He is a registered electrical engineer (PE) in 37 states, including Minnesota and Texas. He holds a Class A master electrician license from the State of Minnesota. Currently, Mr. Kurdi is a senior electrical engineer and department head at BKV Group (A&E Firm with offices in Chicago, Dallas, DC & Minneapolis). Mr. Kurdi served as NCEL Board Member (Jan 2021 – present), IAEI MN Chapter president (Jan 2018 – Jan 2023), chair of IEEE Twin Cities PES/IAS (Aug 2019 – Jan 2023), Minnesota State Board of Electricity member (Jan 2018 – Jan 2020).

Dr. McCoshum has designed urban, suburban, and rural conservation projects across the United States. His research expertise includes monarch ecology, milkweeds, and native bee communities, and he has more than 15 years of experience working in the arid Southwest. Dr. McCoshum has extensive experience rearing monarchs in laboratory settings, growing milkweeds, and creating vegetation management plants, and urban conservation designs. In addition to his research and professional work, he is the author of Inviting Pollinators and Other Wildlife into Your Garden, which dives into the processes of creating robust, aesthetically pleasing, wildlife habitats.

Ms. Chalker-Scott, has a Ph.D. in Horticulture from Oregon State University and is an ISA certified arborist and an ASCA consulting arborist. She is Washington State University’s Extension Urban Horticulturist and a Professor in the Department of Horticulture. Ms. Chalker-Scott conducts research in applied plant and soil sciences, publishing the results in scientific articles and university extension fact sheets. She is also actively involved in enhancing the scientific literacy of her audiences by teaching them how to assess the credibility of information from print and online sources. Ms. Chalker-Scott also is the award-winning author of five books and was featured in a video series – The Science of Gardening – produced by The Great Courses. She also is one of the Garden Professors – a group of academic colleagues who educate and entertain through their blog and Facebook pages. Ms. Chalker-Scott’s educational contributions to science-based information have been recognized by such groups as Garden Communicators International, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and the International Society for Arboriculture.

Mr. Halcomb has over 17 years of geotechnical and cold regions engineering experience and works for Devise Engineering in Anchorage, Alaska. He regularly oversees geotechnical efforts on projects ranging from several hundred thousand to multi-million dollars in various environments including the arctic, subarctic, and marine. Mr. Halcomb has experience in designing various geotechnical infrastructure including shallow and deep foundations, flexible and rigid pavements for vehicle and aircraft traffic, retaining structures, excavations, and dewatering. Mr. Halcomb is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Geo-Institute. He earned his B.S., M.C.E., M.S. in Arctic Engineering, and an Earthquake graduate certificate all from the University of Alaska Anchorage. 

Ms. Avalos is a nationally renowned leader in providing accessibility-related services and is a sought-after speaker with a knack for using an upbeat approach to help others understand the complexities of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over 40 years of experience, she provides expert witnessing on ADA, 504, Federal Housing Administration, and Air Carrier Access Act legal cases. In 1990 she founded Accessology Too, LLC which is a national leader in providing accessibility consulting services and is one of the largest U.S. firms dedicated solely to accessibility and access issues. Since its founding, Accessology has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board to remain knowledgeable and adept with the constant changes that occur regarding ADA guidelines. Accessology has worked on numerous multi-million dollar projects to impact accessibility compliance during all stages, from schematics to construction and final inspections. Since 2005 Accessology has specialized in the development, execution, and monitoring of the required ADA Transition Plans for Title II entities to help them avoid access-related litigation since so much litigation is tied to not having a Transition Plan on file. Ms. Avalos and her team at Accessology are committed to removing structural and attitudinal barriers that adversely impact people with disabilities.

Ms. Avalos is a nationally renowned leader in providing accessibility-related services and is a sought-after speaker with a knack for using an upbeat approach to help others understand the complexities of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over 40 years of experience, she provides expert witnessing on ADA, 504, Federal Housing Administration, and Air Carrier Access Act legal cases. In 1990 she founded Accessology Too, LLC which is a national leader in providing accessibility consulting services and is one of the largest U.S. firms dedicated solely to accessibility and access issues. Since its founding, Accessology has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board to remain knowledgeable and adept with the constant changes that occur regarding ADA guidelines. Accessology has worked on numerous multi-million dollar projects to impact accessibility compliance during all stages, from schematics to construction and final inspections. Since 2005 Accessology has specialized in the development, execution, and monitoring of the required ADA Transition Plans for Title II entities to help them avoid access-related litigation since so much litigation is tied to not having a Transition Plan on file. Ms. Avalos and her team at Accessology are committed to removing structural and attitudinal barriers that adversely impact people with disabilities.

Ms. Avalos is a nationally renowned leader in providing accessibility-related services and is a sought-after speaker with a knack for using an upbeat approach to help others understand the complexities of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With over 40 years of experience, she provides expert witnessing on ADA, 504, Federal Housing Administration, and Air Carrier Access Act legal cases. In 1990 she founded Accessology Too, LLC which is a national leader in providing accessibility consulting services and is one of the largest U.S. firms dedicated solely to accessibility and access issues. Since its founding, Accessology has worked closely with the Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board to remain knowledgeable and adept with the constant changes that occur regarding ADA guidelines. Accessology has worked on numerous multi-million dollar projects to impact accessibility compliance during all stages, from schematics to construction and final inspections. Since 2005 Accessology has specialized in the development, execution, and monitoring of the required ADA Transition Plans for Title II entities to help them avoid access-related litigation since so much litigation is tied to not having a Transition Plan on file. Ms. Avalos and her team at Accessology are committed to removing structural and attitudinal barriers that adversely impact people with disabilities.

Mr. Harmanos is a professional engineer with extensive experience in subsurface exploration, soil testing, infiltration testing, geosynthetics, and seismic and advanced analysis. His expertise includes commercial, industrial and institutional foundation design; retaining wall and steep slope design; sinkhole remediation; landfill design; site work; forensic engineering; LEED consulting; and construction quality control/assurance (CQA/QC). Mr. Harmanos is a graduate of Drexel University where he received both his BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering (Geosynthetics and Geotechnical). Hillis-Carnes performs geotechnical engineering consulting and laboratory testing services. Its construction services include evaluation of bearing materials, inspection of pile driving, slope inclinometer installation and monitoring, and retaining wall construction observation.

Mr. Abrahams specializes in Tax Planning, Tax Litigation, Estate Planning and Probate matters. He helps clients meet their legal and tax planning goals and objectives in the areas of business tax planning, entity formation, business transactions, wealth preservation, protection of assets, estate planning and probate estates. Mr. Abrahams also advises clients who have been contacted by the IRS regarding an audit or dispute of a tax return or a tax assessment. He represents individuals and businesses in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Ohio. He has over 25 years of substantive legal experience. In addition to a law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Mr. Abrahams has an Advanced Degree in Taxation from the Georgetown University Law Center. He is licensed in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Ohio. Additionally, Mr. Abrahams is admitted to practice in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Abrahams has published in numerous tax-related publications.

Ms. Arasu has more than 15 years of state tax consulting experience within a public accounting environment. She serves as a firm specialist in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, including the Virginia Business, Professional and Occupational License (“BPOL”) tax. Ms. Arasu consults on all aspects of state income tax, including participating in mergers and acquisition transactions, due diligence reviews, representation on state tax controversy matters, and assisting companies with state tax compliance and state tax provision matters. She has worked with Fortune 1000 and mid-size companies in industries such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, technology and nonprofit.

Ms. Kuhn has a strong and diverse background in tax planning, tax policy, and representation of taxpayers before the IRS and state tax authorities. She supports clients including domestic and foreign high net-worth individuals, corporations, nonprofit organizations, and domestic and foreign limited liability entities in a variety of federal and state tax and non-tax matters and litigation in federal and state courts. In matters involving general litigation and before the IRS, she has represented many taxpayers and companies with complex structures including joint ventures and domestic/international affiliated entities undergoing IRS audits, IRS appeals and collections. Ms. Kuhn’s prior experiences, both as an attorney-advisor at the United States Tax Court and as a litigator for the IRS provide her with valuable perspective to help anticipate and mitigate the impact of clients’ disputes. Ms. Kuhn frequently counsels clients who are in the planning stages of philanthropy, ensuring compliance with the Internal Revenue Code. She regularly advises public charities and private foundations (501(c)(3)); social welfare and business leagues (dark money) groups (501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6); and social clubs (501(c)(7)). Ms. Kuhn also advises individuals and corporate entities with regard to foreign and domestic tax issues, along with related business issues including complex litigation in federal and state courts. She is an expert witness and advisor regarding various tax issues, including nonprofit board governance. Ms. Kuhn is a member of the Murdock Inn of Court and a Board member of the Women’s Bar Association of the District of Columbia. She also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Tax Practice and Exempt-Organization Practice. Prior to joining Shulman Rogers, she was Chair of the Tax Practice at Jackson & Campbell and Of Counsel with a D.C. law firm specializing in federal tax matters. Ms. Kuhn also served with the IRS for ten years, primarily litigating before the United States Tax Court on behalf of the government, and previously served as an attorney-advisor at the United States Tax Court.

Ms. Ledingham’s practice centers around litigating in the U.S. Tax Court and Federal District Court, defending her clients during IRS and state examinations, and challenging IRS and state assessments, and penalties. Her representation includes those of a sensitive nature in connection with a risk of the allegation of tax fraud. Her practice includes representing her clients on collection matters such as offers-in-compromise, lien releases, installment agreements, innocent spouse petitions, and FBAR voluntary disclosures. Additionally, she has successfully represented her client in Maryland property tax appeals, Maryland State audits, and Washington D.C. refund suits. She is also experienced in obtaining and defending tax-exempt status for public and private non-profits. Prior to starting Ledingham Law, Ms. Ledingham worked for Willkie Farr Gallagher, LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers in New York, NY. Additionally, she received her Tax LL.M. (Master of Laws) from the Georgetown University Law Center and clerked for the Honorable Ronald Lee Buch of the United States Tax Court.

Mr. Safko’s practice focuses on tax controversy, business litigation, and trusts and states. Prior to specializing in taxes, he worked in litigation handling professional malpractice and family law cases, as well as taking leadership positions with for-profit organizations and nonprofits recognized under Section 501(c)(3). This experience has provided him with a wide perspective on the many facets of tax law and the ethical pitfalls that so often entrap professionals in various fields. He is dedicated to continuing education in order stay at the forefront of the constantly evolving landscape of taxes. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore. He is an active member of the Maryland State and Anne Arundel County Bar Associations and is licensed to practice in the State of Maryland, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, and the United States Tax Court.

Mr. Vaida brings a breadth of public and private sector experience to bear as he provides practical and thorough legal advice in the areas of tax and business. He has facilitated transactions across a wide variety of industries, including health, construction, government contracting, telecom and more. Mr. Vaida is adept at handling some of the most vexing tax issues facing taxpayers today, such as conservation easements, captive insurance, clean energy credits, and multi-state nexus and apportionment. As a member of Stein Sperling’s nationally recognized tax litigation team, he provides expert representation before the IRS and state taxing authorities. He defends taxpayers from the initial audit all the way through to Tax Court, when necessary. Mr. Vaida tailored approach ensures taxpayers always receive advice that suits their specific situation. Whether it be through an installment agreement, Offer in Compromise, or another collection alternative, he ensures taxpayers secure an agreement that works for them.

Ms. Bryant is the owner of Speaking for the Trees arborist consulting and has a long history in the green industry, from landscape to tree work. She is currently president of the Women Arborists of the Southeast, past president of the Georgia Arborists Association (GAA) and current ISA Liaison for the Georgia Chapter. Ms. Bryant’s work focuses on preparing developers, engineers, and other site planners to accommodate trees on their lots and developing creative solutions to SAVE trees where possible. She has been awarded the GAA Arborist of the Year award, the Tree Climbing Championship Award, and the President’s Award for her outstanding service and commitment to outreach, education, and safety in the industry. Ms. Bryant is an avid traveler and loves to report on the world’s trees on her TikTok page, Speaking for the Trees.

Mr. House is a Board Certified Master Arborist, is Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and is president of the Georgia Arborist Association. He currently works as an arborist for the City of Decatur, Georgia. After attending the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia, he worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forestry Commission, and several private tree companies in various roles. In addition to educational programming about trees, Mr. House has conducted many other natural resource education courses, including programs on reptiles and amphibians and on recycling and water conservation. He was awarded the White Oak Award for leadership, commitment, and impact in tree work by the Georgia Arborist Association in 2022. Mr. House is an avid quilter, gardener, and extremely novice cyclist.