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Mr. Dixon is a highly regarded attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, specializing in construction litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and real estate law. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012 – 2026, reflecting his expertise and reputation in the legal field. Mr. Dixon graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1997 and has been practicing law since then. He is a member of the American Bar Association’s Construction Law Forum and the Founding Chair of the Cleveland Metro Bar Association’s Construction Law Subcommittee, showcasing his commitment to professional development and community service. Mr. Dixon’s practice focuses on helping clients manage risk, resolve disputes, and navigate complex legal challenges in the construction and real estate sectors.

Mr. Pannett is a seasoned attorney with more than 25 years of practice in Ohio’s transportation industry. Joining Kegler Brown after more than 31 years of public service in state and local government as a lawyer and manager, he is also a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio, holds an MBA, and is a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (in retirement status). Mr. Pannett focuses his practice primarily in the areas of construction, real estate, litigation, and issues involving state and local governments. With an extensive practical background and education in engineering, and previous work experience with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), he leverages his unique perspective to provide useful insights for the benefit of his clients. At ODOT, Mr. Pannett worked in a multitude of capacities, including as a transportation engineer, as the Administrator for the Office of Contract Sales and Estimating, and as Deputy Chief Legal Counsel. He also spent four years as an Assistant Attorney General in the Transportation section of the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Mr. Pannett is a frequent presenter on engineering ethics and regularly defends professional engineers before the Ohio Board of Professional Engineer and Surveyors.

Mr. Pempus has been a risk manager for more than 18 years, with experience in architecture, engineering, land use, law and professional liability insurance, and a unique and well-rounded background in the construction industry. Prior to risk management, he has 25 years of experience in the practice of architecture and engineering, and as an adjunct professor teaching professional practice courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for the last 37 years. As a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and AIA National Ethics Council 2021 chair, he has demonstrated his impact on architectural profession. He is a licensed architect, attorney and property and casualty insurance agent.

Mr. Truax’s practice includes counseling and representing contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, owners, and developers in the negotiation and review of contract forms and front-end project documents, as well as bidding and bid protest matters. His previous experience working in the field for general contractors and specialty trades provides him with a depth of practical construction knowledge in advising and counseling clients in the management, prosecution, and defense of claims during construction projects. These claims range from extra work scope claims and insurance coverage issues to claims for differing site conditions, extended general conditions, lost productivity, acceleration and delay. Mr. Truax also routinely files and defends against mechanic’s lien, public lien, and payment bond claims in Ohio and other states. He’s spent the bulk of his career pursuing and defending construction cases in litigation and arbitration.

Mr. Young is an accomplished attorney with a diverse range of legal expertise. He has worked in construction law, civil litigation, contract law, and criminal law. Currently, Mr. Young serves as Construction and Commercial Transactions Counsel for the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), where he advises on all legal matters related to construction and commercial transactions. His role involves developing, negotiating, and finalizing complex agreements, ensuring the interests of COTA are protected. Additionally, he provides expert counsel on federal, state, and local laws and regulations, guiding staff through contract modifications and offering strategic advice on risk mitigation and liability concerns. Mr. Young’s career includes serving as Legal Counsel for the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, where he provided legal guidance on multimillion-dollar public infrastructure projects. He also worked as an Assistant Attorney General, representing the Ohio Department of Transportation and managing eminent domain litigation. Mr. Young previous role as an Assistant Prosecutor involved handling juvenile criminal cases and child protective services matters, collaborating with law enforcement and social workers to drive fair and just outcomes. He earned his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mr. Young has been admitted to the Ohio Bar since 2019.

Ms. Zeis graduated in December of 2007 with a BS degree in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University. She began her career in the swimming pool industry in 2008 while working for a hospitality architecture design firm. Her role was to provide the engineering to help the firm, and its clients, navigate the new federal laws addressing water safety and accessibility. Ms. Zeis provided guidance to several states in their development of legislation to address the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, ADA and ANSI Regulations. After leaving the architecture firm, she continued to provide consulting and design services to her clients and grew her client base to include municipalities, HOAs, resort and community pool associations. As she grew in her experience, her company has grown and provides design for everything from high-end residential projects to large water parks. In April of 2018 Ms. Zeis founded Aquatic Engineering Consultants, LLC (AEC), where she and her staff have adopted the mantra of “Solutions. Integrity. Excellence.” AEC strives to provide the best engineering solutions that meet the client’s vision while providing the best user experience. Licensed in over 21 states and with 16+ years in the industry, Ms. Zeis has experience with all types of site challenges, evolving regulations, advances in equipment and related technologies.

Mr. Daniliants is a seasoned project manager specializing in the design of infrastructure facilities at a leading engineering and design firm renowned for its work in the transportation sector. Expert in all aspects of highway design and traffic engineering, Mr. Daniliants spent most of his carrier working on challenging projects in New York and New Jersey – the nation’s most congested region. Throughout his 30-year professional career, Mr. Daniliants has been involved in a wide range of highway projects including traffic impact studies; design of roadways, intersections, roundabouts and highway interchanges; and design of toll plazas, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, traffic signals, roadway drainage, pavement, and utility relocation. Mr. Daniliants holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and a master’s degree in Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning. He is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), a certified Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE), and a Road Safety Professional (RSP). He is also a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE).

Professor Rauf has over 25 years of experience in teaching undergraduate and post graduate engineering, science, math, business administration and MBA courses, seminars, and workshops. He earned his BS degree in Electrical Engineering, with honors, from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. Professor Rauf earned his Executive MBA degree from Pfeiffer University Misenheimer, North Carolina. He is a registered professional engineer in the States of Virginia, Wyoming, and North Carolina, and he is a Certified Energy Manager. Professor Rauf holds a patent in process controls technology. His last full-time engineering employment, in the corporate world, was at PPG Industries, Inc. where he served as a senior staff engineer. Professor Rauf was inducted as “Legend in Energy” by AEE, in 2014. He is a member of ASEE, American Society of Engineering Education. Professor Rauf has developed and instructed Professional Engineering and Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (NCEES) Prep Courses over the past 20 years. He develops and instructs PDHs (Professional Development Hours) and continuing education, engineering skill building seminars and courses. Professor Rauf is also an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University. He has published multiple texts over the last ten years. Professor Rauf also provides text editorial services to River Publishers.

Mr. Nechamen was the Floodplain Coordinator for the State of New York Department of Environmental Conservation for 21 years. During that period, he helped to promote higher floodplain standards in New York, including enacting a two foot “freeboard” requirement in New York’s building code, saving property owners millions of dollars in flood losses and flood insurance premiums. One of the founders of the New York State Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association (NYSFSMA), a professional association with over 600 active members, He was their first Chair and currently serves the Association as its treasurer.

Mr. Nechamen has been a Board member of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) at various times for 13 years. ASFPM represents over 15,000 professionals across the United States and internationally and is a key national voice in policies designed to reduce flood risk while preserving the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. He served as chair (2013-2015), vice-chair (2011-2013) and treasurer (2008-2010) and is currently co-chair of the Floodplain Regulations Committee. Mr. Nechamen has received the ASFPM Meritorious Lifetime Achievement in Floodplain Management Award.
In his capacity as Floodplain Coordinator, he has led workshops and training sessions on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), floodplain management and regulations, understanding and interpreting flood maps, flood insurance and the Community Rating System.

Mr. Rute is a licensed Wisconsin architect with extensive experience in construction, design, and regulatory aspects of the built environment. Beginning his journey with exposure to the construction industry, he earned an architectural degree and worked across traditional architectural offices, design/build firms, and corporate settings acquiring experience with many aspects of the profession. Mr. Rute later served as a plan examiner and Manager of the City of Milwaukee Development Center for over 25 years as a code official, collaborating with colleagues at various government levels to adopt, administer, and apply building codes and standards to many and varied building types. Now a consultant, he advises architects, developers, and building & business owners on building and zoning codes and assists with navigating the whitewater of the entitlement process for a variety of development projects. Mr. Rute provides code tutorials to design professionals and is an adjunct professor teaching building codes to architecture students at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning. He also actively participates in code development sitting on several committees of the International Code Council and the American Institute of Architects Codes & Standards Committee. Mr. Rute is a passionate proponent of preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

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).

Mr. Iorio is an engineer with StormTree, a Rhode Island-based design and engineering firm specializing in integrating plant systems with stormwater management for commercial and residential applications throughout the Northeast. Over the past 25 years, he has designed and implemented soil and water pollutant removal systems that incorporate principles of bioretention and “natural enhancement,” including biological (bioremediation) and plant-based (phytoremediation) techniques, to achieve cleanup goals and support low-impact development solutions.

Prior to joining StormTree, Mr. Iorio worked as an independent landscape design consultant and contractor. He holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in plant, soil, and water sciences, as well as environmental engineering.

Ms. Warner has dedicated over 30 years to planning, designing, and constructing public facilities, focusing on accessible design for the past 25 years. Her goal is to ensure that individuals of all abilities can enjoy the facilities in the City of San Diego. Throughout her career, Ms. Warner has worked in various departments, including Engineering, Parks, and Public Works, and is currently with the Sustainability and Mobility Department, specifically in the ADA Compliance and Accessibility Section. Her influence extends beyond her current role. Ms. Warner actively collaborates on the development of Street Design Guidelines, Curb ramp design guidelines and City standards, Municipal codes, and Public Rights of Way policies. She oversees the city’s accessibility compliance program and implements improvements outlined in the Facilities and Right-of-Way (ROW) Transition Plan, demonstrating her comprehensive approach to accessibility. Ms. Warner holds a Master of Science degree in Architectural Engineering and is a Certified Access Specialist. She reviews design and construction documents, provides training, and develops new standards and guidelines to ensure compliance with accessibility regulations. Additionally, Ms. Warner serves as a board member of California’s Certified Access Specialists Institute.

Mr. Wassam is the Founder and Chief Drone Pilot of Aerial Ops Drone Services and a Part 107 FAA Certified Pilot with more than 25 years of experience in professional photography, video production, and visual documentation. He specializes in delivering accurate, mission-specific aerial data and high-impact imagery for commercial construction, infrastructure, quarry, and corporate projects. Mr. Wassam combines advanced UAS operations, including progress documentation, mapping, 2D orthomosaics, 3D modeling, and site analysis, with professional-grade software to produce actionable data—not just visuals. His approach is grounded in a strong understanding of jobsite workflows, safety considerations, and decision-making requirements for project managers and engineers. In addition to his drone expertise, Mr. Wassam brings a unique technical perspective from an extensive background as a decorative artist and specialty contractor, working closely with architects, designers, and top building contractors on residential and commercial projects. This hands-on construction experience allows him to communicate effectively with field teams and deliver aerial products that align with real-world construction needs. By integrating technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and visual clarity, he helps clients reduce risk, improve efficiency, and gain better insight into their projects through aerial intelligence.

Dr. Wu is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Alabama. He is the director for Interdisciplinary Center for Sustainable Engineering (ICSE), the Gulf-Coast Center for Addressing Microplastic Pollution (GC-CAMP), the Solid Waste Sustainability Hub and the director for Sustainable Asphalt Materials Lab. Dr. Wu was a senior sustainability research engineer in the Illinois Center for Transportation at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research and education areas include asphalt materials characterization; smart, sustainable transportation materials for infrastructure; pavement performance evaluation and modeling; and pavement design and maintenance. Dr. Wu has successfully secured over $7.8 million in research funding from various federal and state agencies, as well as industry. He has published 67 peer-reviewed journal articles, 11 technical reports, and has presented at over 56 conferences and 33 invited talks. Dr. Wu teaches a mixture of undergraduate and graduate engineering courses such as Pavement Design and Advanced Characterization of Transportation Materials. He developed a free course for students to pass the fundamentals of engineering exam. Dr. Wu is a committee member for Transportation Research Board (TRB) AJE35 and AKM 90, and a member of American Society of Civil Engineer (ASCE), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and Academy of Pavement Science and Engineering (ASPE). Dr. Wu is also an editorial member for ASCE Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, and International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology. He serves as a panel member for several NCHRP and ACRP projects. He is also a registered professional engineer in Alabama and a LEED accredited professional.

Ms. Banks focuses her practice on all areas of construction law, from contract drafting and negotiation, to pre-litigation dispute resolution, and complex construction disputes involving construction defect, mechanic’s lien, and payment bond claims. She represents clients across the construction spectrum, including design professionals, owners, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. In addition to her construction practice, Ms. Banks serves as outside legal counsel to the AIA Contract Documents Committee and has been intimately involved in the drafting of, and updates to, AIA Contract Documents over the past fifteen years. Ms. Banks frequently presents on topics including risk management for design professionals, owners, and contractors, and updates to, and analysis of, AIA Contract Documents.

Ms. Banks has been published in the Journal of the American College of Construction Lawyers, Construction Law Handbook, and the Maryland State Bar Association Deskbook, as well as in other professional books and publications. Ms. Banks is a Fellow in the American College of Construction Lawyers and has been listed in Chambers USA for Construction in Maryland, U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” for Construction Law in Maryland, and Maryland Super Lawyers for Construction Litigation. Ms. Banks is also a member of the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry, Maryland State Bar Association, and District of Columbia Bar Association.

Mr. Katz has practiced law in Maryland for two decades, primarily focusing on construction litigation. However, he has a soft spot for representing architects and engineers facing disciplinary proceedings. In these cases, he aims to both zealously defend his clients from harsh repercussions so as to preserve their license to practice, but also to educate them so that they can avoid further disciplinary charges in the future.

Mr. Kelly joined Jackson & Campbell, P.C. from the Department of Justice in 1988. He became a Director in 1992 and a Shareholder in 1993, and is a member of the Firm’s General Litigation and Trial Practice Group. He has been appointed a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, is rated AV-Preeminent™ by Martindale-Hubbell, and has received the coveted Super Lawyer designation for Washington, D.C. in the fields of professional liability, general litigation, and insurance coverage annually beginning in 2012. He is included on the Roster of Neutrals of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) for construction disputes, and serves as an arbitrator and mediator in disputes brought to the AAA for resolution.

He serves as a volunteer arbitrator with the D.C. Bar’s Attorney/Client Arbitration Board, is a Steering Committee member of the Litigation Community of the District of Columbia Bar, and is a member of the Steering Committee of the Construction Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. In 2015 he was elected a Fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extra-Contractual Counsel. Mr. Kelly’s practice has concentrated on the counseling and defense of clients in litigation arising out of construction defect and delay claims, professional liability claims (particularly those brought against architects, engineers and social services providers), environmental and toxic tort disputes (including asbestos, gasoline spills, and interior mold claims), pharmaceutical product liability claims and serious bodily injury and wrongful death claims. He also assists insurance companies in resolving coverage questions arising under general liability and professional liability policies in those and other areas of the law, and represents insurers in coverage litigation.

Like any litigator, he has had occasion to take on cases in other areas as far afield as those involving employment discrimination, public charity tax issues, and tort suits against adoption agencies. A member of the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Florida bars, Mr. Kelly’s practice is centered in the regional D.C., Maryland, and Virginia state and federal courts, but he has been admitted pro hac vice to the courts of virtually all other east coast states, and in a good number of western states including Arizona, Montana, Texas, and Wyoming. In addition to his trial work, Bob has represented clients in appeals in several states, including briefing appeals to the Supreme Courts of Delaware, South Carolina, and Texas, and briefing and arguing appeals to the Supreme Courts of Virginia and West Virginia, the Court of Special Appeals of Maryland, and the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Eleventh Circuits. Before coming to Jackson & Campbell, Mr. Kelly was a Senior Trial Attorney with DOJ’s Civil Division (Torts Branch) defending environmental and toxic tort (asbestos) claims brought against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act.

He also maintained a significant admiralty and maritime tort caseload. In 1987, he joined the Adjunct Faculty of the Washington College of Law at The American University, where he taught legal writing for seven years. He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in civil engineering from Princeton University in 1974 and a J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1977. Mr. Kelly speaks and publishes frequently on litigation and insurance coverage topics, and currently is most active in the Construction Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association, and the Litigation Section of the District of Columbia Bar. He is a past Vice Chair of the Insurance Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section (TIPS).

He authors and provides annual updates to the chapters on District of Columbia law in two highly regarded treatises, the “Tort Law Desk Reference” and the “Product Liability Desk Reference.” He wrote the chapter on Post-Evidentiary Actions and Relief from Judgments and Orders for inclusion in the D.C. Bar Association’s most recent (2014) update to its “Civil Trial Practice Manual,” as well as the post-trial (appellate) chapter in the recent reissuance of “Appleman’s on Insurance,” a nationally recognized treatise on insurance coverage law. He also has been principally responsible for updating the DC Bar’s Litigation Section’s chapter on Superior Court Civil Practice in “The District of Columbia Practice Manual.”

Mr. Policastri is a trial attorney with more than 37 years of experience handling commercial and construction disputes, including the defense of professional liability matters involving engineers and other design professionals. He regularly advises clients on insurance coverage issues related to professional liability. Mr. Policastri has represented parties in multi-million-dollar claims involving alleged design coordination failures, construction sequencing disputes, and performance standard disagreements, where liability turned on the project specifications and the allocation of responsibility under contract documents. He earned an LL.M. in Litigation Management, focusing on the trial and dispute resolution strategy in the management of complex multiparty litigation with catastrophic loss. Mr. Policastri is licensed to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Louisiana.

Mr. Smith practices in O’Hagan Meyer’s Maryland office. A civil litigator for over 30 years, the bulk of his time has been devoted to the defense of design professionals. He holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale Hubbell. In addition to providing malpractice litigation defense, he prepares and negotiates contracts and provides risk mitigation advice for his clients. Mr. Smith has litigated, tried cases, and handled appellate matters in each of the jurisdictions in which he practices. While he has concentrated on the defense of design professionals, he has experience in premises liability, automobile accident, products liability, insurance coverage, food poisoning, asbestos cases, and even one McDonald’s “hot coffee” case. Mr. Smith spent seven years as the in-house lead claims counsel for Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (BGE). There, he oversaw cases from investigation through trial, handled portions of crisis response, as well as advised management on risk mitigation strategies. His experience with utility issues began before his stint with BGE, providing defense and counsel to underground utility locating companies, and continued after his return to private practice with work on revisions to the Maryland “Miss Utility” law and membership on the Defense Research Institute’s Public Utilities Task Force. Mr. Smith was BGE’s representative to the Southeastern Electric Exchange Claims Committee, where he also served as secretary, vice chair and chair, (at different times).

At the firm, Mr. Vyas handles legal matters in the realm of construction, contracts, patents, and more. In the construction law world, he represents a wide variety of clients ranging from contractors and owners to engineers and subcontractors. Mr. Vyas has garnered the attention of many attorneys and engineers alike in a short time since opening his own law firm in 2018. This has brought him recognition on a national and global scale with his handling negotiations, mediation, and arbitration internationally in addition to his domestic law practice. Mr. Vyas has organized symposiums to discuss construction law issues and spoken at various conferences and internal construction company events about how to best manage and mitigate legal risk in engineering and construction projects. In 2018, the same year He opened his law firm, he was awarded the Clients’ Choice Award. Since becoming an attorney, Mr. Vyas has collected numerous accolades including consecutively being selected to the Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. He enjoys the life of being a true solo attorney law firm. It allows him to truly connect to each of his clients and address their needs directly. Mr. Vyas regularly posts to his law firm’s blog and on social media channels @SAVLawFirm. While connecting with clients is his favorite activity, he also stays regularly connected with his peers and new topics in the field of engineering and law as he is a member of over a dozen unique associations, institutions, bars, and programs across the globe.

Prior to his service at TVA, Mr. Savage was in private survey practice for 10 years specializing in dispute resolution and expert witness services. He has surveyed several disputed state boundaries to resolve jurisdictional conflicts. Mr. Savage is an adjunct professor at Cleveland State Community College where he teaches courses in boundary law, geodesy, GIS, and surveying fundamentals. He has researched and retraced the historical surveys of Henry David Thoreau and has published several articles on the subject. Mr. Savage teaches exam review and continuing education seminars at various state and local conferences across the country.

Professor Fratta is an associate professor in Geological Engineering and Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He holds Civil Engineering degrees from three different universities: a diploma from U.N. Corboda (Argentina), an M.A.Sc. degree from U. of Waterloo (Canada), and a Ph.D. degree from Georgia Tech (USA). He has over 20 years of teaching experience through courses in soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and applied geophysics, and he is the author of three books. Professor Fratta also supports a research group that pursues studies in near-surface geophysics, wave propagation in soils and groups, and experimental geotechnical engineering.

Dr. Souza is the founding partner of Princeton Hydro, LLC. From its inception in 1998 through 2018, he served as president of Princeton Hydro, retiring from the company in 2019. Over the past 35 years he has dedicated his career to the management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, in particular lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Dr. Souza received his B.S. degree in 1974 from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, his M.S. in 1976 from Rutgers University, and his Ph.D. in 1981 from the University of Connecticut. He has served over the past 25 years as an instructor and course coordinator for the Rutgers NJAES Office of Continuing Professional Education, developing and implementing multiple short courses focused on the management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Souza is also an adjunct professor at Temple University (Ambler Campus), teaching a graduate studies course in the Department of Landscape and Horticulture (Tyler School of Art and Agriculture). He also conducts a professional continuing education course focusing on green infrastructure stormwater management for CPES through Montclair State University.

Ms. Banta is a connector and resourceful problem solver who is passionate about demystifying legal requirements and helping clients create, protect and leverage value. She is a registered patent attorney and focuses on assisting Fortune 100 and middle-market clients with global trademark, patent, and copyright needs and infringement issues. She concentrates her practice in the areas of foreign and U.S. trademark, patent, and copyright prosecution; bet-the-company patent, trademark, copyright, design, unfair competition, right of publicity, marketing, and trade secret litigation; dispute negotiation; intellectual property licensing; and business planning for protection and value enhancement of intellectual property. Her focus in all these endeavors is business planning for protection and value enhancement of intellectual property.

As a connector, Ms. Banta’s intellectual property clients trust her to find the right connection on non-IP issues, and so Holiday enjoys serving as outside general counsel to many of her clients. She assists companies to develop in-house intellectual property protection programs and recommends and implements protection strategies for core intellectual property assets. Through these programs and strategies, she provides clients with business planning to protect and enhance the value of their intellectual property. Ms. Banta has worked with clients in a wide range of fields, including the medical device, biotechnology, software, agricultural, wine, consumer products, chemical, pharmaceutical, equine, wireless technology, private equity, logistics, real estate, food service, automotive, banking, drone, insurance, refrigeration, plastics, aviation, toys, veterinary, travel, and publishing fields.

Ms. Hamer’s experience, success, and reputation earned her the honor of receiving IndyBar’s first-ever V. Sue Shields Young Female Lawyer Award in August 2025. The award recognizes an emerging female attorney who embodies excellence, professionalism, and a commitment to the ideals of justice. Ms. Hamer was selected by her peers as an Indiana Super Lawyers – Rising Star honoree in 2019-2025 in Environmental Litigation, and Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch for 2024-2026 in Environmental Law, Construction Law, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defense. In addition, she is a registered civil mediator. Ms. Hamer is a volunteer attorney for multiple projects through the Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar), the Indiana Bar Association, and the Indiana Bar Foundation. She has served on the Executive Committee for the Women and Law Division (WLD) of IndyBar since 2017 and chaired the WLD Mentoring Program in 2018 and 2019. As of 2021, she is an at-large member of the IndyBar Insurance Coverage Section’s Executive Committee. In 2025, she was elected to a two-year term as Vice-Chair of the Indianapolis Chapter of Women in E-Discovery, having previously served a term as Social Media Director and a term as Membership Director.

Ms. Hamer was elected to the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management’s (IHMM) National Board of Directors in 2020 and re-elected for another four-year term beginning in 2024. She was elected Chair of the IHMM’s Board in 2025, having previously served on the Executive Committee as Vice-Chair and Secretary. The IHMM certifies and manages multiple hazardous and dangerous materials and occupational safety and health credentials. She is also a regular speaker on environmental law, including PFAS topics, administrative laws and procedures, and on construction and insurance law issues. Ms. Hamer has been a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) since 2010, as accredited under ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024, the International Standard for Personnel Certification Programs, and the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB).She is also an environmental professional, as defined in the ASTM E1527 standard for environmental and real estate due diligence and under the U.S. EPA’s guidance.

Her prior legal experience includes work as a civil defense attorney for another Indianapolis law firm, where she concentrated on environmental, construction, and A/E professional malpractice litigation and insurance coverage. She previously was an attorney in E-discovery and ESI management. She was a law clerk in Marion Environmental Court under Judge David Certo, with the Civil Litigation Section of the Indiana Attorney General’s office, and for Chief Environmental Law Judge Mary Davidsen with the former Indiana Office of Environmental Adjudication. Ms. Hamer’s prior business experience includes work as an environmental and real estate redevelopment consultant, in environmental laboratories, and as a regulator in multiple states and regulatory media. She led her certified woman-owned business for several years, providing environmental risk assessment, technical review, regulatory negotiation, and business development services for environmental consultants in Indiana and Illinois.

Ms. Hamer was also a senior environmental manager and environmental risk assessor for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). She was an invited peer-reviewer and is credited in the 2012 IDEM Remediation Closure Guide. She is a founder and a past vice president and treasurer of the Midwestern States Environmental Consultants Association and was an organizer of the 2006, 2009, and 2010 Midwestern States Risk Assessment Symposiums. Ms. Hamer earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Columbia College where she graduated cum laude. She then earned her Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and a graduate certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law.

Mr. Pempus has been a risk manager for more than 18 years, with experience in architecture, engineering, land use, law and professional liability insurance, and a unique and well-rounded background in the construction industry. Prior to risk management, he has 25 years of experience in the practice of architecture and engineering, and as an adjunct professor teaching professional practice courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels for the last 37 years. As a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and AIA National Ethics Council 2021 chair, he has demonstrated his impact on architectural profession. He is a licensed architect, attorney and property and casualty insurance agent.

Mr. Ofori-Amanfo’s broad-based experience includes investigation of collapsed structures, investigation of construction defects and damage, investigation of condensation in building envelopes, evaluation of roof and wall leakage, field water spray testing of windows, and assessment of wind and hail damage. His work also involves giving expert testimony and assisting attorneys in resolving disputes over construction and materials-related problems. Prior to establishing Collins Forensics LLC, Mr. Ofori-Amanfo previously worked for many years at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE), the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Twin City Testing Corporation. He received his B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Science and Technology in Ghana and his M.S. degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Mr. Ofori-Amanfo is a registered professional engineer in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Ms. Sauls received both her J.D. and Graduate Degree in Comparative Law from Louisiana State University Paul M. Hebert Law Center, graduating cum laude. While in law school, She served as an executive member of the Moot Court Board. Additionally, she completed an externship in the First Circuit Court of Appeals and trained to mediate resolution of conflicts through her involvement in the Civil Mediation Clinic. Ms. Sauls was recognized by the Wex S. Malone Inns of Court for excellence in Trial Advocacy and received the CALI award in Contracts. She earned her undergraduate bachelor of science degree in Marketing from LSU.

Ms. Varnado represents clients in all areas of construction, general liability, insurance defense, commercial litigation, and advises clients on government relations and regulatory matters. Ms. Varnado is ranked by her peers and clients among the Louisiana Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” in Construction Litigation, Civil Litigation, and Business/Corporate Law.

Mr. Fraser is a PHI-accredited Consultant, Certifier, and Trainer at Peel Passive House Consulting, with extensive experience in energy-efficient building design and construction. At Peel, he manages Passive House certification and consulting projects ranging from single-family homes to large non-residential and mixed-use developments. Mr. Fraser specializes in highly efficient mechanical systems for low-energy buildings, with a focus on practical, cost-effective HVAC solutions that support Passive House and Net Zero performance targets. He is currently focused on the implementation of a CMHC-funded research initiative advancing a novel HVAC approach for multifamily residential buildings across Canada, adapting a proven commercial air distribution strategy for residential use. In addition to his project work, he supports Peel’s training programs through the development and delivery of Passive House–focused courses.

As Gensler’s Northeast Regional Resilience Leader, Mr. Galway-Witham has been instrumental in the rollout of the Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards. Since joining Gensler in 2019, he has worked on a number of complex projects across aviation, life sciences, developer sciences, and CASPA practice areas. Alongside his work in providing sustainability best-practice, technical expertise, and stewardship on large-scale master planning, Mr.Galway-Witham is engaged in building tools, calculators, and workflows to embed resilience and sustainability into each project. He also serves as the Office Practice Area leader for the Climate Action & Sustainability practice area.

Mr. Komar, P.Eng. is the Principal and lead mechanical engineer at Revolve Engineering Inc. and is a specialist in Net Zero building design, energy modelling and geothermal systems. He has helped design over fifteen Net Zero buildings and more than 45 commercial geothermal systems on a variety of projects ranging from multi-story commercial office buildings to apartment buildings and government facilities. Mr. Komar started his HVAC career in Virginia working for a leading green design firm, gaining experience in both traditional as well as green HVAC design. Upon returning to Edmonton, he continued to pursue his passion for green design by focusing most of his energy on renewable systems including geothermal, solar thermal, heat recovery systems as well as energy modelling. Today, Mr. Komar focuses solely on building energy consulting, Net Zero building designs and renewable mechanical systems (including geothermal). His passion for designing sustainable, energy-efficient buildings is evident in each of his projects and he always strives to push the envelope in energy efficient designs. Jacob is actively involved in the green community, serving on the City of Edmonton’s Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee (ETCRC), as well as the Western Canadian Geo Association.

Ms. Levett is a Senior Interior Designer, specializing in creating elegant, inclusive, and welcoming workplaces that maximize productivity while focusing on occupant well-being. An ardent advocate for sustainable design, she brings a thoughtful design resilience lens to her work and beyond. As part of the global Gensler Product Sustainability (GPS) Standards core team, she turns the challenge of climate change into approachable, everyday actions that to create healthier interiors and more resilient buildings. Having lived and practiced in New York, Boston, and Chicago she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and community. Ms. Levett’s mission on every project is to create beautiful, narrative-driven designs that achieve her clients’ goals while highlighting what makes them unique. 

Ms. Madonna is an award-winning Canadian Architect with over 17 years of experience working with leading architectural firms. She is licensed with the Ontario Association of Architects, and is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. Throughout her academic experience, Ms. Madonna has taught architectural design both in-person and online. At Athabasca University, she has been teaching students globally for over five years through virtual practices. Her teaching methodology focuses on creating inclusive and collaborative environments, seeking tools and open resources to help support education and enhance the experience. She is one of the Global Studio key members, working to support equity and diversity in architectural education and is developing a global mentoring network for students and young professionals in the architectural industry. Before joining Athabasca University, Ms. Madonna was a Principal at Moriyama & Teshima Architects, leading award-winning, highly sustainable designs for Universities and Colleges across Canada. She was the Principal Architect on The Arbour, a ten-storey, mass timber, net-zero carbon building for George Brown College and the Honey Bee Research Centre for the Ontario Agricultural College at the University of Guelph. Her work has received national and international recognition for design excellence. She currently practices under her firm, Studio Veronica Madonna Architect, having recently contributed to the Canadian Wood Council Midrise Guide to Wood Construction. As an educator, researcher and practitioner, her focus in architecture includes; sustainable design strategies in the built environment, advancements in mass timber construction, and equity in architectural practice and education. She is a member of the Canadian Green Building Council Workforce 2030 Mass Timber Working Group and the Ontario Association of Architects Sustainable Built Environment Committee. She is actively involved in the architectural community, lecturing on current innovations in architecture.

Ms. Saunders is a building science consultant with over a decade of experience and a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. Her work focuses on reducing the climate impact of the built environment through research, education, and practice. With degrees in Architecture and Building Science, she is dedicated to bridging design excellence with technical performance and environmental responsibility. Ms. Saunders has supported dozens of high-profile projects in achieving ambitious low-carbon goals and led research on the lifecycle impacts of common enclosure systems. She has taught building science and sustainable design at the University of Toronto and co-taught a national low-carbon training program for engineers through the Climate Risk Institute. A Certified Passive House Designer and LEED Accredited Professional, she serves on the board of the Ontario Building Envelope Council and is a co-founder of the Toronto BioBuild Collective.

Mr. Kwiatkowski has over 25 years of experience in the field. He’s a certified professional ecologist (CE) and fluvial geomorphologist, who has collected and analyzed data on more than 1,000 miles of river and stream and contributed to stormwater best management practice manuals, addressing the design of ecosystem restoration projects, green infrastructure planning, water quality improvement, and habitat reconstruction. Mr. Kwiatkowski’s assisted numerous clients, including non-profit organizations, municipalities, park districts, and government agencies, with the planning, design, and installation of restoration projects on a variety of scope and scales. His day-to-day professional responsibilities include project management, public outreach, stream assessment, data analysis and calculations, restoration design, and construction oversight.

Mr. Hendrickson is the owner of SportsWest Construction, a general contractor, with offices in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, and with operations currently covering five states. He is a former board member of the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), overseeing the Courts Division. Mr. Hendrickson was a contributor to the ASBA Official 2020 Pickleball Construction and the 2023 Courts and Rec Construction manuals for ASBA. His company has built more than 15,000 courts and other sports projects since 1987. He is currently a consultant for several pickleball complexes throughout the West. Mr. Hendrickson graduated from BYU School of Engineering with emphasis in Construction Management. His background of real estate development and construction foster his enate ability to grow the business and a multitude of networking relationships. His team of account managers, project managers, and support staff enables his company to provide the best professional service in sports construction in the industry. An avid sports fan, you will find him cheering on his favorite BYU teams, and he still plays pickleball, tennis, and golf.