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Senior Counsel Attorney at Holland & Knight
Ms. Fonte is senior counsel at Holland & Knight’s Boston office and concentrates her practice in the areas of commercial litigation, construction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) law, and whistleblower claims. Ms. Fonte is co-chair of Holland & Knight’s OSHA, Workplace Safety and Whistleblower Claims Practice Team. She is OSHA 10-hour and 30-hour certified and has lectured as a program instructor at the OSHA 30-Hour Safety Course for the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts. As part of her OSHA workplace safety and whistleblower practice, Ms. Fonte has counseled construction, manufacturing, university and retail industry clients through OSHA investigations, the citation contest and negotiation phase, and through legal proceedings in matters involving workplace near-misses, accidents, serious injury and death. She has also advised public transportation clients and financial institutions on OSHA whistleblower claims.

Attorney at Lane McNamara
Ms. Kuehn is an associate at the law firm of Lane McNamara LLP. Her practice areas include construction and employment law. A graduate of the University of Michigan (B.A., 2009), Ms. Kuehn earned her law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law with a certificate in Intellectual Property (J.D., 2013). Her practice areas include construction and surety law and litigation. Ms. Kuehn has worked in the field of litigation since graduating and has served as a graduate judicial intern with the Honorable Timothy S. Hillman in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Ms. Kuehn joined Lane McNamara LLP in 2016, and in 2019 she was named a New England Rising Star by Boston Magazine.

Mr. McNamara’s practice areas include construction law, employment law, suretyship, trial practice and insurance defense. The Martindale-Hubbell National Law Directory has awarded Mr. McNamara an AV Rating, the highest rating for legal ability and professional ethics. He has also been named a New England Super Lawyer by Law & Politics and Boston Magazine. This designation is limited to the top five percent of attorneys in New England. Mr. McNamara has been selected for Top Lawyers as published in the Boston Globe.

Of Counsel Attorney at Mirick O’Connell
Ms. Murphy is of counsel with Mirick O’Connell DeMallie & Lougee, LLP in Massachusetts. She is part of the firm’s Litigation Department, Construction Group and Creditors’ Rights, Bankruptcy and Reorganization Group. For the past 15 years, she has litigated commercial disputes and construction issues. Ms. Murphy represents a variety of local and national companies, including manufacturing companies, construction companies, banking and financial institutions, and professional service firms. Ms. Murphy is a member and past president of the Greater Worcester Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She is also currently president of the Board of Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester, Inc.

Ms. Phillips is an attorney in Holland & Knight’s Boston office who concentrates her practice in litigation, regulatory, energy and environmental law. Ms. Phillips’ environmental practice focuses on brownfields redevelopment and remediation, including former military installations, former manufactured gas plants (MGPs) and vapor intrusion sites. Her energy practice focuses on LNG terminal operations, natural gas pipeline permitting and operations, construction, and eminent domain. Her litigation experience involves hazardous waste disputes, civil and administrative enforcement defense under federal and state environmental regulatory programs, and defense of citizen suits under the CWA and RCRA, as well as construction, land use, permitting, utilities, regulatory, toxic tort and contract matters.

Attorney and Partner at Hinckley Allen
Ms. Venoit is a partner in the Construction Practice Group of Hinckley Allen. Her practice focuses on the litigation and arbitration of domestic and international construction disputes, including litigation in state and federal forums, and mediation and arbitration before the AAA, JAMS, LCIA, ICDR and ICC. She is also regularly called upon to draft and negotiate contracts, and to counsel clients during the course of construction projects so as to avoid disputes, but (if necessary) to develop, prosecute and defend claims. Ms. Venoit is a past chair of the ABA Forum on Construction Law, a fellow of the American College of Construction Lawyers, and co-chair of the National Dispute Resolution Committee of the American Arbitration Association. Ms. Venoit is a board member of Women in Construction, and she has served as the president, treasurer and secretary of the Connecticut Chapter of the Professional Women in Construction (PWC).

Founding Partner of Sauro & Bergstrom, PLLC, a plaintiff’s firm located in Oakdale, Minnesota.
With a background in insurance claims and regulatory compliance, Ms. Bergstrom has decades of experience analyzing, resolving, and litigating insurance claim disputes and construction matters both as a plaintiff’s attorney and formerly as staff counsel for several large insurance companies. She regularly handles insurance appraisals, arbitrations, and litigation at both district and appellate courts in Minnesota and elsewhere. She serves as an AAA arbitrator, as well as an expert on insurance coverage and bad faith issues. Ms. Bergstrom is an active member of several national organizations, including the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters and the American Bar Association’s Tort and Insurance Practice Section, where she is the current chair of the Property Insurance Litigation Committee. Ms. Bergstrom was named by Minnesota Law and Politics as a Rising Star in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and as a Super Lawyer in 2014 – 2021.

Attorney with Felhaber LarsonMs. Gherty focuses her practice in the areas of business and corporate organizations, real estate and intellectual property. She enjoys helping clients swiftly achieve their business goals in order to enhance their development and business activity. Detail-oriented, personable and client-centric, Ms. Gherty excels at translating clients’ goals into legal realities. She received her J.D. degree from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2011. Ms. Gherty was named a 2014 Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

Attorney with Felhaber LarsonMr. Radio is a member of the firm’s Construction, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Real Estate practice areas. He provides a range of services and creative solutions for corporations, individuals, non-profit organizations, and public entities on issues related to construction, real estate valuation, and land use. He has acted as counsel for both private and public entities on construction, land use, eminent domain, and land valuation matters. He has represented owners and developers who sought governmental approvals, and faced special assessment and eminent domain proceedings. For those in the construction industry, Mr. Radio has been adept at negotiating construction contracts, litigating payment, delay, and defect claims and resolving bid disputes. He serves as a mediator and arbitrator, and he is listed on the Minnesota Supreme Court’s Rule 114 roster of qualified neutrals.Mr. Radio has been named a certified civil law trial specialist and certified real property law specialist by the Minnesota State Bar Association and has been recognized as a Minnesota “Leading Attorney” and Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law and Politics. He has also achieved an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Attorney with Goetz & Eckland P.A. in Minneapolis
Mr. Rowley primarily practices in commercial and residential construction defect litigation. He has extensive experience representing all types of parties, including cities and school districts, private owners, design professionals, contractors, and their insurance companies. He has drafted and defended numerous construction contracts for commercial and residential projects. His practice includes analysis and motions involving contractual indemnity and insurance coverage related to construction projects. He is a frequent speaker on construction defect topics to insurance industry groups and in continuing legal education seminars. Mr. Rowley is a board member of the Construction Section of the Minnesota State Bar Association. He is named a Minnesota Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics.

Mr. Steckler’s practice is focused on commercial and business law and related litigation and appeals. Serving as general corporate counsel for companies in various industries, Mr. Steckler regularly advises clients on a broad range of issues facing businesses on a day-to-day basis. He advises on and prepares complex commercial contracts, franchise agreements, distribution contracts, construction contracts, non-compete agreements, commercial leases, and asset and stock purchase agreements. In addition to representing clients in general commercial, corporate and operational matters, Mr. Steckler represents companies and individuals in state and federal courts, licensing, and regulatory tribunals and in alternative dispute resolution in jurisdictions nationwide. Assessment and management of risk for clients on wide-ranging operational and strategic issues, timely issue spotting and front-end problem solving are among Mr. Steckler’s core strengths.

Rogers Townsend & Thomas, P.C., ColumbiaMr. Bennett focuses his practice on complex litigation and insurance defense matters, with an emphasis on construction litigation, products liability, toxic tort/personal injury, commercial explosives, professional negligence, and other related areas. He has represented a variety of clients, from multinational corporations to small businesses and individuals, in actions brought in state and federal courts across the United States. As part of Rogers Townsend’s nationally-ranked construction litigation practice, Mr. Bennett has represented general contractors, subcontractors, product manufacturers, and other construction professionals in construction defect disputes across South Carolina. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina with B.A. degree in Political Science, and he is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he received his J.D. degree.

Rogers Townsend & Thomas, P.C., ColumbiaMs. Kopiec is an associate in the Columbia office of Rogers Townsend & Thomas PC. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. degree, and in 2012, she earned her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law, where she was the recipient of various honors and awards, including the CALI (American Jurisprudence) Award. She served as senior articles editor of the American Bar Association Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Journal. Ms. Kopiec currently focuses the majority of her practice on construction litigation. She is an active member of the Richland County Bar Association and the Young Lawyers Division of the South Carolina Bar. Ms. Kopiec also devotes much of her time to the Defense Research Institute (DRI), where she serves as sponsorship chair for the Young Lawyers Steering Committee, and she is the legislative reporting liaison for South Carolina.

Robinson, McFadden, Moore, P.C., ColumbiaMr. McDonald’s practice focuses on business and commercial litigation with special emphasis on matters related to construction and construction-related financing. Prior to entering law school, Mr. McDonald worked as a project manager for several construction firms in Greenville, South Carolina, gaining a wealth of practical experience which he incorporates in his practice. Mr. McDonald is a member of the South Carolina Bar Construction Law Section, having served on its executive committee for a number of years and as chairperson of the Section. He is also a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry. Mr. McDonald represents all participants in the construction process including financial institutions, owners, design professionals, contractors and suppliers. Mr. McDonald has significant experience in the prosecution and defense of construction claims, including those involving mechanic’s liens and payment bonds. He also assists clients with contract negotiations as well as procurement and licensing issues. Mr. McDonald is actively involved with several construction trade groups and represents their interests in matters of importance to the construction industry.

Richardson Plowden & Robinson, P.A., ColumbiaMr. Riser joined Richardson Plowden in 2009 in the Columbia office. He focuses his practice on construction law. For six years, Mr. Riser was employed by TVS-DESIGN, locatedin Atlanta, Chicago, Dubai, and Shanghai. While at TVS,Mr. Riser worked on various institutional projects, as well as commercial office building and public assembly space design, and distinguished himself as chairman of the Professional Development Committee. His experience in architecture brings invaluable insight, knowledge and experience to the practice of construction law. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Tennessee and a J.D. degree from Regent University School of Law.

Partner at Thompson Bowie & Hatch LLC in PortlandMs. Farnum specializes in construction litigation and professional liability defense for design professionals, health care facilities and practitioners, and attorneys. She represents her clients in federal and state courts, in both jury and non jury cases, before arbitration, regulatory and administrative panels, and mediations. In addition to providing legal representation to professionals when sued, she provides pre-claim legal guidance, risk management and contract review services to her clients.

Partner at Verrill Dana, LLP in PortlandMr. Giffune is a member of Verrill Dana, LLP’s Construction Law and Litigation Practice Groups. He has experience representing owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and design professionals in litigation in the state and federal courts of Maine and Massachusetts, as well as arbitration and mediation proceedings. His practice includes the drafting and negotiating of design and construction contracts for traditional design-bid-build projects, as well as projects using alternative delivery methods including design-build. Mr. Giffune represents businesses and individuals in connection with a variety of commercial disputes. He co-wrote the Maine chapter of a book published by the ABA titled Performance Bond Manual and holds a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Syracuse University.

Partner at Thompson Bowie & Hatch LLC in PortlandMr. Hatch is engaged in all aspects of civil litigation in both state and federal court, with a particular focus on professional liability and municipal liability defense, insurance coverage disputes, construction litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Prior to entering private practice he completed a judicial clerkship with Donald G. Alexander, Associate Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

Founder of Languet Law in TopshamMr. Languet has been practicing law since 2007, specializing in construction law after spending over 30 years in the construction business both as a general contractor and as a masonry subcontractor. During his career in construction, Mr. Languet operated as J.A. Languet Construction, Inc., which was a major player in institutional and commercial general contracting throughout the State of Maine, constructing schools, laboratories, office buildings, and other commercial buildings. In 1998 Mr. Languet decided to make a career change to pursue a law degree. While completing his undergraduate education in accounting and business administration at Thomas College he provided consulting services to construction companies in Maine and Massachusetts. In 2007, Mr. Languet received his J.D. degree from the University of Maine Law School and opened a law office in Topsham, Maine providing legal advice and representation to owners, contractors, and subcontractors.

Associate at Thompson Bowie & Hatch LLC in PortlandMr. O’Rourke practices in the areas of professional liability, civil rights and municipal liability and property and casualty defense. He has defended design professionals, contractors, and subcontractors in construction disputes in both state and federal court. Mr. O’Rourke also serves as defense counsel to healthcare professionals throughout Maine, in both malpractice actions and claims brought against them pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. In addition to defending clients in their professional capacities, he also represents individuals and businesses against property and casualty claims.

Vice President of Professional Liability Insurance at Clark Insurance in PortlandMr. Ritter has been in the insurance industry for over 25 years. He originally was a property and casualty claims manager in Seattle, Washington. Over the past 15 years, he’s been a senior account executive at Clark Insurance in Portland, Maine, specializing in professional liability insurance for design professionals throughout Maine and New Hampshire. He is a frequent presenter on professional liability insurance at workshops throughout northern New England. Mr. Ritter is a vice president at Clark Insurance. He is also a member of ACEC, AIA, PLAN and the Portland Society of Architects. Mr. Ritter is a graduate of the University of Vermont and a board member for the Portland-based non-profit organization, Portland Educational Foundation.

Partner with Verrill Dana, LLP, in Portland
Mr. Ruesch is chair of the firm’s Litigation & Trial Department and is chair of the Construction Law Group. He focuses on construction, design and surety law where he counsels his clients through all aspects of the construction process, including contract negotiation, procurement, bid protests, claims management and avoidance as well as dispute resolution. Mr. Ruesch has been included in The Best Lawyers in America for excellence in his practice since 2003. He is also a member of the ABA’s Forum on the Construction Industry, and the ABA’s Fidelity and Surety Law Section and Tort and Insurance Practice Section. Mr. Ruesch co-wrote the Maine Chapter of State-by-State Guide to Construction Contracts and Claims (Aspen Publishers) as well as the Maine Chapter of the ABA’s Performance Bond Manual.

Bond Account Executive at Clark Insurance in PortlandMs. Walton, a native of Farmington and resident of Cumberland, is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine. She has more than a decade in the surety bond business and 14 years in commercial banking. She has been active in her community as a volunteer and fundraiser. Ms. Walton is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Maine (AGC), Associated Builders & Contractors of Maine (ABC), Construction Financial Management Association, Maine Better Transportation Association and the Maine Asphalt Pavement Association.

Butler Law Firm, P.C., Flower MoundMr. Butler is the owner of Butler Law Firm, PC. His practice primarily involves construction law and commercial litigation.Mr. Butler frequently represents owners, developers, contractors, and subcontractors in construction disputes. He is a LEED accredited professional, and his practice includes drafting design and construction contracts for commercial, multi-family, mixed-use, and public projects. Mr. Butler also has a blog called The Toolbox, which can be located at www.blftoolboxblog.com. He graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1985 with a degree in Human Communication, and received his J.D. degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1994.

Gordon & Sykes, LLP, Fort WorthMr. Gordon is a civil trial lawyer with over 30 years of experience. His practice focuses on the resolution of business and construction disputes in cases involving breach of contract, delay, cost overruns, non-payment of subcontractors, and design problems. Mr. Gordon represents a spectrum of clients in trials and appeals in state and federal courts, and is a certified mediator. After graduating from the University of Texas School of Law, Mr. Gordon was licensed to practice law in the State of Texas in 1976. He is rated AV by Martindale-Hubbell® and is board certified in construction law and in civil trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Slates Harwell, LLP, DallasMr. Harwell is a founding partner of Slates Harwell LLP, and he focuses his practice on representing general contractors, developers/owners, and volume homebuilders. He has practiced in the construction law specialty for over 25 years, working on project documents, risk management programs, and claims in arbitration and litigation. Mr. Harwell has prepared contracts and development agreements for commercial, industrial, retail, residential, and government projects across the United States and internationally. He is equally adept at handling claims that arise from construction projects, such as disputes involving thecountry’s largest ethanol plant in Nebraska, a DOE nuclear facility in Los Alamos, and various alternative energy projects.

Harrison Steck, P.C., Fort WorthMr. Piel is a native of Arlington and Tarrant County and obtained his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. He began his legal career in 1997 as a prosecutor in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, where he gained extensive jury trial experience. He then transitioned into civil litigation practice in 1999. Since then, he has handled a variety of complex litigation matters in the areas of construction law, lien law, contract law, real estate law, collections, and products liability, and he teaches classes in construction law. Mr. Piel has extensive experience in counseling businesses on legal questions related to their day-to-day operations and contractual relationships, and he has been trained as a mediator by the American Arbitration Association. He has been recognized byhis legal peers as a Texas Rising Star by Thomson Reuters in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, and as a “Top Lawyer” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine in 2013 and 2014. Mr. Piel is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Construction Law Section of the Texas Bar Association, and the Tarrant County Bar Association. He is vice-chair of the Construction Law Section of the Tarrant Bar. Mr. Piel has been active in his community as a former planning and zoning commissioner for the City of Arlington, a member of the Arlington ISD’s Capital Needs Steering Committee, and a member of the Board of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. He serves as a member of the Governmental Relations Committee of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the Governmental Relations Committee of TEXO/AGC, and Arlington’s Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. Mr. Piel is also active in Tarrant County political affairs.

Joe D. Tolbert is Director at Brackett & Ellis, P.C., in Fort Worth, Texas.
Mr. Tolbert has represented businesses and individuals for more than 32 years. He counsels clients on various business issues and has an active trial practice in commercial litigation and construction law. In addition, Mr. Tolbert is board certified in Construction Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a mark of excellence and a distinguishing accomplishment achieved by fewer than 150 practicing attorneys in Texas. Board-certified attorneys in Construction Law are specialists in transactions and relationships among contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, architects, engineers, governmental entities, insurers, sureties and lenders regarding public and private development, design, and construction projects. 

Edward G. Beaudette is a 1980 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law. He was engaged in the private practice of law in Anaconda, Montana, for over 12 years, specializing in litigation. Mr. Beaudette served four years as the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney. During that time he worked extensively on environmental and Superfund issues, and was instrumental in the planning, development and construction of the Old Works Golf Course on a Superfund remediation site in Anaconda, Montana. Since 1998 Mr. Beaudette has been employed by the Montana Department of Transportation where he specializes in contract claims, condemnation and environmental litigation.

Bradford J. Brown is a partner with the Crowley Fleck law firm in Helena. His practice focuses on construction law, including defense of professional liability cases involving design professionals, defense and prosecution of various construction defect claims, and successful prosecution of multiple construction lien claims, commercial litigation, title insurance litigation, legal malpractice and cases involving property damage. Mr. Brown is a 2004 graduate of Valparaiso University and a 2007 graduate of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana. He is admitted to practice law in Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Brown is also a co-chair of Crowley Fleck’s commercial litigation practice group.

Keith Cron is director of Environmental Services with CTA and is based in the Great Falls, Montana, office. His interest in the “science” side of occupational and environmental health, and a passion for community, have been applied in government, commercial, industrial, residential, legal, and insurance settings, and to many Brownfields projects in sustainable redevelopments. Mr. Cron is deft at anticipating problems; developing long-term, risk-averse solutions; and, alongside a diverse team of environmental experts, focusing on unique perspectives and client-focused decisions. He is a licensed certified industrial hygienist (CIH). hygienist (CIH). where he specializes in contract claims, condemnation and environmental litigation.

Mark R. Feddes is an associate attorney with Crowley Fleck PLLP. He enjoys helping employers navigate the unique landscape of Montana employment law in the planning, risk management, and litigation contexts. Mr. Feddes advises employers on personnel, termination, and policy issues, and he advocates for employers through the litigation process. His practice is primarily focused on representing employers in discrimination, retaliation, and wrongful discharge lawsuits. Mr. Feddes also handles overtime and wage claims. In addition to his employment law practice, he assists in defending against medical malpractice actions. Mr. Feddes earned his B.S. degree from Whitworth University and his J.D. degree from Pepperdine School of Law.

Matthew F. McLean is a partner in the Bozeman office of Crowley Fleck and handles matters throughout Montana and Wyoming. He received his juris doctorate degree with honors from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1995 and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming as well. Mr. McLean’s practice focuses on construction law and appellate practice. He has represented a variety of clients, including architects, engineers, owners, contractors, product manufacturers, and retailers in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration and mediation proceedings. Mr. McLean has experience representing parties in disputes arising out of a wide variety of public and private construction projects and has served as a mediator in construction disputes. He also has helped clients negotiate and draft contracts for a wide variety of construction projects, including multi-million dollar commercial construction projects, hospital construction projects, school construction projects, public works projects and large and small residential projects.

Christian T. Nygren is a shareholder in the Bozeman law firm of .Berg Lilly, P.C Mr. Nygren’s practice focuses on construction, regulatory, business employment and property litigation. Mr. Nygren previously served as a general counsel for Barnard Construction Company and prior to that as a partner with Milodragovich, Dale and Steinbrenner P.C. in Missoula. He was a professional engineer for 11 years after graduating from Montana State University and served in the U.S. Navy before attending law school and graduating from University of Montana. He is a past president of the Construction Law Section of Montana’s State Bar and has extensive trial experience throughout Montana as well as in other states around the nation.

Mr. Keating has been in the construction industry for over 29 years in various capacities including estimator/cost engineer, project manager, construction manager, director of construction, and A/E construction administrator to name a few. He has been involved in both commercial and residential construction projects both in the public and private sector with several individual projects exceeding $100 million in construction value. He currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a cost engineer and value engineering officer on large military, civil works, and inter-agency developments. In addition, he teaches a class in Construction Engineering as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering.
Mr. Keating grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. In addition, he received his MBA degree from the University of West Florida in 2004. He is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of Virginia and a certified general contractor (CGC) in the State of Florida, and he holds several other industry certifications including certified cost engineer (CCE), value management associate (VMA), certified professional estimator (CPE), and certified construction contract administrator (CCCA).

Mr. Keating has been in the construction industry for over 29 years in various capacities including estimator/cost engineer, project manager, construction manager, director of construction, and A/E construction administrator to name a few. He has been involved in both commercial and residential construction projects both in the public and private sector with several individual projects exceeding $100 million in construction value. He currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a cost engineer and value engineering officer on large military, civil works, and inter-agency developments. In addition, he teaches a class in Construction Engineering as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering.
Mr. Keating grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. In addition, he received his MBA degree from the University of West Florida in 2004. He is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of Virginia and a certified general contractor (CGC) in the State of Florida, and he holds several other industry certifications including certified cost engineer (CCE), value management associate (VMA), certified professional estimator (CPE), and certified construction contract administrator (CCCA).

Mr. Keating has been in the construction industry for over 29 years in various capacities including estimator/cost engineer, project manager, construction manager, director of construction, and A/E construction administrator to name a few. He has been involved in both commercial and residential construction projects both in the public and private sector with several individual projects exceeding $100 million in construction value. He currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a cost engineer and value engineering officer on large military, civil works, and inter-agency developments. In addition, he teaches a class in Construction Engineering as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering.
Mr. Keating grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. In addition, he received his MBA degree from the University of West Florida in 2004. He is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of Virginia and a certified general contractor (CGC) in the State of Florida, and he holds several other industry certifications including certified cost engineer (CCE), value management associate (VMA), certified professional estimator (CPE), and certified construction contract administrator (CCCA).

Mr. Keating has been in the construction industry for over 29 years in various capacities including estimator/cost engineer, project manager, construction manager, director of construction, and A/E construction administrator to name a few. He has been involved in both commercial and residential construction projects both in the public and private sector with several individual projects exceeding $100 million in construction value. He currently works for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a cost engineer and value engineering officer on large military, civil works, and inter-agency developments. In addition, he teaches a class in Construction Engineering as an adjunct instructor at the University of South Alabama, Department of Civil, Coastal, and Environmental Engineering.
Mr. Keating grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and holds a bachelor of science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska. In addition, he received his MBA degree from the University of West Florida in 2004. He is a licensed professional engineer (PE) in the State of Virginia and a certified general contractor (CGC) in the State of Florida, and he holds several other industry certifications including certified cost engineer (CCE), value management associate (VMA), certified professional estimator (CPE), and certified construction contract administrator (CCCA).

Pre Construction Services, Inc.
Mr. Battle has over 42 years of experience in cost estimating. He is a certified professional estimator through the American Society of Professional Estimators and is a 1976 Construction Management graduate from Oklahoma State University. Since 1994, he has been a cost consultant, providing estimating, budgeting, construction advisor and project services to architects, developers and owners throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states. As a cost estimator for Pre Construction Services, Inc., Mr. Battle creates estimates are in CSI order, yet as required by the owner’s needs. He works with architects to create estimate reviews at the end of each phase of the schematic design phase, design development phase, and construction documents phase. Pre Construction Services, Inc. utilizes “Planswift” electronic on-screen take-off. Their costing is based on a combination of historical costing, assembly costing and RS Means costing. The firm has also developed a method of independent estimating paralleling the construction manager (CM) method of estimating. The parallel estimate provides a detailed breakdown for each CSI Division, in lieu of lump-sum preliminary sub-bids prepared by sub-contractors and inserted into the CM’S breakdown. This allows owners and architects to identify line items that may or may not be required for the final design. This approach allows an independent opinion that reinforces decisions to move forward by managers and owner representatives. It also identifies “budget busting” issues, providing an early breakdown before plans develop, protecting costly modifications to the design and delays to the owner’s schedule.

McCune Construction Services Group, LLC, and McCune Estimating Services, Inc.
Mr. McCune is a 40+ year veteran of the construction industry, a professional construction cost estimator and a project manager. He is currently vice president of McCune Estimating Services, Inc., president of McCune Construction, Inc., and founder and a managing member of McCune Construction Services Group, LLC. Mr. McCune is an active member of North Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (NTAGGL), Houston Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (HAGGL), Central Texas Association of Government Guaranteed Lenders (CTAGGL), and the American Society of Professional Estimators (ASPE). He is a former treasurer and current secretary for ASPE Chapter #43, vice president of Certified Estimators Round Table (CERT), a Trammel Crow/US Leadership ACE Eagle award recipient, and a graduate of Rapport Leadership International and the Associated General Contractors – Supervisory Training Program (STP). Mr. McCune is currently serving as the District 6 commissioner on the City of Fort Worth – Urban Design Commission, and he is District 6’s representative on the newly-formed Mixed-Use Zoning Advisory Group (MUZAG) for city of Fort Worth, District 6. He has played a role in the construction or remodeling of projects across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including DFW Airport, American Airlines, NBC, Texas Motor Speedway, Tarrant County, Dallas County, General Dynamics, Tarrant County Junior College, University of Texas at Arlington, City of Arlington, Texas Health Systems (Harris Health Systems), Baylor Medical, Ridgmar Mall, Federal Department of Corrections, Department of Treasury, and numerous churches, schools, hotels, retail center and residential projects. Mr. McCune is an Eagle Scout, a Friend of Scouting and is the former vice chairman of Brazos Valley District of Boy Scouts of America.

Professor at Airforce Institute of Technology
Dr. Badiru is a professor of Systems Engineering at the Airforce Institute of Technology (AFIT). He was previously professor and head of systems engineering and management at AFIT, professor and department head of Industrial & Information Engineering at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, and professor of industrial engineering at the University of Oklahoma, Norman. He is a registered professional engineer (PE), a certified project management professional (PMP), a fellow of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers, and a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. He holds a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering, an M.S degree in Mathematics, an M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from Tennessee Technological University, and a Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida. Professor Badiru’s areas of interest include mathematical modeling, project modeling and analysis, economic analysis, systems engineering, and efficiency/productivity analysis & improvement. He is a prolific author, with over 35 books, over 30 book chapters, over 130 journal and magazine articles, and over 200 conference presentations. He is a member of several professional associations and scholastic honor societies. He has been recognized with several awards for his teaching, research, and administrative accomplishments.

Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee
Mr. Ostrowski is an assistant professor of practice for the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He has a 40-year progressive track record in advanced manufacturing concepts beginning as a machinist apprentice and culminating in a Chief Operating Officer position with multi-plant, multi-state, international operations experience. He has strong lean manufacturing skills. His work and experience has attained results that have radically streamlined and improved supply chain processes, achieving high levels of profitability, responsiveness, inventory turns and customer satisfaction. This was accomplished through driving the implementations of JIT (pull replenishment), TQM, and employee empowerment (Kaizen Blitz events and cross-functional teams). Mr. Ostrowski earned his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Antioch University in 1990 and his M.S. degree in Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Concentration, from East Carolina University in 2002. He also received executive education from Harvard Business School in operations management and finance.