Annual ElevateAEC Conference

Amy Jones, President and CEO of O’Connell Robertson since 2018, has led the firm through rapid growth and transformation, guiding teams with resilience and vision. She joined the firm in 1997, contributing in marketing, business development, and project management before rising to CEO. Amy champions initiatives that foster culture, collaboration, and innovation while strengthening client and community relationships. 

Actively engaged in regional education and professional organizations, she advocates for positive impact in local communities. Under her leadership, O’Connell Robertson has grown in size, reputation, and ability to deliver creative, meaningful design solutions that serve clients and communities alike.

Andrew Ackerman leads the partnerships and strategic initiatives expanding Zero RFI's position across the construction and real estate ecosystem. He brings two decades at the intersection of entrepreneurship, venture capital, and the built world. As founding COO, he built Bunk1 from zero to category leader and led the process to sell the company. He went on to run Dreamit Ventures' New York office as Managing Director, where he launched the fund's Edtech and Urbantech verticals and created its Customer Sprint and Investor Sprint programs. Most recently he led REACH Labs at Second Century Ventures, the venture arm of the National Association of Realtors, focused on proptech and construction tech. Andrew has backed more than 70 startups and has published over 60 articles in outlets including Fortune and Forbes. He is the author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey and holds an MBA from Chicago Booth.

Andra Kidd is CEO of Spheros Environmental and a business leader with nearly 30 years of experience in multinational consulting firms. She has led complex P&L operations, M&A programs, and large-scale organizational integrations. Her prior roles include COO and Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Verdantas and Director of Operations at ERM North America.

As VP of Product Management & General Manager for Deltek’s Architecture & Engineering and Professional Services portfolio within the company’s Product & Technology organization, Bret Tushaus leads the strategy, innovation roadmap, and business performance of Deltek’s ERP and complementary solutions, including Vantagepoint, Maconomy, People Planner, PIM and WorkBook. He is focused on driving measurable customer outcomes - revenue growth, risk reduction, and margin improvement - through modern SaaS platforms and AI-first capabilities. Before joining Deltek, Bret spent 15 years at Eppstein Uhen Architects and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.

Carrie Hawley brings nearly three decades of experience shaped by a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to lighting design. As CEO, Senior Principal, and Board member of HLB Lighting Design, she mentors future leaders and guides the firm through complex design challenges. She has served in numerous industry leadership roles, including on the boards of IESNA and the Boston Society of Architects Women Principals Group.

Chad Clinehens is the president and CEO of Zweig Group. Passionate about the business side of design and technical service firms, Chad has built a career on leading them through growth and change. He has worked with AEC firms throughout the U.S. on a variety of needs – strategic business planning, turnarounds, partner separations, organizational restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, marketing and sales, growth campaigns, and more.

As a registered professional engineer, Chad brings an in-depth knowledge of what makes professional service firms and the people who work for them unique. Working in the industry for more than 20 years, he has been involved in many aspects of the business including design, project management, department management, regional office management, and directional leadership. He holds a MBA and BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas and is a registered professional engineer in several states.

Chris Catton has been nurturing client relationships and leading high level executive search projects in the AEC industry for over 30 years. She began her career working in architecture firms as a Project Accountant, learning the business from the inside. Chris is experienced with market research, strategic planning, talent retention planning and development, and full-cycle passive candidate executive search. Chris is dedicated and tenacious with an approach to consulting that is client-centered, friendly, knowledgeable and direct.

Craig Sizemore is the Managing Principal and co‑founder of STEPS Consulting Group, an AI and automation consultancy focused on AEC and government sectors. He helps organizations turn emerging AI capabilities into practical, scalable solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes.

Beth Nilsen is a senior leader with over 25 years of experience in operations, finance, and strategy within AEC firms. As COO (and CFO) at HLB Lighting Design, she has shaped firmwide strategy, operational excellence, and succession planning. Formerly CFO at FKP Architects and West Yost Associates, Beth is also an active speaker and educator on leadership and financial transparency

Gene is Chairman of San Antonio-based Pape-Dawson Engineers. In his previous position as President, he provided technical management and leadership to the firm’s management team and its employees. From a staff of two 50 years ago, Pape-Dawson now employs more than 450 professionals and has grown into one of the largest and most respected engineering firms in Texas. Gene’s commitment to the engineering profession has been recognized with many accolades including Texas Society of Professional Engineers, Bexar Chapter, Young Engineer of the Year (1991) and the Engineer of the Year (1999); National Association of Homebuilders Member Award and American Society of Landscape Architect Environmental Stewardship Award (2002); Real Estate Council of Texas Philip M. Barshop Founder’s Award (1999).

He serves the profession with memberships in ASCE; NSPE; TSPE, Bexar Chapter, State Director; Professional Engineers in Private Practice; Greater San Antonio Builders Association; and Associated General Contractors of Texas.
Gene’s service to San Antonio is seen in such organizations as: “The Dawson Family” induction into the San Antonio Business Hall of Fame by Junior Achievement; various committees for the City of San Antonio; Real Estate Council of San Antonio; Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce; UTSA Road Runner Foundation Board; Cancer Therapy and Research Center; Bandera First Bank; San Antonio Christian Schools; Bank of San Antonio Board of Directors; Alamo Bowl, Chairman and Board member; Real Estate Council of Texas; Bexar Land Trust, Inc.; San Antonio Water System; Frost National Bank; Northeast YMCA of San Antonio.

Throughout the impressive growth of Pape-Dawson, the firm continues to serve its clients with integrity, competence, hard work and quality service. Gene also serves his alma mater with the same principles. His university service includes President’s Leadership Council, President’s Circle, President Legacy Council, Lifetime Member of the Javelina Alumni Association. He is a member of the Legacy Society, which recognizes university philanthropists. In recognition of Gene’s Javelina Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni induction, Pape-Dawson, Sam Dawson and Gene made a gift to create the Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc./Eugene H. Dawson, Jr., P.E. Endowed Engineering Scholarship. Additionally, Gene has established the Eugene H. Dawson, Jr. Endowment for Excellence in Civil Engineering. This gift was matched with Arrington funds to create the Eugene H. Dawson, Jr. Endowed Professorship in Civil Engineering. Currently, Gene is leading the most significant endeavors ever undertaken at the university by serving as the National Campaign Chair of “With You. Without Limits”, the university’s ambitious $100 million comprehensive campaign

Greg is an experienced leader passionate about the construction industry and the pursuit of sustained profitable growth while treating people well.

He joined Schaefer after earning engineering degrees from University of Cincinnati, and has held many operational, people management + leadership roles culminating in his current role as president. While he still maintains professional licensure in select states, his responsibilities have transitioned into strategic planning, firm management, leadership development, client relationships + community involvement. He leads or oversees Schaefer’s continuous efforts to nurture culture and successfully compete in an increasingly challenging industry landscape.

Holly Kennedy, PE, is a Manager of Northern California Area Operations at HDR, where she oversees multidisciplinary engineering and consulting teams supporting water, environmental, and infrastructure projects. With more than a decade at HDR, Holly brings deep expertise in water resources, regulatory strategy, and environmental systems, contributing to complex regional initiatives such as nutrient management and watershed planning. She is a licensed Professional Engineer and an engaged leader within HDR’s employee‑owned culture, recognized for advancing sustainability, community partnership, and inclusive leadership.

Jake Donaldson is a Managing Principal and Partner at Method Architecture, where he has led the firm’s early and deliberate adoption of AI. As executive sponsor of Method’s AI initiatives, he guided the implementation of firmwide automation and conversational AI tools, translating experimentation into real organizational impact.

Jason Bennett is an innovative and entrepreneurial senior marketing executive with over 25 years of experience building and leading Fortune 500, midsize, and startup brands. He leads brand strategy for WeCollabify as they empower clients to leverage global talent solutions to drive results.

Jeremy Clarke is passionate about helping AEC firms build stronger governance structures and leadership teams that support long-term success. As Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director of Board Advisory Services at Zweig Group, he advises firm leaders on board composition, governance, succession planning, and organizational effectiveness. A seasoned AEC consultant and decorated U.S. Air Force combat veteran, Jeremy brings a disciplined, execution-focused approach to helping firms improve accountability, align strategy with leadership, and create sustainable enterprise value.

Jeremy Zick is a respected voice in the A&E community with over two decades of firm leadership, and is now the Founder/CEO of WeCollabify, an innovative remote staffing solution empowering and transforming architectural and engineering companies through the power of accessing and leveraging global talent.

Ken Douglas is a Senior Principal at HLB Lighting Design with a 30‑year career spanning design, strategic planning, marketing, and firm growth. He leads HLB’s New York City and Dubai studios and oversees large-scale transportation and infrastructure projects while advancing national and international expansion strategies.

Kevin French is the Chairman and CEO of Landry/French Construction, a 100% employee‑owned commercial construction management firm serving New England and the Southeast. A co‑founder of the company in 2010, Kevin has led Landry/French through sustained growth, building a reputation for operational discipline, strong client relationships, and a culture rooted in trust and accountability. With more than 30 years of experience in commercial construction, he is responsible for the firm’s vision, strategic growth, and talent development, earning national recognition including multiple ENR and Inc. 5000 awards.

Kevin Vallely is an internationally recognized explorer, award-winning architect and leadership expert who has spent his life pushing the limits of human potential—both in the wildest places on Earth and in the boardroom.

A Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and a member of the esteemed Explorers Club, Kevin has led and participated in some of the most extreme human-powered expeditions on the planet. His adventures are more than physical feats—they are powerful case studies in leadership, resilience, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure.

As a keynote speaker, Kevin delivers inspiring and practical keynote presentations on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and navigating uncertainty. He connects the lessons learned from all of his journeys to the challenges of today’s fast-changing business world, inspiring leaders and teams to lead with courage, clarity, and adaptability.

In addition to his work as an explorer, Kevin is a licensed architect based in British Columbia, specializing in sustainable design and high-performance buildings. He is a
Certified Passive House designer, committed to creating spaces that enhance
well-being and environmental sustainability.

He is also a leadership consultant with Peak Teams, where he applies his expedition experiences to help organizations build resilient, high-performing teams capable of navigating change, challenge, and uncertainty.

KP is the visionary Founder and CEO of Shadow Ventures, a powerhouse in technology and innovation in the built environment. Renowned for his expertise, he authored the definitive guide to Building Information Modeling—“BIM for Building Owners and Developers”, What you know about Startups is wrong.”, and his latest book that is helping companies leverage AI to increase their enterprise value, “Creating the Intangible Enterprise: The Critical Skills Required to Thrive in an AI-Driven World”.

With a remarkable track record, KP has founded and successfully exited three technology companies, achieving IPOs on NASDAQ, NYSE, and through private ventures. He has led Enterprise Transformation at Gehry Technologies, and served as General Manager of ATDC at Georgia Tech, one of the nation’s oldest and most respected technology incubators. KP is not just a leader—he’s a game changer, driving the future of our industry with unwavering confidence and strategic insight. He has become the most influential leader of his generation in driving change in some of the oldest industries in the world.

Matthew Umberger, SE, PE is an Associate Principal at Apex Engineers and leads the firms' Research & Development team. In addition to managing structural design projects, Matthew oversees Apex's R&D initiatives, leading the development of custom software, tools, and workflows that improve efficiency and enhance the way engineers work. He enjoys identifying opportunities to solve complex challenges through technology and turning big-picture ideas into practical solutions that create value for both Apex's team and its clients. 

Since January 2016, Mitch has served as KSA’s president. He joined KSA in 1984 after graduating, with honors, from Texas A&M University with a BS in civil engineering. Mitch has over 30 years of experience designing engineering solutions for a wide range of airport, municipal, industrial and development clients. He is proud to continue the tradition of thoughtful and positive leadership fostered by previous presidents, Toby Kindle and Joncie Young. Mitch is dedicated to improving KSA’s ability to provide quality consulting services to the clients in each service group.

Dr. Oleg Petrenko is the Rath Chair in Strategic Management at the University of Oklahoma. His work focuses on executive decision-making under uncertainty and the psychology of leadership. He has published extensively in peer‑reviewed journals, and his work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, The Economist, and The Wall Street Journal.

As an Innovations Senior Specialist at Olsson, Sarah Spitsen works to strengthen innovative culture and enable innovation across the organization. Her career spans entrepreneurship, startup growth, and business scaling, bringing practical experience in turning ideas into sustainable ventures. Prior to joining Olsson, Sarah spent two years building Nebraska Wesleyan University's first interdisciplinary Innovation and Entrepreneurship degree, creating new pathways for students to develop entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets.

Scott is an AE industry veteran with 30 years of experience in strategy, marketing, and business development. As a former Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for a mid-sized engineering firm, Scott brings a unique perspective to his client work, delivering first-hand industry insight and knowledge.

Scott is a sought-after national speaker who has presented for numerous industry organizations including ACEC, AIA, ASCE, NCSEA, PSMJ, ROG, SDA, SMPS, and USGBC. A prolific writer, Scott has authored 15 books and written numerous ebooks, white papers, and blogs, including his Marketropolis blog for Engineering News-Record. He is a past president of the SMPS Foundation, an AEC research-focused nonprofit organization, and has served on the national board of directors for the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). In addition to being a Fellow of SMPS, Scott is also a Certified Professional Services Marketer.

Prior to joining Stambaugh Ness, Scott was the owner/principal of Aecumen, LLC, a firm providing consulting, facilitation, and training for AEC companies.

Education

• BS degree in Marketing from The Pennsylvania State University
• Certificate in Professional Photography from the New York Institute of Photography

Professional Highlights

• National AE Industry Presenter
• Society of Marketing Professional Services, Fellow
• SMPS Foundation, Former Trustee and President
• Forty Under 40, Central Penn Business Journal
• Outstanding Alumnus of the Year, Leadership York

Community Highlights

• Sitting Vice President of Marketing and Development for the Northern Central Railway, a nonprofit excursion railroad in southern York County. (Formerly known as Steam Into History.)
• Former President and Director of Historic York, Inc.
• Former Director of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Former Director of the American Red Cross – York County Chapter
• Former Secretary and Director of Leadership York
• Former Vice President and Director of Main Street York
• Former Task Force Member for William C. Goodridge Freedom House & Underground Railroad Museum

Stefnee Trzpuc is a knowledge management strategist with over 20 years in the AEC industry. As Founder and CEO of Flow Theory, she helps firms leverage people, systems, and culture to capture expertise, reduce friction, and build lasting competitive advantage through practical knowledge strategies.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Steve champions the Stambaugh Ness client experience and is the driving force behind our firm’s strategic marketing and business development initiatives. A big believer of encouraging and supporting the growth and success of employees, Steve led us towards the adoption of a firm-wide strengths-based program. This unique program focuses on developing an individual’s talents and delivers positive benefits for both our employees and our clients.

Understanding the importance of anticipating the needs of our clients, Steve spearheads the development of strategic partner relationships with organizations that provide services that complement our menu of client solutions. Additionally, Steve serves as chief liaison between Stambaugh Ness and the BDO Alliance USA, of which we are an independent member.

Steve also serves as the Managing Partner of Stambaugh Ness TechSolutions, LLC, one of the nation’s leading Deltek Premier Partners and a leading technology consulting firm.

But don’t let the CPA stereotype fool you, if he wasn’t brainstorming innovative ways to meet the needs of clients, Steve would be touring the world as a drummer in a rock band.

Teresa Hinrichs is a strategic growth and marketing leader with more than three decades of experience in B2B and B2C planning, brand strategy, integrated marketing, and business development. Before entering the AEC industry, she worked with large logistics, biotech, and marketing companies, bringing broad business perspective to her role as Vice President of Corporate Growth & Strategy.

Known for clear counsel, disciplined follow-through, and relationship-centered leadership, Teresa helps turn corporate objectives into practical plans, sales strategies, and client relationship programs that strengthen market position and support sustainable growth.

As a past Board Chair of BHC Inc., Teresa helped lead the company through its ownership transition and into the partnership with Pape-Dawson announced earlier this year, supporting the next chapter of growth.

Outside of work, Teresa enjoys time with family and friends, almost any outdoor activity, service through church leadership, industry relationships, all with a focus on leaving a legacy of care and community.

Tim Schroeder, FAIA, is President and Principal of Neumann Monson, an architecture firm recognized nationally for design excellence, environmental stewardship, and organizational leadership. Beginning his career at the firm as a summer intern in 1991, Tim has progressed through nearly every role, becoming President in 2018. He has guided Neumann Monson through a period of cultural and strategic transformation focused on equitable practice, employee experience, and high‑impact design. Tim is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, a recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award, and a recognized voice in leadership and firm management within the AEC industry.

I'm Todd Henderson.

I work with AEC firms to figure out why improvement efforts stall and to build the organizational conditions that make changes land.

I spent thirty years in architectural practice, moving through nearly every level of leadership. For most of that time, the work I found most satisfying wasn't the projects. It was figuring out why things worked the way they did, and how to make them work better for myself and my colleagues. Eventually, I stopped doing that on the side and made it the whole job.

Tom joined Zweig Group after a 19-year career as the Chief Operating Officer of a Washington DC-based engineering company. In that role, he was responsible for the business operations of a multi-office firm, to include oversight of the finance, accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, and legal functions. Tom was a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and helped guide it through two economic shocks (the 2008 Great Recession and the 2020 Covid Crisis), an ownership transition from founders to the 2nd generation of leaders, and periods of high growth. Prior to this, he held operations and management roles in the telecommunication industry and served on active duty as a nuclear power-trained Submarine Warfare Officer in the United States Navy.

Systems thinking is a particular area of interest for Tom. He brings a strong understanding of the complex interactions between clients, employees, and the economic/business goals of AEC firms.

Tom holds a MBA from the University of North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Duke University.

A firm believer that complacency breeds failure, Ying is driven by innate curiosity and life-long learning with a growth mindset. She is passionate about leading with purpose, inclusion, and authenticity. With over 13 years of diverse experience in the AEC industry, Ying has served in various capacities including strategic planning, design, and implementation; marketing and business development; CRM operations and commercial pipeline; client team management and capture win plans; as well as proposal development and oversight. Her unique strengths lie within her ability to integrate tactical thinking and strategic insights into business planning and capture qualitative and quantitative components to convey a cohesive message.

Prior to joining Zweig Group in 2022, Ying served as the Deputy Chief Strategy and Growth Officer for the US Operations of a Paris-based multinational architectural and engineering consulting firm specializing in public transportation and mobility solutions. Recognized as an innovative strategist who can integrate multiple perspectives into a shared vision, Ying was promoted to this growth-focused strategic role at the onset of COVID to partner with C-suite executives and cross-functional teams to develop a 2-3 year strategic plan for organizational survival and return to growth. She was also responsible for managing the implementation and execution effort of the strategic plan by facilitating regular performance reviews against pre-established KPIs to drive organizational growth and profitability.

Ying holds an MBA with a concentration in management and strategies and a Bachelor of Business Administration in international marketing, both degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY) Baruch College. Spurred by simple curiosity and a genuine interest in sustainability, Ying obtained her LEED AP BD+C credential in 2021. She is also multilingual - fluent in English, Korean, and Chinese, with intermediate proficiency in French and Japanese.