The Biggest Minnesota Construction Summit Yet

Day 1 Keynote: "Unstoppable Leadership"

With his contagious energy and actionable System, ALEX WEBER immediately impacts audiences and ignites record-breaking achievements!

Alex is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Champion Coach, Acclaimed Author, TV Host for NBC, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Alex is also the only person ever to Host and Compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior! Alex helps you lead beyond changes, overcome challenges, and unlock new levels of achievement!

Alex connects so well with audiences because of his genuine openness about the challenges, self-doubt, and uncertainty that we all face, and most of all, how you can overcome it! As a professional entertainer, US Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and acclaimed Author, Alex is highly sought after for his unique ability to engage, empower, and transform audiences. Alex has positively inspired over 5.5 million people worldwide, and worked with major companies like Fidelity, Apple, Walmart, LinkedIn, Amazon, RE/MAX, The Los Angeles Lakers, Stanford Business and many more!

With his inspiring stories, captivating energy, and actionable takeaways, Alex empowers you to lead beyond changes and conquer challenges, so you can accomplish your biggest goals!

Day 2 Keynote: "Dump Your Slump!
How to Spot, Stop & Shift Slumps Before They Impact Your Team

Dr. Jermaine M. Davis helps leaders build high-performing teams, strengthen workplace culture, and boost employee engagement using his popular 3 C’s framework, Communication, Cooperation, and Collaboration: so, people can achieve results without stressing out, rusting out, or burning out.

An award-winning Professor of Communication and Leadership with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Jermaine blends research and academic insight with real-world leadership experience from working in sales, marketing, and management with Fortune 500 companies. His practical approach helps leaders strengthen trust, navigate change, improve team performance, and create environments where people can thrive.

As a Hall-of-Fame speaker, Dr. Jermaine is known for his authentic energy and signature Edutainment style: where education meets entertainment. He is the author of 10 books and the nationally published white paper, Dump Your Slump: Turning Setbacks into Strategic Comebacks. Dr. Jermaine has worked with organizations including Best Buy, Microsoft, the FBI, and West Point Military Academy. When he’s not teaching or speaking, he’s cheering at his son Zion’s football games or enjoying his grandmother’s famous homemade mac and cheese.

With his contagious energy and actionable System, ALEX WEBER immediately impacts audiences and ignites record-breaking achievements!

Alex is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Champion Coach, Acclaimed Author, TV Host for NBC, and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. Alex is also the only person ever to Host and Compete on NBC’s American Ninja Warrior! Alex helps you lead beyond changes, overcome challenges, and unlock new levels of achievement!

Alex connects so well with audiences because of his genuine openness about the challenges, self-doubt, and uncertainty that we all face, and most of all, how you can overcome it! As a professional entertainer, US Lacrosse Coach of the Year, and acclaimed Author, Alex is highly sought after for his unique ability to engage, empower, and transform audiences. Alex has positively inspired over 5.5 million people worldwide, and worked with major companies like Fidelity, Apple, Walmart, LinkedIn, Amazon, RE/MAX, The Los Angeles Lakers, Stanford Business and many more!

With his inspiring stories, captivating energy, and actionable takeaways, Alex empowers you to lead beyond changes and conquer challenges, so you can accomplish your biggest goals!

Dr. Jermaine M. Davis helps leaders build high-performing teams, strengthen workplace culture, and boost employee engagement using his popular 3 C’s framework, Communication, Cooperation, and Collaboration: so, people can achieve results without stressing out, rusting out, or burning out.

An award-winning Professor of Communication and Leadership with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Jermaine blends research and academic insight with real-world leadership experience from working in sales, marketing, and management with Fortune 500 companies. His practical approach helps leaders strengthen trust, navigate change, improve team performance, and create environments where people can thrive.

As a Hall-of-Fame speaker, Dr. Jermaine is known for his authentic energy and signature Edutainment style: where education meets entertainment. He is the author of 10 books and the nationally published white paper, Dump Your Slump: Turning Setbacks into Strategic Comebacks. Dr. Jermaine has worked with organizations including Best Buy, Microsoft, the FBI, and West Point Military Academy. When he’s not teaching or speaking, he’s cheering at his son Zion’s football games or enjoying his grandmother’s famous homemade mac and cheese.

Paul Almen serves as Vice President and General Counsel, leading the company-wide legal strategy in a newly created role that supports Knutson’s long-term growth. Based in the Minneapolis office, he provides in‑house counsel across all departments, partnering with operations and project teams to anticipate issues and enable confident decision‑making.
 
With more than three decades in the construction industry, Paul brings deep experience in claims oversight, enterprise risk identification and mitigation, contract review and negotiation, and dispute resolution. His practical, business‑focused approach helps safeguard projects and strengthen client and partner relationships while aligning legal priorities with strategic objectives.

Ron Anderson is the Health Director with Minnesota OSHA.  He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist and has been with Minnesota OSHA for over 28 years.  Prior to Minnesota OSHA, Ron worked with a local environmental consulting firm for 7 years.

Heather Arends serves as Manager of the Mineral Potential Evaluation Section with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Her section is responsible for statewide aggregate resource mapping, aggregate leasing on state lands, mineral resource evaluation, stewardship of the state's approximately 12-million-acre mineral estate, and management of the Hibbing Drill Core Library. The section also supports efforts to diversify Minnesota's mineral economy.

Heather has nearly 30 years of experience with the DNR in geological mapping, mineral resource management, and mineral policy. She holds a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of Minnesota Morris and a Master of Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Cal Beyer, CWP is Sr. Director of SAFE Workplaces for national nonprofit SAFE Project (Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic). He has 35 years of experience as a safety, risk management and wellness professional. He serves on the Executive & Steering Committees of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention and the Lived Experience Advisory Committee for the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. He helped catalyze the formation of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention in 2016. He is a 2025 inductee of the National Academy of Construction for this work to address the intersection of substance use, suicide and overdose in the industry. Cal is a frequent speaker at industry events and a regular contributor to various industry publications. 

Josh Brotemarkle is Chief Operations Officer and General Counsel of LS Black Constructors, a general contractor delivering federal projects nationwide. For nearly two decades he has worked across law, finance, and operations, including CFO and General Counsel roles where he oversaw IT, risk management, and compliance, and a private practice advising contractors, subcontractors, design professionals, and owners on construction contracts and regulatory requirements. At LS Black, he oversees the delivery of all federal projects, including the cybersecurity requirements taking shape under CMMC. Josh is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and former adjunct professor.

Susan Brower is the Minnesota State Demographer and directs the MN State Demographic Center. Susan became the State Demographer in February 2012. In that capacity, she travels the state talking with Minnesotans about the new social and economic realities that are brought about by recent demographic shifts. Susan's work applies an understanding of demographic trends to changes in a range of areas including the state's economy and workforce, education, health, immigration and rural population changes.

Susan joined the State Demographic Center after working as a researcher on the Minnesota Compass project at Wilder Research in St. Paul. Prior to that, she worked at the Population Studies Center at the University of Michigan.

Susan earned her Ph.D. in sociology at the University of Michigan, specializing in demography and family sociology. She also holds a master's degree in public policy from Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.

Abbey Bryduck, M.A., M.B.A., is Executive Vice President of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. She previously served for more than eight years as Executive Director of the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA), leading advocacy efforts on transportation funding, procurement policy, work zone safety, and workforce development. With more than 20 years of experience in government affairs, legislative policy, and infrastructure leadership, Abbey works to advance practical solutions that connect public policy with successful project delivery.

Ethan Couser is an electrical engineer on Mortenson's Solar Industrialization & Innovation team at BLUlabs. He focuses on mechatronics and the development and integration of sensing, communication, and control technologies for outdoor applications, including CAN, GNSS, LiDAR, and IMUs. Prior to Mortenson, Ethan worked in automotive and heavy-equipment engineering at Polaris and CASE Construction.

John Cunningham has served as the Aggregate and Ready Mix Association of Minnesota’s Executive Director since July of 2018. John manages the association’s educational, promotional, and advocacy efforts on behalf of the State’s concrete and aggregate industry.

Mr. Cunningham formerly served as the Associate Director for the Iowa Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Program Manager for the engineering firm of Snyder and Associates, and in multiple positions for the Iowa Department of Transportation.

John is a graduate of the Iowa Society of Association Executive’s Leadership Program and the recipient of several awards including the AGC of America’s Marvin M. Black Award as a member of the U.S. Highway 71 project team.

Julia Douglass is a shareholder in the firm of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A., in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she has focused her practice on construction law.  Julia represents all parties to the development, design, and construction process on matters ranging across procurement and contract formation, insurance coverage, cost and time related claims, and dispute resolution.  Julia also counsels clients on best employment practices and risk mitigation strategies.  Julia has published several book chapters and articles in the construction law area, with a focus on mechanic’s lien claims, bond claims, and effective ADR strategies.  Julia has been consistently listed as a “Rising Star” and “Super Lawyer” in construction litigation in Minnesota and has been nationally recognized and ranked by Chambers. 

Alex Etchen is the Vice President of Construction Advocacy and Risk Management at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. In this role, Alex leads all AGC’s advocacy efforts with Congress, federal agencies, and the courts. Before being named Vice President of Construction Advocacy and Risk Management, he served as the Senior Director for Infrastructure Advancement at AGC. Prior to joining AGC, Alex served as Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). He also worked in Congress for nearly seven years; first for a Member of Congress from Idaho and then on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Originally from Ligonier, Pa., Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins University.

Abby Ferri is an influential leader in global risk management and worker safety with over 20 years of experience. As Director of National Safety Council’s Networks, she leads a team that provides unique forums for interaction among member companies, enables benchmarking among members, alignment of special projects in collaboration with other aspects of NSC, and provides safety consulting and thought leadership.

She is a leading voice in the ethical and safe implementation of technology like artificial intelligence in the workplace, educates K-12 students on STEM careers, co-founded the global top 200 "Safety Justice League" podcast, and authored two books.

Abby is an adjunct professor and serves on advisory groups in her city’s school district on thoughtful AI strategy and equitable access to STEM career pathways. She was honored with the 2022 American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Safety Professional of the Year and the 2019 International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Distinguished Service Award in recognition for her advocacy for industrial worker safety. In 2023, she was vice chair of the ASSP/ISEA Technical Report Committee establishing guidelines for the fit and selection of PPE for women. Abby holds a Masters Degree in Environmental Health and Safety from the University of Minnesota Duluth, is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM).

Dr. Ashley Gill, CSP, is Director of Safety for McGough’s Advanced Technologies Sector, where she leads safety strategy across a national portfolio of data center and mission-critical construction projects. Over nearly two decades in construction, manufacturing, energy, and environmental services, she has built safety programs that cut recordable injury rates by more than half while strengthening frontline engagement. She holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where her research developed and validated a measure of informal safety leadership, and she teaches construction and industrial safety as an adjunct professor at Tarleton State University and East Texas A&M. Dr. Gill is a proud University of Minnesota–Morris alum. A frequent speaker at ASSP Safety, BCSP, and regional summits, she is known for turning Human & Organizational Performance principles into practical tools that leaders at every level can put to work on Monday.

Cori Hill is an advocate for business change and transformation through the creation of innovative programs and methods that advance ROI and organizational capability. A learning and development leader and HR professional, she motivates teams to top achievement. Cori is a collaborative communicator who is continually focused on building relationships and promoting performance across business lines and the enterprise to drive positive change and business results.

When not working, Cori likes to hike – currently working on the Lake Superior Trail, go white water rafting in the Grand Canyon and Moab, and do volunteer work specifically for children with differing educational needs.

Kevin Hogan serves as Corporate Safety Director at Knutson Construction where he leads the organization’s safety and risk-reduction strategies. He is focused on advancing a people-first culture built around trust, accountability, and the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities. Kevin works closely with operational leaders and project teams to turn safety and quality strategy into practical, consistent execution in the field. His leadership approach centers on continuous improvement, meaningful engagement, and focusing resources on the risks that matter most.

Dr. Charryse Johnson is Chief Clinical Officer of Cadre, an award-winning author, nationally recognized mental health professional, and developer of The Cadre Way. She brings more than two decades of clinical expertise to advancing mental health, human performance, and well-being in organizations and communities.

Sara Johnson serves as Deputy General Counsel to the Northern Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, a regional labor union representing more than 36,000 Carpenters, Millwrights, Floor Coverers, and Pile Drivers across Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Over the past eight years, she has negotiated collective bargaining agreements with employers and employer associations throughout the region, worked to resolve a broad range of employment-related disputes, manages prevailing wage submissions & compliance and advised union leadership on strategic initiatives.

Prior to joining the Regional Council, Sara worked in legal recruiting and served as a Regional Manager at Thomson Reuters. She earned her B.A. in Law & Society from Winona State University and her J.D. from Hamline University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Minnesota.

Jessica Klander is a shareholder at Bassford Remele, president and chair of the firm’s Board of Directors, and co-chair of the Consumer Finance Practice Group. She advises businesses on privacy, data security, regulatory compliance, risk management, and governmental inquiries. Jessica regularly conducts compliance audits, develops policies and procedures, and helps clients navigate evolving cybersecurity requirements, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act Safeguards Rule, HIPAA, state privacy laws, and related contractual and insurance considerations. A sought-after national presenter, Jessica frequently speaks on cybersecurity, data privacy, and strategies for reducing operational and litigation risk. Her honors include Minnesota Lawyer’s Top Women in Law, Attorney of the Year, Minnesota Legal 250, and Up & Coming Attorney recognitions, as well as selections to The Best Lawyers in America, the Minnesota Monthly Top Lawyers list, and the Minnesota Super Lawyers list.

Cameron Koch is a Sustainability Project Manager at PCL Construction, where he leads the management of the company’s GHG inventory and supports the implementation of its sustainability roadmap across North American operations. He focuses on tracking and reducing carbon emissions, developing practical decarbonization strategies, and advancing innovative, cost-effective solutions to drive more sustainable construction practices.

Peyton Kringlie is Vice President of Corporate Strategy at LS Black Constructors, a Saint Paul general contractor serving federal and commercial clients, where he leads corporate services across finance, HR, and technology. He has spent ten years in construction with a background that blends finance, systems, and operations, and the last year putting AI agents to work inside the company's ERP, Estimating, Project Management, and email workflows, to recruiting and year end audit prep. He is active in the Twin Cities construction technology community, including the Construction Progress Coalition's new Twin Cities group. One piece of advice that stuck with him: you do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems.

Nena Lenz is an attorney at Fredrikson & Byron, P.A. and leads the firm's Government Contracts & Grants Group. She advises clients on federal, state, local, and tribal government contracts and grants, including procurement, compliance, audits, investigations, bid protests, and contract negotiations. Nena has a national practice and regularly counsels contractors, owners, and public entities on prevailing wage requirements, public funding compliance, and other legal issues affecting publicly funded construction projects.

Perry Logan more than 30 years of experience in the EHS field. Prior to joining NSC in October 2023, Logan worked at Health + Safety Leadership Partners, a consulting firm that specializes in providing strategic insights and practical solutions in the areas of health, safety, wellness, and sustainability. He also spent 20 years at 3M, serving as vice president of EHS chemical operations.

Adam Malovrh is an electrical engineer driving technological advancement within the Innovation department at M.A. Mortenson Construction. His work heavily focuses on researching, testing, and implementing cutting edge technology and automation solutions for Mortenson's construction sites. His 10+ years of developing and implementing bespoke vehicle test systems for automotive OEMs and Formula 1 teams has sparked his passion for pushing the limits of how mechatronics can be utilized in various industries. Along with implementing new solutions on job sites, Adam also works with Universities and national research institutions developing the next wave of technologies and solutions while also advocating for the construction industry amongst the next generation of engineering professionals. Keep an eye out for this passion on display as Adam is often featured in Mortenson's social media videos highlighting new construction robots that Mortenson is trialing at their Twin Cities R&D facility, BLUlabs.

A Leader in Construction Mental Health, Yolanda McIntosh is the Director of Organizational Wellbeing and Culture for the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota. In her role, Yolanda leads efforts to create more intentional and inclusive initiatives, helping member contractors build equitable business cultures and provide greater opportunities for diverse populations in the building and highway construction industry. Beyond her cultural inclusive work, Yolanda is a prominent leader in the construction mental health movement, heading up the VitalCog in Construction suicide prevention training and awareness program for the region. Yolanda has become a national champion in suicide prevention within the construction industry. Her powerful message, “People like me don’t want to die; we just want the mental pain, turmoil, and anguish in our heads to STOP!” resonates deeply, inspiring change and raising awareness about mental health in construction.

Brandi Miller is a Senior Project Engineer with PCL Construction who works on a project team to coordinate the many moving parts that bring a project from planning through construction. Through her role, she has developed a growing interest in sustainability and how practical, thoughtful decisions made throughout a project can lead to better outcomes for our projects, communities, and environment.

Drew Moldenhauer is the co-founder of Blue Ethos Specialized Training and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience to his work in training, education, and leadership development.

Throughout his career, Drew served in key roles including use of force instructor, field training officer, and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) instructor, and Active Shooter Instructor. In addition to his law enforcement career, Drew serves as an Assistant Professor at Metro State University and is an adjunct instructor at several other colleges, teaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals. He is also the author of How Smart Police Officers Use Situational Awareness to Improve Safety. As co-owner of Blue Ethos Specialized Training, Drew works to deliver training programs for organizations across the United States. His work focuses on strengthening active threat preparedness, situational awareness, de-escalation, and empowering organizations to build safer, more resilient teams.

Brian Nahas, Director of Artificial Intelligence at Mortenson, focuses on advancing enterprise AI literacy, responsible experimentation, and the integration of human teams with AI systems across construction, manufacturing, supply chain, and emerging design engineering capabilities. He brings a track record of delivering complex, high-profile projects nationwide, while leading innovation through initiatives like a DfMA incubator and the expansion of Virtual Design & Construction (VDC), including GIS capabilities.

Amanda Nonnemacher is Sustainability Director for McGough Construction.  She has more than 20 years of experience managing project-based sustainability requirements across a variety of project types.  Amanda’s role at McGough is to oversee sustainability project execution and strategy for enterprise sustainability.  Her expertise includes management of third-party sustainability certifications, facilitating transparent project goal-setting conversations, and process development for sustainability execution.  

Jeff Olejnik is a Partner at Wipfli and leads the firm’s cybersecurity services practice. With more than 20 years of experience in IT security services, Jeff helps organizations manage cyber risk through cybersecurity strategy, security testing, business continuity planning, governance and managed security services. For construction companies, Jeff brings a practical, business-focused perspective on using cyber readiness to protect projects, strengthen client trust and differentiate in competitive bidding environments.

Rachel Osdoba serves as Senior Construction Attorney at Ryan Companies US, Inc., where she brings five years of in-house experience and a strong background in construction litigation. Rachel counsels project teams through every phase of construction, specializing in negotiating owner contracts and subcontracts, mitigating on-site job risks, and managing post-completion dispute resolution and litigation.

Dave Ostlie serves as Vice President of Materials at Bituminous Roadways, Inc., bringing more than 30 years of experience in the construction materials industry, including 25 years specializing in aggregate production, quality, and sales. He currently oversees operations at the company’s four asphalt production plants, two aggregate locations, and four recycling facilities across Inver Grove Heights, Shakopee, Columbus and Prior Lake, Minnesota. Since joining Bituminous Roadways in 2023 to help oversee the materials division, Dave was appointed Vice President of Materials in January 2026. Previously, Dave spent more than 25 years in the aggregate industry, holding leadership, management, and sales roles with several aggregate supply companies.

David Raschke is an AI Researcher on Mortenson’s i4 Innovation team, where he applies AI to real construction workflows, from document intelligence for preconstruction to physical AI in the field. He brings nearly 20 years of experience in industrial automation and robotics, including delivering vision-driven controls and AI/ML systems for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, logistics and manufacturing applications. His background bridges engineering, software and operations, bringing a practical perspective to deploying emerging technology in complex, real-world environments.

Mary Roggenbuck is a Sustainability Manager with JE Dunn Construction, where she supports sustainability initiatives across large-scale construction projects. She works closely with project teams to meet evolving client sustainability requirements. Her expertise includes sustainability reporting, embodied carbon, and sustainability data management.

Julie is the founder of Innovative Growth LLC and brings 25 years of experience as a facilitator and workplace consultant.   She helps leaders navigate inevitable workplace conflict and difficult conversations.  The  framework of:  Reframe, Rebuild, Restore, Resilience  guides clients to reframe how they see workplace mistrust or tension, rebuild healthy communication, and restore positive interactions and accountability within work groups.  

Mike Schechter is the director of labor relations and general counsel for AGC MN, where he facilitates negotiations with the basic trades on collective bargaining agreements, helps contractors with questions or concerns, and manages the disputes board to resolve differences with the unions. 

Mark Severance is the Director of Construction Cloud Sales at RKL eSolutions. With over 20 years of experience in software solutions, Mark helps growing construction and real estate companies evaluate and select technology that enables the accounting and operations team to do their best work.

Mike Schmidt is an Innovation Manager at Mortenson, where he leads robotics and autonomy initiatives for the company’s Civil group. Before joining Mortenson, Mike spent 10 years leading innovation at Bobcat, helping advance new technologies within the equipment industry. His experience spans both the development and practical deployment of emerging technologies in demanding, real-world environments.

Brett Smith is Global Safety Director at Gardner Builders and a co-founding member of the Construction Mental Health + Suicide Prevention Alliance. With 19 years in environmental, health, and safety leadership, he champions a safety culture that treats mental health as seriously as physical safety, and is a certified QPR and Mental Health First Aid instructor.

Dave Snieg is Associate General Counsel for Mortenson, a commercial builder and developer headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that engages in a variety of complex construction projects throughout North America, including commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, sports facilities, wind and solar generation facilities, battery storage and power transmission and other public and private projects.  Dave currently provides legal support to Mortenson’s Wind, Sports and Data Center operating groups, as well as its innovation and environmental groups.  

Dave received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.

Clinton Steingraber is a Fractional CIO at Thriveon, a managed IT and cybersecurity firm and AGC of Minnesota partner specializing in the construction industry. He serves as an embedded technology executive for a portfolio of construction clients, leading strategy, infrastructure planning, and compliance. Clinton helps owners and finance leaders assess and reduce security risk in plain business terms, from proactive hardening to cyber insurance readiness.

As Director of Innovation, Dylan VanAvery is tasked with facilitating and celebrating innovative ideas across the Mortenson organization. From productization, to prefabrication, to automation; Dylan and his team capitalize on a dedicated 90,000 square feet R&D and Fabrication space to advance research and development in the AED Sector. Dylan began his career as a laborer for a small utility contractor before graduating with his Bachelor of Engineering degree from the University of Minnesota. He spent 10 years as an engineer; working in construction materials science, quality assurance and project management. Transitioning back to his construction roots included roles such as quality manager, lean director, superintendent, senior manager, and now a leader in innovation. He’s had the privilege of being involved in many of Mortenson’s prolific projects and takes pride in conquering the impossible!

Jen Veralle is an advocate for and creator of healthy social experiences that decentralize alcohol. Founder of Mindful Drinking Movement, TEDx Speaker, and Cadre leading voice, she addresses alcohol's impact in corporate spaces through talks and facilitated conversations.

Satyam Verma is Construction Practice Leader at Egnyte, where he works with AEC firms to modernize how they manage project data, compliance, and risk. His background spans Autodesk and multiple high-growth startups, giving him a rare vantage point on both the enterprise and disruptor sides of construction tech. Satyam is a sought-after speaker on go-to-market strategy, digital transformation, and the future of the built environment — known for cutting through buzzwords to talk about what's actually working.

As Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at McGough Construction Co., LLC, Jessi Wagner provides legal advice and direction to the executive leadership team and company broadly. She is responsible for the direct supervision of the legal team and oversees McGough’s compliance with laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks by advising on critical business decisions across various areas like contracts, insurance, claims, employment law matters, corporate governance, and compliance.

Prior to joining McGough, Jessi served as a risk manager for another large Minnesota-based general contractor. She holds a Juris Doctor from William Mitchell College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In addition to her professional role, Jessi is an adjunct professor in the Construction Management Department at Minnesota State University–Mankato, where she teaches a construction law seminar to future superintendents, project managers, and estimators.

Outside of work, Jessi enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, cooking, reading—especially to her young daughter—and exploring the outdoors.

Rich Webb is the co-founder of Blue Ethos Specialized Training and brings nearly two decades of frontline law-enforcement experience into his work today. Throughout his career, Rich served in high-responsibility roles including patrol sergeant, mobile field force leader, field training officer and certified hostage crisis negotiator. In 2014, Rich was awarded the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Medal of Honor for his actions during a life-threatening officer involved shooting on the steps of a daycare. In 2020, Rich led his department Mobile Field Force team during the Minneapolis civil unrest, operating in an environment defined by uncertainty, high emotion, and rapidly evolving threats. Now retired from law enforcement, Rich works full-time leading Blue Ethos Specialized Training, where he has trained organizations across the United States. His work focuses on strengthening active threat preparedness, situational awareness, improving communication under stress, and building safer, more resilient teams.

Kyle Willems is a member of Bassford Remele’s Board of Directors and co-chair of the firm’s Construction and Real Estate Practice Group. A business and tort litigator, he represents individuals and businesses in construction, real estate, finance, commercial, and catastrophic injury disputes. Kyle has secured favorable results throughout every stage of a dispute, including pre-litigation, arbitration, mediation, trial, and appeal, and has handled more than 100 residential, multifamily, and commercial construction matters. He serves on the boards of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota and Wildlife Forever and is the secretary of the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Construction Law Section Council. Kyle has been named Minnesota Real Estate Lawyer of the Year by the Minnesota Real Estate Journal, recognized as an Up & Coming Attorney by Minnesota Lawyer, and selected for The Best Lawyers in America, the Minnesota Monthly Top Lawyers list, and the Minnesota Super Lawyers list.

Amanda Williams is a shareholder and chair of Bassford Remele’s Complex Litigation Practice Group. She represents clients in antitrust, consumer protection, product liability, and data privacy litigation, with extensive experience in class and mass actions. Amanda has held leadership roles in high-profile antitrust and other complex matters, including litigation against the NCAA and cases that resulted in multibillion-dollar settlements. She is also recognized for her professional leadership and pro bono service, with honors from the Federal Bar Association and Minnesota Lawyer, which named her a Top Woman in Law and twice an Attorney of the Year. Amanda has also been selected to the Minnesota Super Lawyers list. She currently serves as president of The Infinity Project, an organization dedicated to advancing women in the judiciary.

Ron Wirtz is a Regional Outreach Director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Ron manages a small Regional Outreach team whose primary responsibilities involve tracking current business conditions across the six-state Ninth Federal Reserve District, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and north/western Wisconsin.

Ron and the entire Regional Outreach team do extensive outreach to business and other community leaders. This includes surveys, roundtables, and frequent speeches on regional economic conditions to business and community groups.

Ron pays special attention to employment and wages, which are central to the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate of promoting stable prices and maximum employment. Ron is a central contributor to the Beige Book, a Federal Reserve System report of current business conditions published every six weeks.

Previous to this position, Ron was editor of the fedgazette, a regional business and economics journal published by the Minneapolis Fed. Ron has conducted in-depth research on such topics as labor markets and job growth, health care consolidation, income mobility, disability, public pensions, and many others.

Stephanie Yoraway serves as Director of Talent for Veit, where she leads talent acquisition and workforce development efforts across the organization. Her work focuses on building sustainable talent pipelines, strengthening leadership capability, creating career pathways, and connecting workforce development to business performance. Stephanie has helped design programs that span community outreach, onboarding, craft development, leadership training, succession planning, and employee engagement. She is passionate about helping organizations transform workforce development from a collection of programs into a connected system that supports growth, retention, and long-term organizational success.

Laura Ziegler joined AGC of MN in 2018 and serves as the Director of Highway/Heavy & Government Affairs.  Laura's role includes being the principal staff resource for managing and directing AGC's legislative policy and regulatory agenda.  She represents the construction industry at the Minnesota Legislature and with state agencies, as well as the federal government and Congress. She has a passion for the three P’s: policy, puns, and not the Packers.