EVENT SPEAKERS
JOHN S. HALIKOWSKI
DIRECTOR, ADOT
Ever since John was appointed director of the Arizona Department of Transportation in 2009, he has been dedicated to advancing the agency’s position as an innovative, high-performing organization that contributes to the state’s economic vitality and quality of life. He leads 3,600 employees who are responsible for planning, building and maintaining the state’s multimodal transportation system. With a focus on continuous improvement and customer service, the Arizona Department of Transportation also provides motor vehicle title, registration and driver license services to motorists in the state.
Mike Abraham
President, J. Banicki Construction Inc.
Mike is an Arizona native with over 38 years of construction experience under his belt. He progressed through the construction ranks working within, and managing many disciplines of construction. He has extensive experience with test track, roadway, utility and bridge construction to name a few. In 2013 Mike assumed the role of President at J. Banicki Construction Inc. (Banicki), a 31 year old local heavy civil contractor based in Phoenix. Mikes current responsibility is the overall performance of Banicki which includes safety, financial and quality performance.
SCOTT JONES
Regional Alternative Delivery Manager , Southwest Region, Ames Construction
Scott Jones has more than 26 years of experience in the construction management of transportation projects. Scott graduated from Montana State University with a Civil Engineering degree and he is a licenced Civil Engineer in Arizona. He began his career with Ames Construction in 1996, providing engineering support for the safe construction of bridges, developing blasting plans, and coordinating traffic control and roadway closures on the SR87, Sycamore Creek to Sunflower project. Scott’s extensive experience includes heavy DOT and municipal construction; runway and taxiway construction, alternative project delivery, including CMAR; temporary works design; and underground utility construction. His expertise includes calculating and stamping designs for complex bridge structure falsework; coordinating construction activities in conjunction with traffic control; coordinating multiple teams for scheduling; and managing manpower and crews to provide project sites that allowed for work to be conducted safely and efficiently. Scott’s current role for Ames Construction is Regional Alternative Delivery Manager for the Southwest Region. In this role, Scott manages the pursuit phase for CMAR, CMGC, Design Build, Progressive Design Build and Best Value projects in Arizona, California, and New Mexico.
Jessica Mefford-Miller
CEO, Valley Metro
As CEO of Valley Metro, Jessica Mefford-Miller is responsible for the operations and expansion of the regional public transportation system in metropolitan Phoenix. Mefford-Miller has 20 years of experience in transportation. Most recently, she served as Executive Director for Metro Transit where she led a team that delivered bus, light rail, paratransit and microtransit across the St. Louis metropolitan region. During her career, she has focused on social equity, environmental sustainability, delivering excellent customer experiences and contributing to thriving regional economies. While at Metro Transit she led a reimagining of its bus system, which improved frequency to more than half of daily riders. She has demonstrated success at reducing carbon emissions by making transit more attractive and accessible. This includes the launch of microtransit and connector services. At Metro Transit, she led a shift toward renewable energy through its battery-electric bus program and partnerships to shift utilities to renewable sources. She has overseen the expansion of St. Louis’s 46-mile light rail system while also supporting public-private partnerships as a way to leverage rail investment with thriving transit-oriented development. Previously, Mefford-Miller held posts at the National Park Service, the Ohio Department of Transportation and The Ohio State University. She holds a B.S. in Geography from Southern Illinois University, an M.S. in Geography from Texas State University, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Geography from The Ohio State University.
BRIAN REITMEYER
CHIEF ESTIMATOR, GRANITE CONSTRUCTION
Brian is the Chief Estimator for Granite Construction’s Arizona Region. He has over 21 years of experience in estimating a wide variety of heavy civil projects throughout the country. Brian has worked in Pennsylvania, Florida, Utah, and Arizona, and has been with Granite for the past 5 years. In 2013, Darron was promoted to vice president and area manager of Kiewit Building Group in Denver, Colorado, managing the $230 million business unit for two years. From there, he moved to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., sponsoring civil projects in Arizona, Utah and California. In his role as sponsor, he managed a diverse infrastructure client mix, including Utah Transit Authority and the City of Phoenix. In addition to his current role, Darron continues his duties as area manager for Kiewit’s Southwest District, overseeing projects in the water/wastewater, aviation and electrical markets. Darron graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Darron is also a member of Kiewit’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and also sits on the advisory panel of the Kiewit Scholars Program, an elite Kiewit-designed scholarship program that provides select, top-performing students with an industry immersive experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Darron currently serves as Vice President of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Arizona chapter. In this role, Darron oversees all business functions of Kiewit’s human resources department, supporting staff and craft employees across North America.
Greg Byres
Deputy Director / State Engineer, ADOT
Greg Byres currently serves as state engineer and deputy director for transportation. As leader of the Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division (IDO), Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division (TSMO), and the Multimodal Transportation Division (MPD), he oversees development and delivery of the ADOT construction program, including environmental studies, engineering design, land acquisition and construction. He also supports the maintenance and operation of more than 6,000 miles of interstate and state highways in Arizona.
Kini L.E. Knudson, PE
Director, City of Phoenix Transportation
Kini currently serves as Director for the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department. As one of Phoenix’s most essential city departments, the Street Transportation Department manages the planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of an extensive roadway network that features 5,000 street miles; 1,400 bikeway miles; over 1,200 signalized intersections and more than 95,000 street lights. During his 22-year tenure with the City of Phoenix Kini has worked in five different departments. Before joining the City of Phoenix, Kini served as an Officer in the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps. Kini spent time stationed in southern Spain and in the Washington D.C. area. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Arizona, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona, and a master's degree in business administration from ASU.
KATY PROCTOR
Director of Government Relations and Rules, ADOT
Katy Proctor has over 20 years of experience in the state legislative arena, in all three branches of government. Prior to coming to the Arizona Department of Transportation, Katy served on staff in both the Arizona House of Representatives and Arizona State Senate, and worked in legislative roles with the Arizona Supreme Court and Arizona Department of Public Safety. As the Government Relations and Rules Director for ADOT, Katy oversees engagement with federal, state and local elected officials, along with administrative rule and policy oversight. She also currently represents ADOT as a member of the AASHTO Transportation Policy Forum Committee. Katy has an MPA from Arizona State University and a BA from the University of Arizona.
Tina Samartinean
Administrator, Employee & Business Development, ADOT
Tina serves as the administrator of the Employee and Business Development Division. She is responsible for implementing ADOT's employee and leadership development programs in addition to management of all BECO programs and operations. Tina has more than 20 years of management experience, including implementing BECO’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, On-the-Job-Training and Equal Employment Opportunity programs. She also has teaching and curriculum development experience, as well as administrative experience in the Arizona Judicial Court System. Tina serves as the Vice Chair for AASHTO's Committee on Civil Rights.
Markus Coleman
Light Rail Administrator, City of Phoenix Transit
Markus Coleman is the Light Rail Administrator for the city of Phoenix. Markus has more than two decades of working with the city of Phoenix including overseeing the South Central Light Rail Extension Transit Oriented Development grant. Coleman is responsible for advancing light rail within the city of Phoenix consistent with Council Action. Currently, Phoenix and Valley Metro are working to plan, construct, and operate four light rail extensions within Phoenix totaling approximately $3.2 billion dollars (local and federal funds). These extension will add 17 miles of track to the existing system and reach the south, west, and northwest valley. Markus grew up in Phoenix, has strong ties to the South Phoenix community and knows how important public transit is to our citizens who use that as their main mode of getting around. Coleman attended Arizona State University, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Metropolitan Studies, as well as earning a certificate in Public Administration and Public Management. Coleman has worked in Public Transit, Planning and Development departments and the City Manager’s office. Coleman has a total of 26 years of experience with the city of Phoenix and has spent his career working on development projects and transportation. He also has experience working as an engineering technician, plan review coordinator, project manager and has a previous rotation of acting deputy public transit director over transit operations.
FRANCESCA MARTIN
Small Business & Workforce Development Officer, ADOT
Francesca joined ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office as the DBE Supportive Services Program Manager in June 2020. Francesca owned her own business for a number of years, and her previous experience in the private sector includes developing strategies to increase spend with Diversity Suppliers. As the Small Business and Workforce Development Officer, Francesca's current responsibility is to manage and provide oversight for ADOT's DBE Certification, DBE Supportive Services, and OJT Supportive Services & Workforce Development Programs. Francesca possesses a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Eastern Illinois University.
DARRON ROLLE
Vice President, Human Resources, Kiewit
Darron joined Kiewit in 1992, first as an estimating intern and then as an engineer and estimator in Omaha, Nebraska, upon graduation. Over the years he’s led Kiewit teams as a field engineer, superintendent, project engineer, project manager, job sponsor and, most recently, area manager. In 2013, Darron was promoted to vice president and area manager of Kiewit Building Group in Denver, Colorado, managing the $230 million business unit for two years. From there, he moved to Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., sponsoring civil projects in Arizona, Utah and California. In his role as sponsor, he managed a diverse infrastructure client mix, including Utah Transit Authority and the City of Phoenix. In addition to his current role, Darron continues his duties as area manager for Kiewit’s Southwest District, overseeing projects in the water/wastewater, aviation and electrical markets. Darron graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in construction management. Darron is also a member of Kiewit’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and also sits on the advisory panel of the Kiewit Scholars Program, an elite Kiewit-designed scholarship program that provides select, top-performing students with an industry immersive experience at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Darron currently serves as Vice President of Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Arizona chapter. In this role, Darron oversees all business functions of Kiewit’s human resources department, supporting staff and craft employees across North America.
Candace Huff
Deputy Aviation Director, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Candace is currently the Deputy Aviation Director for the Design and Construction Services Division. She is a professional engineer who has worked at the City of Phoenix Aviation Department for over 24 years. She oversees and manages implementation of the Capital Improvement Program and the Airport Capital Improvement Program, which encompasses grant-funded projects, Job Order Contracting, tenant improvements, and the new Terminal 4 S1 Concourse. Candace and her team ensure that these projects are effectively executed, and she manages all planning and other activities of the Division. She has worked on several key airport development projects for Sky Harbor (PHX), Goodyear (GYR) and Deer Valley (DVT) Airports, and she has managed large projects such as reconstruction of the PHX north and center runways and construction of the then-new south runway. More than 30 years ago, Candace began her professional career as a transportation engineer working on floating bridges. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington. She is also a Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Amanda McGennis
Senior Vice President, Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors
Amanda McGennis is the Senior Vice President of the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors She has worked for AZAGC 22 years. Amanda has over 33 years in the construction industry. Her experience ranges from pavement materials and research, procurement, safety, environmental, FHWA, NCHRP and SHRP Research, transportation initiatives and the development of training curriculum for air quality, construction stormwater and horizontal confined space in Arizona. As the AZAGC liaison for construction issues statewide Amanda works with state, local and municipal leaders, regulators and partners with the design community and various other construction related associations including AZAPWA, AMCA & Friends of Transit. Amanda has presented and moderated at numerous association conventions both in Arizona and nationally. She developed the small business bidding boot camp, a mentorship training to assist small business in securing work with prime contractors.
Martin Ramirez
Vice President/Project Sponsor, FNF Construction, Inc.
Manage multiple projects per year from estimating to physical competition. Responsibilities include estimate review, budget establishment, staffing of project, selection of subcontractors and material suppliers. Duties included training project staff for promotion within the FNF. Projects range in size from $1 million - $83 million, typically 6-12 projects per year with annual volume of $40 – 80 million annually. Plotting, strategizing, and analyzing historical productions and costs to yield best success in future projects while maximizing profits.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
Danielle Intorf
Business Development Representative | Sundt Construction
As a Business Development Representative for Sundt Construction’s Transportation Group, Danielle is responsible for aiding in the identification of opportunities and acting as the liaison between our marketing and technical teams to meet the needs of our clients and partners. Sundt’s Transportation Group is one of the nation’s leading contractors for roadways, rail, aviation (both airside and landside), bridges, critical infrastructure and site development, and flood control projects. Our project teams are known for their ability to support our owners and partners in the preconstruction phase of a project to optimize projects during construction. Danielle seeks new business opportunities by connecting and developing relationships with potential partners. As an Arizona native and a Northern Arizona University graduate, she has a passion for developing meaningful connections that will strength our community.
Cassandra Johnson
Owner | CLJ Consulting LLC
Cassandra Johnson, owner of CLJ Construction Consulting LLC, has over 30 years of Construction Office experience as a former Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) employee, General Contractor, Subcontractor and as a Consultant working on Federal projects. She has worked very closely with multiple stakeholders (ADOT, MCDOT, City of Phoenix, Other Municipalities, Contractors, Consultants and Subcontractors) regarding contract requirements and compliance. She offers a history of staff leadership and knowledge in all aspects of administrative, accounting, payroll, Federal Compliance (Davis-Bacon, Disadvantage Business Enterprise, Contractor (EEO) and On-the-Job Training) and construction management. From payroll to accounting to field operations, she has a comprehensive knowledge of the “big picture.”
Barbara Shuck
President | Everest Marketing
Barbara Shuck, FSMPS, CPSM gets marketing and business development in the design and construction industry. It’s why she uses more than 25+ years of proven expertise to help clients focus on what they do best: delivering superior services to valuable clients. A StoryBrand Certified Guide, Barbara helps clients with internal communication and initiatives, and external efforts that win work through compelling and persuasive content and messaging. Having presented to more than 200 audiences in the past 25+ years, Barbara knows how to connect with audiences and provide engaging, interactive learning experiences. Audiences include Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) chapter, regional, and national programs. In addition, she has taught workshops for numerous design and construction associations, and in college classrooms and online. In addition, she has taught workshops for numerous design and construction associations, (ACEC, AIA, SAME, ENR, PSMJ, APWA, and SWE), and in college classrooms and online. She is a Past President of SMPS, Fellow and Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM), and is a Trustee for the SMPS Foundation. She is the 2022 Weld Coxe Marketing Achievement Award recipient, the Society’s highest honor for career achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions to the A/E/C industries. She has a bachelor’s in Communication Arts and French, and a master’s in International Business, (marketing emphasis), along with expertise in marketing research, planning, business development, proposals, promotions, and management.
Allan Himmelstein
Chapter Chairman | SCORE Greater Phoenix
Now that I am with SCORE Greater Phoenix, there is no greater thrill than seeing mentees prosper and grow. Since 2007, I worked with business owners in the US, Mexico, and Germany as a Business coach and an Outsourced Sales Manager. I have extensive sales and business management experience including the start-up of an international company which grew to $40M in only 9 years and a turnaround for an international company. From start up to multimillion dollar companies, I understand the problems and opportunities of growing private companies. As a coach and consultant, I have worked with technology companies (IT, E-Discovery, Automated Mining, Clinical Research Organizations) and manufacturing companies (Cutting tools, food manufacturing, supplements).
