In construction management, leadership is more than a title—it’s the foundation of success. Drawing from decades of experience, Gary Mierkey emphasizes the critical role of resilience, innovation, and servant leadership in navigating the unique challenges of construction projects. Resilience enables leaders to adapt to changing conditions and uncover solutions by fostering collaboration. Innovation drives creative problem-solving, essential for addressing evolving demands. Servant leadership, marked by empathy and clear communication, builds trust and alignment among stakeholders. Together, these principles transform obstacles into opportunities, shaping not only successful projects but also strong, cohesive teams.

Robert Gassen is a seasoned IT and business development executive with over 50 years of experience in software development, project management, customer support, and entrepreneurship. He has successfully led large-scale enterprise projects, managed teams of up to 60 professionals, and built strategic partnerships with major software companies. Transitioning from IT to photography, he founded HumaNature Photography, growing it into a full-service studio before specializing in real estate photography. Currently, he remains active in the workforce while seeking board and advisory roles where he can contribute his extensive expertise. With a strong background in technology, operations, and business growth, Robert is a valuable asset for organizations looking for experienced leadership and strategic insight.

James J. Bertus is a highly accomplished professional with over 40 years of experience in the pipeline industry, specializing in control center operations, risk analysis, and strategic process improvements. Known for his ability to enhance efficiency and ensure regulatory compliance, he has successfully managed multimillion-dollar asset movement projects while training and mentoring industry professionals. His expertise in pipeline logistics, regulatory audits, and technical system implementations has made him a trusted leader in optimizing operational performance. With a strong foundation in problem-solving, strategic planning, and relationship building, James continues to drive innovation and excellence in the ever-evolving energy sector.

Nicholas Hrycun is a seasoned leader and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the construction and drone technology industries. As the CEO and Owner of Aries Drone Services LLC, he combines technical expertise and innovative solutions to deliver high-quality aerial services across various sectors, utilizing tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop to solve complex challenges and enhance operational efficiency. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Nicholas excels in his role as a Construction Manager III at QualTek, where he oversees large-scale tower and civil projects, ensuring safety compliance, budget adherence, and timely completion. His diverse career journey, encompassing roles from technician to foreman and licensed electrician, demonstrates a relentless commitment to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in every project he undertakes. Nicholas’s unwavering dedication to leveraging technology and fostering client value positions him as a transformative figure in both the construction and drone services industries.

With over 30 years of experience in software engineering, I’ve had the privilege of solving complex problems, leading high-performing teams, and driving impactful results across healthcare, e-commerce, and startups. From building scalable SaaS applications to improving database performance by 833x, my journey has been fueled by a passion for innovation and helping others succeed. Here is my biography.

Christopher (Chris) O'Gwin is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of distinguished leadership in high-stakes environments. A West Point graduate and veteran Green Beret, Chris has excelled in roles requiring strategic planning, risk management, and organizational development. From overseeing U.S. Special Operations across 21 countries to leading recovery efforts during major natural disasters, his global expertise spans 33 nations. Fluent in Spanish and skilled in cross-cultural collaboration, Chris brings a unique blend of integrity, knowledge, and visionary leadership to every challenge he undertakes. His dedication to mentoring, problem-solving, and fostering innovation underscores his commitment to making a lasting impact.

John Watts is a dynamic executive with a proven track record of leveraging his extensive expertise in data analytics, business intelligence, and healthcare analytics to drive organizational success. Known for his integrity, strategic mindset, and commitment to continuous professional development, John excels at transforming complex data into actionable insights that enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. With proficiency in tools like SQL, Tableau, and Power BI, he has consistently delivered innovative solutions that optimize business processes and foster strong customer engagement. As a leader, John is recognized for his ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment across teams to achieve shared goals.

Aaron Taliaferro is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience across public sector finance, strategy development, and operational management. Known for his strong ethical foundation and commitment to "doing what is right," Aaron has built a reputation for making principled decisions that align with both organizational goals and broader societal values. His expertise spans domestic and international markets, having led projects and initiatives in diverse regions such as the UAE, Philippines, Brazil, and more. With a keen ability to translate complex challenges into strategic, actionable solutions, Aaron consistently delivers results that drive success and growth. As a skilled communicator, he excels at conveying intricate information to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and alignment across all levels of an organization.

Dominick Southmayd is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in engineering, operations, and strategic leadership within the manufacturing, consumer products, and...

Shelley Miller is an innovative and results-driven Project Manager with over 25 years of experience delivering outstanding outcomes in the medical device and healthcare...

Vince Dilick is a seasoned Senior Vice President of Operations at Penn Power Group, bringing over 25 years of comprehensive experience in building, resourcing,...

Patrick Ruark is a highly accomplished finance executive with over 35 years of experience leading global finance teams and projects across various industries, including...