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Energy WBC leadership The women of the WBC are exceptionally talented individuals. Our all-volunteer board of directors is comprised of not only leading business women owners, but building industry executives who bring unparalleled experience, knowledge and dedication.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Sandra Wilkin, President Bradford Construction Corp. Vice President Fruma Narov, PE. Principal Narov Associates Urbitran Associates Sandra Wilkin Fruma Narov Raquel Nuñez Monica Foster Vice President Bradford Construction Corporation Narov Associates Nuñez Electric F&R Installers Corporation Raquel Nuñez, Vice President Nuñez Electric, Inc. Treasurer Monica Foster, President F&R Installers Corp. Corresponding Secretary Nermin Ucar, President Ultima Construction, Inc.

Nermin Ucar Cheryl McKissack Maureen Fritch Corresponding Secretary Ultima Construction, Inc. McKissack & McKissack Fritch Construction Cheryl McKissack, President McKissack & McKissack President Emeritus memebers of the board Maureen Fritch Fritch Construction Co., Inc.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Elizabeth Benham, President Sel Group International, Inc. Deborah Bradley, President Deborah Bradley Construction Jane Chmielinski, Elizabeth Benham Deborah Bradley Jane Chmielinski Sharon Craddock Executive Vice President and Sel Group International, Inc. Deborah Bradley Construction AECOM S&L Industries Chief Corporate Officer AECOM Sharon Craddock, President S&L Industries Sharon Emek, Managing Director CBS Coverage Group, Inc. Sarita Hirani, President Sen Consulting Corp.

Sharon Emek Sarita Hirani Dolly Williams Dolly Williams, President CBS Coverage Group, Inc. Sen Consulting Corp. A. Williams Construction A. Williams Construction

executive staff & counsel Executive Director executive staff & counsel Renee Sacks, Ph.D. Sacks Communications, Inc. Legal Counsel Lori Samet Schwarz, Esq. Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP Financial Counsel Louis C. Grassi, CPA, CFE Grassi & Co., CPAs

Renée Sacks, Ph.D Lori Samet Schwarz, Esq. Louis C. Grassi, CPA Walter McCaffrey Public Policy Advocate Sacks Communications, Inc.. Zetlin & De Chiara LLP Grassi & Co, CPAs The McCaffrey Group Limited Walter McCaffrey The McCaffrey Group Limited Women Builders Council, Inc. Opening New Doors

The mission of the Women Builders Council (WBC) is to seek Sandra Wilkin Bradford Construction Corporation and implement solutions to the challenges, obstacles and concerns Outstanding Women of women in the building industry in the Building Industry by providing advocacy, technical assistance and training. The Remarkable Women in this publication are not only changing our landscape, they are defining it. WBC provides regional strength to These women serve their firms and organizations impact public policies, allowing for at all levels from Presidents and CEOs to Project change to enhance the growth of Managers and Lead Administrators. WBC small businesses, including minority showcases their accomplishments, talents and and women-owned business abilities and applauds them for their leadership. They are a testament to us all. Women Build It! enterprises. A special thanks to our Co-Chairs of the WBC reaches beyond mentoring to Outstanding Women Awards: Jane Chmielinski, assist women-owned businesses and the first woman to become Executive Vice President women in businesses in achieving the and Chief Corporate Officer, AECOM Technology highest possible standard of success. Corporation and first woman President and Chief Operating Officer of DMJM Harris, and Gina Addeo, Devoted to providing an influential Chair of ADCO Electric and the first woman to serve voice in the legislative process as President of the New York City Chapter of the for women architects, engineers, National Electrical Contractors Association. These contractors and subcontractors, two eminent professionals embody Outstanding WBC welcomes public and private Women because they have established a standard sector women and men from every of excellence in leadership that serves as a role building and construction industry model for all. discipline, working at every level from And a very special thanks to Dr. Renee Sacks, executive staff to management. Executive Director of Women Builders Council and President and Founder of Sacks Communications. WBC provides a dynamic forum We thank her for all her energy, creativity and ability that promotes industry knowledge, to inspire, that culminated in this publication, addresses the barriers that prevent Outstanding Women in the Building Industry. women from advancing and This volume serves as a record of these women’s facilitates solutions for policy makers accomplishments for all to see in the years ahead. and industry leaders. These women are our industry’s legacy, a first of more to come. Outstanding Women

AECOM is delighted to partner with the Women Builders Council on its mission to recognize and advance women in the building and engineering industry.

We at AECOM are committed to increasing diversity within our global organization. We do so daily, attracting and supporting women in the advancement of their careers, while striving to find the work-life balance that is essential to achieving success and a sense of fulfillment. Through our leadership programs, opportunities for continued education and ability to offer challenging and rewarding assignments around the globe, we are able to attract, retain and elevate women in all ranks of the organization.

I am passionate about the topic of women’s leadership and their career development and growth. On a personal level, I continue to observe talented, dedicated women who are navigating their careers with great vigor and focus. On a professional level, I recognize that advocacy of women in the workplace is a shared responsibility amongst our corporations, our learning centers and our culture. “There are ‘glass ceilings’… But there are also ‘sticky floors.’ ”

Yes, there are ‘glass ceilings’ that women must shatter as they advance within their respective firms and organizations. But there are also ‘sticky floors.’ By that, I mean that we all have a responsibility to recognize and nurture the talent of the next generation of leaders throughout our respective organizations. We must ensure that women are exposed to all dimensions of the business and we must provide an environment in which they can further refine their craft. Most importantly, early on, we have to help pull them off of in the building industry

We all have a “ responsibility to recognize “ and nurture the talent of the next generation of leaders. — Jane Chmielinski Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Officer, AECOM Technology Corporation

that sticky floor so that they can make the journey to break through whatever ceiling or challenge they see ahead of them.

The Women Here As you read many of the biographies of the women included in this very first issue of Outstanding Women in the Building Industry, you will see a snapshot of both the accomplishments and the challenges that women confront as they pursue their careers and their personal lives.

There is more to recognizing women than the recognition itself. We are establishing role models for this generation of women and for the generations after them. Programs such as WBC support that philosophy and allow for the advancement of a more diverse and rich work experience.

Each of the women recognized in this book has an added responsibility: to find other luminaries. Tonight, we celebrate these outstanding women – but the work continues tomorrow. We must be vigilant in identifying and supporting women across all networks. After looking at the roster of honorees, there is no doubt that the challenge has been heard – and that it will be answered.

On behalf of AECOM, which has demonstrated – and continues to demonstrate – its support of women in our own corporate family, I congratulate the recipients of WBC’s Outstanding Women award. Each of you serves as a model for leadership, both within your own family as well as within the building industry. The Next Generation

Wo m e n Bu i l d e r s Co u n c i l , I n c . Op e n i n g Ne w Do o r s

Women in the workplace have made great strides as leaders in business, industry and government over the past half century. We have pushed for equality and economic parity, moving from the 50s assumption that women would be secretaries to the possibility that they can become Presidents, Executives, CEOs, astronauts, physicists and women builders. Forty years ago, women held 34.9 percent of all jobs. Today, women hold 49.8 percent of all jobs, and 75% of those employed women work full time.

Renee Sacks, Ph.D. But there has always been a price to Executive Director pay for the strides women have taken. Womens Builders Council In the 1940s, women were given a remarkable opportunity when they were WBC is here to pulled in as a replacement work force “ for the men at war. Across the country, they proved their mettle, strength, patri- sustain the role otism and work ethic daily. However, as a reversal of fortune, beyond the rav- of women in the ages of war as a horror in themselves, women had the jobs snatched away Building Industry upon the return of their husbands. In

and build a stronger the 1970s, women pushed forward, but were expected to sacrifice their dreams foundation for the “ Next Generation of of children to do so. If we look at the women who have gone Women Builders. before us, we will see the repeated fact that, with women in the building industry, great challenges have always been overcome. From Emily Roebling, who effectively took over as Chief Engineer for her husband in finishing the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 to our current Honorees serving as Commissioners and Vice Chancel- lors and lead Executives for some of the most prestigious firms, agencies, universities and organizations in New York City, women are claiming their station in the workplace.

Women are emerging as great leaders. The Next Generation Of women builders

THE NEXT GENERATION OF WOMEN BUILDERS Think, then, of the responsibility we have to recognize and nurture the next generation, to provide the workforce to overcome the challenges we cannot yet see or predict. Who will step in to advocate when we are gone? Who is the next generation of Outstanding Women?

When we look ahead to the upcoming decade, will we see women leading the building industry? More importantly, what can we do today to encourage them to pursue that path?

Recruiting skilled women into the building industry, particularly in a time of economic change, is more challenging than ever, but it is crucial that we attract more women to the industry. We must show them the means and methods to understand the potential opportunities and career paths open to them. There are many entry points and possible trajectories for satisfying careers at all levels of the industry.

I say this: reaching the next generation will require us looking deep into the learning centers around us—not just colleges and universities but high schools and perhaps even younger—to understand the needs. We need more engineers, more young women studying math, science, geology and infrastructure. The possibilities are infinite, and the opportunities are boundless.

How can we make the next generation aware that they, too, can be real estate developers, builders, chairwomen and business owners? Agencies are making efforts to partner with schools, and industry professionals are increasing their presence at job fairs to promote industry opportunities, but we must do more. We must bring the women into the excitement of the building industry in leadership positions.

With this in mind, the WBC will be launching a new initiative on the Next Generation of Women Builders in early 2010. We invite your collaboration.

The focus of this initiative will be long-term: to inform, mentor and train. Attracting women to the industry is really only the first challenge. The greater challenge is retention. In an industry that values and rewards long- term commitment, only five percent of women who enter construction and building trades stay for 10 to 20 years. Let’s make reducing this statistic our next great stride.

The Women Builders Council membership is comprised of leading women business owners and building industry executives and professionals who bring unparalleled experience, knowledge and dedication. WBC’s goal is to make it possible for many more women to achieve their business and career objectives, eliminating barriers that have deterred women from being fully active participants in New York’s building industry. WBC is here to sustain the role of women in the Building Industry and build a stronger foundation for the next generation of Women Builders. LWetteBC’sR Outstanding Women

Elizabeth Amato, Five Star Electric Corp...... 12 Constance Antzoulis-Stathis, Polo Electric...... 13 Tricia Atallah, VantagePoint Strategy Group...... 14 Beatriz M. Banchs, Component Assembly Systems, Inc...... 15 Samara Barend, NYS Commission on State Asset Maximization...... 16 E. Bruce Barrett, NYC School Construction Authority...... 17 C. Jaye Berger, Esq., Law Offices of C. Jaye Berger, Esq...... 18 Aissatou Bey-Grecia, McKissack & McKissack...... 19 Amy Brien, Jones Lang LaSalle...... 20 Janet Campbell, Sam Schwartz Engineering...... 21 Daniela C. Carvalho, World Trade Center Foundation, Inc...... 22 Victoria J. Cerami, Cerami & Associates, Inc...... 23 Lori Crawbuck, Grassi & Co., CPAs...... 24 Lorraine D’Angelo, Schiavone Construction Co., LLC...... 25 Kristine H. DeNapoli, KND Electrical Contracting & Services Corp...... 26 Nanci-jean DeNapoli, KND Electrical Contracting & Services Corp...... 27 Petronela Digeratu, Plaza Construction Corporation...... 28 Dori L. Evans, Roadway Contracting, Inc...... 29 Diane Fasching, Gilbane Building Company...... 30 Lori Fay, Vanguard Coverage Corp...... 31 Cindy Feinberg, JFK&M Consulting Group...... 32 Joann Fitzsimmons, Plaza Construction Corporation...... 33 Christine J. Flaherty, STV...... 34 Margarita D. Gagliardi, STV...... 35 Barbara Gavosto, NYC School Construction Authority...... 36 Andrea Giorgi Bocker, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey...... 37 Karen Goldberg, Grassi & Co., CPAs...... 38 Nancy Goshow, Goshow Architects...... 39 Beth Greenberg, Dattner Architects...... 40 Geri A. Gregor, Grassi & Co., CPAs...... 41 Lauren M. Gregory, Esq., Allied Risk Solutions...... 42 Patricia Harris, Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP...... 43 Debra Inwald, Works-in-Progress Associates...... 44 Susan Jenkins, Skanska...... 45 Barbara Kates-Garnick, Polytechnic Institute of NYU...... 46 Gloria Kemper, Recon Construction Corp...... 47 Lisa Kiell, Jones Lang LaSalle...... 48 Sue Klawans, Gilbane Building Company...... 49 Carol Kleinberg, Kleinberg Electric...... 50 Sara E. Knight, AECOM Technology Corporation...... 51 Julie Kroloff, Integrated Strategic Resources, LLC...... 52 in the building industry 2009

Juliette Lam, HOK...... 53 Shani Leibowitz, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation...... 54 Karin Lepasoon, Skanska...... 55 Jill N. Lerner, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, LLP...... 56 Mary Libassi, Schiavone Construction Co., LLC...... 57 Jeanne Login, BNY Mellon...... 58 Rae M. Loui, AECOM Technology Corporation...... 59 Molly S. MacQueen, STV...... 60 Mirjana Mirjanic, Quality Building Services...... 61 Sara Kaye Mirski, Boymelgreen Developers...... 62 Annika Moman, AECOM Technology Corporation...... 63 Theresa Murphy, Goldberg & Connolly...... 64 Jennifer Murphy, Plaza Construction Corporation...... 65 Sissy Nikolaou, Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers...... 66 Anita O’Brien, Harlem Hospital Center...... 67 Carol Patterson, Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP...... 68 Blondel A. Pinnock, Carver Community Development Corporation...... 69 Judy Pullar, EYP Architecture and Engineering...... 70 Flora Ramos, Tishman Construction...... 71 Veronica Rose, Aurora Electric Inc...... 72 Ann Sacks, Design and Direct Source...... 73 Porie Saikia-Eapen, CH2M Hill...... 74 Lori Samet Schwarz, Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP...... 75 Talya Santillan, AKF Engineers, LLP...... 76 Claire Scanlon, BNY Mellon...... 77 Rosemary Scanlon, NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate...... 78 Krishna Shilagani, Grassi & Co., CPAs...... 79 Diane Springer, NECA, New York City Chapter...... 80 Sharon Stern, Bovis Lend Lease LMB...... 81 Deborah Taylor, NYC Department of Buildings...... 82 Lina Telese, Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP...... 83 Lynda L. Tepperman, Rivelis Pawa & Blum, LLP...... 84 Deborah Thornhill, Harlem Hospital Center...... 85 Lynda Tollner, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey...... 86 Rosie Toscano, Plaza Construction Corporation...... 87 Suzanne Veira, NYC School Construction Authority...... 88 Apple White, BNY Mellon...... 89 Robin Wilcox, NYC School Construction Authority...... 90 Annette P. Wilkus, SiteWorks, LLC...... 91 Debbie Williams, Skanska USA Civil...... 92 Jo-Ann Young, Harlem Hospital Center...... 93 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Liz Amato Executive Administrator Five Star Electric Corp. www.fivestarelectric.net

Exceptional talent always rises to the top.

Elizabeth (Liz) Gallipoli Amato is the Assistant to the President at Five Star Electric Corp., one of New York City’s leading electrical contractors. Liz Amato is a driving force in its administrative operations.

As the second of four siblings growing up in Brooklyn, Liz went to parochial school, where educational emphasis was placed on homemaking, raising a family and religion.

Liz began dating her future husband, Thomas Amato, at the age of 15. Following gradua- tion from high school, she found a job on Wall Street at JP Morgan. Needing an outlet for her competitive personality, Liz joined the company women’s basketball team where she quickly developed a team approach, leading in assists and receiving Most Valuable Player award for defense. At 21, Liz married Tom, and she soon after left her employment to begin her second career as a mother and homemaker, raising her three children, Michelle, Jessica, and John.

As the economy in the 1990’s slowed down, Liz found employment by answering an ad for a receptionist at Five Star Electric Corp., a small electrical contracting firm not far from her home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

There she quickly learned the duties of the receptionist and on ‘bidding days,’ made sure to keep each of the four phone lines clear for receiving pricing from vendors and giving quotes and clari- fications to general contractors. In her other duties, she filed correspondence, reading each letter and asking the owner, Gary Segal, questions when she did not understand what was written.

As the company grew and moved to Queens, Liz went back to school, taking courses in computer technology and administration. Her new skill set enabled her to assume the position of Assistant to the President.

Today, Liz serves Five Star Electric as its lead administrator and is an integral part of the firm’s senior management team. As a direct report to the President, she ensures that the firm, which includes over one hundred administrative and management professionals and a workforce of over 1000, runs efficiently. Five Star Electric’s signature motto, “We Make It Happen” is an integral part of Liz’s work ethic and characterizes her pragmatic leadership style while maintaining the company’s Team Philosophy approach.

12 Women build it!

Constance Antzoulis-Stathis President and Owner Polo Electric www.poloelectric.com

Constance Antzoulis-Stathis is President and owner of Polo Electric and oversees the overall operation of the company, as well as developing and implementing long-range plans and goals to ensure continued growth and stability within the company. With over 20 years of construction experience and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College, Connie confidently takes responsibility for all aspects of Polo Electrics’ day-to-day operations, from business development, value engineering, estimating and bidding, through project completion. She is the driving force behind Polo Electric, working closely with business consultants, project managers, estimators, controllers and field forces.

Through Connie’s leadership, communication, motivation skills and close ongoing ties to the construction community, Polo Electric has successfully grown its business over the last three years, despite a challenging economy. She has served as a backbone to Polo Electric, completing many prestigious multimillion dollar projects such as Le Cirque Restaurant, New York Academy of Science, MTV Headquarters, Cooper Union’s new Science Building and the soon to be completed New York State Theatre.

Connie lives in Northern New Jersey with her two teenage children and husband. She is passionate and eager to further her involvement in the Green and Sustainability Movement and se- cure construction employment and opportunities for women. She is an active member of the local PTA, Greek Orthodox Youth Association, has participated and supports local Women’s Health programs, Woman’s Shelters and has raised monies toward a cure for Vaculitis. She enjoys hiking, harness racing, tennis and cooking.

13 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Tricia Atallah Founder & Principal VantagePoint Strategy Group LLC www.vantagepointstrategygroup.com

Tricia Atallah is founder and Principal of VantagePoint Strategy Group, a management advisory firm providing strategic management, operations, turnaround and restructuring services to decision-makers who have a stake in the business and process of construction. Clients include property owners, public agencies, institutions, lenders, investors and construction companies.

Tricia has over 23 years of entrepreneurial, management, and consulting experience, providing business, financial and operational advisory services to companies in various industries. A recognized expert in the construction industry, she brings to clients a global perspective, as well as in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of construction operations and execution.

She began her career as a corporate banker and, in 1993, co-founded SoundBuild, Inc., a WBE-certified construction consulting firm serving the New York metropolitan market. She led SoundBuild’s efforts to deliver management advisory, project management and supplier diversity consulting services to public agencies, commercial and residential property owners, developers and investors, construction companies and cultural and educational institutions. The firm was acquired by Navigant Consulting, Inc. in 2006, wherein she became Director and national co-lead of the project risk management service line.

Tricia is author of the book “Building a Successful Construction Company: Create a Strategy/ Organize Your Business/Protect Your Bottom Line” (Kaplan, August 2006), which is used as a textbook by New York University and other schools. She has also conducted seminars and published articles on effective project and company management and writes a blog on McGraw-Hill’s Engineering News Record web site, www.enr.com (“Transitions”) which addresses common business issues faced by growing construction concerns.

Tricia has an M.B.A. in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a B.A. in political science from Tufts University. She has an international background and foreign language skills in Portuguese, Italian, French and German.

14 Women build it!

Beatriz M. Banchs Vice President of Estimating Services Component Assembly Systems, Inc. www.componentassembly.com

“I am a civil engineer with a Master of Science and Civil Engineering from Purdue University, and I never dreamed about living in New York City or building anything in New York City. I guess it was just meant to be.”

Beatriz Banchs is Vice President of Estimating Services for Component Assembly Systems, Inc. (CAS). She is part of the ownership group at CAS.

Beatriz created and manages a Caracas subsidiary that prepares estimates and project management for all domestic offices of Component Assembly Systems, a drywall and carpentry contracting firm.

Beatriz earned a B.S.C.E. from the Universidad Catolica Andres Bello (Caracas, Venezuela) and an M.S.C.E. in Construction Management from Purdue University. She lives in California with her husband and three daughters.

15 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Samara Barend Executive Director New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization www.state.ny.us

Samara Barend is Executive Director of Governor Paterson’s Commission on State Asset Maximization. The SAM Commission, created from a gubernatorial Executive Order in 2008, was charged with exploring public-private opportunities in New York State. The Commission released its preliminary report in December and issued a final report this spring that identifies specific public-private opportunities and that lays out a clear set of guidelines guiding public-private partnership ventures in the state. Samara will be continuing in her capacity as Executive Director as the State moves forward to implement the recommendations of the SAM Commission report.

Prior to her work on the SAM Commission, Samara served as Vice President and Government Affairs Director for STV, a national U.S. engineering and architectural firm. There she monitored and interpreted federal and state legislation, appropriations and authorizations, and proposed or existing federal and state regulations, keeping executive management apprised of potential industry impacts and proposed policy responses.

Samara’s background in infrastructure began with her leadership in spearheading the I-86 campaign, a grassroots movement to convert New York State’s Route 17 into Interstate 86. This interstate campaign resulted in the passage of the Interstate 86 Act, passed by Congress as part of the 1998 Federal Transportation Reauthorization. The redesignated sections of I-86 have created over 8,000 new jobs and are generating more than $3 billion in economic development for New York’s Southern Tier region.

On the political front, Samara has extensive experience in campaigns from both the candidate and staff perspective. In 2004, she ran as the Democratic candidate in New York’s 29th U.S. Congressional district race, holding her opponent to 50.8% of the vote and becoming one of the youngest women to run for federal office. In 2000, Samara worked in 56 New York counties as the Statewide Neighborhood Program Director for Hillary Clinton’s U.S. Senate campaign, served as Deputy New York State Field Director for Al Gore for President and served as Upstate Director for the New York Democratic State Committee from 2000-2002.

Samara graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and received her Masters Degree in Public Policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

16 Women build it!

E. Bruce Barrett Vice President for Architecture & Engineering NYC School Construction Authority www.nycsca.org

E. Bruce Barrett has been the Vice President for Architecture & Engineering at the New York City School Construction Authority since 2003.

The A&E department, which includes approximately 200 technical staff, is responsible for the Scope and Design of all Capital Improvement and New School projects funded in the Department of Education’s Five-Year Capital Plan. In support of these efforts, the A&E Department also develops and maintains the Design Standards used on all SCA projects, maintains an archival database of plans for the over 1400 buildings in the school system, and manages the Public Art for Public Schools Program. The department comprises a multi-discipline “In-House” Design Studio, as well as two Consultant Design Studios.

Before coming to the SCA, Bruce was the Director of Capital Administration at the Department of Education’s Division of School Facilities, where she worked for 13 years. Prior to her career in architecture, Bruce taught young children for 12 years.

Bruce received a B.A. from Sweet Briar College, an MS in Education from Bank Street College, and a B.Arch. from the City College of New York. She is a Registered Architect in New York State and a LEED AP.

17 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

C. Jaye Berger, Esq. Founder Law Offices of C. Jaye Berger, Esq.

C. Jaye Berger, Esq. is the founder of Law Offices C. Jaye Berger, Esq., a New York City law firm specializing in real estate, building construction and co-op law and litigation.

Over twenty years ago, Jaye, a New Yorker, started out her legal practice as an associate attorney in Detroit, Michigan, where she was living after law school. Detroit was in its heyday, and there were a lot of building construction projects going on under the leadership of Mayor Coleman Young. Jaye was fortunate enough to be working in a politically well-connected law firm involved with many of these projects. She had the opportunity to work with government officials and to handle legal work involving major construction and renovation projects, such as the Renaissance Center and Tiger Stadium. She quickly became the youngest partner in her law firm.

When she moved back to her native New York City just a few years later, she opened her own law practice specializing in real estate and construction law and litigation. “What better place could you live in and specialize in construction law?” she says. It was a proud day when she told her father, who was also a lawyer, that she was starting her own law practice. Now there are rumblings that her teenage daughter might follow in her footsteps.

Jaye has always maintained that contracts and the negotiations leading up to signing them are the keys to successful projects. It gives the parties the opportunity to iron out any misunder- standings before the work begins. Jaye has continued to send out that message through her articles and in her public speaking. She has used these vehicles to educate people in both the commercial and residential sectors. She writes for numerous publications, including The Real Estate Journal and The Mann Reports.

18 Women build it!

Aissatou Bey-Grecia Associate Director for Network Strategic Planning and Public Affairs McKissack & McKissack www.mckissack.com

Aissatou Bey-Grecia is the Senior Employment Counselor of the office of Community Em- ployment for McKissack & McKissack. The only daughter of a first-class community organizer, Aissatou exemplifies excellence in networking, building partnerships and the selfless giving through community service.

Aissatou is at the forefront of the Office of Community Employment, which provides guidance and referral to applicants seeking employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities in the area of construction. She oversees the direction of the office with the guidance of the Steering Committee, underwritten by Dr. John Palmer, Executive Director of the Harlem Hospital Center. Under her direction, The Office of Community Employment has become a galvanizing model, not only for the Harlem Hospital Center Modernization Project and the surrounding community, but also for communities nationwide.

Aissatou previously served as Program Director for the acclaimed Harlem Hospital Injury Pre- vention Program (HHIPP) where she orchestrated building of over 30 community playgrounds. She personally provided technical assistance to 13 other level-1 Trauma Centers, as HHIPP expanded into a national model within the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Having worked in Africa and Hawaii, she is no stranger to community issues, the need and the result of social and community based intervention that is wisely rooted in community concern. Proud of her heritage and history, Aissatou was educated at the Harlem Preparatory School, Antioch University and The City University of New York. She is most proud of those mentors and community leaders who have been living examples of how to “get things done.” She is a proud mother of three and grandmother of three.

19 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Amy Brien Vice President Project and Development Services Jones Lang LaSalle www.joneslanglasalle.com

Amy Brien is a Vice President with Jones Lang LaSalle’s Project and Development Services group in New York.

Amy currently manages the interior fit-out of Bank of America’s space at One Bryant Park for the company. Previously, she oversaw an office build-out and data center in Midtown Manhat- tan for a major financial services firm. Amy also managed the planning, design, construction and finishing of a 165,000-square-foot facility in Lower Manhattan for an international reinsur- ance firm. She has supervised interior fit-out projects for a variety of large corporate clients involved in a wide variety of industry sectors.

Prior to joining Jones Lang LaSalle, Amy was a project manager with Turner Construction. She worked in the field supervising the construction process on a number of different projects. Amy’s responsibilities included coordination of subcontractors and client relationships with architects and engineers. She had earlier worked with Turner Construction as a site superintendent.

Amy received a bachelor’s degree from Emerson College in Boston. She is OSHA trained and has standard first aid, adult CPR and first responder certification.

20 Women build it!

Janet Campbell Senior Vice President and General Manager Sam Schwartz Engineering www.samschwartz.com

Janet Campbell is a Senior Vice President & General Manager for Sam Schwartz Engineering (SSE).

With 27 years of professional experience and until recently, Janet lead SSE’s New York office and was it’s Director of the Construction Group for seven years. During the past year, Janet created and now leads the Pedestrian Management Group. Pedestrian Management began as a service that SSE ran through the NYPD providing traffic and pedestrian management for malls and business improvement districts. Today, SSE employs about 60 private consultants at significant and highly sensitive locations throughout New York City including the World Trade Center site and the newly created Times Square plazas. The pedestrian management group currently accounts for about 20% of SSE’s total yearly revenue.

Prior to working at SSE, Janet was Chief Administrative Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at the College of Staten Island. From 1994 to 1996, she was Administrative Officer, Logistics & Communications Service for Department of Peace-Keeping Operations at the United Nations, where she was also Chief Plant Engineer from 1990 to 1994. During her service at the United Nations, Janet was responsible for the maintenance program and successfully re-organized the $7 million operation including creating a PM tour to improve mechanical maintenance repairs.

Prior to that, at NYC Department of Transportation, Janet was Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Bridge Bureau, from 1988 to 1990 and the first women to be appointed as Chief Borough Engi- neer for the Traffic Bureau from 1981 to 1988.

Janet has a BA in Urban Planning and Economics from Briarcliff College, a Masters in Public Administration from St. John’s University and a Masters in Transportation Engineering from Polytechnic Institute.

21 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Daniela C. Carvalho Assistant Project Manager of Design and Construction National September 11 Memorial & Museum World Trade Center Foundation, Inc. www.national911memorial.org

Daniela C. Carvalho is the Assistant Project Manager of Design and Construction for the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center. The organization began formal operations in the spring of 2005, working with the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation “LMDC” on the design and construction management plan of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

In the summer of 2006, the organization assumed responsibility for overseeing the design and working with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), the construction manager on the project. Daniela works across the organization to assist the management of the design and construction of this 8-acre, $680 million dollar project, including liaising with a plethora of stakeholders such as project architects, developers and government agencies.

Daniela brings extensive knowledge of the NYC construction landscape to her role with the Memorial & Museum. In 2004, she worked with The LiRo Group, a company providing construction and engineering services to the New York Metropolitan Region, assisting in various government agency projects. In 2005, she began working on the World Trade Center rebuilding effort with the LMDC, which led to her current role at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center Foundation, Inc.

She holds an Urban Studies degree from Fordham University.

22 Women build it!

Victoria J. Cerami Chief Executive Officer Cerami & Associates, Inc. www.ceramiassociates.com

Victoria Cerami is Chief Executive Officer of Cerami & Associates, Inc., a global acoustical, audiovisual and technology consulting firm.

Victoria has led the firm for over 20 years. Under her leadership, the firm has grown from a small acoustical engineering practice headquartered in New York City to a multi-discipline acoustics and communications technology consulting firm that provides services to world- class developers, architects, engineers and end-users on an international scale. As a Board Member for the ACE Mentorship Program and the Salvadori Center, Victoria has been able to use her own talents as well as the resources of her firm to give back to teens interested in achieving success in business and the building industry.

As CEO, Victoria leads the firm’s strategic growth, focusing her time on building and cultivating client relationships and public outreach. She guides the staff to be a team of technical experts that provide hands-on client and project management, and to serve as a technical resource for clients. Following these guiding principles, Cerami & Associates has earned a reputation as one of the premier acoustical and technology consulting firms in the world.

Victoria has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Hartford. She is a Board member for the New York Building Congress and the ACE Mentorship Program, a member of the Board of Regents for the University of Hartford and past Chairwoman for the University of Hartford’s New Building Initiatives.

Victoria’s philanthropic and charitable interests have extended into other areas as well. She is currently a member of the Kairos Ministry Program which provides support and mentorship to women in prison, a significant fundraiser and a participant in the Susan G. Komen Foun- dation’s Race for the Cure, Swim Across America as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training.

23 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Lori A. Crawbuck, CPA, CCIFP Audit Supervisor Grassi & Co., CPAs www.grassicpas.com

Lori A. Crawbuck, CPA, CCIFP, is an Audit Supervisor in the construction practice at Grassi & Co., CPAs. She focuses on Grassi & Co.’s clients in the construction industry for both audit and tax services.

Lori’s responsibilities include preparing and reviewing complete sets of financial statement and reviewing the work of staff in both tax and audit, assisting management with strategic problem solving, acting as financial advisor of client managements and maintaining staff proficiency with firm technology.

Lori is very active in the firm’s training program, as well as in the recruitment and retention of team members. Lori is a strong leader within the firm, serving as an active mentor for a number of staff members. She is also active in presenting staff training/seminars and was a major player in Grassi & Co.’s efforts to go “paperless.” Moreover, she was one of the first women in the firm to receive CCIFP (Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional) certification.

She grew up in Massapequa as one of five children. A resident of Long Island, she is currently in the process of moving to Bethpage with her husband. In her spare time, she volunteers for fundraising activities for the American Cancer Society. Lori also enjoys playing softball, camping, scrapbooking and cooking.

Lori has an Associate Degree in Business Administration from SUNY Farmingdale and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from C.W. Post – Long Island University. She joined Grassi & Co., CPAs in 2000 and has been a vital team member for almost ten years. Lori is a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

24 Women build it!

Lorraine D’Angelo Corporate Compliance Officer and Counsel Schaivone Construction Co., LLC/ Dragados USA, Inc.

Lorraine D’Angelo is the Ethics and Corporate Compliance Officer and Counsel for two major construction companies: Schiavone Construction Co., LLC. (“Schiavone”) and Dragados USA, Inc. (“Dragados”), that focus on complex, fast track, heavy construction projects. Schiavone and Dragados are currently constructing several of the most high profile tunneling projects in the metropolitan area.

After 23 years in commercial construction litigation, Lorraine became the Compliance Officer for both companies. As evidenced by the new rules relating to the use of Stimulus monies, government, at all levels, has undertaken a more comprehensive approach to ensuring ethical conduct and compliance with the law. Her years as a litigator left her uniquely positioned to make Schiavone and Dragados leaders in the industry in establishing effective, comprehensive compliance programs. She is responsible for implementing and overseeing those programs at these companies.

Most recently, she authored a chapter in The Lexis Treatise Corporate Compliance Guide: The Next Generation of Compliance which focuses compliance in the construction industry. Lor- raine is Dragados’ representative with the Construction Industry Ethics Compliance Initiative (“CIECI”), an organization which focuses on bringing together leading construction organizations that are committed to the highest level of ethics and conduct and compliance with the law in the industry. She is a member of the Ethic Compliance Officers Association (“ECOA”) and the chairwoman of its Construction and Engineering Industry group. Lorraine also sits on the Law and Legislation Committee of the General Contractors Association of New York. She is an active member of the Professional Women in Construction, the Woman’s Builders Council and the Women in Transportation Services.

Lorraine is formerly associated with two New York law firms representing construction companies. During that time, she specialized in commercial litigation in public and private construction, mechanic’s lien law, ERISA and the enforcement of prevailing wage laws.

Lorraine received her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 1983 and her law degree from Pace University in 1986. She is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York as well as the courts of the State of New York and the State of Connecticut. 25 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Kristine H. DeNapoli President KND Electrical Contracting & Services Corp. www.kndelectric.com

Since the creation of KND Electrical Contracting and Services Corp. (KND Electric) in 1998, Kristine H. DeNapoli (the ‘K’ in KND Electric) has been non-stop in reinventing her firm and herself. Kristine is KND Electric’s President and represents a third generation professional in one of New York’s fastest growing electrical contractors serving diverse construction markets.

Kristine is a New York City and Suffolk County Master Electrician who is also a New York State Certified Public Accountant. With over 24 years of professional experience, 12 in public accounting and 12 in electrical contracting, Kristine leads KND Electric in all phases of its operations.

Kristine has been relentless in overcoming barriers in a mostly male-dominated electrical construction industry, from the halls of management to the union labor it employs on the job. She is one of the few women in New York City to hold a New York City Master Electrician’s license. Her professional commitment is a testament to her passion for her work.

Kristine pursued her electrical license when she was a mother of a newborn and a toddler, a wife and a full-time partner at KND Electric. For numerous years Kristine traveled into Man- hattan from Long Island several times a week to attend school and to prepare herself for the exam. She has also completed several training programs through the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey and Columbia’s University. Kristine’s signature is simple and practical: ‘If there is a will, there is a way.’

Kristine earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and completed a Diploma in Electrical Technology with the Mechanics Institute. She is a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association, New York City Chapter, the New York City Electrical Contractors Association and the New York Electrical Contractors, Long Island Chapter. She is also a member of WBENC, the Women Builders Council, Profes- sional Women in Construction, The Subcontractors Trade Association, the National Associa- tion of Women Business Owners, New York State Society of Public Accountants and the Alumni Association of the Mechanics Institute.

26 Women build it!

Nanci-jean DeNapoli Vice President and Co-Founder KND Electrical Contracting & Services Corp. www.kndelectric.com

Nanci-jean DeNapoli is Vice President and co-founder of KND Electrical Contracting & Services Corp (KND Electric). The firm employs over 35 professionals and provides electrical service for new construction and renovation assignments. Nanci-jean’s responsibilities include project management as well as business development for the firm.

Nanci-jean is a take-charge professional, who along with her sister-in-law, Kristine DeNapoli, provides leadership and strategic business development direction for the 11-year-old firm.

Nanci-jean’s education began at the SUNY College at Delhi and St. John’s University in Queens. Currently, she is attending the SUNY Empire State College and will be receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Labor Studies.

Most recently, Nanci-jean completed a special training program at Columbia University. She is also a graduate of the Mentor-Protégé Program at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She also participates in a special Mentor Program offered by the Building Trades Employers Association.

In 2008, she and Kristine DeNapoli were awarded the Women Business Advocate Award from the Long Island Association.

Nanci-jean lives with her husband, Thomas, and her three children in Long Island Taylor, Thomas and Isabella. Her ability to manage both family and work responsibilities, never compromising either, has become ‘business as usual’ for this talented professional.

27 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Petronela Digeratu MEP Project Manager Plaza Construction Corporation www.plazaconstruction.com

Petronela (Pat) Digeratu serves as an MEP Project Manager at Plaza Construction Corpora- tion and has over 14 years of construction and consulting engineering experience. Pat is a model professional for all women and represents a new generation of engineering leadership in the construction industry. With a solid background in consulting engineering, she provides coordination and interface between the mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) trades, architectural professionals and clients. Pat is also LEED AP certified in both design and construction of sustainable and green buildings.

Pat is a team player who shares pertinent information with her co-workers and identifies issues which could affect performance work for other trades. At Plaza she has created new procedures and documentation protocols designed to increase construction efficiency for her discipline. She is professionally committed to Plaza and acts in the best interests of the clients while dealing professionally with the subcontractors.

While working with Plaza, Pat served as a liaison with Con Ed for all new projects to iden- tify power requirements during construction, apply for temporary power for the construction sites, follow up with Con Ed for their construction drawings for the construction of the on-site vaults, turn-over permanent power to the buildings and switch-over from temporary power to permanent power.

Pat holds a Master of Science in Facilities Management from Pratt Institute, a Bachelor of Sci- ence in Mechanical Engineering from Polytechnic Institute in Romania, and she is a member of the ASHRAE and IFMA. She is married with two sons and resides in River Vale, New Jersey where she enjoys reading, badminton and camping with her family.

28 Women build it!

Dori L. Evans President Roadway Contracting, Inc. www.rci-inc.com

Dori L. Evans is President of Roadway Contracting, Inc. (RCI). Dori assumed the presidency of RCI when the company was in financial crises. She was able to reposition RCI as a stable and value-added resource for heavy construction services.

Dori’s husband founded and operated RCI in 1984. After her husband fell ill to heart failure, a choice had to be made in 2006 to either close down RCI and incur financial disaster or have Dori Evans step in as the new Owner and President of RCI and turn around the company. Like many women throughout history, Dori Evans, through hard work and commitment, learned how to operate her husbandís construction company. Currently Dori Evans is the 100 percent owner and president of RCI, which undertakes substantial projects in subsurface utility work in New York City. Today RCI is a New York City, New York State and WBENC Certified Women Business Enterprise.

Dori is a role model for women in the construction industry. Under her leadership, the state- of-the-art police facility for the Transit Authority in Rockaway, Queens was turned around and successfully completed to both the owner’s and client’s satisfaction. In addition, the company contracted new work on the historic Second Avenue Subway project in 2007, working for the tri- venture firm of Skanska, Schiavone, Shea performing complex subsurface utility relocations.

Dori is an attorney admitted into the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations. She has been involved in various businesses since 1990, including the founding of a chain of nine Caféís in New York City prior to the coffee bar explosion of the late 1990s. Blumberg News conducted a widely publicized interview of her for the founding of the first real Childrenís Café in Manhattan.

Dori lives in New York City with her husband and two teenage sons. She has recently enrolled in Duquesne University online Masters Program in Business Leadership and Business Ethics.

29 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Diane Fasching Director of Enterprise Learning & Development Gilbane Building Company www.gilbanebuilding.com

Diane Fasching serves as a Vice President of Gilbane Building Company. She joined Gilbane Building Company in 2000 and is currently serving in the role of Director of Enterprise Learning & Development.

Prior to Gilbane, she had been the Learning and Development Manager at Brown & Sharpe Mfg. Co., now Hexagon Metrology Inc. In her role, she manages the development of Gilbane University (GU), Gilbane’s program for employee career advancement. Under Diane’s leadership, Gilbane went from having six training programs to more than 500 different courses (instructor-led, webinars, online, simulations) to help employees advance their career paths. For the past six years, GU has been rated in the top 50 in Training Magazine’s Top 125 listed companies, most recently achieving #28 nationally.

Before Brown & Sharpe and Gilbane, Diane served as Education and Training Manager for Texas Instruments in Attleboro, MA – the company’s first female training manager – and was responsible for training programs in Europe and the U.S.

Diane’s approach to her work is formed by her own experiences. After caring for her mother during her fight with cancer, Diane vowed to create a local hospice organization and helped found Hospice of Washington County (now Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island for which she is the Board Secretary). Diane is also the co-founder of Seniors Helping Others, a volunteer organization for senior citizens.

Diane, who was Gilbane’s first female Vice President, also co-founded the Attleboro Women’s Initiative and Gilbane’s women’s affinity group, called Advance.

30 Women build it!

Lori Fay Account Executive Vanguard Coverage Corp. www.vanguardcoveragecorp.com

Lori Fay is an Account Executive at Vanguard Coverage Corp., one of the area’s leading insurance and surety firms serving the greater New York area.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Lori entered the surety business in 1994 as a junior underwriter at Amwest Surety. Developing her underwriting and surety knowledge, Lori held senior underwriting positions at both Liberty and Travelers Bond. After twelve years on the underwriting side, Lori joined Vanguard coverage in January 2006 where she brings her in-depth knowledge and underwriting skills directly into the offices of construction clients.

After graduating with a B.A. in Liberal Arts from the University of Buffalo, Lori became immersed in the volunteer community, doing charity work for Habitat for Humanity, participating in breast cancer walks and sponsoring families at a shelter for homeless teenage mothers through Catho- lic Charities. Inspired by her 11-year-old son’s diagnosis with pervasive development disorder, she now serves on the Executive Committee of A Gift from Alexa, which is a local non-for-profit charitable foundation to benefit children with autism (www.agiftfromalexa.org). Through this organization, Lori assists in the distribution of grant money for therapy evaluations and medical treatments, as well as providing school districts with funding for autistic students.

31 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Cindy Feinberg, PE, LEED AP Partner Jacobs Feinberg Katz & Michaeli Consulting Group (JFK&M) www.jfkmcg.com

Cindy Feinberg, PE, LEED, AP is partner at Jacob Feinberg Katz & Michaeli Consulting Group. She founded the firm in March 2007 along with partners Michael Jacob, Yuri Katz and Jona- than Michaeli. In July 2007, the partners were joined by Edward Feinberg, one of New York’s leading Mechanical Engineers and a founding partner of a leading engineering firm. The firm is a certified Women Business Enterprise.

Cindy represents a new generation of leadership in the engineering industry. She is a licensed Professional Engineer as well as LEED Accredited Professional and has over 10 years of professional engineering experience. She is a recognized expert in the planning, design and construction of sophisticated electrical systems for complex commercial, laboratory and technology facilities.

Under Cindy and her partners’ leadership, JFK&M has grown from its original partners to a staff of over 25 highly experienced professionals. In just two years, the firm has completed and/or secured prestigious projects for Cooper Union, CUNY, DASNY, Dow Jones & Company, GSA, HIP, Kings County Hospital, Liz Claiborne, Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center (LEED), Mizuho Corporation, Nassau University Medical Center, New York University, NYC Office of Management & Budget, Pierpont Morgan Library and Museum, and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York.

Prior to founding JFK&M Consulting Group, Cindy was an Associate at Jaros Baum & Bolles Consulting Engineers. She brings a unique vision to the firm which focuses on integration of building systems and the way in which professionals will operate and sustain them.

Cindy earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester.

32 Women build it!

Joann Fitzsimmons Safety Coordinator Plaza Construction Corporation www.plazaconstruction.com

Joann Fitzsimmons serves as a Safety Coordinator at Plaza Construction Corporation with over 23 years experience in the construction industry.

As Safety Coordinator, Joann is responsible for comprehensive safety reviews for all Plaza projects. She has taken a leadership role in guiding safety practices for her firm and in com- municating the need for worker safety in the construction industry through her participation in industry associations.

At Plaza, Joann’s responsibilities include weekly jobsite inspections, performing pre-planning meeting with sub-contractors, and conducting employee orientation of the companies safety policy. She performs investigations for accident/near misses to determine root causes and corrective action. Joann participates with OCIP and CCIP insurance programs and performs inspections with New York City’s Buildings Department BEST Squad to review subcontractor safety programs to ensure that they meet project requirements. She also communicates with the claims manager, insurance adjuster and risk manager involving workers compensation issues, accompanies the OSHA compliance officer inspections and attends informal settlement conferences.

Prior to working with Plaza, Joann was a Safety Director, Risk Manager and Environmental Coordinator/Manager where she prepared safety and environmental programs for hazardous waste removal/abatement of asbestos, PCBís, lead, mercury, and fly ash. Joann is a Construction Health & Safety Technician and holds many certificates including; Certificate of Fitness F 30 Fire Guard Torch Operations; Certificate of Training OSHA 30 Hour Training; Cer- tificate of Training Steel Erection Standard: Certificate of training Asbestos Handling; Certifica- tion of Completion Lead Paint Abatement & Hazard Communication.

She is a New York City Licensed Site Safety Manager as well as a member of the American Soci- ety of Safety Engineers and sits on the board of Business Trades Employees Association, Safety Steering Committee. She also participates in training at the New York Fire Safety Academy.

Joann is married with three children and resides in Staten Island, New York.

33 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Chrstine J. Flaherty Senior Associate and Director of Business Development STV www.stvinc.com

Christine J. Flaherty is a senior associate and the Director of Business Development for STV’s Construction Division. She has become a role model for women who are active in both project management and business development, blending her knowledge of construction with an understanding of client service. During her tenure at STV, the construction division of the firm has more than doubled in size.

Responsible for driving additional work for the firm, Christine leads business planning efforts for the northeast region, participates in professional development both within STV and the construction management industry and is highly active in numerous industry organizations.

Working most of her career as a Project Manager, Christine’s project management experience includes working as a general contractor, construction manager, and owner’s representative for the non-profit, private and public sectors with project values ranging from $1 million to $175 million. She has worked for clients including the New York City School Construction Author- ity, the General Services Administration, the New York City Housing Authority, the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the New York City Department of Design and Construction as well as several private educational institutions.

Christine earned her Master’s in Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business and is a Civil Engineer with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bucknell University. She is a certified Engineer-in-Training, a LEED® AP, a certified Construction Man- ager and a member of Chi Epsilon.

Christine sits on the board of Professional Women in Construction, CMAA’s Foundation Board, and the Village of Freeport’s Zoning Board of Appeals. In addition she is a volunteer faculty member of Construction Management Association of America.

Christine lives in Freeport, Long Island with her husband, Michael Flaherty, and their 2 ½ year old son, Liam.

34 Women build it!

Margarita D. Gagliardi Senior Vice President STV www.stvinc.com

Margarita D. Gagliardi is a Senior Vice President at STV and its national Practice Leader for Planning Services.

Margarita oversees the transportation, traffic and environmental planning assignments throughout the firm. A veteran professional with over 30 years of professional experience, Mar- garita is recognized in the transportation and building industry for managing complex planning studies throughout the country.

Margarita has focused on overseeing and managing major transportation improvement projects, from concept design and alternatives analyses to final design and startup. Her diverse background includes the development of transit capital and operating improvement plans, coordination of transit projects with real estate and development projects and the implementation of quality assurance programs.

Margarita received her Bachelor of Arts in Geography and her Master of Public Administra- tion in (Transportation) Planning from Indiana University. She is a David Rockefeller Fellow and a member of The American Public Transit Association’s Policy and Planning Committee; the New York Building Congress’ Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure; The Moles, the Women’s Transportation Seminar; the American Planning Association; the American Council of Railroad Women and the Society of American Military Engineers.

Margarita is a resident of Hartsdale, New York, where she has served her community with transportation and planning expertise. Her passion is promoting both the engineering and construction industries, and she is a Board Member of the Salvadori Center and the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advisory Board at Indiana University. In addition, she serves on her Congressional District’s Service Academy Review Board, and is a board member of a local day care center.

35 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Barbara J. Gavosto Director, Pre-Qualification Unit NYC School Construction Authority www.nycsca.org

Barbara J. Gavosto is the Director of the Pre-Qualification Unit at the New York City School Construction Authority. In this role, she oversees all aspects of qualification, as well as pre- award responsibility reviews and project specific subcontractor approvals.

Over half of her thirty five-year career has been in construction administration, and in 1999 she joined the Authority. Barbara is a member of Professional Women in Construction and has been instrumental in the start-up of the Women Builders Council.

Barbara earned her Masters Degree from CUNY, Hunter College.

36 Women build it!

Andrea Giorgi Bocker Senior Resident Engineer George Washington Bridge and Bus Station Port Authority of New York & New Jersey www.panynj.gov

It’s reassuring to know there’s an experienced engineer managing the site and structural con- ditions of the world’s most heavily trafficked bridge.

An experienced engineer for The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Andrea Giorgi Bocker is the Senior Resident Engineer for the George Washington Bridge and Bus Station. Andrea is licensed as a Professional Engineer in the states of New York and New Jersey. She has worked for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for 29 years in their Engineering Department.

Andrea received her Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from Manhattan College in 1980 and her Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering Construction Management from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1999.

In addition to her commitment to the Port Authority, she is presently involved in professional and community organizations including: Executive Committee Member of Professional Engi- neers in Construction practice division of the New Jersey Society of Professional Engineers, Member of the Advisory Board and a participant in the Manhattan College Mentoring Program for freshman engineering students, Chi Epsilon Honor Member and participant in Stevens Insti- tute of Technology chapter events and a Member of the Hasbrouck Heights Planning Board.

Andrea resides in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey with Tony, her husband of twenty-nine years, and their three daughters.

37 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Karen A. Goldberg Tax Supervisor Grassi & Co., CPAs www.grassicpas.com

Karen A. Goldberg, CPA is a Tax Supervisor at Grassi & Co., CPAs who works with a variety of clients in the construction and real estate industries, helping them minimize and plan for their tax liabilities. Her work includes developing tax projections for clients that allow them to improve their cash flow situations and free-up working capital to invest in more jobs. She frequently advises construction clients on the most tax-advantaged entity structure for their businesses.

As a senior member of the firm’s tax department, Karen is instrumental in training staff in the complex nuances of the tax laws and in reviewing their work. She is a strong mentor, and staff members frequently seek her out for advice and counsel.

Originally from Valley Stream, Karen has been in the public accounting business for over 10 years, three of which have been with Grassi & Co., CPAs. A resident of Seaford, she graduated Suma Cum Laude from SUNY Old Westbury with a B.S. in Accounting. She continues her professional training with a heavy schedule of continuing professionaleducation coursework in taxation and related topics. In addition to taking care of her 7-month-old golden retriever, Karen is a avid fan of photography and arts in general. In her leisure time, she has been developing her painting abilities.

Karen serves on the board of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

38 Women build it!

Nancy Goshow, AIA, LEE AP Managing Partner Goshow Architects www.goshowarchitects.com

Nancy Aber Goshow, AIA, LEED AP is the founding principal of Goshow Architects, the largest 8(a) Certified SDB, WBE full service architectural firm in New York City. Her firm focuses on a diverse range of public sector projects in the New York metropolitan area. Under her leadership, Goshow Architects is dedicated to designing sustainable buildings and communities for its clients.

Active in numerous civic organizations, Nancy is co-chair of the Women in Architecture Com- mittee of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has served on Midtown Manhattan’s Community Board 5 as co-chair of the Land Use and Zoning Commit- tee. She is a founder of the Women Builders Council and she is a board member of Women Construction Owners & Executives (WCOE). She is a national founding partner of Women Impacting Public Policy, a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization, and has served on the US Department of State’s Overseas Building Operations Industry Advisory Panel.

Nancy is the recipient of the “Woman of the Year Award” from the National Association of Women in Construction and has been profiled on PBS’s “New American Hero.”

Currently, Nancy oversees her firm in designing a new 600-bed dormitory for the State Univer- sity of New York at Stony Brook along with several renovation, historical preservation, security system and design projects for the New York City School Construction Authority, City University of New York, and General Services Administration, among others. Recently, Ms. Goshow led her firm to winning its first international project with the GSA—a high performance green building modernization of a federal courthouse and office complex in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Nancy holds a Master’s Degree in Interior Architecture from The Pratt Institute and a Bachelor’s Degree in Design from Pennsylvania State University.

39 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Beth Greenberg, AIA Principal Dattner Architects www.dattner.com

Beth Greenberg, AIA joined Dattner Architects in 1989, after working for architectural firms in Colorado and New York. An award-winning architect, she became a Principal with the firm in 2000.

Beth’s ability to integrate the needs of users with the technical requirements of complex public projects has resulted in buildings that benefit both clients and communities. Her commitment to the social goals, users and communities affected by these projects has made a measurable and important contribution to numerous New York neighborhoods. Her innovative approaches to managing complex public projects provide a model for collaborative design which includes clients, users and communities. Numerous repeat clients attest to a high level of respect for her integrity, knowledge and ability.

Beth helped to organize Crosstown/116, an urban planning initiative of the AIA/New York Chapter, which brought together architects, students and community members to develop design ideas for a major Harlem thoroughfare. She has lectured for the Architects in Training event at the AIA New York Chapter, the Regional Plan Association and the New York State Of- fice of General Services Minority Construction Management Internment Program.

Beth serves as a mentor to young architects in her firm and in the profession. She was instrumental in developing and implementing the mentoring program and the intern development program at Dattner Architects.

Beth has managed a diverse range of projects including the No. 7 Line Subway Extension for MTA New York City Transit, Segments 6 & 7 of the Hudson River Park, numerous supportive housing projects for the NYC Office of Mental Health and Concern for Independent Living, The New York Botanical Gardens Children’s Discovery Center and the Pottruck Health and Fitness Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

A leader in her profession, Beth has served as Secretary of the AIA New York Chapter, chaired the Chapter’s Housing Committee and was a member of the Oculus Newsletter Committee, overseeing the Chapter’s publication. Beth holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado.

40 Women build it!

Geri A. Gregor Partner-in-Charge, Grassi Consulting Grassi & Co., CPAs www.grassicpas.com

Geri A. Gregor is the Partner-in-Charge of Grassi Consulting, the consulting arm of Grassi & Co., CPAs.

Geri manages and directs the consulting team on projects in areas such as: business consulting, litigation support, forensic investigations and accounting, claims consulting, Sarbanes- Oxley Section 404 compliance, mergers and acquisition due diligence, fraud detection and internal audits.

Prior to joining Grassi Consulting, Geri served as Chief Financial Officer for Great Performanc- es/Artists as Waitresses Inc., an innovative culinary catering company. Geri led this growing organization from a financial perspective, and her broad experience in accounting, measure- ment, and financial operations roles enhanced her ability to provide for Great Performances in both the financial and human resources directions.

Preceding her tenure with Great Performances, Geri served as Chief Financial Officer for DOAR Litigation Consulting, one of the largest litigation consulting firms in the country. During her time at DOAR, she focused on the development of DOAR’s financial portfolio and internal accounting processes. Under her stewardship, DOAR obtained private and public funding in excess of $65 million, enabling the Firm to double its workforce to more than 200 employees and to open satellite offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Extremely active in the business networking and philanthropic arena, Geri has been involved in organizations including the American Cancer Society, the Long Island Fund for Women and Girls and Education & Assistance Corporation. Currently a Board of Director for The Sylvia Center, she served on the boards of the Long Island Business Development Council and the Girl Scouts of Nassau County (“GSNC”). She also was the Chairperson of the Fund Develop- ment Committee for GSNC and is a Junior Troop Leader in her community. She was named one of Long Island’s Rising Stars under the age of 40 by the Long Island Business News in 2003 and was more recently named one of Long Island’s Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business by the Long Island Business News.

Geri is a graduate of Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

41 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Lauren M. Gregory, Esq. President Allied Risk Solutions, A Division of Allied North America www.alliedna.com

Lauren M. Gregory, Esq. is president of Allied Risk Solutions, a division of Allied North America.

Lauren possesses both unparalleled experience and a proven track record in captive insurance and wrap-up programs. As President of Allied Risk Solutions, a Division of Allied North America, she is responsible for Allied North America’s entire risk management division and for bringing these full resources to bear when developing customized, cost-effective insurance solutions for it clients. Lauren has developed innovative programs that match specific clients need time and again throughout her long and successful career.

Prior to joining Allied, Lauren spent 22 years with New York’s Metropolitan Transporta- tion Authority and was named director of MTA Risk & Insurance Management in 1997. With responsibility for all risk management and insurance functions throughout all MTA operating agencies, Lauren was instrumental in many areas including forming the first captive insurance company in New York State, for which she was appointed President in 2003, and utilizing Owner Controlled Insurance Programs (OCIPs) for nearly $8 billion of MTA capital construction work, including project-specific programs such as the New York City Transit’s Second Avenue subway and LIRR’s East Side access projects.

Her professional expertise was recognized in April 2002 when she received the annual Risk Manager of the Year Honor Roll Award given by the Business Insurance and the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS).

Lauren holds a law degree from Touro Law Center and was admitted to the New York State Bar in July 2001. She also holds an MBA in Risk Management from the College of Insurance, as well as an Associate of Risk Management (ARM) professional designation.

Lauren continues to apply her expertise in Risk Management and alternative Risk Financing solutions to benefit her clients and colleagues. As the first woman president of an Allied Divi- sion, Lauren has paved the way within Allied North America for the advancement of woman in the organization and more importantly has achieved recognition within the industry for her achievements in the field and her successes overall.

42 Women build it!

Patricia Harris Partner Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP www.zdlaw.com

Patricia A. Harris is the Managing Partner of Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP. Prior to joining Zetlin & De Chiara, Patti provided consulting services in the areas of law practice setup, operations management and strategic planning. She has been awarded LEED Accredited Professional status by the U.S. Green Building Council and was previously a corporate attorney with the New York City law firms of Giancarlo & Gleiberman and Richards & O’Neil.

Patti lectures frequently on topics of law office management and business planning as well as building issues. She co-chairs the Firm Management Committee of the AIA NYS/ACEC NY and is a member the Global Design Alliance, The American Bar Association, The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, the New York State Women’s Bar Association and the Association of Legal Administrators.

Patti appeared on Court TV, as well as The Association of the Bar of the City of New York, The New York County Lawyers’ Association, The Association of Legal Administrators-New York City Chapter, Columbia University Graduate School of Business and The Leonard M. Stern School of Business. Ms. Harris’ published work includes “Businesses are Renewing Their Fo- cus on Records Management and Return Policies,” New York Law Journal, September 2008, “Amended Fair Pay Regulations from the US Department of Labor,” Zetlin & De Chiara News- bulletin, October 2007, “Numbers Count” in Effective Marketing for Lawyers, published by NY- SPA, January 2006. She received her JD and MBA with distinction from New York University.

She lives with her husband and two children in Manhattan.

43 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Debra Inwald, AIA, LEED AP Founder & Principal Works-in-Progress Associates www.wpa-works.com

Debra Inwald, AIA, LEED AP is the founder and Principal of Works-in-Progress Associates (WPA), an Owner’s Representative and Construction Management Firm located in lower Man- hattan.

Debra’s original mission for WPA was to provide non-profit organizations with owner’s representative services by acting as their advocate during move, construction and renovation projects. After an extended contract with Columbia University to provide staff extension services in 1999, Debra realized the need for reliable construction project managers, office engineers and inspectors for On-Call Contracts. In the last ten years, WPA has grown not only as an ownerís representative firm but also as a valuable sub for Construction Management (CM) On-Call Contracts. The reliability of WPAís On-Call staff has created successful relationships with many large CM firms providing the firm another stream of work as WBE Construction Management subcontractors.

Debra has demonstrated that a WBE CM sub, such as WPA, can seamlessly integrate within the larger CM team. Through her slow and steady commitment to integrating WBE firms into a more substantial role, Debra has shown larger CMs that reaching M/WBE percentages doesnít have to be a point of weakness, it can and should be team strength.

Debra is a licensed architect and received her Master’s in Architecture from Columbia Univer- sity and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Michigan. During her 30-year, well-rounded professional career, she has worked at nationally acclaimed architectural design firms and in the public sector at the New York City Division of Design and Construction. In the past 15 years, Debra has been privileged to see WPA complete more than 160 projects with a construction value of over $375 million.

Debra taught architecture at Columbia University and is currently a member of their Advi- sory Board for the Master of Science in Construction Administration. She has sat on various boards throughout the city and is a frequent guest lecturer to non-profit organizations under- going capital development projects. She frequently conducts workshops on facilities development for various agencies and provides numerous outreach services.

44 Women build it!

Susan Jenkins Vice President of Operations Skanska www.skanska.com/usa

Susan Jenkins, Vice President of Operations at Skanska, is one of two deputy project directors that handle all of the preconstruction and design team coordination for a massive $1.1 billion project to reconstruct the United Nations Complex in Manhattan.

On this complex assignment, there are six design teams. Part of Susan’s duties is to oversee and coordinate work between those teams and serve as the primary liaison between them and the Skanska team. Susan has been on this challenging project since the first day work began nearly two years ago. She has done an outstanding job managing the enormous volume of work generated by the project, since the complex remains open while construction activities occur.

Susan is an ideal role-model for other young women in the Skanska organization. In an effort to further enhance her skills, she pursued an MBA degree to complement her long record of experience in the construction industry. Additionally, Susan supervises one of Skanskaís female global trainees that are also assigned to the project. Her positive attitude and envious management skills are an example to all of Skanskaís female employees of what a woman can accomplish in the field of construction. Susan’s easy-going demeanor with colleagues and client alike has garnered her respect as well as an outstanding reputation throughout the Skanska organization. Sheís professional and firm in a traditional male-dominated industry, but never loses sight of the fact that compromise is needed for any project to be successful.

Susan’s success is attributable to an ability to cultivate good relationships with clients and create an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation among all stakeholders on the job. Prior to working for Skanska, Jenkins has worked in the construction management industry for over 20 years, in addition to running her own successful contracting business. She has worked with large companies on complex joint-venture projects. Her outstanding work ethic, skills and professionalism have allowed her to participation on many multi-million complex projects.

45 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Barbara Kates-Garnick, Ph.D. Consultant, Planning Director, Urban Sustainability Project Polytechnic Institute of NYU www.poly.edu

Barbara Kates-Garnick, Ph.D. is a leader in the energy and environmental fields with a broad career that has included serving as a corporate officer in KeySpan, a Fortune 500 utility, establishing a start up venture as a successful energy supplier, appointment as a Massachu- setts public utility commissioner and as a management consultant on engagements dealing with critical public policy issues relating to energy and the environment. Based on her breadth of her experience, Barbara has expertise in strategic decision making in complex organizations, both from a regulatory and corporate perspective, the cost/benefit of implementing environmental mandates, how organizations respond to change, and the adaption of emerging technologies, most recently in clean tech and renewable energy. She is currently applying her expertise to urban sustainability issues as they relate to global infrastructure.

As a path breaker in the implementation of energy deregulation, Barbara lead the New England office of one of the nation’s most successful competitive energy suppliers. She has testified before the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Power Subcommittee and numerous state legislatures and regulatory bodies. As a Public Utility Commissioner in Massachu- setts, Barbara facilitated the adaption of the early energy efficiency programs and addressed environmental issues related to generation and hazardous waste cleanup. In her consulting practice, Barbara provides strategic advice on a wide range of economic and regulatory issues faced by the energy, environmental and telecommunications industries as they confront change and transformation.

Barbara sits on for-profit and non-profit boards with a range of missions. She established Social Venture Partners in Boston, assumed a leadership role in the American Red Cross’ new fundraising paradigm, and advises two private companies, Primera and Atapco, on business strategy.

Barbara has a Ph.D. in international political economy from the Fletcher School of Tufts University, an A.B., cum laude, in political science from Bryn Mawr College.

46 Women build it!

Gloria Kemper President Recon Construction Corporation [email protected]

Gloria E. Kemper is the sole Owner and President of a Queens-based subcontracting company specializing in foundation, superstructure and heavy civil reinforcing steel installations. Originally from Indiana, where her family was in construction, Gloria moved to New York and continued in the industry by purchasing Recon Construction Company.

For years, Recon has been fortunate to work as a valued team player on many high profile jobs. In the recent past, Recon Construction Corp. has worked on the Air Train Terminal at Jamaica Station and the MTA Bus Maintenance Facility in Maspeth, and is presently working on the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge Reconstruction, the S3II No. 7 Line Tunnel Extension, United Nations North Lawn Conference Building and the New Jacob Javitz Expo Building.

In an ever-changing business environment, Gloria keeps up with laws and market directives by attending classes in construction law, insurance and BIM (business information modeling).

Gloria has said she cannot think of anything she would rather do than help build New York with her dedicated professional team of workers in the Metal Lathers Union Local 46 and Labor Union Local 731.

47 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Lisa Kiell Managing Director and Team Leader Jones Lang LaSalle www.joneslanglasalle.com

Lisa Kiell is a Managing Director and Team Leader with Jones Lang LaSalle’s New York office. She has a special expertise in leasing operations related to law firms, financial services firms and technology companies.

Lisa joined Jones Lang LaSalle in 1995 following the company’s merger with The Galbreath Company. Earlier, she worked in real estate development and leasing for LCOR in Jersey City. She was also an auditor for PriceWaterhouse Coopers (successor by merger to Coopers & Lybrand).

Lisa applies a diverse and sophisticated financial, real estate and negotiating skill set to her projects. Her current clients include Skadden Arps, Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Akin Gump, DLA Piper, United Health Group, Toyota, LCOR, British Broadcasting Corporation, Medidata Solutions, Piper Jaffray, IMS, Sentinel Real Estate, Apax Partners and Calyon.

Lisa earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University and a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from New York Univer- sity. She is a certified public accountant in New York and a licensed real estate salesperson in New York and New Jersey.

Lisa is actively involved as a Board Member of the JCC in Manhattan and lives in Manhattan with her husband and two sons, ages three and five.

48 Women build it!

Sue Klawans Corporate Director of Client Satisfaction Gilbane Building Company www.gilbanebuilding.com

Sue Klawans serves as Corporate Director of Client Satisfaction for Gilbane Building Com- pany. She joined Gilbane in 1984 after graduating from Brown University.

Sue has risen through the ranks from her entry-level position as a Management Trainee, serving in the roles of Project Engineer, Project Manager and Project Executive. Now, as Corpo- rate Director of Client Satisfaction, her primary objective is to drive consistency and operational excellence through the entire organization by sharing and implementing her successful strategies for exceeding client expectations with Gilbane’s projects nationally.

With Sue’s help, Gilbane President Bill Gilbane was nominated as one of ENR’s Top Newsmak- ers for 2007 for the development and implementation of Gilbane’s Client Satisfaction process.

Sue was recently nominated by her client Sun Microsystems as Contractor of the Year. Sun cited Klawans’ successful project director efforts on a wide range of assignments including major campus development projects, 100 concurrent integration projects, data center projects and transition planning and management.

49 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Carol Kleinberg President & Chief Executive Officer Kleinberg Electric

Carol founded Kleinberg Electric in 1978. As the Owner and Chief Executive Officer of this electrical construction company, Carol is responsible for overall company affairs, including nurturing long-standing client relationships, fostering relationships with new clients, business forecasting, planning, contract review and negotiations and the implementation of all operational procedures. Much of Carol’s time is spent facilitating relations with various industry associations and political actions related to the electrical industry at large.

Carol has a series of remarkable accomplishments under her belt. From 2006 to the present 2009 listing, she has been named to Crain’s New York Business’ list of the New York Area’s Larg- est Women-Owned Companies. Kleinberg Electric was ranked 28 among the 75 Top Specialty Contractors in NYC (New York Construction magazine) in 2009.

Kleinberg Electric joined the New York City Association of Electrical Contractors (AEC) on June 18, 1987 and has continued very active involvement in various affiliations within the industry. One of the first women to execute an agreement with Local Union #3, Carol also became the first woman appointed to the Board of Directors of the AEC in 1988. After serving as Treasurer of the AEC from 2003-2005, she became the first woman honored by the AEC Scholarship Committee in 2005. Also, Carol became a member of the New York State Association of Elec- trical Contractors in 1999, and she has served as a Director since 2003 and as Vice President since 2006.

She currently serves on several committees for the Joint Industry Board, including Appren- ticeship Committee of the Electrical Industry, Annuity and Security Benefit Fund, Electrical Employers Self-Insurance Safety Plan (EESISP) Committee and the Realty Committee.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Carol is the proud mother of four and grandmother of ten. She has been married to Paul Kleinberg for 44 years and resides in New York City, where she serves as a long-term advocate for women being appointed to authority positions to New York City and State.

50 Women build it!

Sara E. Knight Senior Project Engineer AECOM Technology Corporation www.aecom.com

Sara E. Knight serves as Senior Project Engineer at AECOM Technology Corporation. Recently completing work on two high-profile projects in the heart of Chicago’s downtown, Sara thoroughly represents today’s outstanding woman in the construction and building industry – both inside and outside of the office and in the field.

With leadership skills recognized throughout AECOM, Sara was recently promoted to manage the firm’s geotechnical practice in Minneapolis, Madison, Milwaukee and Chicago, responsible for staff utilization, staff development, and client satisfaction. Sara utilizes her specialized skills as a senior engineer on foundation studies for buildings, including numerous high-rise and transportation structures, slope stability, tunneling and retaining systems analyses, while serving as project manager during the construction of many large-scale efforts.

Client-focused and an exceptional consultant and engineer, Sara’s technical and communication skills, combined with a keen attentiveness to client satisfaction, have resulted in client retention and new client development – thus contributing significantly to the organic growth of our organization. Her tangible leadership qualities are further demonstrated by involvement in multiple professional associations and community organizations.

Sara holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northwestern University in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois in Civil Engineering. She is a registered Illinois Professional Engineer and actively participates in the American Society of Civil Engineers, the International Association of Foundation Drilling, and the Deep Founda- tions Institute. She has been married to her husband Mathew for almost a decade, and is the mother of two children, three-year-old Ella Claire and one-year-old Anderson J.

51 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Julie Kroloff President Integrated Strategic Resources, LLC www.isrllc.us

Realizing a dream is never as easy as it seems.

Having the opportunity and fortitude to latch on to your dream and make it a reality takes someone very special. In the case of Integrated Strategic Resources, Julie Kroloff is a beacon of what is possible, in a lopsided playing field. With hard work, determination and desire, Julie’s combination of business savvy, sensibility and personability created a “perfect storm” of attributes to prepare her for the road to business ownership.

Her desire to contribute to the development of transportation infrastructure has propelled her from her first job as an estimator for a public works contractor, to a storied 10-year career at Kaiser Engineers, through her Vice Presidency at Stone and Webster. In 2000, Julie established Integrated Strategic Resources, LLC (ISR), a Women’s-Owned, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise specializing in project management services for transportation and infrastructure projects. Today, ISR provides professional cost estimating and related project management expertise to signature projects throughout the New York Metropolitan area such as the World Trade Center Transit Hub, East Side Access, Portal Bridge and the Access to the Regions Core Tunnel.

Julie’s firm provides fulfilling careers for 20 full-time professionals. Julie is equally at home meeting with elected and appointed officials and their staffs and constituents in Washington, Albany and New York City as she is discussing major infrastructure projects with the top engineering and construction consultants and prime contractors.

In addition, she is a proponent of providing mentoring opportunities to promote individual development for a stronger team. Her strength of character and ability to persevere when others would have surely quit serves as an inspiration to all.

52 Women build it!

Juliette G. Lam, IIDA Senior Principal, Director of Interiors HOK www.hok.com

Juliette G. Lam, IIDA, leads the Interiors Group at the New York office of HOK, which is recognized as one of the world’s largest and most reputable architectural firms. She also heads HOK’s international Interiors Focus Group, which includes the firm’s 24 global offices. Her professional career spans over 25 years, primarily focusing on design and management in the interior architectural arena. Juliette holds the title of Senior Principal and Member of New York Management committee at HOK. She is also an Emeritus member of the Firm’s Board of Direc- tors. She joined HOK in 1991.

Juliette works with a number of national corporate clients to develop innovative corporate interior design strategies for the workplace, concentrating predominantly in the New York tri- state region. Her clients include Time, Inc., John Wiley Publishing, DLA Piper Rudnick, Deloitte & Touche, The GAP, ann Taylor Inc., and Avon. In addition, she led the design effort for the new Kuwait National Assembly building following the first Iraq war. Juliette has long been active in the New York real estate and civic community and is a member of the Board of Brooklyn Philharmonic.

In August 2007, Juliette was honored with the Capuchin Food Pantries Humanitarian Award during the fifth annual Women of Valor charity event. In May 2009, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP/NYC) selected Juliette as a recipient of its ‘Women Who Care’ honors, created to honor female role models in various segments of the community.

HOK has a multidiscipline practice of architecture, urban planning, interiors, and healthcare. Recent projects include the St. Georges Ferry Terminal on Staten Island, US Headquarters of BMW, the Master Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Javits Convention Center, 222 East 41st Street in Manhattan, the expansion and modernization of Harlem Hospital, the interior renovation of Time Inc.’s 800,000 square foot Headquarters, and the expansion of the new offices of DLA Piper, an international law firm. The New York office is one of the largest of HOK’s 25 office worldwide and has a 30-year history in the tri-state area.

53 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Shani Leibowitz, AICP Vice President Director of Development & Planning Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation www.brooklynnavyyard.com

Shani Leibowitz, AICP, is the Vice President, Director of Development & Planning at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation (BNYDC).

Joining BNYDC three years ago, she has been a critical contributor to the extraordinary redevelopment of the Navy Yard—a redevelopment that will result in more than 1.5 million square feet of new space. This redevelopment is not only creating thousands of new jobs and revenues for continued growth but also has repositioned the Navy Yard as a national model for sustainable industrial parks through green infrastructure investments and a rapidly growing cluster of green manufacturers.

Shani brings critical thinking and leadership skills to her role at BNYDC, an organization that brings together a wide range of professionals in real estate finance, planning, engineering, construction, job placement, security, marketing and environmental sustainability. She has significant professional experience, particularly in the financial and planning realities of getting real estate projects done in New York City. As BNYDC’s liaison to the Public Design Commis- sion of the City of New York, she works closely with architects to get approval for their designs for new and rehabilitated structures that meet the highest design standards of the city.

Shani earned her Masters in Urban Planning at New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service. Prior to joining BNYDC, she was a Senior Planner at the Manhattan-based urban planning consulting firm, BFJ Planning. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and American Planning Association.

54 Women build it!

Karin Lepasoon Executive Vice President Communications and Investor Relations Skanska www.skanska.com

Karin Lepasoon is the first woman to be appointed Senior Vice President of Skanska’s Executive Team (SET).

SET is the worldwide management team of Skanska, one the world’s ten largest project development and construction companies, with over 50,000 employees. As Executive Vice President, Karin is globally responsible for communications, marketing, investor relations, customer satisfaction and knowledge sharing. She is intimately involved in key strategic decisions.

Karin began her career with Skanska a mere three years ago as Communications Director, already then a member of SET. Under her direction, the corporate communications team, both in the United States and globally, developed a clear, concise path that had not existed previously. Through her persistence, she managed to make senior leaders aware of the need for a stronger communications function from the perspective of recruitment, employee retention and client relations. Her hard work allowed the department to flourish and more importantly, drastically improved the way that senior managers communicate with employees.

Throughout the construction industry in the US and abroad, knowledge of the Skanska brand has grown considerably due to a variety of initiatives were headed by Karin. Given the impact of her efforts, combined with her great people skills and strategic mind-set, Skanska offered Karin broader responsibilities. As such, Karin is a role model for young women in Skanska and outside of the company who may feel that a woman could not excel at a construction company.

Karin is married and is the mother of two small children.

55 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Jill N. Lerner, FAIa Principal & Board Member Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, LLP www.kpf.com

Jill N. Lerne, FAIA has over 30 years of experience in managing the design of academic, institutional research, and medical projects throughout the United States. As the only female Principal and Board Member at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, she serves as the front-line representative for the firm in its pursuit of building design excellence around the world.

Jill has always taken a particular interest in making a lasting contribution to architectural higher education—from managing the design effort on a new business school building and sitting on the board at her Alma Mater to frequently teaching and lecturing at colleges and conferences. As the only Architect on the Board of Trustees at Cornell University, she was an active member of the Building and Properties Committee and is past Chair of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning Alumni Advisory Council.

Jill has taken a particular interest in supporting women’s issues and helps further the cause by being an active member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women. She is on the board of Asian University for Women, which is a new university being planned for talented women in Bangladesh. She also teaches Professional Practice to architecture students enrolled in Cornell’s New York City program.

A Registered Architect in several states, Jill is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), and has served on the boards of the AIA New York Chapter and the Center for Architec- ture Foundation. In 2010, she will resume her post on the AIA New York Chapter board with a focus on design education.

An active author, Jill was a contributor and co-editor of Construction in Cities: Social, Environ- mental, Political, and Economic Concerns by Patricia Lancaster and published by CRC Press in 2001, and is a frequent lecturer for the Society of College and University Planners (SCUP).

Jill has led the design of numerous award-winning academic, institutional, research, and medical facilities for public and private clients throughout the United States and across the globe. As a principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates since 1995, she is responsible for all aspects of project management and design, client coordination and contract negotiation throughout the life of each project, and she frequently represents KPF as an industry leader.

56 Women build it!

Mary Libassi Secretary and General Counsel Schiavone Construction Co., LLC

Mary Libassi is the Secretary/General Counsel for Schiavone Construction Co., LLC. (Schiavone). Schiavone is a major metropolitan construction company and one of the area’s leading firms performing on complex highway, roadway and tunneling projects. Currently, Schiavone is involved in the construction of several major NYC projects, including, Second Avenue Subway, No. 7 Line, City Water Tunnel and Croton Water Filtration Plant.

Mary is one of a handful of women who is capable of holding such a position in this male- dominated industry. She has held this position for the past twelve years. Schiavone has found her to be an invaluable member of the team. Her guidance and practical leadership has contributed to the overall success of the company.

Mary also sits on the Law and Legislative Committee of the General Contractors Association. In that capacity, she is an effective advocate regarding legal issues that directly impact its membership, contractors in the heavy construction industry.

Before joining Schiavone, Mary was associated with a New York City construction law firm where she vigorously advocated for Schiavone and others. She began her legal career as an Assistant Corporation Counsel in the New York City Law Department, where she worked for nine years in the Commercial Litigation Division.

Mary received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the State University College at Oneonta and her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School, where she was a member of the Law Review and graduated magna cum laude. She is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the District of New Jer- sey, as well as the courts of the State of New York and the State of New Jersey.

57 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Jeanne Login Managing Director Global Real Estate Services BNY Mellon www.bnymellon.com

Jeanne Login is a managing director of BNY Mellon, where she leads the Global Real Estate Services Division. Jeanne’s responsibilities encompass the company’s overall portfolio development strategy including the management of all real estate-related transactions, as well as the disposition of excess real estate in the 34 countries in which BNY Mellon is located.

Responsible for the negotiation and administration of government, state or municipality-based real estate incentive agreements, she also plays an integral role in the due diligence process for the company’s acquisitions and divestitures.

Jeanne joined the Bank of New York in 1987 as a Tenant Lease Negotiator. She has steadily advanced through the years and her career path to present day includes service to the company as Lease Negotiator, Senior Lease Negotiator and Department Head of Leasing & Acquisitions.

In 1998, Jeanne was responsible for the sale of 48 Wall Street in New York City, which achieved a record sale price for a vacant building at that time. In 2001, she secured 1.2 million square feet of space required for the company’s business operations, replacing space ren- dered unusable by the events of September 11. In 2006, Jeanne provided extensive support for the sale and transfer of 342 retail bank branches to JPMorgan Chase as the company re- fined its business model and exited the retail banking business in a six-month period. In 2007, she was named as the Integration Head for General Services while successfully consolidating the real estate functions during the merger between the Bank of New York and Mellon Bank.

Jeanne resides in New Jersey along with her Golden Retriever, Leia. She is an avid gardener and reader, and she enjoys cooking, hosting parties, dog training and refinishing furniture.

58 Women build it!

Rae M. Loui Vice President and Operations Manager, Pacific District AECOM Technology Corporation www.aecom.com

Rae M. Loui has demonstrated the highest standards of professional conduct and competency in her many roles in public service and now as Vice President and Operations Manager of AECOM’s Pacific District, which includes Hawaii and all of the Pacific Rim. A licensed professional engineer in Hawaii, Guam and California, she oversees operations of the Pacific District. She also performs work for the Department of Defense in Japan, Korea, Guam and for the Pacific Island Nations.

Since joining AECOM in 2006, Rae has focused on team building and promoting organizational capabilities to serve AECOM’s clients. She has fostered the trust of AECOM clientele, resulting in nearly $20 million of new orders over a two-year period for the design of $300 million to $400 million in construction in Hawaii and throughout the Pacific.

Prior to joining AECOM, Rae employed her professional skills for 28 years, 16 of which were in the public sector in various high level positions throughout the state of Hawaii, including serving as Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Business Services of the Hawaii State Department of Education; Director, City and County of Honolulu, Department of Design and Construction; Commissioner, Hawaii State Public Utilities Commission; Deputy to the Chair- person, Hawaii State Commission on Water Resource Management; and Director, County of Maui Board of Water Supply. Her first 12 years were in the energy sector with Pacific Gas and Electric Company in California and Hawaiian Electric Company in Hawaii.

In each, she stepped into a trying situation of institutional change and organizational turmoil, and in each, she performed her job with competency and held steadfast to her values and ideals. She has brought the same values to her new leadership role with AECOM, exemplifying AECOM’s charge to deliver solutions that enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments.

Rae earned a Master of Business Administration in business finance from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Stanford University. She is an active member of American Society of Civil Engineers, American Water Works Association, American Wind Energy Association and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce.

59 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Molly S. MacQueen, LEED AP Vice President STV www.stvinc.com

Molly MacQueen, LEED AP, Is a Vice President at STV.

A seasoned planner and project manager, Molly has been with STV since 2000.

Her quarter century of experience as a planner and Project Manager is applied to the numerous projects on which she works. These assignments include a wide range of transportation, land-use and zoning studies, development projects, environmental analyses, and the prepara- tion of compliance documents that meet the National Environmental Policy Act and various state and municipal environmental quality acts, including environmental impact statements and environmental assessments.

Molly’s experience includes complex regional and multi-jurisdictional planning projects that have required extensive coordination with project stakeholders, public officials, and regulatory agencies.

Molly received her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Wheaton College and received her Master’s of City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to being LEED- certified, she is a member of the American Planning Association, the Association of Environ- mental Professionals and the Society for Industrial Archaeology. Molly is an active participant in STV’s mentoring program, working with young professionals in planning and related profes- sions.

60 Women build it!

Mirjana Mirjanic President and Founder Quality Building Servces www.qualitybuildingservices.com

Mirjana Mirjanic, President and Founder of Quality Building Services (QBS), has been involved in the residential and commercial building cleaning and maintenance industry since 1990.

In 2000, she founded QBS, a certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise in New York City and State. As President, Mirjana manages a full service maintenance organization that oper- ates and maintains over 30 million square of premium real estate in the New York Metropolitan area. QBS has gained a reputation throughout the industry for outstanding quality, customer service, and value.

Prior to founding QBS, Mirjana began in the industry in 1988. By 1996, Mirjana was in charge of operations and customer sales, generating in excess of 15 million dollars in revenue each year. Mirjana is recognized for having acquired expertise in multiple aspects of the industry.

Mirjana is a member of several real estate organizations including the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Women Builders Council, New York Association of Realty managers (NYARM), and the New York and Building Service Contractors Association Inter- national (BSCAI). She devotes full time to the operations of her business and is available to clients seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day, to provide the best service possible in the industry.

Mirjana also consults with Real Estate owners and managers, assisting them in cost-cutting, productivity and quality control to allow their buildings to receive optimum maintenance and security services. She is proud to be a supplier of a premier brand of janitorial and security services throughout the region.

61 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Sara Kaye Mirski Managing Director of Development Boymelgreen Developers www.boymelgreen.com

Sara Kaye Mirski is Managing Director of Development at Boymelgreen Developers.

In 2007, Sara was selected by Crain’s magazine as one of New York’s ‘40 Under 40 Rising Stars’ and by Real Estate New York magazine as on of 2007’s Women of Influence. She also received the Clarisa Award in 2006 for her charitable work with the Capuchin Food Pantries.

During her tenure with the firm, Sara has managed 5 million square feet of development and approximately $1 billion in construction. She is involved in all phases of the companyís acquisitions, financing, strategic planning, and construction as well as all aspects of the development process from acquisition to final sale or lease-up. She is currently managing a 1 million square foot LEED certified residential condominium project in Houston, Texas for Azorim, USA, a Boymelgreen Holdings Company.

Sara began her 16-year real estate career in Minneapolis and St. Paul managing residential, retail and commercial real estate developments throughout the Twin Cities. In 1997, Sara received an award in Better Homes and Gardens magazine for her residential restoration work.

After moving to New York in 1999, she worked as a Project Manager and development consultant for Quartararo & Associates, Inc. where she was responsible for commercial interior renovations and corporate build outs. Her first project was a base building upgrade for Daimler Chrysler; the Walter Chrysler Cloud Club on floors 66-68 of New York’s iconic Chrysler Building.

Sara is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and earned a Master’s of Science degree from New York University in Real Estate Development and Investment.

62 Women build it!

Annika Moman Project Manager AECOM Technology Corporation www.aecom.com

Annika Moman has quickly become one of the most effective Project Managers within AECOM, with demonstrated leadership abilities and a strong work ethic that offers an outstanding example to her project teams.

A project manager in AECOM’s Energy Business Line, she works in the Solana Beach, Cali- fornia office and is currently managing three unique and progressive projects: California State University’s San Marcos Energy Efficiency Design/Build Project; Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Solar Power Program Management Assistance; and the City of Santa Monica Street Light Efficiency Study.

Annika’s direct leadership on key projects has proven effective in positioning AECOM for significant future work. Her extra efforts, long hours, and steady demonstration of her exemplary character are examples of why Annika is a leader to be recognized. Aside from her busy project manager schedule and endeavors, Annika is also active in AECOM’s Women’s Development Forum. She is leading the Professional and Community Organization Involvement Initiative focused on emphasizing the importance of leadership in an outside organization to the development of AECOM’s senior and executive women.

Annika’s career places her squarely at the top of energy’s latest trends from solar technology to lighting studies to plant commissioning. Combined with a military background, her knowledge of these new frontiers makes Annika a natural leader within the vast AECOM organization. For five years, she has led programs and projects that assist Southern California local governments, municipal utilities, and higher education facilities in identifying and implementing energy programs; which has resulted in energy savings in existing buildings of 10 to 20%, along with the implementation of renewable energy projects that provide on-site energy generation.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former military logistics officer, Annika possess exceptional academic credentials, earning a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Diego State University; a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Na- val Academy; and is a Certified Energy Manager. She also co-authored a professional publication entitled: ‘Small Oil-less Centrifugal Compressors: Bringing Energy Efficiency and Reduced Costs to Chiller Plant,’ Proceedings of the ACEEE Summer Conference, 2005. 63 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Theresa Murphy Senior Litigator Goldberg & Connolly www.goldbergconnolly.com

Theresa Brennan Murphy is a Senior Litigator for Goldberg & Connolly in its Construction Law, Insurance Coverage and Litigation Groups. Theresa concentrates her practice on representing large contractors and subcontractors in sophisticated commercial litigation, construction claims and complex insurance coverage issues.

In addition to her demanding litigation duties, Theresa has become the firm’s expert on W/ MBE issues and counsels her construction industry clients on how to embrace W/MBE goals and effectively implement diversity opportunities on their projects. Consistent with her dedication to W/MBE issues, Theresa is an active member of many industry associations and participates on committees that promote diversity in the workplace.

Theresa began her career as a litigator working in prominent New York City law firms defend- ing large private sector contractors in catastrophic personal injury and large scale property damage and construction defect actions. Most recently, before joining G&C, Theresa managed a litigation team that successfully represented Tishman Construction in the hundreds of lawsuits involving personal injury, property damage and loss of business claims resulting from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Theresa’s extensive litigation experience provides her with strategic thinking, management and leadership skills that help her clients “see the big picture” when embarking on new construction projects, from contract negotiation all the way through to the resolution of claim disputes.

Theresa earned her law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1995, and her B.B.A. in Finance from Iona College in 1991. She resides in Rockville Centre, Long Island with her husband, Casey, and their three young children: Lilly, Jackie and Harrison.

64 Women build it!

Jennifer Murphy Vice President for Strategic Development Plaza Construction Corporation www.plazaconstruction.com

Jennifer Murphy, Vice President for Strategic Development for Plaza Construction Corporation, is fast becoming recognized as one of the industry’s leading construction professionals. In addition to her responsibilities for identifying and driving new markets for Plaza, Ms. Murphy also directs the firm’s M/WBE and Community Relations activities.

McGraw-Hill Construction and Crain’s New York Business ranks Plaza as one of the top six construction managers in New York. The firm has grown substantially since its founding in 1986 from servicing the construction needs of its parent company, Fisher Brothers, to fulfilling the construction requirements of prominent local, national and international corporations.

Jennifer began her career in New York City with Plaza as a Project Manager. She spent ten years in the architectural and interior design profession, becoming a partner in the firm of Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors. She returned to Plaza in 2002 with an in-depth understanding of the development cycle from Master Planning through project completion. Through her tenure in the construction industry, Jennifer has been involved in over 10 million square feet of development and construction throughout the country.

Jennifer is active in her industry. She is a member of the Association of Real Estate Women, CoreNet’s New York City Chapter, supports Non-traditional Employment for Women (NEW) and is assuming a leadership role in the Women Builders Council, one of New York’s leading association supporting advocacy of women businesses and professionals in the building industries.

Jennifer brings innovative project management, critical thinking and leadership skills to her firm’s construction management portfolio. As a key driver in Plaza’s strategic efforts, she is guiding Plaza into new markets and regions, including supporting new offices in Newark, NJ, Los Angeles, CA and Miami, FL.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the State Univer- sity of New York at Buffalo and received her Certificate in Construction Estimating and Project Management from NYU. She resides in Manhattan with her husband, Bill, and two children, Elizabeth and William.

65 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Dr. Sissy Nikolaou, PE Associate Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers www.mrce.com

Dr. Sissy Nikolaou, PE, a well-known geo-seismic engineer in the New York Metropolitan area, is an Associate of Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers (MRCE), where she has established and currently directs a department focused on Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering services. These services include geophysical testing, site-specific seismic analyses, liquefaction hazard evaluation and mitigation, and seismic design of building and bridge foundations.

Sissy has developed analytical methodologies and computer software for seismic hazard analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI). Her methodologies have been applied to numerous projects, including New York City’s Hillview Reservoir, WTC Tower 1 (Freedom Tower), the Queensboro Bridge, Columbia University’s Manhattanville, JFK Light Rail, Germany’s Brunsbuettel Nuclear Reactor, Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge in Washington D.C.

Sissy is a Professional Engineer licensed in New York State and Europe and a certified FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Structural Specialist. She has received a five-year Diploma degree in Civil Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens and a Master’s and Ph.D. Degrees from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is serving the engineering community by publishing extensively in scientific journals and professional magazines and by being a member of several committees for seismic codes, including the recent New York City Building Code, and the Board of Directors of ACECNY (American Council of Engineering Companies of New York), where she is also co-chairing the scholarship committee. She has received several awards recognizing her contributions, including the Prakash Award for Excellence in Geotechnical Engineering and a place among the” 40-Under-40 Outstanding Leaders in the Building and Construction Industry.”

Sissy works to actively promote the involvement of women in engineering by delivering motivational speeches in universities and schools around the country.

66 Women build it!

Anita O’Brien Project Executive Harlem Hospital Center Major Modernization Project www.nyc.gov/hhc

Anita O’Brien is a Project Executive on the modernization project for Harlem Hospital Center. Her career is the story of her passion for healthcare and construction.

Anita was born in Chicago, Illinois. She attended college at Florida Southern, University of South Florida and University of Miami majoring in Biology. She completed a one-year intern- ship at Tampa General Hospital in Medical Technology before receiving ASCP registration and worked in various hospitals as a Medical Technologist for five years.

In 1983, she relocated to New York City. After working in residential real estate for a year, she was offered a job as Office Manager for a structural steel company who had the contract for building the first Seven World Trade Center. By listening and watching construction professionals – some of whom built the Empire State Building, others who built the Twin Towers – she learned a great deal about construction. She decided that construction management was the career in which she wanted to continue. Through her employer, she was given the opportunity to pursue a formal education in Construction Management at New York University.

After 7 World Trade Center, her employer put together her medical career background and hospital construction, and she was sent to Columbia Presbyterian (the Milstein Pavilion) as a Project Engineer.

From there, she moved to the Manhattan VA Hospital and then to Elmhurst Hospital Center, which was in the process of a major modernization completed in 1996.

In 1997, she was called upon to lead the Project team for the new Queens Hospital Center – the first replacement hospital built in New York State in over ten years. Following the opening of the hospital, she worked from design through occupancy of an ambulatory care pavilion at Queens Hospital Center. She was then invited to be a part of the project team working on the Harlem Hospital Center Major Modernization Project and joined as Project Executive in October 2007.

67 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Carol Patterson Senior Partner Zetlin & De Chiara LLP www.zdlaw.com

Carol Patterson is a Senior Partner of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP, headquartered in New York with offices in New Jersey and Connecticut which represent owners, developers, architects, engineers, design professionals, contractors, construction managers and other parties in the construction industry. She has represented prominent national and international firms in matters relating to the design and construction of major office and residential buildings, performing arts centers, museums, hospitals, educational institutions, transportation facilities and other public buildings. Carol advises clients on matters such as dispute resolution, contracts and risk management strategies.

Carol is consistently recognized by Chambers USA as a leading lawyer in construction litigation. She has been named a New York Super Lawyer in the practice area of construction litigation by Super Lawyer’s Magazine for the past three years. Carol has the notable AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and lectures frequently on many topics relating to the design and construction industries and has taught at the New York University Real Estate Institute. Additionally, Carol has been recognized as one of the top 50 Women in Real Estate by the Association of Real Estate Women and was named one of the Women Real Estate Leaders of the 21st Century by Real Estate Weekly.

Carol serves as a Chair of the Steering Committee of the Contract Documents Division of the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry. She co-authored Construction Law, the definitive construction law text book to be used by universities throughout the United States and published by the American Bar Association in 2009.

Carol holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bryn Mawr College, a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Columbia University and a JD degree from the University of Chicago Law School.

68 Women build it!

Blondel A. Pinnock Senior Vice President Carver Federal Savings Bank President, Carver Community Development Corporation www.carverbank.com

Blondel A. Pinnock is the Senior Vice President of Carver Federal Savings Bank and President of Carver Community Development Corporation. She is responsible for formalizing Carver’s community development, corporate giving and outreach strategy within the neighborhoods it serves. This also includes lending and investing through the New Market Tax Credit program.

A lawyer by training, during her 11-year career in banking and finance, Blondel has been responsible for financing residential and commercial projects within New York City, including the Dwyer Warehouse, and 1400 5th Avenue in Harlem and the Toy Factory and Chocolate Factory in Brooklyn. She has worked closely with real estate developers and not-for-profit developers in structuring and financing projects located within low and moderate income census tract areas.

From 2000 to 2007, Blondel served as Vice President and then Senior Vice President of Com- munity Development Banking at Bank of America and its predecessor institution, Fleet Bank. During her tenure at the Bank, she originated and closed over $280 million in construction and real estate financing, which helped to create over 3000 units of housing and over 185,000 square feet of retail and office space in New York City and Westchester and New Jersey.

Prior to joining the Bank, Blondel held the position as Counsel and Deputy Director for the New York City Department of Housing, Preservation and Development’s (“HPD”) Tax Incentives Unit. While there, she assisted in the implementation of the City’s real estate tax programs for low, moderate and market rate projects.

Blondel is affiliated with a number of professional and civic organizations. She is on the real estate committee of Abyssinian Development Corporation, the Board of Directors of South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp. (SOBRO), the Board of Directors of Citizens Housing Planning Council (CHPC) and the Executive Committee of Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Sociology from Columbia University (1990) and a Jurist Doctorate from Hofstra University School of Law (1994).

69 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Judy Pullar Principal Director, Business Development EYP Architecture and Engineering www.eypaedesign.com

A nationally renowned AEC industry marketing leader, Principal and Director of Business De- velopment Judy Pullar brings unparalleled experience and enthusiasm to EYP Arcitecture and Engineering. Judy is a unique individual who combines intelligence, diligence and determination with character and affability into a strong package. She is recognized for her thorough evaluations of client’s needs and her excellent problem solving skills. Judy provides ethical, attentive and highly competent service to her clients.

During her 20 years in the AEC industry, she has played a significant role in increasing project wins, deepening client relationships, exceeding business development goals, and implementing innovative new marketing strategies. Judy’s experience also includes project management, project support and service marketing for the commercial industry, including corporate and public clients, higher education, healthcare and retail.

Judy’s professional achievements have been innumerable. Her perseverance and dedication are key elements to her success. It is evident that her hard work is not only seen in tangible data, but her professional attitude and drive for success radiates in her clients, her colleagues and the personal relationships she builds along the way.

Judy recently received the 2008 SMPS-New York Chapter Marketing Achievement Award and the 2008 Tri-State Real Estate Magazine’s Top Women in Real Estate and Construction Award. Judy has held active roles in SMPS, serving on the executive board of the New Jersey chapter as well as in the Sponsorship, Membership Awards and Recognition committees for New York and New Jersey. She chaired the NYC Honors program committee for three very successful years. As Director of Programs for the New Jersey Chapter, she initiated a series of very successful programs that led to increased membership. In 2006, she was recognized as a 40 Under 40 Top Business Leaders by NJ Biz Newspaper.

When asked, Judy attributes her leadership skills to her son whom she has raised on her own since he was an infant saying, “He has taught me that as challenging as life seems, there is always something to smile about.

70 Women build it!

Flora Ramos Senior Project Manager Tishman Construction www.tishman.com

“Working on the Freedom Tower project – in the heart of downtown Manhattan – was not something I planned on, but it is one of the most important assignments of my career. Being part of the rebuilding of such a significant and monumental project is certainly an honor,” saidFlora Ramos, a Senior Project Manager for Tishman Construction who received the Arthur Pearlroth Trailblazer of the Year Award from the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors in 2007.

Flora has been with Tishman Construction since 1993 – serving in several unique roles on many high-profile projects in the New York metropolitan area, including: 7 World Trade Center, the first new building to rise at Ground Zero after 9/11; the Continental Airlines Global Gate- way Program at Newark Liberty International Airport; and Claremont Tower (the regional FBI Headquarters in downtown Newark, NJ). She is currently part of Tishman’s team managing construction for 1 WTC at the World Trade Center site.

Currently, Flora is focusing on meeting 1 WTC’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enter- prises (M/WBE) goals and is striving to broaden initiatives for increased opportunities to M/ WBE contractors on the historic rebuilding of the World Trade Center (WTC) site. Her efforts, on behalf of this program, included the Regional Alliance sponsored “Networking for Success” events in July 2007 and again in September 2008. The events drew more than 400 attendees each time.

In her specialized project management capacity, Flora performs outreach and field coordination with M/WBEs to facilitate participation and meet all necessary contract requirements within specified time and budget parameters.

Flora was also a key participant in attaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits on 7 WTC and played an instrumental role in gaining 1 WTC’s Gold status as NYC’s first LEED CS certified office building. At the 1 WTC project, Flora continues to coordinate and manage efforts to attain LEED Gold certification.

Flora earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Masters Degree in Special Education, and a certificate in Project Management from the Mechanics Institute in New York City.

71 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Veronica Rose President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora Electric Inc. www.auroraelectric.org

Veronica Rose is one of the first woman electricians to achieve and hold the New York City Master Electrician’s License. She is the President and CEO of Aurora Electric Inc. which was incorporated in New York State on September 3, 1993.

Before establishing the firm, Veronica served her apprenticeship and early “A” training as an electrician in Phoenix, Arizona through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local Union Number 640. Later she held the position of electrician and worked in New York’s Local #3 jurisdiction from 1983 through 1995, during which she worked for prestigious firms such as L.K. Comstock, Arc Electric and Fischbach and Moore.

Aurora Electric Inc. began operation on February 2, 1996 with a signed agreement with the IBEW Local Union Number 3 and the hiring of the first two electricians.

Veronica participates on the board of several organizations, which includes the Pension, Health & Welfare Fund of IBEW Local #3 (Trustee); Joint Apprentice Training Committee of IBEW LU #3; National Electrical Contractors Association; Queens Women’s Business Center (Chair); National Association of Women Business Owners; Queens Economic Development Corpora- tion; Queens Branch of Dress for Success (a not-for-profit firm assisting women returning to the corporate work force); Center of the Women of New York Board of Directors and serving as President of the Local Chapter of the League of Women Voters.

Veronica holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the Empire State College of the State University of New York, an undergraduate certificate in Trades Union Women’s Studies from Cornell University and numerous certificates and credits for seminars and classes attended. As a member of the United States Air Force, she received an Honorable discharge in 1977.

Veronica is happily married to Walter Cannon a 44 year retired member of good standing in IBEW Local 3. They have five children and seven grand children which round out the family.

72 Women build it!

Ann Sacks Founder & President Design and Direct Source www.designanddirectsource.com

Ann Sacks began her career as a teacher and social worker dedicated to improving the lives of children. A new path emerged when she saw beautiful handcrafted tiles at a local shop and walked out committed to contributing her own point of view to the tile business. Not long after, Ann Sacks Tile & Stone was born.

After opening multiple stores and doing for tile what formica did for laminate with Custom Color, Ann sold her business to Kohler in 1989 and continued as President of Ann Sacks for the next fourteen years. At the time of Ann’s retirement from Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, the company had seventeen showrooms nationwide.

Within weeks after her retirement, Ann decided to turn a personal frustration into a business opportunity. Not satisfied with the quality and style available in the reading glass market she designed her own collection of reading glasses, reading sunglasses, sunglasses and optical frames. Named for her daughter Amy, Amy Sacks Eyewear can be found at Barney’s, Neiman Marcus and fine optical shops nationwide.

In 2006, Ann launched another new business, Design and Direct Source, which specifies and supplies tile and stone for large commercial projects including condominium towers, hotels, museums, transit projects and retail developments.

Working with daughter Amy to bring aid and attention to a mutual passion, in 2007 they began The Pixie Project a non-profit animal rescue foundation, run by Amy, that provides adoption services as well as low cost spay and neuter procedures. The Pixie Project placed 400 dogs and cats in permanent, loving homes in 2008 and hopes to double that number by 2009.

Ann has served on several boards and committees including SCI, Jewish Federation and The American Jewish Committee. She continues to mentor young people both in her role as a business woman and through volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Ann and husband Robert have been married for 39 years and have two children, David and Amy.

73 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Porie Saikia-Eapen Vice President, Strategic Account Manager & NYC Area Manager CH2M Hill www.ch2mhill.com

Porie Saikia-Eapen holds an award-winning, distinguished career in the design and construction industry. In her 25-year background, she has demonstrated her leadership skills as an effective manager, communicator, and innovator.

Porie joined the US-based international firm of CH2M Hill in 2007 and currently serves as the firm’s Business Vice President, Strategic Account Manager & NYC Area Manager.

The majority of her work experience has been in the New York Metropolitan area, where she has served as Owner, Owner’s Agent and Consultant, including the roles of Chief Architect for MTA-New York City Transit, Program Director/Architect at the NYCDDC/DEP/DGS, Senior Executive at private firms and Executive Director at Non Profit Foundations. In these positions, she has actively managed stakeholder communications with users, vendors, public officials, interfacing agencies, utilities, communities and industry trades. In her public advisory and industry leadership roles in the engineering and construction field, including service as President of the CMAA Metro NYNJ and Director & International Chair of the CMAA National, she is a recognized and sought-after public speaker on issues of sustainability, urban design, urban mobility and resource development where the audience includes domestic & international aca- demia, design/construction professionals in North America, Korea, Thailand, Ireland, England, Switzerland, India, Bangladesh, Mexico and Argentina.

In 2007, Porie co-founded Tree of Life Professional Development Inc., a non-profit organization to facilitate capacity building in the reconstruction effort in post conflict regions.

A testament to Porie’s expertise, she was conferred the distinguished honor of Fellow of the CIOB, UK in 2008, received the CMAA Chapter Achievement Award in 2002 & 2006, CMAA National recognition in 2008, SIAEA recognition in 2008 & Boy Scouts of America award in 2009 for her leadership role in the design and construction industry.

74 Women build it!

Lori Samet Schwarz Partner Zetlin & De Chiara LLP www.zdlaw.com

Lori Samet Schwarz is a Partner in the Manhattan office of Zetlin & De Chiara LLP. An attorney for twenty-seven years, Lori has an extensive background in commercial litigation, and for the last fifteen years she has concentrated her practice in the construction field.

Lori represents architects, engineers, construction managers, sureties and developers in a variety of construction-related matters, including risk management, contract disputes, delay claims, design defects and work site accidents. Her practice focuses on litigation, arbitration and mediation of construction claims in state and federal court, through the American Arbitration Association and through private mediation of disputes.

Lori has spoken on issues affecting the construction and real estate industries for Lorman Education Services, the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter and the Association of Real Estate Women, and has written articles for the New York Law Journal, New York Real Estate Journal, New York Construction News and Northeast Real Estate Business.

Lori holds a B.A. from Newcomb College of Tulane University and a J.D. from Emory University School of Law. She is admitted in the State of New York, the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Lori is a Member of the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry, the New York State Bar Association Construction and Real Estate Litigation Committee, the New York Building Congress and is General Counsel to the Women Builders Council.

75 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Talya Santillan HVAC Project Manager and Engineer AKF Engineers, LLP www.akfgroup.com

Talya Santillan is a Project Manager and Engineer at AKF Engineers, LLP (AFK) for the past 10 years. At AKF, she has managed teams of engineers for a wide variety of projects including new construction office buildings, LEED certified, critical facilities and major interior office renovation projects. One project involved two five story office buildings, 192,000 square feet each, and parking garage structure located in New Jersey. The project incorporated cutting edge technology within the HVAC industry and earned a LEED New Construction rating of Silver. Currently, Talya is the point person for one of the large financial firm accounts within the office. She maintains ongoing professional relationships with clients and continued service.

Throughout her tenure at AKF, Talya has achieved many professional accomplishments such as obtaining her PE license and becoming a certified LEED accredited professional confirming her ability to adjust and meet new industry demands.

Talya understands the importance of developing and retaining talent. She is committed to AKF’s young professionals and has conducted in-house seminars for the young members of the firm focusing on the fundamentals of the industry. Talya has also been involved in AKF’s recruiting efforts at her alma mater for the past six years and has successfully added to the AKF team. She has also participated in walkathons, such as the March of Dimes, and charity events, such as CANstruction, as a representative of the firm. She has attended Career Day at her all female high school alma mater to encourage young females to explore industries in Math and Science.

Talya holds a Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.

Outside of work, Talya is a wife and mother focused on balancing both family and career. She prides herself in being focused and task oriented. She participates in sports, enjoys entertaining, volunteering and tutoring math.

She is committed to her career and making the place in which she works a better environment for co-workers.

76 Women build it!

Claire Scanlon Vice President Manager of BNY Mellon’s Supplier Development Program www.bnymellon.com

Claire Scanlon is the Manager of the BNY Mellon’s Supplier Development Program. She was instrumental in creating and developing the program for the company, which was established in 1994 to promote the use of minority-, women-, veteran-owned and other certain qualifying small business enterprises throughout the company.

Claire has served on several committees for the NYNJ Minority Purchasing Council (NYN- JMPC) including for the Annual Expo, Gala, Certification, and the RFP (Request for Proposal) Workshop. This year, BNY Mellon chaired the NYNJ Council’s Annual Expo.

Claire also serves on the North Eastern MED Week Committee and is the Treasurer for the events for the Minority Business Development Agency. BNY Mellon chaired the 25th Anniversary MED Week Gala in 2007.

Claire has been a major supporter of the Women’s Business Committee, which was established in 2002 and, through the aegis of BNY Mellon, has hosted its annual conference for the last six years. In addition, on several occasions, BNY Mellon chaired the National Minority Business Council’s Annual Luncheon, and Claire served as the Luncheon Committee Chair. Claire was recently named Chair of the Advisory Committee for the National Minority Business Council.

Prior to directing BNY Mellon’s Supplier Development Program, Claire worked in the company’s Compliance Department and participated in the establishment of two broker/dealers and provided compliance oversight for securities activities in the broker/dealers subsidiaries, Corporate Trust and Securities Processing.

Before joining the company, Claire was the Compliance Officer for the Sequor Group, a second tier holding company subsidiary of Security Pacific National Bank and was a Bank Examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Ms Scanlon holds a BS and MS in Banking.

77 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Rosemary Scanlon Associate Professor of Economics New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate Consultant in Urban and Regional Economics www.scps.nyu.edu/areas-of-study/ real estate

Rosemary Scanlon is an Associate Professor of Economics at the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate, and a Consultant in Urban and Regional Economics.

During 1997-99 she was a Visiting Research Fellow at the London School of Economics, where she was Project Director of the London-New York Economic Study, published by the Corporation of London in June 2000; and was the co-author of four reports on financing issues of the London Underground. From 1993-97 she served as New York State Deputy Comptroller with the assignment to monitor the budget and economy of New York City and conduct performance audits of city agencies, including a financial review in 1996 of the MTA capital plan. Prior, she was the Chief Economist of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, where she initiated a wide range of research programs on the economy, demography, economic impact analysis of capital investment projects, and economic development needs of New York City and its region.

Rosemary has completed numerous consulting assignments related to the New York region in the areas of housing, economic impact of the arts and transportation. She has also completed international economic research affecting Europe, Asia and Australia. Recent publications include: Raise the Roof, Lower the Costs: Construction Costs and Housing Affordability in New York City; The Arts as an Industry: Their Impact on the economies of New York City and New York State; Culture Builds New York: The Economic Impact of Capital Construction at New York City’s Cultural Institutions; Building for Growth: A Development Strategy for New York City’s Long Term Prosperity; co-author of At Capacity: The Need for More Rail Transit to the Manhattan CBD; co-chair of the Civic Alliance Economic Development Working Group Report on rebuilding the Downtown Manhattan economy, post September 11, 2001; and coordinator/ editor of three studies on New York City’s Electricity Needs for the New York Building Congress, in 2006, 2002, and 2001.

Rosemary earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in economics in her native Canada, (St. Francis Xavier University, and the University of New Brunswick) and is also a graduate of the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School. She has been an invited speaker in Australia, Canada, China, France, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom.

78 Women build it!

Krishna Shilagani, CPA, CCIFP Audit Supervisor Grassi & Co., CPAs www.grassicpas.com

Krishna Shilagani, CPA, CCIFP is an Audit Supervisor at Grassi & Co., CPAs’ construction practice. She assists the partner group in managing effective billing and collection practices, as well as reviewing and monitoring staff time and schedules in order to make the firms processes as efficient as possible.

Krishna’s work, in addition to standard audit procedures, includes risk management and quality control on many client engagements. She analyzes processes and the specifics of a given engagement to streamline productivity, cut waste, and ensure efficient process while providing the high-quality product that Grassi clients expect. While most of her work is specific to particular client engagements, due to this year’s economic downturn, she was a major force in Grassi & Co., CPAs efforts to implement new overall firmwide risk as- sessment procedures that streamlined audits across the board, helping to reduce some of the financial burden from clients.

She is actively involved in marketing and business development initiatives, and her efforts to promote the firm wherever she goes presents an exemplary model for the rest of the firm. She is an active mentor, both formally and informally, for many junior staff members of the firm, providing career support and advice for those seeking guidance.

Krishna came to the United States from Hyderabad, India when she was 18. She put herself through college with a rigorous schedule of work and night school, graduating with employment opportunities from nine prominent CPA firms in the New York City and Long Island area. She has continued to apply this rigor and determination in her work at Grassi, where she has been for nearly a decade.

79 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Diane Springer Assistant to the Chapter Manager National Electrical Contractors Association, New York City Chapter (NECA New York) www.necany.org

Diane Springer is the Assistant to the Chapter Manager of the New York City Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Diane previously served for seven years as Director of The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills – the pre-apprenticeship program for New York City high school students and New York City Housing Authority residents. She was responsible for placing more than 1000 youth and adults in New York City Building & Construction Trades Council apprenticeship programs since 2001.

Last year Diane received the “Building Futures Award” from Construction Skills when she left to join Edwin Lopez, Chapter Manager of NECA New York. She had also been recognized by The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), High School Career and Technical Committee, for her dedication to helping the students of New York City achieve their dreams.

Today Diane works with the men and women who comprise New York’s and the country’s largest NECA Chapter serving unionized electrical contractors. Her insight, commitment and practical problem solving skills have made her an invaluable resource within the electrical industry.

Diane is pleased to be in the presence of so many outstanding women, working together to break barriers and change the face of the construction industry.

80 Women build it!

Sharon Stern Community Relations Liaison Bovis Lend Lease LMB www.bovislendlease.com

During the best of times, the added complication that construction presents is not easily over- looked by New Yorkers.

Bovis Lend Lease (Bovis), one of the metropolitan area’s leading contractors, has always taken a proactive approach to minimizing the potential challenges that construction can pose to those who live and work in the vicinity of its project sites. Overseeing and executing the firm’s approach over the past 10 years has been Bovis Lend Lease’s LMB’s Community Relations Liaison Sharon Stern.

Placing the well-being of individuals and neighborhoods affected by Bovis’ operations above all else is Sharon’s main objective. While most measure the success of a project by on-time and on-budget project delivery, Sharon has an entirely different benchmark. “I remember the relationship we leave with the community,” says Stern. “If everyone is happy, safe and feels comfortable with Bovis at the end of project, then we’ve done our job well.”

Sharon’s involvement on projects begins well before the construction starts and extends through project completion and occupancy. Sharon has worked closely with the surrounding communities and Community Board Officials on such notable projects as Time Warner Center, 731 Lex- ington Avenue, New York Presbyterian Hospital and numerous luxury residential buildings in the New York area. Bovis takes pride in its distinguished reputation with all New York City Commu- nity Boards as a firm that cares deeply about the neighborhoods in which it conducts business. When Bovis reflects on its success in this arena, it looks no further than Sharon Stern.

Sharon’s tenure as Community Relations Liaison has also helped Bovis strengthen the firm’s critical relationships and partnerships with New York City community boards, building board members, elected officials and local government agencies. In doing so, she has used her community relations platform to implement many ‘firsts’ at Bovis and in the local construction industry such as establishing and maintaining a 24-hour hotline to give community members the opportunity to express their concerns and suggestions about construction projects.

For 12 years, Sharon has been an integral part of the firm’s construction process as she develops, maintains and strengthens Bovis Lend Lease’s partnerships with New York City community boards, building board members, elected officials and New York City Agencies. 81 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Deborah Taylor, AIA, LEED AP Chief Sustainability Officer New York City Department of Buildings www.nyc.gov/buildings

Deborah F. Taylor, AIA, LEED AP, is Chief Sustainability Officer for the New York City Department of Buildings.

In this role, she leads the Department’s enforcement of the Energy Conservation Construction Code of New York State. Deborah serves as the technical liaison with the Mayor’s Office of Long-Term Planning and Sustainability developing legislation to “green the Codes” and reduce energy use in existing buildings. Deborah also serves as staff representative to the public/private Mayor’s Sustainability Advisory Board.

In the past, Deborah has served in the development of both the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2010 State Energy Code, and is on the technical panel for the 2012 IECC development.

She is currently on the Department’s Buildings Sustainability Board to develop parameters for use of new sustainable technologies, coordinate these sustainability efforts with the Depart- ment’s Construction Codes development and implementation, and chair the Advisory Committee on Sustainability during the code adoption process.

Deborah has over 30 years of experience in architecture, primarily in project management, in both the private and public sectors. Previously she managed major capital and capital improvement projects in new and renovated schools and corporate interiors; she programmed a major convention center’s expansion, and worked on the design teams for museum, office and transportation buildings.

Deborah received her M.Arch. degree from UCLA, and her A.B. degree in Philosophy from the University of Michigan.

82 Women build it!

Lina Telese Partner Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP www.zdlaw.com

Lina G. Telese is a partner with Zetlin & De Chiara, LLP, the region’s leading construction law firm.

Lina represents design professionals, owners and contractors in all aspects of the construction process. She has extensive experience with contract and transactional issues related to a broad variety of national and international projects including hotel, condominiums, mixed use, gaming, education and financial projects among other areas.

Additionally, Lina has negotiated and settled numerous cases involving professional licens- ing issues, contracts and resolving disputes through mediation and arbitration. She frequently appears before state and federal courts with regard to construction and professional liability claims and additional areas of her practice include commercial litigation and insurance related matters.

Lina is a frequent lecturer at AIA/ACEC committee meetings focused on the topic of contracts and related issues. She is a board member of the Association of Real Estate Women (AREW), and the New York Business Women’s Network Group, and a member of the New York State and American Bar Associations.

Lina received her J.D. from Touro Law School where she graduated magna cum laude. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Hofstra University and her L.L.M. in In- ternational Business and Finance from American University – Washington College of Law. She is admitted to practice law in the States of New York and Connecticut, as well as the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

She lives with her husband and three children on Long Island.

83 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Lynda L. Tepperman Attorney at Law/Of Counsel Rivelis Pawa & Blum, LLP www.rpbs.net

Lynda L. Tepperman, Attorney at Law/Of Counsel for Rivelis Pawa & Blum, LLP, is a dynamic and highly qualified Attorney with a unique combination of hands-on project management and transactional legal experience. Throughout her professional career, Lynda has specialized in all phases of building design and construction, representing owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors and subcontractors in contract drafting and negotiations.

Since 1999, she has been providing legal and business advisory services to Rivelis Pawa & Blum in the fields of design, construction, corporate law and real estate. Before that, she drafted and negotiated construction and contract documents and handled legal matters for Bovis Construction Corp. Other successful collaborations include the Rockefeller Center Management Corporation, George A. Fuller Company, Tishman Construction Corporation and LaSalle Partners.

Her extensive and relevant background as a multi-dimensional lawyer, leader and mentor for the construction industry has enabled her to provide legal and business advisory services in design, construction, corporate law and real estate to 25 contractor and owner entities.

In addition to legal services, Lynda provided marketing services for both Tishman Construction and Fuller Construction. She was able to generate more than $550 million in construction projects for her clients—including two major U.S. Postal Service projects, a School Construction Authority project and the renovation of the Jewish Museum—by performing and enhancing business development and marketing functions.

Lynda received her Juris Doctor degree from Pace University Law School. She graduated from New York University with a Masters of Science in Real Estate Finance and Development and received her B.A. in Liberal Arts from the College of New Rochelle.

84 Women build it!

Deborah Thornhill Associate Executive Director for Strategic Planning Harlem Hospital Center www.nyc.gov/hhc

Deborah Thornhill is the Associate Director for Strategic Planning at Harlem Hospital.

Deborah has over twenty years of experience in the Health Care field in both public and private sectors. She has had the opportunity and good fortune to work on a number of interesting and cutting-edge projects including the development and implementation of comprehensive health care services for people with HIV/AIDS, development and implementation of health care services for the homeless in the City Shelter system and establishing a primary care Network in East New York.

Most recently, she has had the opportunity to work with a brilliant and incredibly talented team on the Hospital’s Campus Modernization Project. Her energies have been focused on ushering through the Certificate of Need applications required by State and Local Regulatory agencies to relocate and expand services as required in the Hospital Construction blueprints; assisting with the removal of the Hospital’s historic WPA Murals and identifying funding sources for special Hospital and Capital Campaign initiatives.

Over the past year, the Department of Strategic Planning has raised $4,853,522 for Special Ini- tiatives including the Martin Luther King Pavilion Capital Elevator Project, Medina Clinic, Heal 6, Harlem Healthy Walking Initiative, Mammography and West African Outreach.

Deborah was born in Washington, D.C. and attended undergraduate and graduate schools in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Barnard College and a Masters in Public Affairs and Administration from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

85 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Lynda Tollner Program Director World Trade Center Construction Department Port Authority of New York & New Jersey www.panynj.gov

There’s a new generation of leadership building New York.

Lynda Tollner is a Program Director for the World Trade Center Construction Department of The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey with program management responsibilities for design and construction of One World Trade Center; a 3.5 million square foot program including offices, an observation deck, restaurant, parking, and broadcast and antennae facilities along with the supporting mechanical infrastructure.

Lynda has more than 25 years of experience in project management and structural engineering. In the past, she has managed the design and construction of a variety of commercial, institutional and transportation facilities across the country including elementary and middle schools, U.S. Postal distribution facilities, aircraft rescue and firefighting facilities, bridge and tunnel facilities and mid-rise office buildings.

Lynda has worked for the Port Authority for seven years with program manager responsibilities at LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International airports, prior to her work at the World Trade Center.

She earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree from Penn State University and is a Professional Engineer and a Project Management Professional.

86 Women build it!

Rosie Toscano Contracts and Insurance Manager Plaza Construction Corporation ww.plazaconstruction.com

A veteran of 24 years of experience in the construction industry, Rosie Toscano serves as Contracts and Insurance Manager for Plaza Construction Corporation.

Rosie is responsible for the comprehensive oversight of subcontractor contracts and enforcement of the Plaza’s insurance requirements, and subcontractor compliance. She manages all Owner-Controlled Insurance Programs from pre-construction to closeout for Plazaís clients and works extensively with the New York City Insurance Brokers and Insurance Carrier community. She also assists the Risk Manager in all areas of the departmentís overflow as necessary.

Rosie works with the Estimating and the Operation departments overseeing agency awarded projects which require close regulation and compliance with municipal, federal or state mandates. She also assists with the mentoring and training of the Contract Administration staff at Plazaís Florida office and other off-site offices.

Prior to working with Plaza, Rosie was employed by a New York City real estate developer of luxury high-rises where she was primarily responsible for overseeing the companyís contracts department, insurance programs, interfacing with construction management and other consultants, while operating in various other capacities for the developer as needed. Also an entrepreneur, for fifteen years she was the co-owner of a specialized construction company performing work in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, NY. In that capacity, she managed the day to day business and operations of the construction company. She was also responsible for promoting the company within the community.

Her construction experience is summarized by noting her various roles within the construction industry: her current role within Construction Management, her role on the side of ownership, and the experience of being a self employed subcontractor.

Rosie holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Denver and has taken post baccalaureate classes from Kent State University in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry. She holds a Construc- tion Risk Insurance Specialist (CRIS) designation and is currently working towards her Associ- ate Risk Manger designation. She is a Member of Professional Women in Construction.

87 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Suzanne Veira Senior Director of the Business Development Division at the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) www.nycsca.org

Suzanne Veira is the Senior Director of the Business Development Division at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA). As Senior Director, her Division is responsible for the management of the SCA’s Minority, Women and Locally Based Enterprise (MWLBE) program; the oversight and enforcement of compliance with the SCA’s subcontracting and work force participation goals; and in coordination with the Project Management Division, the oversight of the Agency’s Mentor and Graduate Mentor Programs.

Since joining the SCA in 2007 as the Director of Operations, Suzanne has been instrumental in developing new systems and procedures to streamline and improve the Division’s effectiveness and strengthened its collaboration with other SCA Departments and governmental agencies. She was part of the team that developed the agency’s Vendor Access System, a one-stop on-line prequalification and certification system.

Suzanne’s experience prior to joining the SCA includes over 20 years of government experience in roles as Executive Director of Procurement Initiatives for the NYC Department of Small Business Services and Director of Capital Budget for the NYC Department of Corrections.

Suzanne received her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Maryland and attended Long Island University for her M.P.A. Suzanne has a 14 year old son and resides in Brooklyn, New York.

88 Women build it!

Apple White Vice President and Environmental Sustainability Manager BNY Mellon www.bnymellon.com

Apple White, Vice President at BNY Mellon, is currently the global Environmental Sustainabil- ity Manager. In this role, she oversees the development and implementation of environmental sustainability programs in the areas of energy consumption, resource consumption, carbon emissions, recycling, transportation and sustainable design across the company’s entire geographically-diverse facilities portfolio. Additionally, Apple has been tasked with being an agent for change management by creating awareness of the program’s key objectives and establishing communication and education programs company-wide.

Prior to this role, Apple had been associated with Mellon Financial Corporation since 1998. No stranger to progressive initiatives, she established her own business and directed one of the first long-running wellness programs at the company. She joined Mellon’s HR Talent Acquisition staff in 2006.

Apple holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Lehigh University. She resides in Monroeville, PA with her husband and son.

89 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Robin Wilcox Mentor Program Director NYC School Construction Authority www.nycsca.org

Robin Wilcox came to the New York City School Construction Authority as a Programmer in the Program Development department in April 1990. Her plan was to remain at the SCA for a year or two and move on; however, 19 years later she holds the most rewarding position of her career as the Director of the Mentor Program at the SCA.

Robin has worked with the Mentor Program in various capacities for the past seven years. She enjoys working with people, helping them to realize their dream of entrepreneurship and contributing to the success of their firm’s growth.

Additionally, as a product of the New York City school system herself, she enjoys working for an Authority whose prime business is creating a better learning environment and experience for the school children of New York City. Robin is a graduate of the CUNY system and holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration.

Married for 16 years, Robin has one teenage daughter and resides on Long Island. In her share time Robin enjoys living a healthy life style and enjoys running competitively, exercising regularly with her husband John and reading. In her spare time, she also volunteers to provide fitness training for her daughter’s swim and softball teams.

90 Women build it!

Annette P. Wilkus Owner and Registered Landscape Architect SiteWorks, LLC

Annette Wilkus is the owner of SiteWorks, LLC and a registered Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 27 years of experience in design, construction documentation and construction management.

Throughout her career, Annette has focused on the technical aspects of landscape architecture and applies this knowledge to site construction. Annette started SiteWorks, LLC in 2005 after recognizing the need for a knowledge base that encompasses both site and landscape implementation expertise. She has an in-depth understanding of design and design documentation, as well as implementation; including detailing and sequencing of construction activities. She has a wide knowledge base in site related issues including design (both hardscape and planting); design documentation and implementation including detailing and sequencing of construction activities.

Annette was an integral member of the construction management team for Teardrop Park and the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City, and is currently working on The High Line and Hunter’s Point South. Lectures include: “The Dirt on Dirt-Soils for Sustainable Parks and Recreation and Facilities” at the American Society of Landscape Architects Annual Meeting in October, 2007; “Considerations for Designing, Specifying and Installing Soils” at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society June 2008. She has won numerous awards for her work.

She holds a Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate in Construction Management from NYU.

91 WBC’s 2009 Outstanding Women

Debbie Williams Director, Human Resources Skanska USA Civil www.skanska.com/usa

Debbie Williams is the Director of Human Resources at Skanska USA Civil.

There is no greater resource for a company than its people. When Debbie Williams was hired by the Skanska group to oversee Human Resource activities in the Riverside office she came into an organization that lacked strong human resources leadership. Under her direction, the Human Resources organization at Skanska USA Civil has flourished. Training initiatives for both field and office personnel are common-place. Employee and peer review programs are other projects that she helped enact.

Debbie’s efforts have resulted in an HR organization that upholds the highest standards of professional excellence and employee support. Her efforts have earned her the respect of her peers throughout the office and a solid leadership role within Skanska.

Debbie has adapted extremely well to the construction industry, having come from an entirely different background. In a short amount of time, Williams has firmly grasped the complexities of staffing large construction projects. Her work requires the constant interaction with every department within the office. As a result, she has cultivated relationships with the heads of estimating, engineering and safety to name a few. This has allowed her to gain a keen insight into the operational aspects of the industry and help hire the best and brightest for positions.

Those that work with Debbie say that she always listens to employee concerns or prob- lems and never judges. She has displayed a great ability to help employees determine their strengths, build upon them and set clear, attainable goals. One of the most compelling aspects of Williams’ character is her agreeable demeanor. She conveys sincere appreciation to colleagues at every opportunity. Her enthusiasm for improving the HR function in the Riverside office has directly resulted in less turn over and a positive, more energized work force. She can be credited for promoting improved employee development programs that have saved the company money by helping to retain top employees and recruit them, creating a knowledge- able highly skilled workforce for Skanska USA Civil.

92 Women build it!

Jo-Ann Young Assistant Director of Facilities Management Harlem Hospital Center www.nyc.gov/hhc

Jo-Ann Young is the Assistant Director of Facilities Management at Harlem Hospital Center. In this capacity, she provides administrative support for the Hospital’s Utilities Management Plan, Emergency Power, Medical Gases, Emergency Electrical Systems and the Environment of Care. She supervises documentation related to the hospital’s life safety requirements, as well as, extensive regulatory and accreditation compliance.

Jo-Ann is well-known throughout the Hospital for her ability to get things done. She is passionate about making sure that the Hospital’s infrastructure and environment provides a nurturing and healing environment for the patients we serve. She has provided leadership to the Hospi- tal’s Employee Relations Committee and is very active in supporting events to recognize the contributions of outstanding employees.

As a result of Jo-Ann’s strong contributions, the Department of Facilities Management is a responsive and resourceful member of the Hospital’s senior management team.

Managers of Jo-Ann’s caliber are rare. She is well respected by her peers for her commitment to excellence, dedication to the community we serve, and providing the highest level of customer service to clinical and administrative departments. She has devoted her career to serving this medically underserved community and has provided strong administrative support to the Department of Facilities Management.

93 The Company they Keep WBC would like to congratulate the firms and organizations below for the Outstanding Women they have contributed to this publication.

AECOM Technology Corporation Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates PC AKF Group Law Offices of C. Jaye Berger, Esq. Allied Risk Solutions McGraw-Hill Construction Aurora Electric Inc. McKissack & McKissack BNY Mellon Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers Bovis Lend Lease LMB MTA New York City Transit Boymelgreen Developers, LLC NECA, New York City Chapter Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization Carver Federal Savings Bank NYC Department of Buildings Cerami & Associates, Inc. NYC School Construction Authority CH2M Hill NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate City University of New York Plaza Construction Corporation Component Assembly Systems, Inc. Polo Electric Columbia University Facilites Polytechnic Institute of NYU Dattner Architects The Port Authority New York & New Jersey Design and Direct Source Quality Building Services Donaldson Traditional Interiors Recon Construction Corp. Dormitory Authority of the State of New York Roadway Contracting, Inc. Dragados-USA Inc. Sam Schwartz Engineering EYP Architecture and Engineering Schiavone Construction Co., LLC Five Star Electric Corp. SiteWorks, LLC Gilbane Building Company Skanska Goldberg & Connolly Skanska AB Goshow Architects Skanska USA Civil Grassi & Co., CPAs STV Harlem Hospital Center The General Contractors Association of New York HOK The LiRo Group Integrated Strategic Resources LLC Tishman Construction JFK&M Consulting Group Vanguard Coverage Corp. Jones Lang LaSalle VantagePoint Strategy Group Kleinberg Electric Works-in-Progress Associates KND Licensed Electrical Contracting Services & Corp. Zetlin & De Chiara LLP

Editorial & Design by Sacks Communications, Inc. www.sackscom.com Green is the new Black WBC’s OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN SUSTAINABILITY 2010 www.wbcnyc.org/sustainablewomen

Women Builders Council, Inc. Opening New Doors Women in the building industry have caught the green wave.

From the City University of New York to the Empire State Building, women are working diligently to make New York a greener place. Think wind turbines, sustainable site development, solar panels, water efficiency, green roofs and local materials. Think a reduced carbon footprint.

Outstanding women in the building industry deserve to be noticed for their involvement in promoting sustainability, energy and infrastructure. LEED Platinum shouldn’t be the only award they receive.

We need your nominations. Which women do you know that are promoting sustainable building?

Visit www.wbcnyc.org/sustainablewomen this January for more information.

Diversity paints our world.

We value diversity in the workplace and in the marketplace. In building an increasingly diverse supplier pool, we are able to work toward our goal of offering priority suppliers real procurement opportunities as they arise.

To learn moreDiversity about BNY Mellon’s Supplier paints Development our world. Program, visit www.bnymellon.com/suppliers.

We value diversity in the workplace and in the marketplace.

CongratulationsWe value diversity to the WBC’s in Championsthe workplace & Trailblazers and and in the marketplace. 2009 Outstanding Women In building an increasingly diverse supplier pool, we are able

To learn more about BNY Mellon’s Supplier Development Program, visit www.bnymellon.com/suppliers.