Unleashing Passion and Potential: Mastering Talent Management in the Modern Workspace
Active Shooter Workshop
BREAK & VENDOR SHOWCASE 2:00 PM
2:45 PM
Breakout Sessions #4
PANEL: The Legal Side of the Build
The Power of Social Connection: Exploring the Impact on Mental Health
Mastering the Art of Succession: Dynamic Strategies for Exit Planning
HARD HAT HAPPY HOUR, SPONSORED BY: 3:30 PM
Turn Your Projects into a Living Knowledge Base BREEZEWAY
SPEAKERS & PANELISTS
Technology, The Economy & Construction; Headwinds, Tailwinds & The New Toolbox
Paul Doherty, AIA, CDT, CSI, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow
Keynote Speaker, Sponsored By:
Paul is the President and CEO of The Digit Group (TDG), a Singapore-based Smart City real estate company. He is an award-winning architect featured on Bloomberg TV and in The Wall Street Journal, recognized by CNBC as a Business Titan, and noted by Forbes for his impactful work. Paul is a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a Fellow of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). He co-founded the AEC Hackathon and currently focuses on the design, planning, construction, and operation of Smart Cities globally.
Mark Kozloski, Co-Director of Safety & Training, Tri-City Electrical Contractors, Inc.
Mark brings over 25 years in electrical construction and a proven track record in safety, skills training, and leadership development. Since 2017, he has supported hundreds in advancing their knowledge, skills, and performance, driven by a passion for the success of others and enriched by a creative background in film and music.
Beyond the Rules: Building a Culture of Compliance and Integrity in the Workplace
Mila Ernest, SPHR, SHRM-SCP - Chief Executive Officer of AmplifiHER, LLC
Mila is a seasoned corporate executive with over 20 years of experience as a people and culture strategist in construction and education. She specializes in policy development, employee relations, and leadership development through her company, AmplifiHER, LLC. Mila holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Florida, a master's in human resource management from Nova Southeastern University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at Rollins College. She serves as Board Chair for the United Way of Lake & Sumter Counties and received the 2021 Orlando Business Journal Diversity Award.
Right at the Start: Safety Initiatives During Pre-Construction
Tim Bernardi, Safety Director, Mader Southeast
Tim has 25 years of construction management experience in Central Florida, focusing on residential and commercial sectors. Since 2012, he has been the Safety Director at Mader Southeast, managing safety protocols for construction projects. He authored two textbooks on construction management and safety, chaired the Alliance for Central Florida Safety, and co-founded the ABC Construction Safety Managers Peer Group. Tim is also on the ABC Safety Council and the Central Florida iBuild board. In 2023, he received the Region IV Safety Professional of the Year award from the American Society of Safety Professionals and contributed to the ABC Safety Champions Conference in 2025.
Turn Your Projects into a Living Knowledge Base
Satyam Verma, AEC Practice Leader, Egnyte
Satyam Verma, Construction Practice Leader at Egnyte, is a recognized expert in construction technology with experience in both startups and major companies like Autodesk. He specializes in go-to-market strategy, revenue growth, and digital transformation, advising AEC firms on navigating industry changes. As a speaker, Satyam offers insights on industry trends, tech adoption, and the future of construction, connecting innovation with real-world applications.
Unveiling Central Florida: A Dynamic Exploration of Demographic Trends
Nilda Blanco, Sr VP of Strategic Initiatives, CareerSource
Nilda has 27 years of experience in workforce development and public policy, currently serving as Sr. Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at CareerSource Central Florida, where she focuses on growth and talent development through partnerships. Previously, she managed youth services and compliance in Florida and worked at Capital Workforce Partners in Connecticut. Nilda holds a master's in public administration and dual Bachelor's degrees in journalism and communications, and she is a Florida Sterling Council Advanced Examiner and Six Sigma Black Belt.
The Power Of Social Connection: Exploring The Impact On Mental Health
Tina Craft, Employee Benefits Consultant, LRA Insurance
Tina Craft is a dedicated professional in the employee benefits industry with over 25 years of experience. She focuses on enhancing both employer and employee experiences, emphasizing a human-centric approach in Human Resources. Tina graduated from the University of Central Florida in 1995 with a B.S. in Sociology and has expertise in cost containment, process improvement, and relationship building. Outside of work, she is a devoted mother to twin sons, Blake and Ryan, and lives in Seminole County with her husband, William. Tina enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with their Bernedoodles, Hank and Jake, while actively serving her community.
Mastering the Art of Succession: Dynamic Strategies for Exit Planning
Peter Hilera, Partner, Withum
Peter Hilera is a tax and accounting expert with over 25 years of experience. He focuses on IRS representation, multi-state tax compliance, sales tax consulting, and flow-through entities. Known for working with private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, his diverse clientele includes construction and real estate professionals. He also advises real estate owners, conducts cost segregation studies, and facilitates 1031 tax-free exchanges.
Drones in the Construction Lifecycle
Maurice Clarke, Senior VDC Manager, Hensel Phelps
Maurice has a 19-year career integrating VDC technology into design and field operations and shares management of Hensel Phelps’ small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) program. As a drone operator for 8 years, he has completed over 87 hours of flight operations, both day and night, in controlled airspace, supporting clients in Aviation, Government, Hospitality, and Commercial sectors.
Active Shooter Workshop
Terry Curran, Field Training Officer
Terry Curran started his public safety career in 1983 with the Rockville Centre Fire Department as a Firefighter and EMT-CC. He gained further experience as an EMT in 1984 and joined the NYPD in 1985, serving in various roles for 27.5 years and becoming a Sergeant known for leadership and officer safety. After retiring, he became a Field Training Officer at Amphibious Medics in 2017, leveraging his extensive law enforcement and emergency medicine experience. With over 40 years in the field, Terry is a key instructor in Active Shooter Preparedness, offering expertise in tactical operations and crisis management.
Bracing for Impact: Navigating an ICE Raid
Shannon Kelly, Shareholder, GrayRobinson, P.A.
Tina Craft is a passionate professional, community connector and 25+ professional specialized in the employee benefits industry. She has focused her expertise on serving the employer and the employee experience and committed to putting the human back into Human Resources. She is committed to serve a consultive approach leveraging business solutions to support their people.
Shannon Kelly is a seasoned attorney with nearly 20 years of experience in labor and employment law. She offers strategic counsel on compliance with federal and state employment laws, policy development, audits, employee benefits, and investigations into harassment and discrimination. Shannon specializes in navigating complex issues under various acts, including Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She also represents higher education institutions in employment law claims. Before her legal career, Shannon gained experience in nonprofit management and public relations, enhancing her ability to provide well-rounded, client-focused guidance.
Roger B. Handberg, Shareholder, GrayRobinson, P.A.
Roger Handberg, with over 20 years of prosecutorial experience, now works at GrayRobinson in criminal and white-collar defense. As the former U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, he oversaw major enforcement activities and handled complex legal issues. His skills in litigation and knowledge of DOJ operations benefit clients facing government investigations. Handberg has held senior positions in the DOJ and Florida Attorney General's Office, where he focused on client defense, prosecuted significant fraud cases, and improved office operations, leading to increased prosecutions and recoveries in various sectors.
Tina graduated from The University of Central Florida in 1995 with a B.S. in Sociology. After graduation, she joined the insurance industry and fell in love with serving the human. She is well versed in cost containment strategies, process improvement, education, advocacy and maximizing relationships. Outside of work, Tina is a loving mother to her twin sons, Blake, and Ryan. She and her husband, William live in Seminole County (where Tina was born and raised) where she shares her time and talent to serve her community. She loves traveling with her family, creating forever memories for her boys, cooking, and playing with their family Bernedoodle’s, Hank and Jake.
The Scamdemic: How to Protect Yourself
Yung T. Nguyen, SVP; Treasury Management Officer, Ameris Bank
Yung Nguyen is a Senior Vice President and Treasury Management Officer at Ameris Bank, bringing over 21 years of extensive experience in banking and financial services. She specializes in developing customized treasury solutions tailored to meet each client’s distinct financial needs and organizational structures.
Unleashing Passion and Potential: Mastering Talent Management in the Modern Workplace
Allyn Walker, Managing Partner, Dale Carnegie
Allyn Walker is the Managing Partner of Dale Carnegie of Central Florida, Atlanta, and Nashville. He has worked with Dale Carnegie for 29 years.
Facilitator and coach with a driven focus on others success, he has spoken with groups and coached leaders on 5 continents. He brings practical ideas for organizations thinking through topics such leadership post pandemic, engaging teams, partnering with AI and generating creativity in their workforce.
Hakar Torres, Training Advisor, Dale Carnegie
Hakar joined our Dale Carnegie team as a Training Advisor in March 2024. Born and raised in Orlando and coming from Cuban heritage, Hakar is a dynamic professional known for his commitment to personal and organizational growth.
With a BS in Aviation Management from Everglades University, his career began in the business aviation sector. It was there that he discovered the impactful principles of Dale Carnegie, which led him to enhance his professional relationships and networking skills.
*PANEL* Risk Ready: Strategies to Safeguard Your Projects
Terence Curran, Chief Operating Officer, The Amphibious Group
Terence A. Curran Jr. is the COO of The Amphibious Group, utilizing his operations management expertise to enhance organizational excellence. He oversees daily operations, promotes innovation, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement. With experience as a Captain at the Rockville Centre Fire Department, he also engages in community service, managing his children’s baseball teams and contributing to facility development. Terence's proactive dedication helps drive sustainable growth and success in medical and safety services, emphasizing teamwork over titles for mutual achievement.
Kate Badey, Chief Executive Officer, Safety Consultants USA
Kate Badey has been instrumental in the success of Safety Consultants USA since its inception in 2008 and has served as president since 2020. She leads a team dedicated to helping companies reduce costs and risks through safety programs, manuals, hazard elimination, customized training, and claims management. Understanding the need for compliance and operational goals, Kate and her leadership team focus on managing safety and health effectively. She served on the ABC of Georgia Board in 2023 and 2024 and has been appointed Vice Chair of the executive committee for 2025.
Travis Chaput became the Corporate Safety Director at Wharton-Smith in 2023, after serving as a Special Forces Engineer in the U.S. Army, which equipped him with diverse skills. He transitioned from a Union Journeyman Ironworker to safety roles at Cockram Scenario and Brasfield and Gorrie, contributing to significant Florida projects and serving on the Alliance for Central Florida Safety board. In his current role, he focuses on shaping corporate HSE culture and ensuring compliance. Travis is also active in the Central Florida ABC Safety Committee and holds multiple safety certifications. Outside work, he values family time, coaches his son’s football team, and supports veterans.
The Legal Side of the Build
John Hockin,
Partner, Kirwin Norris
John has 25 years of experience in Florida construction law, representing public and private owners, contractors, subcontractors, sureties, and design professionals. He specializes in transactional law, drafting and negotiating various agreements, and in litigation, handling construction lien disputes, delays, and defects. John aims for aggressive, dedicated representation, successfully advocating for clients in jury trials, nonjury trials, and arbitration.
Jennifer Englert, Founder & Managing Partner, The Orlando Law Group
Jennifer Englert is the founder and managing partner of The Orlando Law Group. Since 2009, she has grown the firm from one office in her living room to four locations and over 30 professionals. Her dedication to exceptional legal counsel, innovation, and community engagement makes her a trusted leader in Central Florida
Doug Gartenlaub, Partner, Burr & Forman
Doug Gartenlaub is a partner specializing in construction and real estate disputes. He is board certified in Business Litigation and represents owners, contractors, and developers in various disputes, including complex construction and title issues. Additionally, he handles land use and regulatory matters, as well as disputes related to solid waste and recovered material services.
Stackable Technology
Nathan Somerville, CEO, VectorNet
Nathan began his career 20 years ago in construction after graduating from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked on countless commercial and industrial design and construction projects and founded VectorNet in 2022. Nathan has extensive experience using laser scanning technology and applying advanced technology solutions to all types of design and construction projects. He has a unique blend of experience working from all perspectives of a project for the Architect, Engineering, Contractor, and Owner.
ABC’s Health & Safety Leadership Forum
Joe Xavier, Senior of Health & Safety, ABC National
Joe Xavier is senior director of health & safety for ABC National. He has served in leadership, quality, health, safety, and compliance roles since 1992. Prior to joining ABC National in 2022, Xavier was the CEO of Summit Sustainability Solutions. He enjoys working with chapters, members, and other organizations to promote total human health.
Upcoming Training & Development
DECEMBER
Tech Marketplace
Thinking of implementing new technology? ABC’s Tech Marketplace provides innovative digital solutions to contractor members looking to advance and grow their technology strategies, offerings and abilities. Find technologies for safety, cybersecurity, virtual reality, photo documentation, project management and more with exclusive discounts for ABC members.
