Meet the 2025 Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors is comprised of industry leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas who represent every aspect of our industry. The Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding and overseeing the activities of the Construction Institute. With responsibility for strategic direction, budgeting, guidelines, and policies, the Board sets the organization's course and ensures its financial well-being. The Board provides leadership for programming and educational initiatives as well as general oversight to committees. The Board consists of up to 15 members who meet monthly. Board members serve for three-year terms. Officers are elected annually.

     Officers

• Chair:  Anthony Messina - Vice President, The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Tony coordinates efforts within the retail industry and is involved in the ICSC CenterBuild Conference Planning Committee.
• Vice Chair:  Dawn Monde - Senior Vice President for Strategic Accounts/Client Services, Red Thread. Dawn oversees sales and design teams, focusing on innovative workplace solutions.
• Immediate Past Chair: Kara Bacik - Senior Associate, Patriquin Architects. Kara has 17 years of experience in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. 
• Treasurer: Melissa Ferrucci, Treasurer - Office Managing Partner, CohnReznick LLP. Melissa serves as leader in the real estate practice for CohnReznick’s Connecticut offices and is involved with several professional groups.

       At Large Members

• • Jim Cecil - Director of Business Development, A.P. Construction Company. Jim has nearly 20 years of experience in the AEC space and is known for his positive leadership.
  • Kathyann Cowles - Architect, KC Architects, LLC. With over 35 years’ experience, Kathyann represents the interests of owners, designers, and contractors in various sectors.
  • Kaitlyn Dobberfuhl - Project Manager, Gilbane Building Company. Kaitlyn is actively involved in Employee Resource Groups and the Construction Institute’s planning committee for the AEC Leadership Conference.
  • Zoraida Ferguson - Associate Director of Facilities Engineering & Projects, Pratt & Whitney/UTC. Zoraida has 37 years of experience at Pratt & Whitney and is committed to educational endeavors.
  • George Fink - Managing Director, Berkeley Research Group (BRG). George has extensive experience in construction consulting and project management.
  • Lance Martin - Project Manager, BVH Integrated Services, a Salas O’Brien company. Lance focuses on sustainability and emerging technologies in construction.
  • Erik Sanford - Director of MEP & VDC, Dellbrook|JKS. Erik specializes in Virtual Design and Construction and has been recognized for his leadership in digital construction practices.
  • Gene Torone - Gene Torone is President of SLAM Construction Services and a Designated Design-Build Professional™ (DBIA™). He brings over 40 years of experience planning and managing construction projects, including 27 years managing design-build projects.

     Ex Officio

• Nancy Greenwald, Executive Director - Nancy has 40 years of experience as a lawyer and business executive in the AEC/FM industry and is the Executive Director of the Construction Institute. She serves as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors.

     Emeritus Members

• Lew Finkel, President of Professional Construction Services
• Kent Goetjen, PWC (Ret.)
• Dave Jepsen, Principal at JCJ Architecture