Trailblazers
Trailblazers in Construction
Experts and innovators in the building industry.
City & State presents Trailblazers in Construction. Keston Duke; New York School Construction Authority; Turn Key Photography LLC
New York’s densely built environment is made up of countless structures and edifices of all shapes and sizes and linked together by miles of roads, bridges and rails, and it’s continually changing and evolving. City & State’s annual Trailblazers in Construction features many of the master builders who are shaping and reshaping the physical landscape in New York City and elsewhere across the state. This list features some prominent figures in the construction industry as well as under-the-radar players who are quietly advancing major projects, driving innovation and influencing public policy in the sector. This list, researched and written in partnership with journalist Lon Cohen, introduces true trailblazers in New York’s construction industry.
Daileyne Abraham
Daileyne Abraham isn’t just building roads, she’s shaping the future of New York City’s transportation – and reshaping how projects get done. She’s overseeing more than $1.5 billion in capital projects, including the Van Wyck Expressway expansion and Hunts Point truck access improvements. A licensed professional engineer with degrees from Hofstra University and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, the industry veteran combines her technical expertise with a hands-on approach, navigating complex agency relationships to push major projects forward. Beyond construction, Abraham is a dedicated mentor, bringing the next generation into the field.
Kieran Ahern
Few people have had a hand in shaping the look of New York City’s infrastructure quite like Kieran Ahern. He has decades of experience managing major restoration projects, including the Brooklyn and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges. Beyond transforming city landmarks, he champions worker training and safety as president of the New York Structural Steel Painting Contractors Association, which supports apprenticeships and union partnerships. Ahern also co-chairs the national association, setting industrywide standards for steel painting professionals everywhere.
Husam Ahmad
Husam Ahmad founded his company in 2019 to help small and mid-sized engineering firms make the leap from subcontractors to prime contractors. With over three decades in infrastructure design and construction, Ahmad brings executive-level expertise in business strategy, quality assurance and financial stability – critical for firms scaling for long-term success. His advisory work ensures firms thrive independently in New York’s construction sector. Through strategic guidance and mergers and acquisitions expertise, Ahmad empowers firms to compete at the highest level.
Minosca Alcantara
Since 2021, Minosca Alcantara has overseen critical Hudson River crossings, balancing both maintenance and modernization needs. Previously, she led capital project scheduling at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. A member of the National Academy of Construction and the New York City Equal Employment Practices Commission, she champions equity in the field. Under her leadership, the Bridge Authority transitioned to cashless tolling and launched a strategic plan focused on safety, sustainability and zero-emission fleet transitions. She also chairs Transcom, a coalition of 16 traffic agencies across the metropolitan region.
Ghassan M. Ariqat
Over more than three decades in the construction industry, Ghassan M. Ariqat has played a pivotal role in delivering large-scale projects. He oversees some of his firm’s most ambitious ventures and Tutor Perini has won some high-profile jobs recently, including the $1.18 billion Manhattan Tunnel Project, a critical expansion of New York’s rail system and the $1.1 billion Kensico-Eastview Connection Tunnel, an essential upgrade to the city’s water supply network. His leadership dates back to his early days at Tutor Saliba, where he managed critical public works and institutional projects.
William Banfield
William Banfield has spent his career advocating for fair labor policies for carpenters, managing teams that support local unions across New York (excluding New York City) and Connecticut while driving consistency in operations and policy. He has been a driving force behind legislative efforts to combat wage theft, calling for stronger enforcement and reforms. Ahead of the presidential election, Banfield took direct aim at anti-union policies and sounded the alarm on threats from Project 2025. His leadership recently earned him the Phil “Toppy” Moresco Award, recognizing his impact on the building trades and working families.
Donato Bianco Jr.
From the trenches of Local Union 271 in Providence, Rhode Island, to the helm of the Laborers International Union of North America’s entire New England region, Donato Bianco Jr. has built a career defined by advocacy for labor rights and strategic leadership in the construction industry. At LIUNA, he has championed initiatives like Laborers Rising, reshaping union engagement, while his advocacy for policies like the Roadway Excavation Quality Assurance Act cements his influence. Beyond union halls, Bianco plays a pivotal role in shaping policy, strengthening labor-management partnerships and advancing worker protections in New York and across the region.
Virginia Borkoski
With over 35 years in the transportation sector, Virginia Borkoski has spearheaded complex projects across the globe, from New York City’s Fulton Center to Qatar’s Doha Metro. She joined Hatch last year, and oversees a multidisciplinary team driving client-focused growth. Her career spans both public and private sectors, including leadership roles at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where she shaped major transportation initiatives. A registered architect and chartered construction manager, she holds degrees from NYU and the Pratt Institute. A frequent speaker on executing delivery of megaprojects, she continues to influence the future of transit development.
David Campbell
David Campbell has been instrumental in transforming New York’s built environment. At LeChase, he leads development in the health care sector as well as the science and technology sectors while overseeing major construction projects – like the recently announced Westchester County government office renovation. A former executive at Skanska and Hunter Roberts Construction Group, Campbell has led multimillion-dollar public and private sector developments. As an advocate for innovation, he has lectured at NYU and advised Stanford University’s Center for Integrated Facility Engineering. At LeChase, he champions virtual design and construction as well as sustainable building practices.
Michael Capasso
CAC Industries has been a key heavy civil construction contractor on some of the most prominent projects in New York, from the Second Avenue subway extension to the construction of the High Line to infrastructure work at John F. Kennedy International Airport, the World Trade Center and Hudson Yards. The employee-owned firm, led by industry veteran Michael Capasso, is now working on the East Side Coastal Resiliency and the Battery Park City Resiliency projects. Capasso was also a member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Capital Process Reform Task Force.
Paul Capurso
With nearly four decades in organized labor, Paul Capurso rose from apprentice to being a key leader at the New York City and Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, one of the city’s most influential unions, while fighting for higher standards, fair wages and stronger protections for members. His work comes at a pivotal moment as the union moves toward independence from federal oversight. He also serves as a board member of the Carpenter Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York, which advocates for fair labor standards and strengthens the relationship between union carpenters and signatory contractors.
Jeffrey Cardillo
A second-generation business owner, Jeffrey Cardillo has spent 36 years at TAP Electric, shaping its role in modernizing New York City’s transit system. He has led projects to install Wi-Fi in 248 stations and help points in 156 stations, improving safety and connectivity. He oversaw the rollout of OMNY contactless payment in 187 stations and a ticketing access system in 271 stations, streamlining fare collection. Cardillo directed flood mitigation at the Coney Island Yard complex, reinforcing critical infrastructure. With TAP Electric, a subsidiary of Forte Construction Corp., having worked in all 472 subway stations, Cardillo's impact on transit is undeniable.
Edwin Christian
Edwin Christian has led the International Union of Operating Engineers’ Local 14-14B for over two decades, representing the operators behind New York City’s skyline-shaping heavy machinery. A union member for over 40 years, he also serves as an international trustee for IUOE, advocating for workforce training and job security. Beyond labor, Christian has influenced policy as a key voice on the New York City Workforce Development Board and the New York City Central Labor Council. His leadership extends to infrastructure, safety and economic development, ensuring union labor remains the backbone of the city’s construction industry.
Nancy Clark
Nancy Clark has spent decades shaping New York state’s infrastructure, blending technical expertise with industry leadership. As chair-elect of the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, she is preparing to lead the state’s most influential engineering coalition, representing over 300 firms and 33,000 professionals. To prepare for her tenure that starts in July, she’s visiting every regional chapter, strengthening engagement. At KC Engineering and Land Surveying, she oversees major projects and regulatory compliance. A longtime mentor and industry advocate, she has played a key role in legislative efforts, professional development initiatives and policy discussions that shape the industry.
Rebecca Clark
From offshore drilling to bridge rehabilitation, Rebecca Clark’s career has spanned the full spectrum of civil engineering. Now a vice president at Skanska Koch, she has played key roles in major bridge and transit projects, including the Brooklyn Bridge rehabilitation, the Triborough Bridge deck replacement and LaGuardia Airport’s redevelopment. A founding member of the Skanska Women’s Network, she has championed workplace inclusion. With degrees in physics and civil engineering from Fairfield University and Columbia University, respectively, she brings both analytical precision and strategic foresight to every project she leads.
Cameron Dake
Cameron Dake is instrumental in advancing Consigli Construction’s footprint across the New York metropolitan area. His prior roles in estimating and talent acquisition at Suffolk Construction and Cupertino Electric have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both operations and business development. Consigli has undertaken significant projects, including the mixed-use development at 4650 Broadway in Inwood, and New York and New Jersey construction operations of recently acquired Lendlease, bringing in a $1.8 billion portfolio and 400 new team members into the firm.
Shawni Davis
Shawni Davis is rewiring the future as the first Black woman in New York to earn a master electrician’s license. At Luminary Electrical Contractor, she has built a thriving business in just three years, securing over $1 million in bonding. Her leadership earned her the 2023 Minority Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the New York State Small Business Development Center, and she was invited to share her journey at an SBA Women’s Business Summit, where then-President Joe Biden recognized her work. A Goldman Sachs scholar and mentor, she’s illuminating a path for the next generation of builders.
Gwen Dawson
Gwen Dawson is leading the charge in climate resiliency for lower Manhattan, overseeing the $221 million South Battery Park City Resiliency Project and the North/West Battery Park City flood protection plan. She already guided the restoration of Pier A, the redesign of Wagner Park and the completion of Battery Park City’s development parcels. Previously, she played a key role in redeveloping Denver’s Union Station and the Lowry Air Force Base. Now, she’s shaping Battery Park City’s carbon-neutral future, balancing sustainability, urban livability and flood resilience while navigating complex infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
Charlie Diamond
With a career spanning public service, advocacy and communications, Charlie Diamond brings a wealth of experience to his role at Statewide Public Affairs. He’s a former member of the old state Racing and Wagering Board and was a key staffer for then-Rep. Michael McNulty. A longtime civic leader in Watervliet, he served on the City Council for over a decade, driving local policy and championing community development initiatives. He helped pass the 2022 Buy American Salt Act and works on behalf of construction clients, including American Rock Salt, Callanan Industries, Tilcon and Troy Sand & Gravel.
Rob Edwards
With decades of experience in rail infrastructure, Rob Edwards is spearheading a generational transformation as project director for Amtrak’s $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project. He oversees Amtrak’s role in engineering coordination, construction oversight and stakeholder collaboration to boost capacity and reliability along the Northeast corridor. An award-winning engineer behind major transit projects – including Secaucus Junction and the $2.4 billion Portal North Bridge project – Edwards spent over 35 years at New Jersey Transit. Known for navigating complex engineering challenges, he now partners with the Gateway Development Commission to deliver Amtrak’s ambitious vision.
John Evers
John Evers leads the American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, a coalition of over 300 member companies lobbying for construction engineering firms that collectively employ over 33,000 professionals. In 2022, he was appointed to the New York City Capital Process Reform Task Force, which developed recommendations to streamline project delivery. A longtime advocate for congestion pricing, design-build and statewide transit funding, he also mentors future engineers through ACEC New York’s Leadership Institute. He’s also part of the New York Roadway and Infrastructure Coalition, which pushed for increased spending in the state Department of Transportation’s capital budget.
Rose Fathers
Rose Fathers connects job seekers with training and career pathways in New York City’s construction industry, creating opportunities beyond traditional union tracts. Since joining Building Skills NY in early 2024, Fathers has forged hundreds of industry partnerships and spoken at New York Build and the New York City Workforce Professionals Training Institute. She has implemented standardized tracking for local hiring and streamlined candidate recruitment. She also expands workforce access through training and policy efforts while volunteering with The Trevor Project and New York Cares.
Mike Fazio
Mike Fazio is a key voice in New York’s housing policy debates. A former builder with decades of experience, he has built over 1,000 homes while advocating for reforms to the industry. In 2024, he opposed new mandates that could raise housing costs and expressed concerns over the impact of all-electric building codes. As the state moves forward with sweeping building code changes, Fazio warns that restrictive mandates could worsen the housing crisis. He has also led key committees with the National Association of Home Builders. He also spoke on a recent panel at Caucus Weekend, which is run by the state Legislature’s Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, in February on advancing homeownership.
Michael Garner
Michael Garner is expanding opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises as well as disadvantaged business enterprises and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in New York City. As the city’s first chief business diversity officer, he has driven $17.7 billion in contracts to MWBEs in two years. Previously, he launched the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Small Business Mentoring Program, which awarded over $620 million in contracts to MWBE contractors. Garner advises cities and agencies nationwide on diversity initiatives and serves in a leadership role with 100 Black Men of America.
Scott Geiger
In 2022, Scott Geiger brought his decades of expertise in transportation and infrastructure to WSP USA, which has offices across New York from Buffalo to New York City. His tenure at the state Department of Transportation spanned 31 years, culminating as director of construction. Now at the professional services firm WSP USA, he leads major transportation initiatives. Geiger played a part in the Otisville Viaduct replacement in Orange County, enhancing critical transportation infrastructure in the Hudson Valley. His leadership continues to shape resilient, forward-thinking solutions for New York’s evolving transportation landscape.
Jarell Gibbs
Having built his career as a laborer – from apprentice to foreman – Jarell Gibbs now advocates for labor rights at LIUNA Local 79. He also holds an executive board position with 100 Black Construction Workers, demonstrating his commitment to diversifying the industry, and works with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists to engage union members who share CBTU’s values. A powerful advocate, he took the stage in November at Assembly Member Landon Dais’ State of the District address, driving home the importance of union jobs for building strong communities.
Jenny Gillette
Jenny Gillette is no stranger to high-stakes public projects, leading critical renovations at the New York City Public Housing Preservation Trust to modernize affordable housing. She previously spearheaded project delivery at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the city’s Department of Design and Construction, shaping transit hubs, streetscapes and community centers. She recently released design-build procurements totaling $700 million to modernize two New York City Housing Authority developments. A registered architect and a LEED- and DBIA-accredited professional, she blends technical expertise with hands-on experience.
Ryan Goddard
Ryan Goddard is at the helm of a groundbreaking transformation, converting the former JFK Hilton Hotel in Queens into permanently affordable housing – the first such project under the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act. At SD Builders and Construction, which is part of Slate Property Group, Goddard oversees estimating, procurement and project delivery, leveraging strategic vendor partnerships to keep costs lower than their competitors. With experience spanning luxury condos to shelters, he’s leading the rapid 15-month conversion of 318 apartments in Baisley Pond Park, integrating all-electric heating, rooftop solar and Energy Star appliances.
Lorraine Grillo
In 2023, former New York City First Deputy Mayor Lorraine Grillo joined BRAVO Group, a construction and project management firm where she drives inclusive development and expands opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses. Grillo, who leads Bradford Construction Corp. of New York, a company of BRAVO Group, was the longtime leader of the city’s School Construction Authority and delivered 75,000 new school seats and managed billions in capital projects. Appointed “recovery czar” in 2021, she led COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts before becoming first deputy mayor in 2022. Known for her no-nonsense leadership, she streamlined government operations and capital projects in her short but impactful tenure.
Robert Haelen
Robert Haelen has spent his career ensuring SUNY’s campuses and teaching hospitals have top-tier facilities. He oversees a $4.8 billion capital program and a team of 135 construction professionals, and his department is modernizing campuses with new laboratories, performing arts centers and medical facilities while balancing efficiency and long-term investment. A key advocate for decarbonization, he recently testified before lawmakers on the challenges of transitioning SUNY’s aging infrastructure to greener standards. He also spearheaded a recent clean energy master plan for SUNY’s state-operated campuses to improve sustainability in the years ahead.
Joseph Haugland
Joseph Haugland is powering his firm into the future with a strong focus on renewable energy and technological innovation. Under his leadership, Haugland Energy, a key unit within Haugland Group, played a key role in the South Fork Wind project, installing the underground transmission system for New York’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm – a milestone solidifying the company’s role in the state’s transition to clean energy. A hands-on leader, he has championed cutting-edge advancements in construction, integrating artificial intelligence-powered inspections, drone surveys and advanced project management tools to enhance efficiency and precision across large-scale projects.
David Hernandez
David Hernandez led Halmar in its $1.24 billion JFK Airport Central Terminal Area Roadways and Ground Transportation Center project, modernizing a pivotal transit hub. The veteran construction executive helps oversee the $382 million Park Avenue Viaduct reconstruction, replacing aging rail infrastructure in East Harlem, as well as the joint venture to revitalize the Port Authority Bus Terminal – one of the nation’s busiest transit hubs. He’s also an expert in alternative delivery methods like design-build and public-private partnerships, helping to secure the first public-private partnership contract from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to make accessibility upgrades in 13 subway stations.
Joe Hogan
For over 35 years, Joe Hogan has shaped New York’s construction industry, advocating for contractors and advancing modern project delivery. At the Associated General Contractors of New York State, he has led efforts on more than $10 billion in construction projects, collaborating with agencies such as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the state Department of Transportation. A recognized expert in contract review and dispute resolution, he serves on multiple state advisory boards and the American Arbitration Association. He’s also training future leaders through the group’s Construction Leadership Academy.
Robert Horsford
A third-generation real estate developer, Robert Horsford founded Apex Building Group in Harlem in 1997. Now based in Yonkers, the firm has completed over $1.3 billion in projects, adding over 7,500 affordable housing units across New York and New Jersey. Notable projects include Harlem’s Brotherhood Sister Sol headquarters, a hub for the youth and social justice group. Horsford, who serves on the boards of the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board and the New York State Association for Affordable Housing, supported the creation of a new $50 million New York City MBE Guaranty Facility to support minority-owned developers.
Bellal Hossain
Bellal Hossain is laying the groundwork for the future of connected infrastructure at H&H Telecom Construction, leading 5G, small cell and distributed antenna system projects across the tristate area. H&H Telecom Construction has expanded into civil construction, electric vehicle charging and data center development while integrating artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to enhance smart city connectivity and security – a growth strategy that aligns with Hossain’s leadership in business development – solidifying the company’s role in next-gen connectivity.
Radhika Joshi
Radhika Joshi is helping to expand access to public construction projects for minority-, women- and disadvantaged-owned business enterprises. The New York City Economic Development Corp.’s ConstructNYC program, which she manages, has steered $16 million in awards to such firms over the past two years. Through strategic partnerships, targeted training and mentorship programs, she equips small firms with the resources to compete for and execute major infrastructure projects. Joshi also fosters sustainable business growth, driving economic development in priority neighborhoods. By championing inclusive procurement and capacity-building, Joshi is reshaping public contracting and setting new industry standards.
Rufus Judson
Rufus Judson represents the fifth generation of leadership at Pike Construction Services, continuing a legacy that spans over 150 years. Since becoming CEO in 2015, he has driven strategic growth, overseeing high-profile projects for clients such as the University of Rochester Medical Center, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Marist University. Pike’s impact extends to transformative developments like the Buffalo Inner Harbor renovation and affordable housing units from Western New York to Long Island. Beyond construction, Judson is an active civic leader, serving on the board of United Way of Greater Rochester and the Finger Lakes.
Shati Khan
Shati Khan is playing a pivotal role in one of the nation’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: the Hudson Tunnel Project. Khan managed key project committees and facilitated agreements that helped secure critical funding. Now, in a sustainability-focused role, she ensures the megaproject integrates best practices for long-term environmental impact. Previously, at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, she worked on major transit planning initiatives, including the environmental review for congestion pricing and the Red Hook Transportation Study, shaping multimodal solutions across New York City. Earlier, at Replica, she advanced mobility data products that informed transportation planning nationwide.
John Kovacs
With almost 30 years at the New York construction giant AECOM Tishman, John Kovacs has led some of New York City’s most complex construction projects. As chief operating officer for the New York region, he oversees transformative initiatives like the $455 million Belmont Park redevelopment and the $10 billion Port Authority Bus Terminal overhaul. His leadership in the $271 million Dyer Avenue deck-overs is turning bus staging areas into green space. A champion of innovation, he spearheaded AECOM Tishman’s Emerging Technologies Group, integrating digital workflows to streamline operations while advancing the firm’s 125-year legacy into the future.
Robert Kreuzer
With 25 years at what’s now LiRo-Hill, Robert Kreuzer has played a pivotal role in expanding operations for the growing engineering company. Following the 2024 merger of The LiRo Group and Hill International’s Northeast region, Kreuzer continues to oversee key environmental and construction management projects. A specialist in hazardous waste consulting, brownfield redevelopment and industrial decommissioning, he has led major projects such as the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium demolition, Spaulding Fibre plant remediation and Rochester Gas and Electric site work. He also oversaw environmental services for the Manhattan Detention Complex and Brooklyn Detention Center design-build demolitions.
Nicholas Kumbatovic
In 2023, Long Island-based Cameron Engineering merged with IMEG, one of the nation’s largest engineering firms. Nicholas Kumbatovic, a licensed electrical engineer and LEED-accredited professional with over 30 years of experience, remained with the combined entity, continuing to oversee regional operations. Kumbatovic had been with Cameron since 1994, serving as partner and later as president. He managed major projects, including Nassau Coliseum, Wyandanch Village and facilities at Hofstra University. Beyond his day-to-day role, he serves as a governor of the New York Building Foundation, supporting industry advancement through research, education and philanthropy.
Denis Leff
Denis Leff’s career is defined by a transformative approach rather than a mere tallying up of projects. An early advocate for data and artificial intelligence in the industry, he has reshaped high-profile New York City projects – from the Sept. 11 cleanup to the Deutsche Bank Center to Columbia University’s Manhattanville expansion. At Suffolk, Leff drives innovation with a digital tool that streamlines steel tracking for his company. He spoke at the 2024 New York Build Conference, where his panel examined how data analytics enhances construction efficiency and decision-making, further demonstrating his commitment to modernizing industry practices.
Alphonse Lembo
Alphonse Lembo plays a pivotal role in shaping New York City's housing landscape, where his work in development aligns with the city’s efforts to address urgent housing needs. He leads preconstruction and development at Monadnock, driving the creation of over 14,300 middle-income and affordable apartments. Rising from laborer to executive, he combines hands-on experience with top-tier education from the University of Chicago and Harvard University. A certified passive house consultant, Lembo also serves on the board of NYC Outward Bound Schools.
Davon Lomax
Davon Lomax has spent nearly two decades advocating for union labor, workforce development and equitable access to construction careers. Rising through the ranks at IUPAT District Council 9 – from apprentice to shop steward to foreman – he became political director in 2014, championing policies that expanded apprenticeship opportunities and strengthened training standards. He played a key role in creating the New York City Housing Authority Painter Apprentice Program, providing career pathways for public housing residents. Lomax has also pushed for hiring more people of color in construction and supported a bill to require state-sanctioned apprenticeship programs to improve worker safety.
Anthony Mann
Leading the third generation of E-J Electric Installation Co., Anthony Mann has transformed the 126-year-old firm into a powerhouse of large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Under his leadership, the company has grown to 2,200 employees and completed over $10 billion in projects, including JFK’s New Terminal One microgrid, Amtrak’s East River Tunnel Rehabilitation and the Champlain Hudson Power Express. He also helped complete the Second Avenue subway extension. A master electrician, Mann is also an active supporter of Nontraditional Employment for Women, serves on the New York Building Congress board and founded the Electrical Roundtable.
David Margolius
David Margolius is driving Shawmut’s expansion in New York, where the company has worked on projects at Columbia University, NYU Langone Health, the Empire State Building, Hudson Yards and Barclays Center. A 2025 Partnership for New York City David Rockefeller Fellow, Margolius is also a co-founder of Shawmut’s Diversity Leadership Council, pushing DEI initiatives industrywide. Committed to shaping the next generation, he serves on the ACE Mentor Program board as well and supports workforce development. He oversees a $424 million business with more than 400 employees.
David Marino
David Marino is driving American Global’s double-digit growth and international expansion and guiding contractors as they navigate complex financial and insurance challenges. With deep expertise in public-private partnerships and alternative delivery projects, Marino has structured risk solutions for major infrastructure developments. A board member of the New York Building Congress, he remains a key voice in construction risk strategy. He has also raised funds for Island Harvest, the Long Island Children’s Museum and Hike for Hope, which raises awareness of mental health conditions and suicide prevention in the construction industry.
Joan McDonald
Joan McDonald plays a pivotal role in Westchester County, overseeing a $2.3 billion operating budget and a $300 million annual capital budget as director of operations and driving $4 billion in private investment as the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency chair. Under her leadership, the agency has advanced key transit-oriented developments and energy storage facilities. Recently, she implemented the $90 million Westchester County Housing Flex Fund that provides gap financing for affordable housing development. The former state transportation commissioner is seeking design-build authorization for her county and also chairs the New York State Bridge Authority, overseeing critical transportation infrastructure.
Cheryl McKissack Daniel
Cheryl McKissack Daniel leads the nation’s oldest Black-owned construction firm with a vision rooted in legacy and progress – and a portfolio of $50 billion in construction over the past decade. Overseeing projects like the redevelopment of Pier 57, JFK’s New Terminal One, LaGuardia’s Central Terminal, Moynihan Train Hall and the Harlem Hospital Center modernization, she has redefined New York’s infrastructure while advancing equity in the industry. The Howard University-trained civil engineer spearheads workforce programs that expand opportunities for underrepresented groups and she champions minority- and women-owned business enterprise growth.
Hadi Meshgi
Hadi Meshgi is shaping the future of transit through cutting-edge communications and cybersecurity solutions. At VHB, he plays a key role in modernizing New York City’s subways with communication-based train control, enabling more frequent and efficient service across key lines, including Queens Boulevard, Eighth Avenue and Culver lines. A leader in transit cybersecurity, he has developed protections for mission-critical rail networks, ensuring resilience against cyber threats. With prior roles at Siemens and Crosslinx Transit Solutions, Meshgi continues to push the boundaries of transit infrastructure, reinforcing both efficiency and security for millions of riders.
Joseph Mizzi
For three decades, Joseph Mizzi has shaped the confines of New York City’s cultural landscape at Sciame Construction, overseeing landmark projects like The Shed, the Perelman Performing Arts Center and the revamped Frick Collection. Under Mizzi’s leadership, the 50-year-old firm has become a premier builder of highly designed, technically complex spaces. Beyond construction, Mizzi co-founded the 14+ Foundation, bringing education to rural communities in Africa through school building initiatives. He also chairs The Bronx Museum of the Arts and holds key roles in the New York Building Congress and The Architectural League of New York.
John Murphy
A fourth-generation union plumber, John Murphy has spent over four decades championing labor rights and sustainable construction. As an international representative for New York with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada – known as the United Association or the UA – he leads 24,000 members across 13 local unions. A key voice in New York’s energy transition, Murphy has pushed for thermal networks, green hydrogen and nuclear power. Murphy’s previous leadership in Plumbers Local 1 helped lay the foundation for major projects.
Bridget O’Hanlon
Bridget O’Hanlon oversees a $4.3 billion portfolio that includes 1,500 projects statewide. She played a key role in the long-overdue $72 million restoration of the state Capitol’s Eastern Approach, a historic staircase closed for decades. Her leadership includes the $113 million New York State Fairgrounds revitalization and the first design-build procurement for the State Fair’s Exposition Center as well as multimillion-dollar upgrades to the state’s Lexington and Jamaica armories. O’Hanlon champions mental health advocacy in construction, launching statewide initiatives to combat rising suicide rates.
John O’Hare
John O’Hare has spent over a quarter-century shaping labor policy and advocating for the more than 180 unionized contractors he represents as managing director of the Building Contractors Association. A key negotiator in collective bargaining, he also leads safety initiatives as co-chair of the NYC Building and Construction Industry Safety Fund. The HOPE/LIVES campaign he helped launch is a first-of-its-kind effort to combat opioid overdoses on job sites. A former union laborer himself, O’Hare is committed to workforce safety and labor rights that continues to influence industry standards.
Joshua Oberman
Joshua Oberman, the partner-in-charge of the construction practice at Windels Marx, moved his practice to the firm last year, alongside longtime colleagues Andrea Lawrence and Ben Blum. An expert in construction law, with over 25 years experience, Oberman represents large trade contractors, developers and high net worth individuals in commercial construction disputes. He also acts as outside general counsel to some of the largest trade contractors in New York City. Oberman and his team are experts in Real Property Law 881, the Access Agreement Law. He serves on the New York City chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association board and is a past president of the New York City Surety Association.
Uzoamaka Okoye
At the forefront of one of the most ambitious airport redevelopment projects in the country, Uzoamaka Okoye is overseeing strategy, governance and sustainability for the $9.5 billion expansion that will add 23 gates and generate over 10,000 jobs. She previously served as legal counsel for the project before stepping into her current role. Okoye began her career as a project engineer before pivoting to law, bringing a blend of technical and legal expertise to the industry. She also chairs the African Services Committee, a Harlem nonprofit that supports immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.
Herlema Owens
Herlema Owens founded the Association of Women Construction Workers of America in 2006 to provide training, mentorship and advocacy for women entering the construction field. Through AWCWA’s workforce programs with Nassau BOCES, she has expanded career pathways for underserved communities. Her leadership has driven initiatives in safety technology, renewable energy and construction techniques. She has helped women gain access to the trades. This year, she’s organizing the 10th AWCWA Industry Awards and Fashion Show.
David Pacheco
A leader in emergency response architecture, David Pacheco brought his expertise to H2M architects + engineers after it merged with his own architectural firm in 2016. He drives strategic growth while championing quality, with a focus on excellence as a core element of the firm’s services. Licensed in 14 states, Pacheco has designed or evaluated more than 200 fire stations and helps shape national emergency facility standards as a member of ASTM International’s Homeland Security Committee. A fire commissioner and adjunct professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he’s also teaching the next generation about public safety design.
Larry Pappas
Forte Construction is building accessibility into New York City’s transit system. Under Larry Pappas’ steady leadership, Forte has led major accessibility upgrades, including the 14th Street and West 4th Street stations, improving subway navigation for all riders. His firm has installed over 150 elevators across the Metropolitan Transportation Authority system, modernized key hubs like Penn Station and Hunter College. Forte is also accelerating transit upgrades through the MTA’s design-build services. Beyond transit, Pappas is investing in the industry’s future through workforce training initiatives and the $100,000 Forte Construction Corp. Scholarship fund.
Cheri Rice
Cheri Rice is a key advocate for Long Island’s construction sector, pushing for infrastructure investment and policy change. At LICA, she champions major projects like Suffolk County’s sewer expansion, securing funding and legislative support for critical upgrades that will employ members. Her background in government – including roles with the town of Hempstead, Congress and the Nassau district attorney’s office – gives her an edge in navigating policy and public funding. Through LICA’s industry outreach and stakeholder engagement, she ensures contractors have a seat at the table, driving economic growth and infrastructure resilience across Long Island.
Adam Roberts
Adam Roberts is a force in shaping construction and real estate policy in New York City. Now on the legislative team at No. 1 lobbying firm Kasirer, Roberts helps developers, architects and property owners navigate complex zoning laws and building codes. Previously at the American Institute of Architects’ New York chapter and what’s now the New York Apartment Association, he influenced major policy changes on housing regulations, tenant protections and development standards. With experience in both government and lobbying, he bridges the gap between industry needs and legislative action.
Mark Roche
Mark Roche is transforming how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority delivers major transit projects, championing design-build methods to cut costs and accelerate timelines. As deputy chief development officer, he led the $2.6 billion Long Island Rail Road Third Track project, improving regional connectivity while streamlining construction. Now, the former Arup civil engineer is advancing the Second Avenue subway expansion, connecting tunnels built in the 1970s to modern ones to save $500 million and fast-track completion. His leadership is redefining efficiency in transit infrastructure, ensuring that New York City’s train system can develop without yearslong project delays and cost overruns.
Santos Rodriguez
At the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, Santos Rodriguez leads outreach efforts that connect unions with policymakers and community groups. A former journeyman and the youngest full-time officer of Local 12 of the Heat & Frost Insulators, he now helps shape workforce training as a board member of the Workforce Development Institute. He recently joined the new New York City Workforce Development Council. Rodriguez also plays a key role in lobbying for policies that protect workers and expand opportunities in the union construction industry.
Phillip Ross
A co-leader of Anchin’s Architecture & Engineering and Construction Industry groups, Phillip Ross advises companies on financing, mergers and acquisitions as well as tax planning to drive growth, helping to navigate capital strategies to align his clients’ business interests with shifting market trends. Ross is also shaping industry discussions: He has analyzed the role of artificial intelligence in optimizing project management, the impact of interest rate shifts on construction cycles and the financial potential of adaptive reuse incentives. He has argued AI will enhance construction efficiency, while economic shifts and tax incentives will drive urban redevelopment and new investment strategies.
Bruce Ruinsky
For nearly two decades, Bruce Ruinsky has led the Association of Master Painters and Decorators of New York, shaping labor policies and advocating for unionized painters and finishers across the metropolitan area. A key figure in industry negotiations, he works closely with IUPAT District Council 9, the union representing painters and allied trades, to secure collective bargaining agreements and uphold industry standards. His background as a former Nassau County prosecutor informs his expertise in arbitration and labor disputes, reinforcing the association’s role as a critical industry advocate.
Mehdi Sameti
Mehdi Sameti is shaping the future of New York City’s public spaces, overseeing transformative projects as an associate vice president at EnTech. From the $5.9 million Bushwick Inlet Park to Freshkills Park’s Owl Hollow Fields, he leads construction teams tackling complex infrastructure challenges. A licensed professional engineer and a leader with certification from the Design-Build Institute of America, he brings expertise in constructability review and design-build projects. With a career spanning both public and private sectors, his work in seawall reconstruction and urban park development continues to push for resilient, sustainable solutions across the city.
Carlo Scissura
Veteran politico Carlo Scissura has expanded the New York Building Congress’ reach, amplifying the voices of 500 member organizations and 250,000 tradespeople. As former chair of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway Expert Panel, the lifelong Brooklynite helped shape plans for the corridor’s future. Scissura also once served as chief of staff to the Brooklyn borough president and ran the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. He was appointed last year to lead New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ first Charter Revision Commission. Scissura championed congestion pricing and the state’s revived affordable housing incentive and recently urged the White House to pass infrastructure legislation.
Ehab Shehata
A seasoned industry leader, Ehab Shehata founded BRAVO to integrate architecture, engineering and construction management under one firm almost a decade ago. Since then, the company has become a force in modernizing critical New York City infrastructure, from the Brooklyn Navy Yard to Metro-North Railroad’s Harmon Shop upgrade. His firm has led public projects like school expansions, subway station rehabilitations and a $7.5 million Broadway-inspired auditorium renovation at a Brooklyn high school. Under his leadership, BRAVO's multidisciplinary approach is driving resilient urban development across New York City.
Veronika Sikorski
Leading ELM Suspension Systems Inc., a certified women-owned business enterprise, Veronika Sikorski specializes in suspended scaffolding solutions that are essential to New York City construction. A second-generation special rigger who’s licensed to suspend scaffolds, hoists and similar systems, she worked her way from operations manager to CEO. She also serves as president of the New York City Special Riggers Association and contributes to the New York City Department of Buildings’ Code Review Committee, advocating for industry safety and standards. She recently shared her experiences as a panelist during TD Bank’s Success Through Synergy event, celebrating women in business.
Josh Slaughter
Josh Slaughter has secured major labor protections, including federal safety certifications and state-registered apprenticeships on public projects through his work at Mason Tenders District Council PAC. He helped pass project labor agreements for SUNY projects over $10 million and is seeking similar policies for projects in Long Island public schools. His efforts extend to workforce development, launching a first-of-its-kind union preapprenticeship program for high school students. He also serves on the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency board, shaping economic policies that support union labor and local jobs.
Steven Sommer
With over 36 years at Lendlease before it was acquired by Consigli, Steven Sommer has played a pivotal role in projects at Grand Central Terminal, Columbia University and the Jacob K. Javits Center. As president of the New York construction business, he spearheaded a $3 billion pipeline, including the state’s largest geothermal-powered building in Brooklyn. A mentor to minority- and women-owned firms and a leader in workforce development, he serves on the boards of Nontraditional Employment for Women and the New York Building Congress. At Consigli, he brings his expertise to an expanded portfolio.
Marilisa Stigliano
Marilisa Stigliano is shaping the future of construction through leadership, mentorship and advocacy. Promoted to senior vice president at STV last year, she drives financial strategy and operational efficiency. She also serves on Professional Women in Construction’s board of directors – and until recently, on the New York Building Congress’ board – and mentors future leaders as a Columbia University advisory board member and professor, specializing in agile and traditional project management. Recognized as an emerging leader by the New York Building Congress, she continues to influence the next wave of industry professionals.
Melissa Suchodolski
As president of USC Builds, Melissa Suchodolski has expanded into general contracting and real estate development while embedding workforce development into transformative projects across Rochester and Ithaca. She launched the USC Academy to bridge the skilled labor gap, creating hands-on training programs for women and historically marginalized communities. In 2021, she became the first woman to chair the Builders Exchange of Rochester. She serves on the advisory board for Impressia Bank, is vice chair of RochesterWorks and is actively involved with the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative, the Greater Rochester Habitat for Humanity and the University of Rochester.
JD Summa
Since founding Kings Capital Construction in 2009, JD Summa has built his company into a leading general contracting firm. His impact is evident in projects like the $32.6 million Regency on Hudson in Yonkers, creating 250 construction jobs and helping to revitalize the area. A civic leader, he serves on the town of Mount Pleasant Planning Board and the White Plains Youth Bureau Board, shaping local development. Through the Kings Charitable Foundation, he extends his influence beyond construction, providing thousands of meals to underserved communities.
Mark Zelko
With over 25 years in construction law and litigation, Mark Zelko is a trusted legal strategist for developers, contractors and property owners navigating complex disputes. As a leader in Leech Tishman’s Construction Practice Group, Zelko blends his litigation experience with a proactive approach to risk management, helping clients avoid costly pitfalls. He is well-versed in alternative dispute resolution and real property actions and proceedings law negotiations, which are critical in securing legal access to neighboring properties for construction in New York’s dense landscape.
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