Ashley Turner is the Program Director for Project Controls and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She has over 10 years experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and is specializing in Project Controls field of Planning and Scheduling, Cost Management, BIM and VDC. She sets the department strategic direction, develops growth tactics for project controls and VDC, with experience in the transportation and infrastructure industry.Ashley Turner manages the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Project Controls Department of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and is responsible for certifying that the design and construction management are aligned to support the Agency's Capital Program. In her role, she oversees the operation of the department which includes an annual budget and provides leadership and oversight while directing the Project Controls department.

Jamey Matalka, of El Dorado Hills, CA has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at the California High-Speed Rail Authority, where he has held multiple roles including Director of Risk Management and Project Controls since 2020 and Assistant Chief Financial Officer from 2016 to 2020. Matalka held several positions at the California Department of Finance from 2011 to 2016, including Principal Program Budget Analyst III, Principal Program Budget Analyst II, and Staff Finance Budget Analyst. He was a Corporation Examiner at the Department of Managed Healthcare from 2006 to 2011. Matalka earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento.

Charles Streeter, PMP is the Director for Life Cycle Cost Estimating group within the Financial Management Business Transformation Service at the US Department of Veterans Affairs. He is responsible for ensuring that a comprehensive cost management process is in place, allowing the program to understand the current costs, plan for the future, and accurately assess the impact of changes. Prior to this role, Dr. Streeter was the ePMO Director of Portfolio Scheduling. He has nineteen years of experience in project scheduling, cost estimation, and program management with federal government agencies and large government prime contractors. Before joining the VA in 2022, he worked at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory as a Program Manager and Unit Manager overseeing the construction support projects needed to support the refueling of the S8G prototype nuclear reactor. He served 20 years in the US Navy, finishing his career as an instructor for the Navy Hovercraft program. Dr. Streeter holds a Doctorate of Healthcare Administration from Virginia University of Lynchburg, a Master’s in Business Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management.

Ferras Haidar is the Deputy Director of Project Controls in the Department of Capital Program Support at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). Mr. Haidar graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in economics. Mr. Haidar has 10 years of Project control experience spanning between the private and public sectors working on large-scale infrastructure projects in the Greater Boston Area. Prior work experience includes: 3 years as a Project Controls Analyst for AECOM; 4 years as a project controls manager at the Massachusetts Port Authority; and 3 years as Deputy Director of Project Controls at the MBTA.

Muhammad T. Khan, PMI-SP®, brings over a decade of expertise in construction management and project controls, with a proven track record in delivering large-scale transportation infrastructure projects. He currently leads the Project Controls Program for VDOT’s Fredericksburg District, overseeing a portfolio worth multi-million dollars. His experience spans both public and private sectors, with key roles on transformative projects like the Dulles Metro Rail Phase II and I-95 corridor improvements. Muhammad holds a Master’s in Civil and Infrastructure Engineering from George Mason University and is recognized for his strategic leadership, risk mitigation, and proficiency in tools such as Primavera P6 and Power BI.

Nelson E. G Rosa is a seasoned senior leader in capital infrastructure, specializing in enterprise quality, operating models, and organizational design. With almost two decades of experience, he has driven performance excellence across multi-billion-dollar programs in public and private sectors. Nelson is passionate about transforming how organizations deliver capital projects by embedding quality into every phase of the project lifecycle. He has served on multiple industry boards and speaks regularly at global conferences. As a trusted advisor and strategist, Nelson is committed to shaping the future of project controls and infrastructure delivery.

Mr. Scavone began his professional career in 1987 as an architect in New York State. There he worked on various projects including schools, hotels and resorts, retail, civic facilities, transportation facilities, multi-family buildings, single family residences and local state and federal facilities. In September 2015, Ben Scavone began his Federal career with the Architect of the Capitol as an Architect, Quality Control / Quality Assurance. As part of his role, he was appointed as the agency’s Universal Accessibility Coordinator, where he is responsible for developing and leading the AOC’s Universal Accessibility Policy and Program. In 2018, Mr. Scavone was promoted to the Assistant Director of the Risk Mitigation Branch, Project Controls Division. In this role, he supervises the Cost Estimating Group, Facility Documentation technicians, master project specification templates, and provides support to the agencies project management and support policies, standards and processes. Mr. Scavone has a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology, Westbury, New York and is registered architect licensed in New York State and South Carolina.

Dr. Courtney O. Lackard, is the Director of Project Controls in the Department Capital Program Support at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).  Prior work experience includes working as a Cost Engineer on several government contracts with MOCA Systems Inc., and as a Scheduler on both the Logan 2000 Program at the Logan International Airport, Boston, MA and the JFK Redevelopment Program at the JFK International Airport Queens, NY. Overall, he has more than 35 years of project controls work experience. Dr. Lackard is a Certified Cost Professional, a certified Planning and Scheduling Professional (AACE), a Certified CMAA Trainer, and a licensed Construction Supervisor. Currently holds the office of Treasurer at the AACE International Boston Section. Dr. Lackard holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Preaching and Teaching from Knox Theological Seminary, a Master of Art in Urban Ministries from the Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the New York University Tandon School of Engineering. Dr Lackard believes in sharing his knowledge with others, so they can grow to become better individuals and positive contributors to society.

Senior VP and Deputy Business Line Executive for Program Management at WSP, is a results-driven leader with experience in leading project management and controls for large-scale construction projects across transportation, rail, commercial, and education sectors. With a strong background in cost control, scheduling, and risk, Sharmistha provides strategic direction for planning, performance tracking, and reporting functions while resolving project controls and commercial issues with a proactive, solution-focused approach.Taking pride in being a heart-led manager, Sharmistha fosters an environment where all team members, regardless of background, feel empowered to contribute and thrive. She actively promotes inclusive leadership by ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement and nurturing an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued.

Janelle E. Taylor is a distinguished leader in organizational optimization, celebrated for her mastery in uniting project management, contract management, and product management to drive unparalleled efficiency and innovation. As the visionary CEO of JTOA Corporation, Ms. Taylor has expertly guided the budgeting and strategic management of multi-billion-dollar projects, consistently advocating for acquisitions that maximize taxpayer value. Her deep expertise in project controls and cutting-edge strategies, including AI-driven portfolio management, has transformed how organizations operate. A relentless lifelong learner and pioneer of possibilities, Ms. Taylor has authored influential white papers and led critical research initiatives, collaborating with top institutions to elevate industry standards and implement best practices. Her contributions to the National Contract Management Body of Knowledge, 7th Edition, and a variety of industty publications and tailored programs further cement her reputation as a trusted authority in her field.

For the past 34 years, Tonja has held long-term management roles on multibillion-dollar projects and programs. She is the North America Technical Lead for Cost Management at Mott MacDonald and currently serves as the Cost and Estimating Lead on a major Capital Transit Program. Her extensive experience in Project Controls Management, from initiation to closeout, provides her with a strategic perspective on managing controls and overcoming challenges throughout all program phases. Tonja excels in cost management by establishing metrics, processes, and systems that enable effective monitoring and prediction of program or project performance.

With 19 years of experience in transportation infrastructure—including direct involvement in mega projects and multi-billion-dollar programs—Olia advises senior executives on how to design, scale, and optimize organizations for complex capital delivery and operations. Her leadership-first approach to transformation integrates structure, governance, processes, technology, and capabilities to enable seamless transitions across the full project lifecycle and into steady-state operations.Olia has led enterprise-wide business and digital transformations, operational redesigns, and performance improvement initiatives at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Known for her systems thinking and strategic clarity, she helps organizations navigate complexity, de-risk delivery, and build long-term resilience.A certified leadership coach, Olia is equally focused on the people side of transformation—coaching emerging leaders and building collaborative, high-performing cultures that can thrive in dynamic, high-stakes environments. She brings a rare combination of strategic insight, operational expertise, and human-centered leadership to every engagement.

Regis Fox is a brings over 15 years of expertise in planning, scheduling, and project controls for major commercial and infrastructure construction projects across the United States. As the Director of Enterprise Scheduling at Clark Construction Group, LLC, he established and leads the National Planning & Scheduling Department, building a team of 55 professionals and overseeing over 250 active construction projects valued at over $27B. His impactful work includes developing best practice standards, implementing advanced data analytics, creating comprehensive training programs, and fostering the career paths for his team. Previously, Regis served as National Director Project Controls at McKissack & McKissack, where he founded and developed the Project Controls Group. His career started at Aegis Project Controls, where he became a Cost Loaded Schedule Subject Matter Expert. A PMI Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP) and AACEI Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP), Regis holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and was recognized as the AACEI Outstanding Rising Professional in 2018, underscoring his leadership and deep technical acumen in the field.

Mohamed Hegazy is a highly experienced Project Management Consultant with over 21 years of expertise in managing mega-projects across buildings, infrastructure, and roads. He holds a Master’s in Construction Law from Salford University, UK, an MBA from UoPeople, US, and a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from Ain Shams University, Egypt. Certified as MRICS, PMP, CCP, and P3O, and a FIDIC Contracts Consultant. He is also the author of 50 Planning Fundamentals and Fundamentals of Construction Contracts.

Tim Boatwright is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in program and project management, specializing in project controls on large capital acquisition projects. Tim has been instrumental in designing, implementing, and auditing of Project Controls systems, including EIA-748 compliant Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), across various industries. Tim is the Director of EVMS at K2, Inc., where he manages the Earned Value Management practice, focusing on delivering K2’s customers with in-depth analysis, project controls systems design and guidance on implementing and using Earned Value Management. As the co-founder of Acumen PM, Tim contributed to the development of Acumen Fuse, a leading schedule analytics and risk management tool. He has served as a Board Member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACEi) and as the Chair for the AACEi Earned Value Professional (EVP) certification. Additionally, Tim currently serves as a Board Member of the College of Performance Management (CPM). With a track record of success in delivering results, Tim Boatwright brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project he undertakes, making him a sought-after speaker and expert in the field of program and project management.

Priya is a client-centric, versatile executive with deep experience and proven transformation skills in growing businesses and orchestrating organizational change at the world’s leading engineering and construction brands. She has built a dynamic management career with strong leadership, problem-solving, change management, and execution expertise, demonstrated through local, regional, and global roles in strategy, business development, operations, and delivery. She has a proven ability to recruit, lead, develop, mentor, motivate, and retain diverse global teams serving clients across the private sector, national governments, and state and local governments.

Dathan, a Director at Turner & Townsend in Houston, brings 28 years of distinguished professional expertise to complex global projects. Specializing in high-impact initiatives, he has successfully navigated $BN+ programs across diverse international markets for Fortune 500 companies. His engineering background enables him to develop strategic execution approaches, implement robust processes, and cultivate collaborative stakeholder relationships. Focused on governance and operational excellence, Dathan is deeply committed to project controls advancement. His professional leadership extends to active board involvement with industry organizations and academic institutions, demonstrating a comprehensive dedication to professional development and sector innovation.

A Mechanical Engineering graduate with over 32 years of experience in EPC industry. Traveled and worked in all 5 continents of the world.
Originally a Planner and firm believer in “Plan the Work, Work the Plan” being the only way to make a project successful. Currently with Fluor Corporation, Houston, TX (USA) as Executive Direct working on a mega LNG project in Canada (LNGC) as Business and Project Controls Manager managing Project Planning, Cost, Finance and Risk functions.

• Excellence in execution and management of mega lump sum turnkey projects with expertise in Direct Hire lump sum EPC projects, specifically Modular / LNG project execution.
• Six Sigma Champion and Green Belt. Effective application of six sigma and behavioral principles to eliminate process defects and build high performing teams.
• Major Projects include LNG Canada, Curtis Island LNG, Wheatstone LNG, Angola LNG, Chenier LNG Projects, Wood River Refinery, Comalco Alumina, PPN Power, Haldia Petrochemicals, Reliance Industries, India etc.

Tom has designed and implemented Project and Risk Management Systems in construction, transportation, and defense. His mission is to steer Project Controls toward true analysis, rather than distracting intricacies of data management. Tom comments I see excessive manual, repetitive work being performed for the sake of project planning and forecasting. A focus on automation combined with an understanding of risk will yield results which reduce routine leg-work and aid in developing quality, achievable project plans. I see many ‘analyst’ job titles, but how often do folks perform analysis? Typically they’re moving data or ‘crunching numbers.’ It’s time for change.

Christopher Dudding is the Senior Project Director for the New Embassy Compound in Mexico City, Mexico. He was promoted to Minister-Counselor rank in 2023. He recently completed a tour as Division Director for Construction Operations for OBO’s Office of Construction Management, leading all embassy construction projects worldwide. After joining the Foreign Service in 2004, having applied shortly after 9/11, he was assigned to Kabul, Afghanistan. As a part of this project, Chris supervised the renovation of the same Chancery building damaged by the Taliban in 2001, repairing decades of neglect and restoring the building to full use. After tours in Belgium and Senegal, Chris returned to the Washington area in 2013 and volunteered to take up one of OBO’s toughest domestic positions, supervising over $4.3 billion in active embassy projects in the Middle-East, North Africa, and South-Central Asia. During this time Chris oversaw a record-setting 2,000 diplomats moved into newly constructed embassy buildings in some of the most dangerous and challenging places in the world. Because of his leadership in the field of overseas construction, in 2015 he was named as one of Engineering News-Record Mid-Atlantic magazine’s Top 20 Under 40, an industry recognition rarely awarded to Government employees. Chris’s most recent position was Division Chief for Construction Operations – the State Department’s worldwide embassy construction program. In this role he oversaw nearly $14 billion in active construction programs worldwide composed of over 60 projects. He was promoted to the rank of Minister Counselor (SES-2) in 2023. Chris is currently Senior Project Director finishing the $940 million Mexico City New Embassy Compound, which will be the largest and most technically sophisticated diplomatic facility in the world. Chris has received numerous Superior Honor Awards and Meritorious Honor Awards by the Department of State, including one for his actions before, during, and after a suicide bombing attack near his jobsite in Afghanistan September 10, 2006. A graduate of Iowa State University, Chris has been a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Iowa since 2010.

Subhash Tuladhar leads the Project Controls Division at the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC), where he plays a key role in advancing the agency’s adoption of innovative technologies. He oversees critical functions including data analytics and project delivery, with a strong focus on schedule, cost, and risk management. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Subhash fosters cross-functional teamwork to drive efficiency and deliver impactful results. Subhash brings 25+ years of experience working with owners, construction companies, engineering firms, and funding agencies. He earned his MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

John Driessnack, a PMP, PfPM, and CSM, has over 40 years of experience in project, program, and portfolio management. His experience includes 21 years within six major weapons programs, including serving as the Major Defense Acquisition Program Manager for the Joint Global Broadcast System. A retired Lt Colonel, John’s experience includes broad industry and government experience. He also holds a faculty position within the Project Management Center of Excellence and the Institute for Systems Research at the University of Maryland. Currently focused on Multidimensional Portfolio Management https://pm.umd.edu/2024/01/29/umd-research-leads-to-multidimensional-view-of-portfolio-management/.… John has worked on ANSI standard development teams for Earned Value Management (1st edition) and Standard for Program (5th edition). He currently supports the United States Air Force in implementing Multidimensional Portfolio Management, including enhanced modeling. John owns Olde Stone Consulting LLC, a niche sole proprietorship consultancy. He is currently the Past President of the College of Performance Management (2025-2027) and recently created the non-profit Gloria and Hans Driessnack Digital Library.

Jonathan is an energetic, trusted, and detail-oriented leader with a proven ability to transform operational departments by driving efficiency, accountability, and cost controls. Recognized by executive teams for his ability to mitigate underperforming programs, he is a respected leader known for successfully driving change and building credibility with both executives and staff. A true solutions driver, Jonathan bridges the gap between business and technology, bringing expertise in managing complex programs and multiple concurrent projects.

Mr. Mehta has project and construction management experience, including project controls, scheduling, and cost estimating. He has experience on a wide variety of project types including commercial, industrial, courthouse, educational, healthcare, park facilities as well as a variety of transportation projects.

Alvin has a background in the principles and practices of project methodology. A solution-oriented professional, he possesses excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, along with strong communication skills to easily interface with co-workers and management. Highly motivated, results-oriented, and a team player, Alvin brings excellent interpersonal skills and strong organizational abilities, enabling effective multitasking while managing competing priorities. He has demonstrated the capacity to provide comprehensive support for both management and staff.