Press Releases

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is inviting program and construction management professionals, faculty, students, and all those involved in the design, construction, and management of the built environment to submit proposals to present at its flagship fall conference, CMAA2026 – Experience Shared. Construction Delivered.

Scheduled for October 4 – 6, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, CMAA2026 will bring together industry leaders and practitioners for an in-person, interactive conference designed to advance the construction and program management profession. The event will feature a comprehensive expo hall, plenary and breakout sessions, and the CMAA Industry Recognition Awards, where the 2026 CMAA Project Achievement Awards and other individual honors will be presented.

CMAA2026 will equip professionals at all career stages with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to strengthen project and program outcomes. Education sessions will highlight practical insights, emerging innovations, and collaborative strategies that help improve performance across the construction industry.

CMAA is seeking proposals for education sessions that:

• Deliver practical, how-to applications with clear takeaways
• Challenge conventional thinking and spark new ideas
• Strengthen innovation, resiliency, and leadership performance
• Provide content immediately applicable to real projects
• Share perspectives across the entire project team
• Engage participants through interactive discussion and problem-solving
• Address learning needs for professionals at all career stages

The conference program is designed to showcase proven techniques, lessons learned, and forward-thinking strategies that can be applied directly to today’s complex construction and infrastructure projects.

Completed presentation proposals must be submitted by March 15, 2026.

Additional details, submission guidelines, and the proposal template are available through CMAA’s request for proposals (RFP) materials.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) announces that Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, president and CEO, plans to retire in July 2026, marking the culmination of a period of leadership defined by strategic growth, organizational stability, and an unwavering commitment to advance the program and construction management profession.

Since being named the organization’s first female President and CEO in 2017, Rutledge has guided the association through a dynamic era of change and opportunity, strengthening its voice, broadening its reach, and reinforcing its mission to serve construction management professionals nationwide. Under her leadership, CMAA expanded its programs, elevated professional standards, and deepened engagement across its membership and industry partners.

At CMAA, Rutledge oversaw board and industry relations, strategic initiatives, and long-range planning, helping position the association for sustained success. During her tenure, CMAA achieved measured progress, resulting in cumulative growth and lasting impact for the association and the profession it serves.

“At every stage of her tenure, Andrea led with purpose and resolve,” said Carol Holland, PE, CCM, chair of the CMAA Board of Directors. “Her belief in the value of construction and program management — and in the professionals who practice it — has left an enduring mark on this organization.”

The CMAA Board of Directors has initiated a national executive search to identify the association’s next President and CEO. This process will focus on securing a leader who can continue to build on CMAA’s strong foundation while guiding the organization into its next chapter. A search committee has been named and is chaired by Holland.

“The search committee will have a commitment to strong leadership, strategic vision, and the continued advancement of the construction and program management profession. We are focused on identifying a leader who will build on CMAA’s legacy, serve our members with integrity, and guide the Association confidently in the years to come,” added Holland.

Additional details regarding the transition will be shared in the months ahead.

For more information, contact:
Mark Gedris, Vice President, Member Engagement
mgedris@cmaanet.org
703-677-3375

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is proud to announce that Carol Holland, PE, CCM, Senior Vice President, Cornerstone Concilium, Inc., became the new Chair of the CMAA Board of Directors at CMAA2025, the association’s national conference in Nashville.

A senior facilities and engineering executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership experience, Carol brings strategic leadership and business development expertise to Cornerstone Concilium, an engineering and management consulting firm that has been serving aviation, transportation, facilities, and technology sectors since 1986.
 
Carol's distinguished career includes notable achievements such as managing the almost $2 billion Pentagon Wedge 2-5 renovation, overseeing the $500 million International Monetary Fund headquarters renovation project as deputy director, and leading facilities planning for the Department of Job Corps Program's 124 centers totaling 15 million square feet with a $100 million annual construction budget. 

A Navy veteran and Naval Academy graduate, Carol’s career began as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer providing full lifecycle management for Navy facilities globally. 

Her technical credentials include a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. She is a licensed professional engineer, a Certified Construction Manager (CCM), and LEED Accredited Professional. Carol is also a member of the CMAA National Capital Chapter and previously served as its president. 

"My commitment to this role stems from over 25 years managing complex facilities and capital programs first in the United States Navy Civil Engineer corps managing over $2 billion in military construction, maintenance, and repair, and then in the private sector, from the Pentagon's $3.4 billion renovation to the IMF's $1 billion headquarters renewal," Carol said. 

"These experiences taught me that successful project delivery requires not just technical expertise, but diverse perspectives, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This is the value proposition we must continue to champion."

In her acceptance speech at CMAA2025 on October 20 in Nashville, Carol suggested the program and construction management profession stands at a pivotal moment. "The infrastructure needs before us are unprecedented, yet we face a significant workforce gap. Recent owner discussions reveal forecasts of tripling construction spend with minimal increases in overhead support," she said.

She also promised that CMAA will remain focused on three priorities: 

• Workforce Development - aggressively addressing the talent shortage
• Advocacy Excellence - intensifying efforts for construction management professional recognition and advancing the value of credentialed professionals
• Communication and Value Demonstration - better articulating the measurable value program and construction management professionals bring to project outcomes 

"Our tagline remains our North Star: CMAA Builds Better: better buildings, better professionals, better infrastructure. Simply better. This commitment to continuous improvement drives our work ahead," Carol said. 

Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, CMAA President and CEO, expresses her thoughts on CMAA's new Chair, “Carol has made remarkable contributions to both the Board of Directors and the Association. She consistently encourages me — and the entire Board — to think creatively and push boundaries in pursuit of CMAA’s mission and vision. I’m excited to see all that the Board will accomplish under her leadership in the year ahead.”

For more information, contact:
Colleen Fishter, Director, Communications
cfishter@cmaanet.org
703-995-7381

The Construction Management Association of American (CMAA) invites program and construction management (PM/CM) professionals, faculty, students, and all those involved in design, construction, and management in the built environment to submit education session proposals for CMAA Focus26, which will be held March 8 - 10, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

CMAA Focus26 is an immersive, in-person experience designed for seasoned construction and program management professionals looking to push boundaries, challenge assumptions, and elevate their impact. This will be where the industry’s most forward-thinking leaders gather to shape what’s next. 

Not your standard conference, CMAA Focus26 will be uniquely designed for professionals who are stepping into greater leadership roles and influencing project, program, and organizational outcomes. We are seeking proposals by November 1, 2025, that go beyond the basics — those that provide fresh insights, challenge conventional thinking, and offer practical tools for driving innovation, resiliency, and leadership performance. CMAA Focus26 will explore the intersection of technology, leadership, and strategy through interactive, discussion-based sessions that engage participants and spark meaningful dialogue. 

Completed CMAA Focus26 education session proposal submissions are due by November 1, 2025. Learn more and get started on the CMAA website.

For more information, contact:
Colleen Fishter, Director, Communications
cfishter@cmaanet.org
703-995-7381

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is pleased to announce it has recognized 15 projects for outstanding achievements in construction management.

The 2025 Project Achievement Award winners are:

Commercial/Sports/Entertainment/Hospitality: Construction value greater than $50 Million    
Gemdale Aperture Phase II - Research & Development
Owner: Gemdale USA
CM/PM: Kitchell CEM 

Commercial/Sports/Entertainment/Hospitality: Construction value less than $50 Million    
San Pedro Waterfront Berths 74-83 Promenade Phase II   
Owner: Port of Los Angeles 
CM/PM Project Team: Port of Los Angeles
 
Education: Construction value less than $50 Million
Goochland County Public Schools, New Goochland Elementary School
Owner: Goochland County Public Schools   
CM/PM Project Team: MBP
 
Education: Construction value less than $50 Million    
Pontiac Elementary School Addition 
Owner: Richland School District 2, Richland, SC
CM/PM Project Team: Harper General Contractors
 
Environmental: Construction value greater than $50 Million    
Private Property Debris Removal - Eaton Fire
Owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers    
CM/PM Project Team: ECC
 
Government: Construction value greater than $50 Million    
California Dept. of General Services, May Lee State Office Complex
Owner: California Dept. of General Services
CM/PM Project Team: Kitchell CEM
 
Government: Construction value less than $50 Million    
Department of Veterans Affairs HQ Optimization
Owner: U.S. General Services Administration
CM/PM Project Team: Procon Consulting
 
Healthcare: Construction value less than $50 Million    
Rankin County EMS Station 
Owner: Rankin County Hospital District
CM/PM Project Team: Lott Brothers Construction Company
 
Residential/Mixed-Use: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Parcel 12 
Owner: Samuels & Associates 
CM/PM Project Team: Suffolk Construction
 
Transportation: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Baggage Optimization Project - Phase 2
Owner: Port of Seattle
CM/PM Project Team: Parametrix

Transportation: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Track Improvement Program
Owner: MBTA
CM/PM Project Team: MBTA

Transportation: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Washington National Airport (DCA) Runways Rehabilitation
Owner: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority 
CM/PM Project Team: Keville Enterprises, Inc.
 
Transportation: Construction value less than $50 Million    
Port of Long Beach Pier D Berth D48-50 Transit Shed Abatement and Renovation Project
Owner: Port of Long Beach
CM/PM Project Team: Jacobs

Water/Wastewater/Utility: Construction value greater than $50 Million    
Rocky River Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Phase 3 Upgrades
Owner: Water and Sewer Authority of Cabarrus County, North Carolina
CM/PM Project Team: Crowder Construction Company
 
Water/Wastewater/Utility: Construction value less than $50 Million
North Water Treatment Plant South Reservoir Water Quality Improvements Project
Owner: Town of Gilbert, Arizona 
CM/PM Project Team: Kennedy Jenks

Find all CMAA Project Achievement Award winners on our website. 

For more information, contact:
Colleen Fishter, Director, Communications
cfishter@cmaanet.org
703-995-7381

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) proudly announces the recipients of its 2025 Industry Honors Individual Recognition Awards.

Each year, CMAA’s Awards Program celebrates outstanding achievements in construction management by recognizing individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence and leadership in the industry. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of expert judges who assess each nomination based on demonstrated merit and impact.

CMAA Distinguished Young Professional Award
Recognizes and celebrates a full-time, individual member, for a commitment to the industry and outstanding professional accomplishments early in their career.
2025 Recipients:
Azmat Aulakh, CCM | JGM 
Steve Stephenson, CCM | SLS Consultants 

CMAA Award for Creating Respectful Environments
Recognizes a program and construction management professional or organization with a demonstrated commitment to at least one of the following: 1) Promoting, developing, and educating professionals to build and sustain teams and work cultures that are respectful, professional, and ethical.
2) Promoting the importance of collaborative teams composed of individuals working together with common goals and representing unique perspectives.
3) Promoting or creating CMAA member experiences where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
2025 Recipient:
Regional Hispanic Contractors Association 

CMAA Golden Key Award
Recognizes and celebrates individual members – in any membership category – with a record of service and contribution to the growth and development of CMAA or the CMAA Foundation over a period of at least five years and whose contributions have advanced the vision, mission, and values of CMAA or the CMAA Foundation.
2025 Recipients:
Chad Frederick, CCM | Sound Transit 
Don Hill | Hensel Phelps
Kristin McElroy, CCM | STV 

CMAA Mark Hasso Educator of the Year Award
Recognizes and celebrates a full-time educator for a commitment to program and construction management education and for building relationships and connections between educators and practitioners.
2025 Recipient:
Elhami Nasr, Ph.D. | California State University, Long Beach 

Mehdi Heydari Award for Credentialing Excellence
Recognizes a CCM, whether an owner, service provider, or industry leader, who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to advancing both credentialing and professional development. Honorees embody the spirit of excellence by mentoring others, promoting credentialed professionals, and strengthening the construction management profession through their efforts.
2025 Recipient: 
Bret Hadzimichalis, PE, CCM | Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson

CCM Champion Coins of Excellence
Recognizes an exceptional individual who embodies the highest standards of professionalism and supports a culture of certification within the construction management industry.
2025 Recipients:
CMAA Metro NY/NJ Chapter
Joshua Gray PE, CCM | Consor
Sharad Mathur, CCM |APSI Construction Management

“Each of our award winners has demonstrated outstanding dedication and impact in the construction industry. We proudly recognize their achievements and commend their continued contributions to advancing construction management,” states CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE.

CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s national conference, CMAA2025, October 19 - 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit CMAA's conference website for more information.
 
Entries for the 2026 CMAA Industry Honors Individual Recognition Awards program will open in March.

For more information, contact:
Colleen Fishter, Director, Communications
cfishter@cmaanet.org
703-995-7381

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) proudly announces the selection of 11 distinguished members to the College of Fellows for 2025 — the largest class ever selected for inclusion into this esteemed group.

The 2025 class includes:

• Philios Angelides, PE, FCMAA | The Angelides Group, LLC | McLean, Va. 
• Atul Apte, CCM, FCMAA | APSI Construction Management | Irvine, Calif.
• David P. Crosson, PE, FCMAA | HNTB Corporation | Chicago, Ill. 
• Brian Hanifin, FCMAA | The Vertex Companies | New York, N.Y. 
• Ronald C. Kerins, Jr., CCM, FCMAA | GREYHAWK | Mount Laurel, N.J. 
• Sharareh Kermanshachi, FCMAA | Penn State University | Middletown, Pa. 
• Christine Oates, CCM, FCMAA | Jacobs | New York, N.Y. 
• Anthony J. Sanger, CCM, FCMAA | Rivian Automotive | Madison, Ga. 
• Douglas E. Titzer, CCM, FCMAA | Iron Mountain | Falls Church, Va. 
• Patrick Vance, CCM, FCMAA | Parsons | San Antonio, Texas 
• Chad J. White, JD, CCM, FCMAA | Bowers+Kubota | Waipahu, Hawaii 

“CMAA members are selected for Fellowship in recognition of their leadership in the program and construction management profession, contributions to its advancement, unwavering support of CMAA, and dedication to future generations,” said Lisa Sachs, FAIA, CCM, FCMAA, Chancellor of the CMAA College of Fellows.

The FCMAA designation is CMAA’s highest individual honor. This year’s class exemplifies excellence in leadership, innovation, and professional service.

The College of Fellows represents an accomplished community of leaders committed to shaping the future of the industry. Fellows contribute strategic insight, mentor emerging leaders, and champion the mission of CMAA throughout the built environment.

“The selection committee had a challenging task given the exceptional pool of nominees,” said Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA. “Each of these 11 individuals embodies the values, vision, and commitment that define our College of Fellows and the broader CMAA community.”

Learn more about the CMAA College of Fellows here. 

For more information, contact:
Colleen Fishter, Director, Communications
cfishter@cmaanet.org
703-995-7381

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is excited to announce that registration is open for CMAA2025, the premier conference for program and construction management professionals. Taking place October 19 – 21, 2025, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee, the event will convene leaders and innovators from both public and private sectors to explore cutting-edge trends, tools, and strategies shaping the future of the industry.

CMAA2025 will feature a dynamic mix of plenary and breakout sessions, a comprehensive expo hall, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and professional growth. A key highlight of the conference is the CMAA Industry Honors and Awards Program, recognizing excellence through the prestigious Project Achievement Awards and Individual Honors.

This year’s program expands with the addition of five specialty courses offered on October 18, ahead of the main conference — two of which are brand new offerings:

• NEW: Facing the Fire: Preparing for Your Deposition
  An interactive, scenario-based course focused on navigating high-stakes depositions with clarity and confidence.
   
• NEW: Resilience by Design with Advanced Mitigation Approaches
  Explore planning and construction management strategies that improve infrastructure’s ability to withstand, absorb, and recover from disruptions.
   
• Advanced Scheduling for CMs
  A deep dive into schedule development, review techniques, claim prevention, and time-related risk management.
   
• Negotiating Success: How to Achieve Successful Outcomes
  Real-world negotiation strategies for construction managers to align stakeholders and resolve project challenges effectively.
   
• Construction Management Principles
  An essential foundation for understanding the role of the construction manager, project types, contracts, leadership, and more.

Additionally, CMAA2025 will host two cornerstone preconference offerings:

• Professional CM (PCM) Course – October 16 – 18
   
• Train the Trainer Course – October 16 – 17

Conference attendees can find registration details, hotel accommodations, and the full event schedule on the official CMAA2025 website.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) recently held its 2025 Hill Day in Washington, D.C., bringing together construction and program management professionals from across the country to advocate for policies supporting the industry.

During the April 29 event, CMAA advocates met with congressional offices to educate lawmakers about the critical role of construction and program management professionals. Advocates emphasized the value of credentialed construction and program managers on public projects, and voiced support for policies included in the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 756/H.R. 1151).

This bipartisan legislation, which currently has 154 sponsors and cosponsors in the House and 14 in the Senate, would expand 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing programs, creating new opportunities for professionals seeking industry certification.

“Our 2025 Hill Day demonstrated the power of bringing together passionate industry advocates to speak directly with policymakers,” said Ethan Lott, Director of Advocacy for CMAA. “The conversations we had on Capitol Hill are already yielding positive results and will help advance policies that support construction management professionals and strengthen America’s infrastructure and workforce development. We’re deeply grateful to all our members who participated in this important initiative," he added.

“CMAA Hill Day provided a powerful platform to tell the construction management industry's story, and to highlight the vital role of credentialed construction managers and the significant contributions we make to U.S. infrastructure,” said Kara Lentz, PE, CCM, National Construction Services Practice Leader and Vice President at HNTB Corporation. Lentz also serves as Vice Chair of CMAA’s National Board of Directors and Chair of the Government Advocacy Committee.

“Engaging with lawmakers was especially meaningful — they were welcoming, engaged and genuinely interested in our profession and the importance of credentialing. It also provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow CMAA professionals from across the country,” Lentz added. 

The event saw strong participation from CMAA members nationwide, with advocates joining from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Texas, and Virginia.

CMAA plans to continue amplifying the voices of construction and program management professionals as Congress works through important legislation this year. For more information about CMAA’s advocacy initiatives, visit CMAA’s Advocacy Action Center at https://cmaanet.quorum.us/cmaa_advocacy/. 
 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) provides program and construction management professionals with the industry's leading source of education and training through a variety of traditional and digital programs dedicated to improving the overall competency and performance of industry professionals. 

The association believes strongly in this educational opportunity and wants the benefits of the programs to be available to everyone, everywhere, at all times. This is why CMAA is now offering a 35% discount to workers who have been impacted by the recent federal layoffs. This discount code will be available for use on CMAA publications, CMAA courses, and the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT®) Stackable Credentials Program. Additional details below. 

CMAA publications include Capstone: An Introduction to the CM Profession, Construction Management Standards of Practice, the full CMAA Construction Management Guidelines, which include primary source publications that are specific to an area of construction management, such as claims, cost, quality, and risk, as well as study guides, a fee survey, and salary survey. Several of these publications are now available in Spanish, with more scheduled for translation soon. Find more in the CMAA Bookstore. 

CMAA offers opportunities for construction managers who are preparing for the CMIT, Certified Associate Construction Manager® (CACM), and Certified Construction Manager® (CCM®) exams, as well as those who would like to keep their construction management skills sharp. A full schedule of instructor-led (virtual or in-person) opportunities is available on our website. The list includes CCM Build Up, Construction Management Principles, Professional Construction Management (PCM) Course, and Train the Trainer. 

The CMIT Stackable Credentials focus on the fundamentals of construction management practice and offer a pathway to learn how to become a competent and successful construction manager. The program begins with the CMIT designation, which demonstrates competence in the practice of construction management early in an individual’s career. CMIT Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 are extensions of the certificate and demonstrate growing competence and experience as a professional moves forward in their career. 

"CMAA would like to help federal workers use this time to create a new opportunity that expands their careers by gaining knowledge in the construction industry," says Andrea Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO, CMAA.

Those impacted by federal layoffs can take advantage of the 35% discount by contacting CMAA's Professional Development department at pd@cmaanet.org.