Press Releases

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.

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. 

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. 
 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) invites program and construction management professionals, faculty, students, and all those involved in design, construction, and management in the built environment to share their best practices, successes, and proven techniques by presenting at its fall conference, CMAA2025.

CMAA2025, scheduled for October 19 - 21, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn., is CMAA's flagship event. It will include a comprehensive expo hall, plenary and breakout sessions, and the annual CMAA Industry Recognition Awards where 2025 CMAA Project Achievement Awards and other individual honors will be presented.

Planned are three days of education, collaboration, and networking. This year’s event is designed to provide attendees with learning experiences that are valuable to the recipient, relevant to the evolving industry, unique to the profession, and optimal for project/program outcomes.

Proposals for CMAA2025 are now being accepted and should address ways of improving the program and construction management professional's performance as a leader and their ability to overcome the obstacles and challenges they face in their professional lives. Sessions should provide content and learning opportunities that attendees cannot get elsewhere and feature interactive sessions that engage the audience and encourage participation.

Completed submissions are due by March 28, 2025. RFP details and guidelines, along with a template are provided here. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is thrilled to announce its spring conference, CMAA Focus25. An in-person and interactive experience, this event is designed to provide attendees with learning experiences that are valuable to the recipient, relevant to the evolving industry, unique to the profession, and optimal for project and program outcomes. The conference is set to bring together public and private sector leaders, professionals, and innovators from across the U.S. to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are revolutionizing the construction industry.  

CMAA Focus25 will take place over three days, March 9 - 11, 2025, at the M Resort Spa, in Las Vegas. Attendees can look forward to a robust education program where they will gain valuable insights to leverage leadership skills, technological innovations, and digital tools, trends, and resiliency best practices that pave the way for innovative and successful project/program execution.

CMAA is also proud to present several compelling plenary sessions during the event. Those will include:

Tourism and Infrastructure Panel – The Streets of Las Vegas takes a deep dive into the dynamic interplay between tourism and infrastructure, with a spotlight on the surface and horizontal systems that keep people and vehicles moving across the region. From stadiums and parking lots to hotels, airports, restaurants, and even doctors’ appointments—no destination is off limits! Attendees will hear how these critical networks support visitors, fans, residents, players, and more, while examining how tourism fuels infrastructure development and vice versa.

Hacking the Rockstar Brain will have you ready to rock as we join legendary professional drummer Mark Schulman as he brings the house down with the transformative energy to ignite personal and professional development, equipping you with immediate strategies to evolve your attitude, amplify impact, and expand passion into purpose. Joining Mark is Heather Crider, an elite neuroscience and neuro-performance coach, who takes existing and emerging high-level performers on an immersive and transformative journey. Together, they deliver a thrilling fusion of rock and roll stories, cutting-edge techniques, and science-backed strategies that empower you to lead with purpose, supercharge team synergy, and live like a rockstar.

Construction Market Outlook 2027: Trends and Opportunities will be presented by Brandon Michalski, Principal, Construction Economist, MOCA Systems. The presentation aims to equip participants with strategies to navigate various economic conditions. Specifically, this session will explore the broader economy, direct construction costs (labor, material, and equipment), and indirect costs (interest rates, government spending, geopolitics, supply chain, green technology, etc.). Additionally, it will provide a forecast and outlook to 2027, highlighting growing sectors and market risks.

The Workforce of the Future: Emerging Leaders' Vision for a New Era in Construction Management will explore how conscious inclusion is driving transformation, how new professionals are bridging the gap with seasoned experts, and how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing project controls and safety. Attendees will hear firsthand how the next generation of leaders is actively contributing to the evolution of construction and those in senior leadership will gain valuable insights into the innovative strategies and fresh perspectives poised to redefine the industry.

Great Expectations delves into the reality that each year owners and service providers face a multitude of challenges and expectations. In this conversation, CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, will ask a panel of CMAA members how they are managing expectations for success in terms of capital planning, project delivery, and team building.

The CMAA Focus25 event website provides access to registration, accommodations, and the schedule at a glance. Browse the full schedule to see all education session titles and descriptions, as well as speaker information. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is in the process of publishing Spanish translations for 11of its publications, continuing an effort to make industry resources accessible to an even larger number of program and construction management professionals.

These translations, which will be released in phases through Spring 2026, mark the first time CMAA’s Construction Management Guidelines have been available in a language other than English. The first of CMAA’s Construction Management Guidelines in Spanish - Pautas de Gestión de Tecnología (Technology Management Guidelines) - is now available in the CMAA Bookstore as an eBook or print publication.

This release will be followed by 10 additional Spanish-language translations, including these publications:

• Claims Management Guidelines
• Contract Administration Guidelines
• Cost Management Guidelines
• Professional Practice Guidelines
• Project Closeout Guidelines
• Quality Management Guidelines
• Risk Management Guidelines
• Safety Management Guidelines    
• Sustainability Guidelines
• Time Management Guidelines 

This expansion of CMAA’s content library follows the publication of Spanish translations of the association’s Construction Management Standards of Practice (Gestión de la Construcción: Estándares de Práctica) and Capstone: An Introduction to the Construction Management Profession (Curso Final: Introducción a la Profesión de Gestión de la Construcción). These translations will help more program and construction managers, as well as other industry professionals, access the necessary resources to advance their careers.

An electronic version of these publications will be available at a discounted rate for CMAA members and are included with Mega Member benefits at no additional cost.

A Spanish version of this press release can be found here. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Foundation Board of Directors proudly announces that its Leadership Challenge has surpassed an ambitious fundraising goal, marking a significant milestone in advancing program and construction management education and workforce development. 

The Leadership Challenge demonstrates the commitment of CMAA’s founders, Fellows, and current leaders to use philanthropy to build a strong workforce in support of our future for the program and construction management community.  

Pledges and gifts made between July, 2021, and December, 2024, raised $292,000 through 138 gifts from 62 individual donors. 

The CMAA Foundation invites you to build on this momentum with gifts in 2025 and beyond to expand scholarship opportunities and workforce development programs at the local level.  

The CMAA Foundation Board of Directors has three objectives for the campaign: 

• Solicit and steward charitable gifts to support the Foundation’s vision and mission. 
• Increase understanding and knowledge of the Foundation among donors and supporters. 
• Increase engagement of donors and supporters with the Foundation. 

“Serving as Chair of the Foundation, I am deeply moved by the unwavering generosity of our community," says Joni E. Fournier, CCM, Special Projects Director of Artaic Group. "These contributions will not only empower deserving students through scholarships but also strengthen the programs that shape the future of our profession. Together, we are building a workforce that reflects the values of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence.” 

Lisa C. Sachs, FAIA, CCM, FCMAA, Managing Principal Emerita of Cumming Group, Chancellor of the College of Fellows, adds, “These gifts provide much needed scholarship opportunities for deserving students who demonstrate leadership skills for our industry and strengthen regional workforce development programs.”     

About the CMAA Foundation

VISION: The CMAA Foundation envisions a future workforce that is open, inclusive, and committed to the growth and development of the profession.

MISSION: The CMAA Foundation advances and supports workforce development to support the future growth of the industry, development of research beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the industry, and education in the construction management profession.

Foundation Scope of Work

SCHOLARSHIPS. The Foundation supports scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary degrees and careers in program and construction management.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. The Foundation supports workforce development in the Construction & Program Management profession (CM/PM) through the Chapter Grants Program and the Faculty Residency Program.

RESEARCH. The Foundation is developing a program to support applied and original research that will advance technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the industry through grants to individual scholars or teams. These grants are limited to “seed money” and are intended to support the early stages of such projects.

Learn more about the CMAA Foundation here.

The Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI) is proud to offer a clear and structured pathway to success for professionals in the construction management industry. With certifications tailored to different stages of a construction manager’s career, CMCI empowers individuals to achieve their professional goals while setting the standard for excellence in the industry.

Whether you are just starting out, gaining experience, or establishing yourself as a seasoned expert, CMCI certifications - the Certified Construction Manager® (CCM®), Certified Associate Construction Manager® (CACM), and Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT®) - offer unmatched opportunities for growth and recognition.

The CMCI Pathway to Success

1. Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT): Building Tomorrow's Leaders
The CMIT stackable credentials program is ideal for students, recent graduates, and early-career professionals. It demonstrates a commitment to the construction management profession and provides foundational knowledge that sets the stage for future success. And, it is free to active duty military. The CMIT designation:

• Shows your dedication to learning and growth.
• Helps you build a network of industry professionals.
• Equips you with key construction management principles.

2. Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM): A Trusted Professional
The CACM certification takes the next step to recognize emerging construction professionals, validating their growing expertise and dedication to program and project excellence. The CACM is perfect for professionals who have progressed beyond the CMIT level and are ready to take on greater responsibilities, bridging the gap between hands-on experience and leading projects or programs with confidence.

• Validates your growing expertise in managing construction projects.
• Enhances your resume and career opportunities.
• Positions you as a trusted professional in the industry.

3. Certified Construction Manager (CCM): The Gold Standard
As the leading certification in construction management, the CCM distinguishes top professionals who demonstrate extensive experience, skill, and a commitment to ethical practices. Holding the CCM credential:

• Offers an in to job opportunities that require or prefer candidates with the CCM.
• Opens doors to leadership roles and increases earning potential, up to about 10% more.
• Establishes you as an expert in construction management.
• Provides recognition from peers, clients, and industry leaders.

Start Your Journey Today

CMCI certifications are more than just credentials; they are a testament to your dedication and capability in the construction management field. Take the first step on your pathway to success and explore the certification that aligns with your career stage.

For more information about CMCI certifications and how they can benefit your career, visit https://www.cmaanet.org/certification.