Press Releases

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Board of Directors has voted that the association will become a Sustaining Association Member of the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in FY24. 

ACCE membership is a natural fit for CMAA, which has a vision to be the voice of the program and construction management industry and the premier resource for professionals working in the built environment. CMAA is excited to cooperate with ACCE, a specialized and programmatic accrediting agency for construction education, including construction and program management. With an updated mission to promote, support, educate, and develop professionals who lead the delivery of programs and projects within the built environment, CMAA is well poised to contribute to this new partnership. 

“As a new Sustaining Association Member of ACCE, we at CMAA are excited for the opportunity to help influence the educational experience of future construction leaders and to network with other industry members and academic leaders to promote quality construction education,” says Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA. 

Membership in ACCE contributes to achieving the outcomes in CMAA's Strategic Framework by sharing CMAA members’ unique perspectives, leadership skills, experiences, insights, and best practices to: 

• Be the industry leader in leveraging leadership skills, technological innovations, digital tools, trends, and resiliency best practices to pave the way for innovative and successful project execution.
• Become the trusted source of knowledge and best practices in program and construction management.
• Promote, develop, and educate professionals to build and sustain teams and work cultures that are diverse, welcoming, and inclusive.
• Expand the program and construction management narrative and tell the stories of the roles, opportunities, breadth, and values of the profession.
• Build brand awareness of CMAA resources and the program and construction management professionals who steward the entire project life cycle.
• Actively engage with other industry groups.

Last month the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) hosted an advocacy day, its first CMAA Hill Day, on Capitol Hill for its membership to meet with federal lawmakers to discuss important issues relevant to the construction and project management profession and the industry.

CMAA members from across the country scheduled more than a dozen visits with legislators from their home states and districts to discuss the importance of CMAA’s resources and the essential role program and construction management professionals play in stewarding the entire construction project/program lifecycle.

Conversations with legislative offices touched on several topics, including the value of credentials within the construction industry. Legislation, such as the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722), could increase access to such certifications. With over 90 cosponsors in the House, S. 722/ H.R. 1477 aims to create new opportunities for professionals by expanding 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing.

"As Congress considers vital legislation through the remainder of the year, CMAA plans to continue uplifting the voices of the construction and project management profession. As the premier resource for professionals working in the built environment, CMAA is excited to provide members with further opportunities to connect with lawmakers both at home and in Washington, D.C.," says Ethan Lott, Director of Advocacy for CMAA. 

Keep track of CMAA’s advocacy and engagement by checking out CMAA’s Advocacy Action Center.

Khaled Naja, PE, CCM, CEO of Cruise Terminals International, recently became the new Chair of the Board of Directors of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) at CMAA2023, the association’s national conference in Washington, D.C.
 
Khaled is a globally-recognized C-suite leader with cross-industry expertise in private equity infrastructure, capital planning, commercial development, construction management, asset optimization, and infrastructure operations. Khaled offers strategic insight and leadership on infrastructure and development worldwide.

Prior to taking the chief executive officer role at Cruise Terminals International, Khaled was the executive vice president at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, and before that helped lead the global aviation division at Parsons Corporation.

Khaled is a member of the CMAA North Texas Chapter, where he first became active in the association. In 2022, Khaled served as Treasurer of the Board, where he served as the Chair of both of the Audit Committee and the Investment Advisory Committee. After serving as Chair-Elect for 2023, Khaled has now become the CMAA Board of Directors Chair. 

"When I joined the National Board, what struck me was the abundance of talent," Khaled said. "Directors generously share their time, thoughts, opinions, and commitment to our profession and association. I am grateful to each of them, and I eagerly anticipate continuing this remarkable journey with them in the year ahead."

Khaled was honored as one of Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 25 Newsmakers in 2021 for innovation in modular terminal construction, a first-of-its-kind maneuver, which resulted in a paradigm shift in airport terminal development. In 2023, he was elected to the membership of The National Academy of Construction for being an innovative leader and strategist, particularly in sustainability, technology, modularization, and use of digital analytics for successful predictive outcomes.

In his acceptance speech at CMAA2023 on October 30 in Washington, D.C., Khaled committed to:  

• Expanding CMAA's advocacy initiative with objectives for preferences for Certified Construction Managers (CCMs) and a federal position classification for program and construction management professionals. 
• Developing a strategy for international engagement that advances CMAA's strategic objectives for knowledge, best practices, and engaging other organizations. 
• Defining the role of program and construction management professionals in delivery methods, other than design-bid-build and positioning CMAA to effectively champion the profession across the industry. 
• Upholding and further fostering CMAA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the industry. 
• Advocating for and showcasing how CMAA Builds Better — whether it's in people, projects, programs, or education.

"Throughout, I am committed to diligently implementing our strategic framework, ensuring that we meet our goals and aspirations. CMAA is fortunate to have a dynamic Board of Directors, reflecting the diversity that defines our industry. I commit as the Chair of CMAA to serve the members of this remarkable association and ardently uphold CMAA's Vision and Mission. I eagerly anticipate an extraordinary year ahead," Khaled said.

Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, CMAA President and CEO, expressed her thoughts on CMAA's new Chair, "Khaled's contributions on the Board of Directors and the Association for the past five years has been remarkable. He always challenges me and others on the Board to think a bit more outside the box to meet the Mission and Vision of the Association.  I look forward to seeing what the Board will accomplish in the coming year with Khaled as Chair."

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is pleased to announce it has recognized 17 projects for outstanding achievements in construction management in 2023.

The 2023 CMAA Project Achievement Award winners are:

Commercial/Sports/Entertainment/Hospitality: Construction value greater than $50 Million
San Diego State University: Snapdragon Stadium
Owner: San Diego State University
CM: OCMI, Inc.

Education: Construction value less than $10 Million
The Pennsylvania State University Breazeale Nuclear Reactor Beam Lab Addition
Owner: The Pennsylvania State University
CM: Alexander Building Construction Co.

Education: Construction value less than $50 Million
The College of Southern Maryland Health Science Building
Owner: The College of Southern Maryland
CM: Scheibel CM

Environmental: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Isabella Lake Dam - Dam Safety Modification Project
Owner: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District
CM: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District

Government: Construction value greater than $50 Million
WMATA Office Consolidation Project
Owner: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
CM: Jacobs

Healthcare: Construction value greater than $50 Million
UC Davis Health Ambulatory Care Center Expansion/Ernest E. Tschannen Eye Institute
Owner: University of California, Davis
CM: Vanir

Residential/Mixed-Use: Construction value greater than $50 Million
NMS La Jolla
Owner: WSC
CM: Gilbane Building Company

Transportation: Construction value less than $10 Million
Union Street Pedestrian Bridge 
Owner: City of Seattle, Wash.    
CM: The Walsh Group

Water/Wastewater/Utility: Construction value less than $50 Million        
Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2 Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2          
Owner: Fort Bend County WC&ID No. 2 
CM: Quiddity Engineering

Government: Construction value less than $50 Million
City of Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center           
Owner: City of Garland, Texas    
CM: AECOM

Government: Construction value less than $50 Million
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Irvine Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Control Systems Repair Project
Owner: U.S. General Services Administration      
CM: Hill International, Inc.

Commercial/Sports/Entertainment/Hospitality: Construction value less than $50 Million       
One Spruce Peak            
Owner: Spruce Peak      
CM: PC Construction

Transportation: Construction value less than $50 Million
St. Elizabeths East Campus – Pecan Street Infrastructure Improvements  
Owner: Washington, District of Columbia            
CM: Cube Root Corporation

Water/Wastewater/Utility: Construction value greater than $50 Million  
Tertiary Treatment Facility          
Owner: Regional San     
CM: HDR

Education: Construction value greater than $50 Million
Logan Memorial Educational Campus
Owner: San Diego Unified School District
CM: SchneiderCM, Inc.

Transportation: Construction value greater than $50 Million
High C Gates Demolition & Rebuild Project
Owner: DFW Airport
CM: HNTB

Residential/Mixed-Use: Construction value less than $10 Million
Linden Street Renovations
Owner: City of Fort Collins, Colo.
CM: Ditesco

The award winners will be recognized October 30, 2023, at the CMAA2023 Industry Honors and Awards Dinner at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, in National Harbor, just outside Washington, D.C.

Award winners serve as examples for CMAA to promote professionalism and excellence in the management of the construction process.

Photos and information about individual projects can be viewed here. 

The CMAA Foundation is proud to announce it has honored five recipients with scholarships in 2023, the most the organization has ever awarded. In addition, two of this year's scholarships are new for 2023 and will be awarded annually going forward.

The scholarships are given in an effort to continue to support the Foundation's 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.

The Erica Lynn First Generation College Student Scholarship was awarded for the first time to Serena Foote, a graduate student at Colorado State University. The Erica Lynn scholarship provides funds to first-generation students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in construction management, construction engineering, or civil engineering with an emphasis in construction management.

The College of Fellows Scholarship Fund awarded a scholarship to Ann Lyons, a graduate student at Clemson University pursuing a degree in Construction Science and Management with a minor in Trust in Construction Teams. This first annual scholarship was given in honor of Ron Pennella, CCM, FCMAA, who was inducted to the CMAA College of Fellows in 2016.

The 2023 CMAA Foundation Scholarships were awarded to Shirley Wu, an undergraduate from New York University, and to Ehsan Rajaie, a graduate student attending the University of Texas at Arlington. The CMAA Foundation Scholarship program is designed to aid students pursuing postsecondary education that is intended to lead to a construction management career.

The 2023 Francis M. Keville Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Brianna Lopez from San Diego State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. The Francis M. Keville Scholarship was established in 2009 by Christine Keville, FCMAA, through her firm, Keville Enterprises, Inc. It was created in honor of her late father. The scholarship is awarded each year to a female student pursuing a degree in construction management or a related discipline, who has a record of leadership and engagement both on- and off-campus, and who is planning a career in the field.

"It is incredibly rewarding for the CMAA Foundation to be in the position to award five scholarships in 2023," says Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA and the CMAA Foundation. "With these scholarships, the Foundation will continue to increase its impact on the program and construction management profession long into the future."

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About the CMAA Foundation:

The CMAA Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization; the tax identification number is 54-1803080. 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. For more information or to donate, visit www.cmaanet.org/foundation.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) invites you to share best practices, successes, and proven techniques by presenting at its spring conference, CMAA Focus24.
 
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 Focus24, which will be held March 10 - 12, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa.
 
An in-person and interactive experience, CMAA Focus24 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.
 
CMAA Focus24 will provide attendees with valuable insights to leverage leadership skills, technological innovations, digital tools, trends, and resiliency best practices that pave the way for innovative and successful project/program execution.
 
The goal of CMAA Focus24 is to provide PMs/CMs with the knowledge and skills they need to assume greater responsibility on jobsites, within their project and program teams, and among the profession.
 
Proposals for CMAA Focus24 should address ways of improving the professional PM’s/CM’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.
 
All CMAA Focus24 education session proposal submissions are due by October 13, 2023. Learn more and get started on the CMAA website.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has announced the winners of its 2023 Industry Excellence Awards.

CMAA’s Award Program recognizes excellence in construction management practice and honors companies and individuals each year based on merit. A panel of judges reviews each nomination carefully and chooses the best candidate in each category.

Lauren Sullivan, Bay Area Business Development Manager, Vanir Construction Management, has received the 2023 CMAA Leader in Environmental Stewardship Award. This honor recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations, for outstanding leadership in innovation or best practices in guiding and aiding owners as they seek to define and meet their objectives for environmental stewardship throughout a project’s life cycle.
 

Audrey Lynn Schultz, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson, Pratt Institute, has been awarded the 2023 CMAA Mark Hasso Educator of the Year honor. This recognition emphasizes excellence in teaching and recognizes a full-time educator for outstanding professional accomplishments and a commitment to construction management education.
 

Sharath Vennavelly, PE, CCM, Project Manager, Ardurra, has received the 2023 CMAA Distinguished Young Professional Award. This award recognizes and celebrates a full-time professional for outstanding professional accomplishments and a commitment to the construction management industry early in their career.
 

Tammy Huddleston, Vice President of Design, Code, and Construction, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has been honored with the 2023 CMAA Distinguished Owner Award. This award recognizes an owner member who understands the value of a professional construction manager on the job and whose consistent actions have made meaningful and extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the construction management profession.
 

This year, a special honor, the CMAA Chair's Commendation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, was awarded to BuildOUT California. This is an award given at the Chair's discretion for projects or initiatives that go above and beyond in specific areas.
 

David Alexander, PE, CCM, Nevada Area Manager, Kleinfelder/CMWorks, was honored as the 2023 Mehdi Heydari CCM of the Year. David was chosen for demonstrating leadership in his position within the Southern Nevada Chapter by fostering relationships and helping to resurrect and grow awareness for the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential. He has dedicated his career to excellence in construction management and volunteered in numerous positions to help advance the construction industry.

“Each of our award winners work hard to make a difference, and we commend each of them for their achievements and contributions to the construction industry,” states CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE.

CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s in-person conference, CMAA2023, October 29 -31, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Visit www.cmaanet.org/cmaa2023 for more information.
 
Entries for the 2024 CMAA Industry Honors Awards program will open in March.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) announces four members have been selected for induction into the CMAA College of Fellows for 2023. They are:

• Frank Corona, PE, CCM, FCMAA | AECOM
• Bruce Risley, RA, CCM, FCMAA | Arcadis
• Heather Shinn, CCM, FCMAA | Parsons Corporation
• Agnes Weber, PE, CCM, FCMAA | Gannett Fleming

“These individuals were selected for their record of contributions to the success of CMAA, their dedication to CMAA’s core objectives, and their commitment to the future of the organization,” said Joe Seibold, PE, FCMAA, Chancellor of the CMAA College of Fellows. “I look forward to their future success and to the new perspectives they bring to the College’s work.”

CMAA members are nominated and selected in recognition of their demonstrated leadership in the industry, their significant contributions to the profession, the industry, the association, and their commitment to the future. The FCMAA designation is the highest honor CMAA can bestow on an individual member and this year’s honorees are no exception.

The College of Fellows seeks to represent a diverse community of industry leaders who lend their knowledge and insight to the strategic issues facing the industry and the construction management profession, identify and assist in the development of future leaders, and take an active role in supporting the mission of CMAA.

“The selection committee has made outstanding choices for this year’s inductees,” said Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA. “These individuals have a clear commitment to CMAA’s success promoting the profession of construction management and the use of qualified construction managers on projects and programs.”
 
See more about the CMAA College of Fellows here.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for CMAA2023. As the premiere event for program and construction management professionals, this fall conference will 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 industry.  

CMAA2023 will take place October 29 - 31, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor.  Attendees can look froward to a comprehensive expo hall, networking opportunities, plenary and breakout sessions, and a full education program. The highlight of the event is the annual CMAA Industry Honors and Awards Program, where our annual Project Achievement Awards, Person of the Year, and other individual honors are presented.

CMAA is also proud to present these keynote speakers for the event:

The Monday morning plenary session will feature an interactive experience with Amanda Gore, CEO of The Joy Project, as she shares strategies, techniques, and skills that will allow people to adapt to change, transform their attitudes, eradicate fear, and improve relationships, communication, leadership, sales, and customer service.

Tuesday’s lunch plenary features a presentation from Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc. This in-depth analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes, including central bank policymaking, worker attitudes, business confidence, and geopolitics, will also include a forecast for the year to come, highlighting the major risks that economic stakeholders will likely encounter.

The CMAA2023 website provides access to registration, accommodation information, the Schedule at a Glance, and Full Schedule. CMAA2023 Sponsorships are also now available and include a variety of ways to get your products and services in front of CMAA members. Now is also the time to become an exhibitor at the CMAA2023 Expo. 

Register for CMAA2023 here. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) have signed a cooperating agreement. 

The newly-formed partnership is a win for both organizations as each has a goal of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry. NAWIC will use this agreement to help continue the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.

“NAWIC is a natural partner for CMAA as we work collectively to advance and advocate for women in the industry,” said CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE. 

Rutledge and NAWIC Executive Director Crissy Ingram completed the cooperative agreement recently. The two orgainizations will cross-promote events, with the possibility of co-producing a few, and attend each other's conferences and events. 

One of the features of the partnership is that NAWIC members will be able to pursue CMCI credentials for the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT), Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM), and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) at the CMAA member rate. 
Later this year, CMAA will lead a Construction Management Principles Course for NAWIC members during their 68th Annual Conference, in Portland, Oregon.

This partnership aims to further the success of women in construction through advancing their education and careers, as well as advancing the construction industry through increasing talent within the workforce. 

“I am so excited for NAWIC and CMAA to enter into this partnership. This is a big step in educating and promoting women in the industry,” Ingram said.