Two AACE International members, Lucia Vernon and Carlos Ortega, are a prime example of the benefits that can come from volunteering within the association, as well as the power of networking.

Both AACE members are now employees of Quantum Global Solutions, a leading construction consultancy firm specializing in providing expert advice and support services to the construction industry worldwide. With a reputation for excellence, Quantum relies on a team of highly skilled professionals who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the company. Two such professionals are Lucia and Carlos, who met through volunteering with AACE on the Membership Advisory Committee (MAC).

Lucia Vernon is an experienced consultant working as part of a team carrying out forensic delay analyses in several different countries. She is familiar with critical path analysis and the issuing of warning reports and ensures AACE methodology for forensic delay analysis is implemented. Lucia has used her expertise across multiple sectors including hotel development, power station construction, water and wastewater management, infrastructure, petro-chemical development, nuclear power, and building construction.

Carlos Ortega has over 18 years of project management and claims consulting experience working in the construction industry globally. In arbitration proceedings, Carlos has acted as a technical expert on multi-billion-dollar cases in Peru, Mexico, and Colombia. He specializes in project management services and policies and has led project management teams for a diverse number of large-scale infrastructure construction projects in Latin America and Australia. He is regularly called upon by industry and academia to act as a guest speaker and lecturer.

Lucia and Carlos have been involved with their local sections for several years and were invited to participate on the MAC because of their volunteer efforts and drive to further the mission of AACE. As members of the MAC, Lucia and Carlos have worked together virtually for almost two years and have helped the committee accomplish goals in addition to providing support to AACE section leaders and the membership as a whole. They serve on the Rising Professional (RP) webinar task force, working to develop and deliver valuable educational content for members and the public.

This shared connection led to an opportunity for Carlos to join Quantum Global Solutions. When the company was looking to expand in the Americas, Lucia made the connection between Carlos and Quantum. Carlos’s expertise and experience made him a perfect fit for the position. Despite never having met in person, Lucia and Carlos’s connection through AACE ultimately led to a new career opportunity for Carlos and a valuable addition to Quantum’s team.

Lucia and Carlos’s story is a perfect story of the power of volunteering for AACE. They built a meaningful connection. Volunteering provides an excellent opportunity for professionals to network, broaden their horizons, learn new skills, gain exposure to different industries and perspectives, and progress their careers, benefiting both the volunteers and the organizations they serve.

Get involved – Volunteer with AACE today!