Source

NEW: Member Assistance Program Launched

admin — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:31:34 +0000

NEW: Member Assistance Program Launched

AACE is excited to launch this new membership program. The Member Assistance Program offers member support with dues and education assistance. Individual members in good standing are eligible. The program intends to ensure that individuals can maintain AACE membership and further their professional development during times of financial insecurity when keeping members connected to the AACE community and available resources is vital. Funds are limited, and the program will continue at the discretion of the AACE Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will designate a maximum total award amount annually.

At this time, only the Conference & Expo Grants are open.

These grants provide funding to cover the meeting registration for AACE members who have provided volunteer service to the association. The total number of grants awarded will be subject to funding available. Applications will be reviewed and approved by AACE staff. Selected recipients must confirm within seven days that they wish to accept the grant (or the grant may be made available to another applicant).

Eligibility:

Current AACE member at the time of application.
AACE volunteer service within the last five years.
Demonstrate the need by completing the online application before the deadline.

Eligible Expenses:

This grant covers conference registration only. It does not cover travel, lodging, meals, or other incidental expenses.

Lodging Requirement:

To remain eligible for this grant, you must stay at the official conference host hotel during the event. Recipients are responsible for booking and paying for their accommodations.

Only one education grant (Conference & Expo or Online Education) may be awarded to a member every five years.

Link to the form here: https://form.jotform.com/250865791584168

AACE 2025 Election Results Announced

admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:58:24 +0000

AACE 2025 Election Results Announced

Results from this year’s annual AACE International Board of Directors election for President-Elect, Secretary, and Directors-At-Large are announced. Voting ended on March 31.

The Winners Are:

President-Elect: Mark Sanders, PE CCP CFCC PSP
Secretary: Barrett Richards, CCP CEP PSP
Director-at-Large: David Alejandro Chigne Tataje, CCP CEP PSP
Director-at-Large: João Paulo Matos Dias, PSP

President-Elect

Mark Sanders was elected President-Elect. This is a three-year commitment, serving 2025-2026 as President-Elect, 2026-2027 as President, and 2027-2028 as Past President.

Mark received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Villanova University. He joined AACE International in 2001. He is a past President and Treasurer of the Delaware Valley Section, a past member of the Certification Board, and has served on the Board of Directors as Secretary for the past four years.

Mark’s experience includes US and international projects, many of which have been in the energy and transportation sectors. He has worked in on-site engineering and project controls roles, as an engineering manager, as a director of projects, and as an expert witness on engineering and construction claims.

He has spoken frequently at the Conference & Expo and at AACE sections in the United States, Brazil, Colombia, India, KSA, and Peru. He has enjoyed traveling and meeting many new members over the years. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He earned a J.D. in 2021 and was admitted to the California Bar in 2022. He holds AACE certifications as a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Forensic Claims Consultant (CFCC), and Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP).

Mark is the Director of Projects with Alpha 3 Consulting, LLC. He and his family live near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Secretary

Barrett Richards was elected to a two-year term as AACE Secretary. His term will begin in June 2025 and conclude in June 2027.

Barrett is a construction professional with over 25 years of experience. He holds an MBA from Hofstra University and a BS in Construction Management from Brigham Young University. He has earned the Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), and Planning and Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification designations from AACE International.

Barrett is a current member of AACE’s Ethics Committee while also serving as the Programming Chair of the Construction Law Committee at the New York City Bar. He has previously served AACE International in positions on the Education Board and as President of the Long Island and Metro New York Sections.

Barrett is a Project Director at Turner & Townsend in New York, NY, leading project controls and advisory teams in the Infrastructure US East Region and assisting with the Infrastructure US estimating group. Barrett and his wife Nicole live in Long Island, NY. They have one son, Elliott, who is currently on a 24-month service mission to Accra, Ghana.

Directors-at Large

Two Director-at-Large positions were elected this cycle. Their terms will also begin June 2025 and conclude June 2027. David Chigne and João Dias have been elected.

David is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, postgraduate studies in Project Management and a Master’s degree (MBA) in Business Administration. With AACE certifications including Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), and Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP), David has earned a strong reputation in the industry across both Latin America and the U.S. He currently serves as the Director for Region 10 (2023 – 2025, Latin America and the Caribbean Islands) on AACE International’s Membership Advisory Committee, where he has led initiatives to strengthen AACE’s global presence. His previous leadership roles in the Peru Section of AACE, including Treasurer, Vice President, and President, have shaped his approach to promoting best practices in the region.

David currently works as a Senior Scheduler and Cost Estimator with Toscano Clements Taylor (TCT) Consultants, based in Manhattan, NY. David and his family have resided in New Jersey, USA, since 2022.

João has earned the Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification designation. He currently serves AACE as Director-Region 9 (Europe & Africa) on the Membership Advisory Committee. He was the 2024 Charles V. Keane Award for Distinguished Service to an AACE Section recipient. He has a BS in Civil Engineering from the Universidade de Coimbra. João holds two MS degrees – one in Civil Engineering from Universidade de Coimbra and another in Data Science from Loughborough University.

João is the Head of Project Controls & Analytics at Proman. He lives with his family in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Most Influential Cost Engineer You Probably Never Knew

admin — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:30:59 +0000

The Most Influential Cost Engineer You Probably Never Knew

Bruce Elliott, CCP FAACE

By Larry Dysert and John Hollmann

Bruce Elliott, CCP FAACE, who passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2025, was a figure of quiet yet extraordinary influence in the field of cost engineering. For over five decades, Bruce shaped not just projects, but the very profession itself. Working largely behind the scenes, never one to seek the spotlight, Bruce exemplified the ethos of a true servant-leader – dedicated, humble, and unwaveringly committed to excellence. Although you may not have known his name, if you have worked in cost engineering or utilized AACE’s technical guidance, you have almost certainly been influenced by his legacy.

Bruce began his professional journey in the 1970s as a piping engineer with Fluor Corporation, quickly transitioning into cost engineering roles where his talent and passion found full expression. Over his career, he served in estimating and project controls capacities for Fluor, Bechtel Power Corporation, Stearns-Roger Inc., and Battelle Memorial Institute. In the 1970s, during the era of pen and paper ledger sheets, 10-key calculators, and Chartpak tape, he contributed to some of the most complex and capital-intensive projects of the 20th century, including Sasol’s coal gasification facilities in South Africa and the Jubail Petrochemical Complex in Saudi Arabia.

But Bruce’s most remarkable contributions came not from the magnitude of the projects he supported, but from the enduring influence he had on the practice of cost engineering itself. His fingerprints are embedded in the technical foundations of our discipline, not through his own creation, but through the mentoring of others who built on the technical foundations he had laid and then inspired them to build upon. He took great pride and joy in seeing a mentee or associate write a paper or lead a project, elevating estimating and cost engineering to new levels.

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Bruce played a pivotal role in transforming Eastman Kodak’s capital projects function. Tasked with building Kodak’s first dedicated estimating and project controls department from the ground up, Bruce, then with Fluor, partnered with Joe Lukas of Kodak to establish an organization that soon became a benchmark of best practice. At the time, Kodak employed more AACE members than any other owner organization, punching well above its weight in capital spending. He recruited and mentored an estimating team that included several future technical luminaries and officers of AACE, including the authors of this testimonial (Technical Board and Board of Directors), Todd Pickett (Technical Board), and Doug Leo (a past President of AACE). Bruce (working with Joe Lukas) would wrangle for company budget, point the way, then clear obstacles with the winked directive of “make us look good”. Under Bruce’s guidance, Kodak went from being a fifth-quintile performer in capital cost effectiveness to achieving first-quintile results, an extraordinary organizational turnaround, grounded in solid cost engineering fundamentals and leveraging state-of-the-art applications. This included developing a suite of world-class estimating software, tools, and models, as well as a project historical database and risk quantification tools.

Bruce was a principal architect of that transformation, but true to his nature, he preferred to act as the guiding hand behind the curtain – hiring talent, encouraging innovation, and relentlessly advocating for professional development. He instilled in his teams a deep respect for structured methods, continuous learning, and, above all, for contributing to the profession as a whole. His support for AACE International was unwavering. He not only encouraged but also expected participation in AACE activities that resulted in an entire estimating department where every member held one or more AACE certifications. He also championed internal “lunch and learn” sessions and created a culture where, whether one came from the construction trades or from an engineering background, advancing one’s cost engineering skills, knowledge, and capabilities was expected.

Even after Kodak’s corporate fortunes waned and Bruce started consulting, his influence continued to spread. Many of the professionals he mentored went on to lead cost engineering efforts at other organizations, always carrying forward Bruce’s emphasis on rigor, clarity, and integrity. With his prodigious memory and abiding personal interest, those who left his immediate orbit could expect a “how are you?” or “good work” note or call at any time. As a consultant, Bruce remained an advocate for sound cost engineering practices, guiding numerous owner organizations to adopt AACE’s Recommended Practices, enhance capital efficiency, and develop internal capabilities.

Perhaps Bruce’s most profound legacy is in the technical foundation of AACE itself. Through his encouragement, support, and mentorship, Bruce catalyzed the contributions of dozens of AACE’s most prolific members, which culminated in numerous products. If you have benefited from the Total Cost Management Framework , Recommended Practices such as estimate classification, basis of estimate, code of accounts, estimate validation, or database development, or AACE certifications including the CEP and DRMP, then to a significant degree you can thank Bruce Elliott. Bruce was recognized by AACE with both the Charles V. Keane Distinguished Service Award and the Award of Merit, prestigious honors by any measure. Yet, these accolades scarcely reflect the true magnitude of his contributions to the cost engineering profession.

Few in our field have done more to advance the profession while asking for so little in return. Bruce Elliott didn’t publish many papers. He didn’t invent new things. He didn’t serve in elected leadership roles. But his impact is indelible. He was a builder – of departments, of practices, of people, of cost engineering excellence. A mentor, a catalyst, a quiet giant. His legacy lives on in the standards we develop and advance, the professionals we train, and the projects we help frame and guide to successful outcomes.

Bruce Elliott, CCP FAACE, may have been the most influential cost engineer you never knew. However, those who knew him will never forget the standard he set or the countless ways he helped shape the profession we are proud to call our own.

View Bruce’s Obituary here

Rising Professional Spotlight – Bob Dieterle

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 13:28:25 +0000

Rising Professional Spotlight –
Bob Dieterle, Jr.

Bob Dieterle, Jr. is an Associate Director with Delta Consulting Group, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Delta Consulting Group is an international consulting firm headquartered in Woodbridge, Virginia, comprised of multi-disciplined professionals in engineering, accounting, construction, program assessment, and litigation support. Bob has 10 years of experience in construction-related damages dispute resolution consulting for construction claims and negotiations. He focuses on evaluating financial damages and cost impacts claimed by contractors on construction projects. His project assignments cover various building projects, including new construction and renovations to existing facilities such as industrial plants, schools, stadiums, highways, commercial office buildings, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, bridges, ports, power plants, and waterways. He specializes in analyzing and preparing fair and reasonable estimates for delay, disruption, and acceleration claims and calculating earned value and loss of productivity assessments.

Bob was born in the suburbs of Philadelphia and has remained in the area throughout adulthood, including during his undergraduate studies in finance at St. Joseph’s University and his graduate studies in construction management at Drexel University.

Bob’s journey in construction damages dispute resolution began four years after graduating from college. He initially worked in corporate finance, handling functions in the treasury department, such as assisting in preparing company-wide budgets and cash flow forecasts. After a few years in this role, he sought a job he was more passionate about. His father, an international testifying expert in construction claims, informed him about an opening in their “damages” group, and the rest is history.

Bob initially joined AACE when he began his consulting career. However, it wasn’t until the past few years that he started attending the conferences and becoming more involved, realizing the organization’s actual value for his career in construction damages. He believes AACE is the best organization he has encountered for like-minded cost engineering professionals. The technical papers and presentations generally apply to his day-to-day dealings, and AACE’s recommended practices (RP) provide frequently updated technical information and competencies, serving as valuable tools for understanding and referencing.

Bob encourages up-and-coming professionals to get involved within their organizations in as many ways as possible. Currently, Bob serves on the programming committee and the scholarship committee for the AACE Northeast Symposium. Bob is also joining the Rising Professionals Committee on an association level. Outside of AACE, he is a member of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). For CMAA, he is an officer of the Board of Directors. He has gradually transitioned from a co-chair of the Young Professionals Committee to Treasurer and Vice President. Through these organizations, Bob gets to meet and work with some of the most dedicated individuals in the industry, and he finds those connections invaluable. That is where he sees real professional friendships, not just acquaintances.

On March 20, 2025, Bob will moderate a panel at the Northeast Symposium titled “Navigating and Embracing a Successful Career Progression ” on behalf of the Rising Professionals Committee (RPC). The panel will consist of four rising professional panelists making a name for themselves in the industry.

March 2025 Bulletin

admin — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:23:18 +0000

AACE Bulletin

Bulletin Section News for March 2025

AACE International sections from around the world are encouraged to submit write-ups and photos of their monthly section meetings and other activities. For the March 2025 Source, submissions were received from the Denmark, Sweden, Southwestern Ohio, Venezuela, and Peru sections..

Denmark and Sweden Section

Denmark and Sweden Meet-Up in Malmo Sparks Regional Collaboration and Insightful Dialogue

On February 7, the Denmark and Sweden sections gathered at MINC in Malmo for its second in-person meet-up, offering members and guests an engaging afternoon of discussion and networking. The event featured four hours of roundtable sessions, during which participants discussed capital projects in Sweden, the shift from traditional local contract management to internationally recognized standards, and effective strategies in project controls and planning. A key focus was addressing the challenges of acquiring and retaining PPC professionals in an increasingly complex market.

Discussion and networking occurred at a February 7 joint meeting of the Denmark and Sweden Sections. As shown above, Con Vu discusses third-party verification of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor quotes with the attendees.

Technical talk—shown above Michel Wolf discusses project control practices on Swedish projects with attendees of a joint February 7 meeting of the Denmark and Sweden Sections. Members and guests enjoyed an engaging afternoon of discussions and networking.

Special thanks went to Per-Olov Zakrisson, MScIEM, MBA, for providing valuable insights into Sweden’s capital projects ecosystem dynamics. The event also welcomed non-members during an open hour, creating a broader platform for knowledge-sharing and community engagement. We are excited to introduce our new section volunteer, Emmanuel Abiona, who will collaborate with Michel Wolf to enhance our network in Sweden further. Cong Vu continues to engage with members in Denmark, ensuring strong cross-regional connectivity. This meet-up enriched our understanding of current trends and challenges while reinforcing our commitment to collaboration and professional growth across Denmark and Sweden.

At a joint meeting of the Denmark and Sweden Sections on February 7, Mammad Yusubov discusses standardized product breakdown structures with the attendees.

Event Agenda—Mammad Usubov is shown above reviewing the symposium agenda for the upcoming March 17, 2025, AACE Region 9 Europe and Africa Symposium in London. Mammad shared the announcement with attendees at a February 7 joint meeting of the Denmark and Sweden Sections.

Southwestern Ohio Section

Southwestern Ohio Section Hosts Insightful Scheduling Presentation

The Southwestern Ohio Section held an engaging technical meeting on February 13, 2025, featuring a virtual presentation by Chris Carson, FRICS, CCM, PMP, FAACE, PSP, DRMP, CEP. The session, An Efficient Approach to Scheduling Repetitive Projects, offered valuable insights into optimizing schedules for projects with repeated activity sequences, such as multi-story buildings.

Chris Carson, a highly respected leader in project controls with over 45 years of experience, shared his expertise on developing standardized scheduling methods to minimize rework and improve efficiency. His outline schedule development approach streamlines the duplication of schedule fragments while ensuring quality control and reducing late-stage modifications. Attendees benefited from practical strategies to enhance their scheduling practices for complex, repetitive projects

At the February 13 meeting of the Southwestern Ohio Section, attendees included, shown above from the left, Wayne Seiler – Section Director; Mike Downing – Section Treasurer; Erik Kramer, an attendee from the Central Ohio Section; and Rishita Kollipara, a guest attendee.

A Virtual Presentation —Shown above, some attendees at the February 13 Southwestern Ohio Section meeting listen to a virtual presentation by Chris Carson, CEP DRMP PSP FAACE. The session, An Efficient Approach to Scheduling Repetitive Projects, offered valuable insights into optimizing schedules for projects with repeated activity sequences, such as multi-story buildings.

Venezuela Section

AACE Venezuela Section Celebrates Its First Anniversary with Virtual Event

The Venezuela Section marked its first anniversary on December 5 and 6, 2024, with a unique virtual event, “Less Costs, More Projects.”

The program featured expert-led lectures, case studies, and interactive risk management and talent development panels. Notable speakers included Miguel Eduardo Fuentes Silva, Juan Carlos Piñeiro, Luz Elena Maldonado Alviarez, and Johnny Monges Parada, alongside distinguished guests such as AACE Region 10 Director David Chigne and AACE Venezuela Section President Arnaldo Gonzalez. Discussions covered innovative approaches to maximizing project profitability and enhancing industry efficiency.

This milestone event underscored the Venezuela Section’s commitment to advancing cost engineering and project controls. With a strong network of professionals and industry leaders, the section fosters knowledge-sharing and professional growth in the region.

Peru Section

AACE Peru Section Delivers Expert-Led Time Impact Analysis Technical Session

A Well-Attended Session —The Peru Section hosted 70 attendees for a technical session on February 8 exploring “Time Impact Analysis: Past, Present, and Future” on February 8 at the Aenza Offices in Miraflores.

The AACE Peru Section launched 2025 with an interactive technical session exploring “Time Impact Analysis: Past, Present, and Future” on February 8 at the Aenza Offices in Miraflores. The event offered professionals a comprehensive examination of Time Impact Analysis (TIA), a crucial methodology in forensic schedule analysis.

Distinguished speaker Mark C. Sanders, PE CCP CFCC PSP, led attendees through theoretical foundations and practical applications of TIA. The session included hands-on exercises, allowing participants to apply these techniques to real-world project scenarios. This interactive approach enabled professionals to deepen their understanding of this essential project control tool.

The event’s success was made possible through collaborative support from multiple partners. The organizing committee thanked Mark C. Sanders for his expert instruction, the volunteer team for their dedication to event logistics, and “Certificate Project Control” for providing refreshments that enhanced networking opportunities among attendees.

By offering free admission and digital certificates of completion, this technical session exemplified the Peru Section’s ongoing dedication to delivering accessible, high-quality professional development opportunities for the project controls community.

Guest Speaker —As shown above, AACE International Secretary Mark C. Sanders, PE CCP CFCC PSP, guides participants through practical exercises in small working groups during a February 8 Peru Section technical session about Time Impact Analysis (TIA). Sanders is employed by Alpha 3 Consulting.

Small Working Groups —As shown above, attendees at a Peru Section technical event broke into small working groups as they explored learning about schedule analysis.

A Successful Technical Program —The Peru Section hosted a successful technical presentation on Time Impact Analysis (TIA) on February 9. Speaker Mark C. Sanders, PE CCP CFCC PSP, shown above center, poses with six of the 70 attendees who participated in the event.

Peru Section attendees in February listened to Mark C. Sanders, PE CCP CFCC PSP, deliver a presentation on schedule impact analysis. The technical program was well attended, with 70 participants.

Empowering Project Controls with Precision and Community: A Conversation with Dr. Mirela Tsagkari

admin — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 19:57:01 +0000

Empowering Project Controls with Precision and Community:
A Conversation with
Dr. Mirela Tsagkari, CEP

Dr. Mirela Tsagkari, CEP

Mirela’s journey is one of drive, innovation, and dedication in the dynamic world of project controls. Now part of a leading pharmaceutical company’s global project management office, Mirela has had a fascinating career that spans countries and industries. We spoke with her about her unique path, the value of community in project controls, and her work advocating for women in the field.

Can you share your background and how you got involved in project controls?

I’m originally from Athens, Greece, and I studied chemical process engineering. During my master’s thesis in 2010, I developed an interest in biorefineries, which produce chemicals from biomass—essentially sustainable production. This project led me to investigate cost estimation models for these early-stage projects, and that’s how I first became interested in the cost estimation aspect of project controls.

During my PhD, I explored how models could help with early-stage cost estimations. However, I was curious how these models compared with actual data from construction projects. That’s when I joined AACE and found an entire community working on these challenges. It’s where my passion for project controls truly started to grow.

What drew you to work on large-scale projects outside of academia?

After defending my Ph.D., I joined Technip Energies and later ERAS Engineering (EQUANS) in France. It was exciting to apply my academic background to real-world scenarios, working on EPCM projects for chemical and petrochemical construction plants. Seeing how cost estimation models met—or didn’t meet—actual construction costs was enlightening! That role gave me a foundational perspective on cost estimation when applied to projects in diverse industries.

How does your current role in the pharmaceutical industry compare?

In my current position, I work on cost estimation and benchmarking from an owner’s perspective. I’m with a large pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim, in Germany, setting global guidelines for cost estimation within our project management office. My role is different in that I’m not only responsible for cost estimates but also for creating an entire framework around the practice. We take the engineering efforts from project management and translate them into the cost side of things, which is essential for investment decisions.

Cost estimation bridges engineering and finance, translating complex designs into clear monetary values. It’s a hectic but rewarding field, you have to quickly understand project complexities and translate them into costs in a way that makes sense financially.

What have you enjoyed most about working in project controls and cost estimation?

The role of cost estimator itself is incredibly dynamic. It’s part engineering, part finance, and requires project management skills. You’re bridging the gap between project design and investment decision-making, translating designs and resources into monetary terms. You’re working with a mix of data, insights, and subject matter expertise, so it’s like managing a small project within a larger one.

And, of course, there are always challenges. You have to adapt quickly to economic changes, like inflation or supply chain disruptions. But fundamentally, I love that cost estimation gives me insight into both the technical and human aspects of project controls.

Have you encountered gender bias in this field, and how have you dealt with it?

Yes, that’s been a part of my experience. While there was a balanced gender ratio during my studies, the professional world of engineering is still quite male-dominated. For example, in stressful situations, people often say, “The guy will handle it,” even if women are involved. There’s a language bias and an underlying belief that construction or cost work is “men’s work.”

I’ve found support from many mentors, including male allies, and I’ve always valued the community aspect of AACE. Now, I’m involved in fostering that support for other women in the field. I chair the DACH Section (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) within AACE’s Region 9, and I recently initiated a subcommittee specifically for women in project controls. I want women to feel they have a place to connect, share experiences, and overcome the challenges they face in our industry.

What advice would you give to women entering the field?

My biggest piece of advice is to reach out and build a network. It’s easy to feel isolated, especially when facing challenges or bias, but finding a community—whether it’s through AACE or other networks—can make all the difference. Don’t close yourself off; support is out there, and it helps so much to have people who understand what you’re going through.

How has community played a role in your career?

Community has been crucial. Early in my career, I found great support in AACE. It’s the only global community focused on cost estimation. When starting, I often reached out to people in the community for advice, and I found their knowledge and experience incredibly inspiring.

Now, it’s come full circle, and I’m in a position to contribute back. With the DACH section, connecting with other professionals locally has been fantastic. By starting the Region 9 subcommittee for women in project controls, I hope to create more support and opportunities for women across Europe.

How do you see the future of project controls evolving?

Project controls is a growing field that will only expand. With industries becoming more complex, data-driven cost estimation is essential. What I find exciting is that this field attracts people from diverse backgrounds, and that’s an asset because it means bringing different perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving.

There’s still room for improvement in diversity and inclusion. However, as we continue to support one another and overcome biases, I believe the future of project controls will be even more dynamic and welcoming.

New Member Profile: Mutaz Said

admin — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Meet Mutaz Said

Where are you from, and where did you go to school?

I’m originally from Iraq. I moved to the US in 2014. I have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Al-Mustansiriya University in Iraq and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Colorado Denver.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I enjoy hiking alone; it’s my way to recharge and enjoy nature.

Where do you work?

I work at AtkinsRéalis as a project controls manager in Denver, Colorado.

What do you love most about your job?

I love seeing how effective planning and controls can turn complex projects into successful realities, especially when they positively impact communities. Each project brings new challenges, and I enjoy the problem-solving aspect that pushes me to think creatively and strategically.

Do you have a project story to share?

In one of my projects, I used Power BI to help organize the project controls work, including cost management, scheduling, and tracking change orders. This approach streamlined our processes and provided significant benefits to the overall project efficiency.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?

I aspire to take on more leadership roles in project management, aiming to eventually become a senior manager or director. Mentorship from my previous managers has inspired my ambition to grow and lead teams effectively.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?

My biggest career challenge was managing a project with extremely tight deadlines due to unexpected delays. I coordinated closely with my team to prioritize tasks and streamline processes, ultimately leading to the project’s completion on time. A memorable moment in my career was mentoring a junior engineer, who later expressed gratitude for my guidance in navigating their first major project, reinforcing my belief in the importance of mentorship.

Why did you join AACE?

I joined AACE to connect with other professionals in the industry and build a strong network, which is essential for growth and collaboration. Additionally, I wanted to be part of an organization that offers resources and training to enhance my skills and knowledge in project controls.

What do you like most about being an AACE member? Or what’s your favorite part of being an AACE member?

What I like most about being an AACE member is the sense of community. The organization fosters connections among professionals, allowing for collaboration and support. I also appreciate the access to valuable resources and tools that AACE provides, which help me stay informed and enhance my skills in project controls.

Central 70 Project, opening the tunnel for the public.
Mutaz was a change manager on the project team.

Mutaz hiking the Longs Peak Mountain in Colorado.

Certification Department Shares Insights from 2024 I.C.E. Exchange

admin — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:47:48 +0000

Certification Department Shares Insights from 2024 I.C.E. Exchange

The AACE Certification Program Staff recently attended the 2024 Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.) Exchange in Miami, Florida, from November 17th to 20th.

I.C.E. is a professional membership association that provides education, networking, and other resources for organizations and individuals who work in and serve the credentialing industry. It is a leading developer of standards for certification and certificate programs and a provider of and a clearinghouse for information on trends in certification, test development, and delivery, assessment-based certificate programs, and other information relevant to the credentialing community.

The Exchange offered sessions covering the following tracks:

Beyond Traditional Credentials
Business of Credentialing
Credentialing Innovations
Data Management, Privacy, and Test Security
Marketing and Communications
Standards and Accreditation
Test Development and Administration

Each Certification staff member has provided a take-away summary of one session that challenged, intrigued, or excited them.

Sara Peters, Credentialing Analyst

Attending the pre-conference workshop, “The Business of Certificates, Microcredentials, and Professional Education Programs,” at the 2024 ICE Exchange highlighted opportunities for AACE to expand educational offerings and better prepare candidates.

The workshop emphasized how certifications are essential for setting professional standards, validating skills, and helping individuals advance their careers. AACE’s certifications are backed by rigorous assessment practices, ensuring credential holders demonstrate the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed. Maintaining this credibility and rigor remains a top priority as the credentialing field evolves.

Unlike micro-credentialing and Assessment-Based Certificates (ABCs), which focus on specific skills or topics, certifications provide broader validation of expertise and often require ongoing education or recertification. These emerging models, however, offer flexible, targeted learning pathways that could complement AACE’s certification programs by addressing focused skill development.

The session also underscored the importance of designing credentialing programs that prioritize the learner’s experience. This includes competency modeling, skill mapping, and clear assessment blueprints. Strategic alignment with organizational goals and continuous feedback loops ensure that programs remain relevant and valuable to both learners and stakeholders.

Reflecting on the session, I’m inspired by the potential to innovate AACE’s educational offerings. Incorporating new educational models and refining our strategies can enhance our value and ensure we continue to meet the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. This experience reaffirmed my confidence in AACE’s leadership and its ability to adapt and grow.

Valerie Smith, Senior Credentialing Analyst

As a self-proclaimed candidate advocate, I attended an insightful session titled “The Responsibility of the Testing Industry to Understand and Address Test Anxiety Among Test Takers” at the recent I.C.E. Exchange. This session addressed the challenges of test anxiety and provided some ideas for combating it.

We talked about how test anxiety affects people’s minds and bodies and how it can hurt their test performance. One important concept discussed was cognitive load, which is the intense anxiety that can cause someone’s mind to freeze and affect test results.

We explored strategies to reduce test anxiety, focusing on how the testing industry can create supportive testing environments. Here are some of the ideas:

Exam Sandbox: We explored ways to help candidates prepare for the user experience, including creating an exam sandbox environment. A significant source of test anxiety for candidates often stems from not knowing what to expect or how the system will function. This sandbox would allow candidates to familiarize themselves with the testing environment. It could demonstrate how to access test aids, such as scenarios, memos, and equation/formula sheets; how to contact the proctor for questions or breaks during online proctored exams; and what the questions will look like on the screen.

Online Proctored Exams (OLP): Taking OLP exams can be a great option, but it also comes with its own set of potential complications. First, candidates do not have the advantage of having someone onsite to provide technical assistance. AACE’s certification staff cannot help during the exam because the testing platform does not belong to us. Instead, candidates must rely on the proctor for assistance via their computer.

Additionally, interruptions from the proctor can create added stress, especially if candidates are unaware that they are doing something that may trigger an interruption. For instance, some candidates may unconsciously move their eyes to the side or fidget when thinking, which can lead to a proctor’s intervention.

Another common issue arises when candidates take their exams at home, where the presence of children can be distracting. While being in a quiet space is advised, controlling a child’s behavior is not always possible. For example, if another parent is in the background speaking to a child who has wandered into the exam space, it could potentially cause problems during the exam.

Awareness of these factors can help alleviate some unnecessary stress associated with OLP exams.

Accommodations Process: I am pleased that we have recently reviewed our accommodations process to ensure it aligns with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We aim to provide thoughtful support for candidates worldwide while honoring diverse guidelines. This is an excellent start.During this session, the panelists emphasized the importance of reassessing the application process for accommodations. For example, suppose someone applied for accommodation five years ago to manage their diabetes by allowing snacks, drinks, and medication during an exam. In that case, it is unlikely that their condition will change if they take another exam today. Therefore, requiring them to reapply and undergo the added stress of visiting a doctor and gathering documentation again would be unnecessary. Additionally, the panelists discussed innovative ways to evaluate requests related to neurodiversity.

Along with the rest of the certification team, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for candidates so they can have a positive testing experience. I’m excited to explore different strategies to help ease test anxiety and boost confidence and calmness for everyone taking a test.

Penny Whoolery, Director: Certification & Membership

At the 2024 Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) Exchange, I attended a workshop on “Developing Strategies and Governance for Incorporating Artificial Intelligence.” The workshop piqued my interest because of the surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) utilization when writing text, data analysis, or creating images or videos for everyday tasks, which is quickly creeping into the credentialing space. I am intrigued by the power of AI but equally concerned about the potential risks and unintended consequences of incorporating AI into a high-stakes credentialing program.

Three attorneys who specialize in the education and assessment industry led the workshop. They provided real-life case studies to help attendees understand the potential harm from irresponsible or abusive technology use and to provide legal and governance frameworks to mitigate those risks.

The common questions many testing programs ask when considering adopting AI are:

How can a testing program best determine how and when to incorporate AI?
What key considerations should be fleshed out when building an AI strategy?
What governance and policies should be implemented when incorporating AI?

Through presentation, discussion, and small group breakout sessions, we addressed building a strategy, identifying risks, and designing a framework for effectively leveraging AI.

The main takeaways can be summed up with three Ps:

Be proactive: AI is at our doorstep and is not going away. However, it is important not to fall into the trap of allowing AI to be used without guardrails and direction for the association. For example, using open AI to create examination questions creates greater examination security risks because of the far-reaching exposure in an open environment. In one case study shared by the presenters, AI has been known to create questions with biased or insensitive content inadvertently.

Creating a Governance Team within the organization was recommended to oversee and develop AI principles and policies. Until they can determine the best way to implement AI and develop an Acceptable Use of Artificial Intelligence Policy, developing and implementing an Artificial Intelligence Restriction Policy is highly recommended to ensure all stakeholders are refraining from using AI in a manner incongruent with what the association deems acceptable.

Be Playful: We don’t need to be afraid of AI; we only need to be cautious. Due to the confidential nature of examination content and intellectual property, it is recommended to use a closed or enterprise version of AI. Some AI providers offer a trial period, which can be used as a sandbox to “play” in. This “play period” allows us to try before we buy and gives the AI Governance Team real-life exposure to the pros and cons of AI, which will be useful in developing and implementing a well-thought-out acceptable use policy.

Having a pilot program to test AI implementations on a small scale to evaluate feasibility and impact before full deployment has also proven to be effective.

Be Planful: A good plan goes a long way in ensuring success. The expert presenters recommended the following steps:

- Clarify your business needs. What does success look like to the association? Allowing staff or volunteers to use AI that does not align with an Acceptable Use Policy puts the association at risk and could have reputational, financial, or legal consequences. An AI plan must focus on what is best for the association, not individuals.
- Identify technical complexity, risk, impact, and resources. They also recommended keeping our members and certificants informed, especially if it involves their data.
- Select and train the model. The “playful” period should help find the right AI program for the association’s needs.
- Prepare and deploy. If planned and executed properly, AI can be a powerful and effective tool for meeting the association’s needs.

Artificial intelligence was a major topic for several sessions at the 2024 ICE Conference and the ASAE Conference I attended in August 2024. This demonstrates that AACE is not the only association discussing and debating the usefulness and power of AI and how to use it effectively; everyone in the association space is looking for guidance.

I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from subject matter experts on this important, ever-changing topic. I walked away with a better understanding of AI and the need for a strategy and plan before incorporating it into our association.

The next ICE Exchange will be held in Phoenix, AZ, on November 15-20, 2025. To learn more about I.C.E., check out their website by clicking here.

January 2025 Bulletin

admin — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 13:28:36 +0000

AACE Bulletin

Bulletin Section News for January 2025

AACE International sections from around the world are encouraged to submit write-ups and photos of their monthly section meetings and other activities. For the January 2025 Source, submissions were received from the Boston, Brazil, Houston Gulf Coast, and Toronto sections..

Boston Section

The Boston Section’s annual social was sponsored in October 2024 at Topgolf in Canton, MA. Attendees enjoyed the facility and its recreational offerings. Topgolf is a sprawling entertainment venue with a high-tech driving range and a swanky lounge with drinks and games.

The Boston Section welcomed attendees to its annual social event in October 2024 with a welcome sign at Topgolf. The event was well attended, and attendees enjoyed delicious food, friendly competition, and lively networking.

Attending the Boston Section’s annual social in October 2024 were: Brian Sullivan of PMA Consultants, Dr. Nakisa (Niki) Alborz of Exponent, Rick Treseler of PMA Consultants, and Ammar Altuwaiti of Urban Solutions

Attending the Boston Section’s annual social in October 2024 were: Shabeer Parathodi or RINA North America, Betsy Westergren of RINA North America, John O’Connor of RINA North America – Treasurer of Boston Section, John Morton of STV – VP of Boston Section, and Ammar Altuwaiti of Urban Solutions

In November 2024, the Boston Section members and guests attended a tour of 10 World Trade Center. This facility is a new nexus for wellness and connection in Boston’s Seaport District, one of the world’s most forward-thinking and dynamic submarkets.

Boston Section members and guests in November 2024 toured the 10 World Trade Center. They learned that the construction management for 10 World Trade is a partnership between Suffolk Construction and H.J. Russell. From the eco-friendly redesign of World Trade Center Avenue to smart, energy-saving building features, 10 World Trade is unparalleled in its dedication to sustainability and wellness.

The Boston Section’s fall 2024 event lineup was fantastic, offering both professional insights and opportunities for social connection.

In October 2024, the section hosted its annual social at Topgolf in Canton, MA. The event was a great success, with members enjoying an evening of delicious food, friendly competition, and lively networking. Sponsored by PMA Consultants, RINA North America (formerly Patrick), and J.S. Held LLC, the social event provided a relaxed setting for members to unwind and strengthen relationships within the AACE community.

In November 2024, the Boston Section offered a more technical experience with a tour of the 10 World Trade Center project hosted by Suffolk Construction. Participants gained a behind-the-scenes look at this engineering marvel, which dramatically expands in size as it rises. The tour was followed by a presentation by Jawahar Maran, PE CCP PSP, who discussed DSAA-4282: Leveraging Data Analytics in Construction Projects to Improve Schedule Predictability and Stakeholder Relationships. Originally featured at the AACE 2024 Conference & Expo, this session focused on how data analytics can enhance schedule reliability and foster stronger stakeholder collaboration, providing attendees with practical tools for their projects.

These events highlight the Boston Section’s commitment to offering a well-rounded experience, combining technical learning with opportunities to network. Watch for future opportunities to engage with cutting-edge topics and connect with peers in the industry: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaceboston

Brazil Section

At the Brazil Section, shown from the left are David Chigne – Region 10 – director, Ilma Trindade – the Brazil Section’s President, Betzaida Méndez – the Colombia Section’s Past President, and Aldo Mattos – the Brazil Section’s Past President.

The Brazil Section sponsored a November 2024 section conference. It attracted more than 550 attendees. The two-day event was at Belo Horizonte which is the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil’s second-most populous state. It is the first planned modern city in Brazil.

Ilma Trindade, Section’s President of the Brazil Section, gave the opening lecture at the 12th Annual Congress of the Brazil Section in November 2024.

David Chigne, director of AACE Region 10, presents at the 12th Annual Congress of the Brazil Section in November 2024. The title of his lecture was: “Year 2040: The Extinction of Cost Estimators? AACE as a Cornerstone in the Evolution of the Profession.”

The Brazil Section sponsored a November 2024 section conference. The conference location of Belo Horizonte is the capital city of southeastern Brazil’s Minas Gerais state. It is surrounded by mountains and has a population of 2.316 million.

The Brazil Section sponsored a November 2024 section conference. The event brought together professionals from diverse fields and highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing cost engineering and project controls across Brazil and Latin America.

The Brazil Section Conference was sponsored in November 2024 in Belo Horizonte. It set a historic milestone for the section and AACE International. With more than 550 attendees, this two-day event marked the largest AACE gathering outside the US. Bringing together professionals from diverse fields – builders, consultants, planners, and executives – the conference showcased the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange in advancing cost engineering and project controls across Brazil and Latin America.

The 2024 program covered a wide range of topics critical to the industry, including cost management, risk mitigation, contract administration, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence. Discussions also delved into ESG initiatives and macroeconomic trends shaping Brazil’s infrastructure landscape. The event featured esteemed speakers, interactive presentations, and lessons learned from real-world projects, offering invaluable insights to attendees.

Congratulations to the Brazil Section for its outstanding achievement, and a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated board members, speakers, and participants who made this event a success. Events like this reinforce AACE’s pivotal role in fostering professional excellence and addressing global challenges, including the need for qualified project professionals. Together, we continue to elevate industry standards and shape the future of our profession!

Houston Gulf Coast Section

The Houston Gulf Coast Section offers monthly technical meetings. Attendees can engage in discussions, ask questions, and network with experienced professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and advice.

The Houston Gulf Coast Section offers monthly technical meetings. These meetings feature technical presentations on topics like cost management, scheduling, and real-world project challenges.

Houston Gulf Coast Section’s Martin Darley speaks at the 2024 section symposium. Upcoming 2025 section activities and events are still in the planning stages. Follow the Houston Gulf Coast Section on its LinkedIn page.

The Houston Gulf Coast Section had a successful 2024 Section Conference. The section strives to offer a welcoming and casual environment for attendees at all of its activities and events throughout the year. The Section’s Oscar Agudelo is working on various student initiatives to expand section outreach and attract university students to attend and become involved with section activities and events.

The Houston Gulf Coast Section’s monthly technical meetings are an excellent opportunity for university students to learn about project controls and connect with industry professionals. These meetings feature technical presentations on topics like cost management, scheduling, and real-world project challenges, offering valuable insights into what a career in the field could look like. Beyond the presentations, attendees can engage in discussions, ask questions, and network with experienced professionals eager to share their knowledge and advice. It’s a welcoming and casual environment where students can gain industry insights, build connections, and explore career opportunities while developing skills to help them stand out in the job market. Upcoming events are still tentative. Follow the Houston Gulf Coast Section’s LinkedIn page.

Toronto Section

At the Toronto Section in November 2024. Behrad Kiafar is introduced as the speaker. Behrad’s topic was “Successful Implementation of Continuous Estimating for Target Costing in Collaborative Contracts.”

At the Toronto Section in November 2024. Behrad Kiafar presented a technical talk on “Successful Implementation of Continuous Estimating for Target Costing in Collaborative Contracts.”

Attending the Toronto Section’s November 2024 meeting, shown from left to right, are Ezgi Ozcan, Alper Yesil, Amin Atak, Ebru Kanlikoca, Ceren Tekin, Elif Vardar, and Aine Kiernan.

At the Toronto Section in November 2024. Behrad Kiafar presented a technical talk on “Successful Implementation of Continuous Estimating for Target Costing in Collaborative Contracts.”

Attending the Toronto Section’s November 2024 meeting, shown from left to right, are Andew Illingworth, Matthew Sutherland, Duan Van der Merwe, Owen McElhinney, and Artur Nimaev.

The Toronto Section, AACE’s largest section, hosted another successful monthly technical and networking event in November 2024. Sponsored by Turner & Townsend, one of AACE’s largest organizational members, the session featured Behrad Kiafar, who presented on “Successful Implementation of Continuous Estimating for Target Costing in Collaborative Contracts.”

Behrad Kiafar delivered a thought-provoking presentation exploring how continuous estimating informs design decisions in collaborative projects. Drawing from recent Canadian infrastructure projects, Behrad highlighted how continuous estimating can drive better design decisions in collaborative settings, offering practical strategies and real-world examples.

The Toronto Section continues to provide impactful events combining technical expertise with networking opportunities. Follow the Toronto section for more information about upcoming events: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aacetoronto/.

Delta Consulting Group Elevates Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairmanand Appoints Darin L. Buchalter as Chief Executive Officer

admin — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:41:42 +0000

Delta Consulting Group Elevates Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairman
and Appoints Darin L. Buchalter as Chief Executive Officer

Delta Consulting Group, an employee-owned expert advisory consultancy specializing in construction, forensics, investigations and valuation, announced today the elevation of Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairman and Darin L. Buchalter as its new Chief Executive Officer. These leadership changes underscore Delta’s commitment to continued strategic growth, delivering exceptional results for its global clients, and cultivating a positive, supportive, and fulfilling work environment for its employees.

Jeff Fuchs, Delta co-founder, will continue to provide expert services, deliver strategic guidance, foster strong relationships with key clients, and champion the company’s core values — principles that have been the foundation of Delta’s success over the past 25 years. Under his leadership, Delta has grown organically, expanded through strategic acquisitions, and cultivated top talent, evolving into a comprehensive provider of forensics, investigative, and dispute resolution services. The firm has earned a prominent reputation and was honored as a Top Workplace by The Washington Post in 2024.

Since 2022, Darin Buchalter has played a pivotal role in guiding transformative growth strategies for Delta as a member of its Strategic Advisory Board. His contributions include driving service line expansion, enhancing the company’s global market presence, and ensuring the continuity of high-quality service for clients.

“Darin is a dynamic leader with a deep understanding of our business, a proven track record of delivering results, and an unwavering commitment to our mission and values,” said Jeff Fuchs. “This transition reflects the strength of our leadership pipeline and the deliberate planning that positions Delta to excel in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.”

Darin brings over 20 years as a successful senior executive, global business leader, and independently recognized expert at leading business advisory and professional services firms, as well as experience as a C-level executive and board member in complex, high value transformation. As leader of the Global Construction Practice at Navigant Consulting, Inc., he expanded markets, adjacent service lines, geographies, and impactful offerings for clients, making the business into one of the largest operators in the sector. Following Navigant’s carveout and combination with Ankura Consulting Group, he led the newly merged disputes, investigations, and expert services practices across the global legal, risk, and compliance marketplace, spanning four continents. Later, as Ankura’s Chief Administrative Officer, he successfully positioned the newly formed company as a highly profitable and rapidly growing consultancy. Darin’s career foundation is in Big 4 consulting as a Partner at EY.

“I am honored to step into this role and lead Delta,” said Darin. “With the exceptional talent of our employee-owners, the support of our Board, and the solid foundation Jeff has built, we are well positioned to seize new opportunities, exceed our client’s expectations, and drive sustainable growth for our stakeholders.”

“As we embark on this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the core values that have been the cornerstone of our success,” Jeff added. “With Darin’s vision and leadership, Delta is well-positioned to continue thriving, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that will propel us into the future.”

About Delta Consulting Group

Since 2000, Delta Consulting Group has provided advisory, risk mitigation and dispute resolution services with prominent global law firms, government agencies, and top companies in over 90 countries. Our multi-disciplined professionals in engineering, accounting, finance, economics, investigations, fraud, construction, project management and litigation support deliver independent advice to resolve our clients’ most complex situations. Delta is a 100% employee-owned company and was named a 2024 Top Workplace by The Washington Post.

To learn more about Delta please visit delta-cgi.com.

Source

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January 2025 Bulletin

AACE Bulletin

Delta Consulting Group Elevates Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairmanand Appoints Darin L. Buchalter as Chief Executive Officer

Delta Consulting Group Elevates Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairmanand Appoints Darin L. Buchalter as Chief Executive Officer

Rising Professional Spotlight –
Bob Dieterle, Jr.

Empowering Project Controls with Precision and Community:
A Conversation with
Dr. Mirela Tsagkari, CEP

Delta Consulting Group Elevates Jeffrey Fuchs to Executive Chairman
and Appoints Darin L. Buchalter as Chief Executive Officer