AACE Bulletin
Bulletin Section News for May 2025
The May Bulletin features coverage of symposiums held by Regions 2, 3, and 9.
AACE has regions around the world. Each region is comprised of sections and led by a Regional Director. Regional Directors are volunteer leaders who help to foster community, promote professional development, and expand awareness of AACE’s technical resources within their geographic area. Regional Directors collaborate closely with section leaders, provide guidance and mentorship, encourage local engagement, and help identify new opportunities for growth.
In February and March, regional symposiums were held in Region 2: United States – Northeast, Region 3: United States – Southeast, and Region 9: Europe and Africa. For each of these events, volunteers from around the whole region, spanning multiple states or countries, came together to plan and meet in person.
Region 2 – Northeast Symposium
Region 2 Director, Natasha Dahl, led the planning committee for the 9th Annual Northeast Symposium in Tysons Corner, Virginia (Washington, D.C. area). The program kicked off with an intensive CCP exam prep course and a section leader meet‑and‑greet. Attendees immersed themselves in technical presentations, hands‑on workshops, and collaborative discussions covering program delivery, risk management, total cost management, and claims avoidance. Insights from public‑ and private‑sector owners and executives equipped participants with practical strategies to elevate their project controls practice.
Save the date for the 10th Annual Northeast Symposium, coming March 26–27, 2026!
Region 3 Symposium – Southeast
Under the leadership of Region 3 Director, Nicole Johnson, and with the support of the planning committee, the first ever Region 3 Symposium was held in Tampa, Florida. Sessions featured deep dives into advanced project controls tools, total cost management methodologies, and program delivery tactics. A few of the topics were:
- Presenting the Basis of Estimate to the Client; It is Not Just Numbers!
- Bridging Contractor and Owner Perspectives on Change Order Management
- Risky Business for Risk Managers
Region 3 is looking forward to making this an annual event. Stay tuned for information on the dates for the next event, tentatively planned for February 2026.
Region 9 Symposium – Europe and Africa
With the stewardship of Region 9 Director, Joao Dias, the inaugural Region 9 Symposium was conducted in London. Section volunteers from multiple countries helped plan an agenda featuring technical sessions on cost engineering, estimating, and AI-driven decision-making, alongside discussions on risk management and claims avoidance. Each session brought valuable insights and real-world perspectives.
It’s clear that the most valuable takeaways weren’t just insights on AI in construction, project controls, or claims avoidance – but the connections made and strengthened along the way. Attendees left energized to drive innovation in project controls throughout Europe and Africa. Watch the highlights here: https://youtu.be/4Ct1WKxE_os?si=y_A98bKgTUl4mDOG
Meet Justus Ilogbelu
Where are you from, and where do you go to school?
My name is Justus Ilogbelu. I am from Nigeria. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Lagos, both in Nigeria.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I find great fun in travelling, locally and internationally. It’s simply a great delight for me.
Where do you work, or what are you studying in school?
I work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, the state’s oil company. I joined the company in 2007. Since then, I have been involved in different projects (pipelines and tank rehabilitations) across Nigeria to deliver value to the company. In my career, I have moved from engineering to commercial and lately to supply chain, all aimed at deepening knowledge and being grounded across the value chains in which the company plays.
What do you love most about your job or current school studies?
I work functionally as the Lead Bulk Materials/Petroleum Products Contract Category Manager in the company’s SCM division. I am excited about the job because it allows me to get a feel for SCM functions, especially product categorization using the SAP platform and tools.
Do you have a project story to share?
Between 2012 and 2015, in Nigeria, I was involved in a project, the “cleaning and rehabilitation of NNPC crude oil tanks” in the Escravos Terminal using the non-man entry process.” I was the lead/site engineer. The key highlight of the project for me was the change in project scope and strategy of a significant phase of the contract from “desludging to recover usable oil” to tank cleaning when the original strategy couldn’t deliver on the baseline scope, almost resulting in the termination of the contract.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?
I want to streamline my career to align with project management and costing. My mentor was instrumental in influencing my attention to cost engineering and the pursuit of AACE certification.
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 is transitioning from an engineering background to a commercial one and then to a supply chain one. It’s never easy to move out of one’s comfort zone.
Why did you join AACE?
I joined AACE to streamline my career path to project management and costing. This is the trajectory I would love my career to take moving forward.
What do you like most about being an AACE member?
Being a member of AACE is very exciting. It’s a community of like-minded professionals. The materials, especially the RP’s, are very useful and educational. I cherish the support I get from members when I am unsure and seek help.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?
I would gladly recommend AACE membership to anyone seeking to enter or grow in the cost engineering field.
On the Escravos Tank Rehabiliation Project.
Meet Zdravko Kuruzović
Where are you from, and where do you go to school?
I’ve moved around quite a bit, but I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina (then Yugoslavia). I spent most of my life in South Africa, where I moved at the age of eight. I studied at various institutions in South Africa (Wits Business School) and abroad (Autonomy ES Expert Witness Program). I now live in Singapore.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I speak five languages and have lived in six different countries. This international exposure has shaped my world view and professional approach.
Where do you work, or what are you studying in school?
I am based in Singapore and work as a delay expert in construction law and alternative dispute resolution.
What do you love most about your job or current school studies?
The diverse projects I work on span multiple jurisdictions and legal systems, constantly challenging me to adapt and learn. I also enjoy the forensic nature of the role – every matter is a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Do you have a project story to share?
One memorable case involved analyzing the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on a major wind farm project. It required detailed retrospective delay analysis and a nuanced understanding of changing legislation across multiple lockdown levels. It was a prime example of how dynamic and multifaceted our industry can be.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?
I aim to continue developing as an expert witness and contribute to shaping better delay analysis practices in the industry. My path into this field wasn’t mapped out from the start, but I was fortunate to work under several remarkable mentors – initially in planning and project controls and later in the expert arena. One in particular stood out: they approached every issue with a calm insistence on logic, common sense, and factual evidence. That clarity of thought – and the integrity with which they presented their views – made a lasting impression and inspired me to follow a similar path.
What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?
The biggest challenge was transitioning from live project planning to forensic delay analysis. One mentor told me – and I wholeheartedly agree – that everything you know about planning and project controls goes out the window when you step into the world of expert work. As forensic analysts, we operate under a completely different set of standards. Starting from zero to build a new career path was both exciting and daunting, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Why did you join AACE?
I joined AACE to connect with a global community of professionals committed to advancing best practices in my field – forensic delay analysis – and the broader capital project field. The resources provided by AACE are unmatched in the industry and are a sound guide for professionals.
What do you like most about being an AACE member?
The emphasis is on professional standards and ongoing education. AACE provides tools and a platform to benchmark oneself against industry leaders.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?
Be curious, stay humble, and invest in learning both the technical and legal aspects of the job. Develop your writing skills – it’s often not just what you know, but how clearly and convincingly you can present it.
Goofing around on a construction site.
If you’re not having fun, you can’t grow to love what you do.
Relocating mining equipment on self-propelled modular transporters.
Working in an acidic environment on a mine in the desert.
Safety always comes first!
AACE Bulletin
Bulletin Section News for April 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 April 2025 Source, submissions were received from the Great Lakes, Qatar, and Keystone-Manitoba sections.
Great Lakes Section
Great Lakes Section: Site Tour – Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital
The AACE Great Lakes Section recently hosted an exclusive tour of the Southeast Michigan Psychiatric Hospital, currently under construction by The Christman Company in Northville, Michigan. Designed as a 264-bed facility to serve both adult and adolescent psychiatric patients, this state-of-the-art hospital will be 405,168 sq ft on a 45-acre site. Scheduled to be turned over to the state of Michigan in June 2026, the facility features innovative design elements such as a central utility plant with geothermal wells for efficient heating and cooling, secure courtyards, and a range of amenities including a gymnasium, chapel, salon, group therapy rooms, educational classrooms, and creative spaces for music, exercise, and art. To accelerate construction and enhance efficiency, each patient room is being outfitted with prefabricated bathroom pods designed for behavioral health with features like ligature-resistant grab bars.
Hosted by Shawn Debo, a seasoned project scheduler with over 17 years of experience and current secretary of the AACE Great Lakes Section, the tour offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the construction process and the challenges involved in delivering such a complex healthcare facility. This event showcased the innovative approach and commitment of both The Christman Company and the Great Lakes Section to advancing project controls and delivering excellence in construction.
From left to right: Adam Carozza, Jeff Ostermiller, Kris Ostermiller,
Jason Marentette, Dawn Riley, Shawn Debo, and Jim Krebs.
Qatar Section
The Qatar Section recently hosted a compelling online presentation titled, “The Science of Negotiating Construction Claims.” The session delved into negotiation psychology and explored how behavioral psychology and anchoring techniques can enhance persuasive claim presentations, strengthen claims negotiations, and offer effective strategies for managing disputes and settlements from both the contractor’s and employer’s viewpoints. The event featured distinguished speakers Lotfy AbdelKader, Founder & CEO of Lofty Consulting, and Daniel Glasswell, Commercial Director.
Keystone-Manitoba Section
The Keystone-Manitoba section recently hosted two in person events.
In February, the section held an event in Winnipeg featuring John K. Hollmann, CCP, CEP, DRMP, FAACE, Hon. Life AACE (Validation Estimating LLC), who presented “The Latest on AACE Recommended Practices for Estimate Accuracy and Classification.” Hollmann explored AACE’s Accuracy and Classification Recommended Practices, common misapplications, and emerging sector‑specific guidance across process, infrastructure, remediation, pharmaceuticals, and nuclear projects. Attendees gained practical strategies for setting, explaining, and defending accuracy ranges in quantitative risk analyses.
In April, Andrew Blanchette, P.Eng., CET, PMP, Program Leader of the Winnipeg Sewage Treatment Program (WSTP), presented “Collaborative Project Delivery – Winnipeg Sewage Treatment Program” at Hatch Ltd. Blanchette reviewed the procurement and structure of the 30‑year City of Winnipeg-Veolia Water partnership, outlined its guiding principles and scope, and summarized progress on four major capital‑upgrade projects across Winnipeg’s three treatment plants. This session showcased how integrated total cost management underpins long‑term value delivery, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness in large‑scale municipal infrastructure.
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
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
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.
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.
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, 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.