Meet Our Speakers
Click on the speakers’ names to get to know them.
Jen Adams
Jen is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at AGC Arkansas and has been with AGC since 2021. With just under 20 years of marketing experience, Jen’s efforts helped lead the Arkansas chapter to earn the 2022 AGC of America Small Chapter of the Year award! Originally from New Orleans, Jen has traveled across the country for various Marketing and PR roles, including a Las Vegas casino and a tech startup in Los Angeles.
Jen adores traveling and the outdoors, having visited all 50 US states and 39 countries. When she’s not working, she can be found floating the Buffalo River or backcountry hiking and camping with her fiancé Justin and their two rescue dogs Trev & Banjo.
VP of Marketing and Communications, AGC Arkansas
Anthony Alleman
Anthony has over 17 years of leadership responsibility with Pepper Construction. His experience includes working on some the companies most high-profile and complex institutional projects designed by world-renowned architects David Chipperfield and Studio Gang Architects. Recent projects include the expansion of the Saint Louis Art Museum, the expansion and renovation of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and the Great Apes Exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo. In addition to these projects, he has worked in many markets including high-end retail, hospitality, historic renovations, and higher education. As Director, he oversees project teams throughout the entire construction process from preconstruction through building turnover. Anthony continues to support his alma mater as a member of the Iowa State University Industry Advisory Council for Construction Engineering. Anthony is the Chair of the Construction Leadership Committee for the AGC of America.
Project Director, Pepper Construction
CLC Chair, AGC of America
Brandon Anderson
As a safety professional It’s my belief that, “An incident and injury free safety culture is driven by personal commitment where all individuals hold themselves responsible for not only their own safety behaviors, but also the safety behaviors of everyone else.” This can only be achieved through trust, partnership, world-class quality training and employee development.”
VP of Safety, AGC of Missouri
Rick Andritsch
Partner + VP of Business Development, VJS Construction Services
Vice President, AGC of America
Chelsea Barton
Director of Membership and Workforce Development, Inland Northwest AGC
Cailin Briody
Communications Manager, Chicagoland AGC
Shella Chainaranont
Shella is a Project Manager for The Beck Group, based out of Dallas, TX. She oversees healthcare projects including ground-up (vertical) and renovations, a majority of which are and Integrated & design-build project delivery. Shella is a Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) and CM-Lean practitioner. She is also a member of the AGC Construction Leadership Council (CLC).
Over the course of 10 years, Shella has implemented lean principles in the construction industry. Because she values people above all else, she consistently promotes respect for people, innovation, and continual improvement both on the project she oversees and within the firm.
Project Manager, The Beck Group
Craig Christenbury
Craig graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Civil Engineering degree and came to work for Chris-Hill in 1988. He is the son of Bill Christenbury, one of the two founders of Chris-Hill. He became a managing partner with Jon, Danny, and Ron Sheppard in 1999. Craig procures, estimates, and manages work for Chris-Hill.
Chief Manager, Chris-Hill Construction Company, LLC
President of the State Board of Directors, AGC of TN
Eli Christenbury
Eli came on board with Chris-Hill in 2022 after graduating from the University of Memphis in Mechanical Engineering. Eli estimates and manages foundation, excavation shoring, and water/wastewater projects.
Estimator + Project Manager, Chris-Hill Construction Company, LLC
CLC Chair, AGC of TN
Erin Craw, PhD
Erin Craw, Ph.D., earned her doctorate in Health Communication from Chapman University in Southern California. Her research interests are at the intersection of health, interpersonal, and organizational communication as it relates to support seeking, social support, stigma, and resilience. She is particularly interested in translational research that improves access to needed support for underserved populations and those who face extensive barriers to gaining assistance. Her dissertation explored police officers’ preferences for support and factors influencing mental health-related disclosure decisions. As the daughter of a police officer (36 years) and elementary school teacher (40 years), she has a true passion for research that informs mental health-related interventions, enhances communication surrounding mental health, and improves access to support for those working in the public sector.
Erin’s research has been published in Health Communication, the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, Western Journal of Communication, Communication Education, and the Journal of Applied Communication Research. In 2021 and 2022, Craw was awarded the Michelle MillerDay Outstanding Research Award and has earned several top paper awards through the Eastern Communication Association. She has also been an invited guest on several podcasts to discuss how her research can help enhance new approaches to improving mental health support and communication.
At YouTurn Health, Erin manages various accounts, overseeing partnerships with numerous clients, including construction organizations, ensuring participants successfully access the support they need and deserve. Erin is also a part-time Adjunct Professor teaching various communication-related courses at multiple universities in Connecticut. In addition, she is a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor passionate about helping others feel more competent and confident navigating difficult conversations with peers. Craw is a blogger for Psychology Today and has written several articles for Crackyl Magazine, a firefighter lifestyle publication. She also loves volunteering with organizations like the American Red Cross, where she has previously worked with veteran families and currently supports the Communications Team.
Account Director, Public Sector, YouTurn Health
Marianne Purcell Dunavant
Marianne Purcell Dunavant, originally of Nashville, has dedicated her life to public service and community improvement. Marianne joined Ford as a Community Relations Manager who will be focused on local community relations in support of Blue Oval City in West Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri.
Marianne’s prior professional experience also includes service as an Alderman for the Town of Atoka, Chief of Staff for Covington Mayor Justin Hanson, Field Representative for U.S. Congressman Stephen Fincher, and Legislative Assistant for the House Judiciary Committee in the Tennessee General Assembly. She also currently serves as a Board Member for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Community Relations Manager, Ford Motor Company
Kelvin Elston
Kelvin Elston is the Founder & President of Epic Global Group. Epic Global Group specializes in leadership development training. He is a graduate of Cleveland State Community College where he earned an Associate of Science degree (Business Management) in 1984. He then received his Bachelor of Science degree from Birmingham Southern College (Management and Marketing) in 1986. In 1999, he completed a Masters in Human Relations and Organizational Management from Cumberland University.
Previously, Kelvin has served as the Director of the Leadership Institute at Williamson College and Director of Workforce & Community Development at Nashville State Community College. While at NSCC he was an Associate Professor there for 16 years. He was also employed as a branch manager for Nations Credit for 10 years and as a General Manager for Hampton Inn for two years. Prior to his entering the workforce, Kelvin toured with Athletes in Action basketball team in the Philippines and Seoul Korea. He also coached boys’ basketball at Columbia Central High School for 2 years and on the college level at Cumberland University for 3 years.
Founder + President, Epic Global Group
Josh Fetcko
Senior estimator with over 15 years of heavy highway construction experience. Primarily working as a project manager for those 15 years. Over the last few years I’ve been working as a dual role project manager and estimator over the last few years. Utilizing those experiences and the experience of those around me to continue to grow and develop in the industry.
Senior Estimator + Project Manager, Gulisek Construction Company
Nate Fuller
Nate Fuller is a passionate and accomplished construction technology leader with a diverse background in corporate innovation, construction technology, and entrepreneurship. He contributed to engineering design and project management for global construction projects before helping to create Bechtel’s Office of Innovation in 2016. He then ventured into entrepreneurship and later founded Placer Solutions, a management consultancy firm in 2020. Nate’s proven track record defining strategy and directing change management in construction has led to successful consulting engagements with North America’s largest construction contractors.
Founder + Director, Placer Solutions
Summer Geyer
Summer Geyer is a construction litigation attorney at Burr & Forman, LLP in Nashville, TN. Summer assists a range of clients, including residential and commercial general contractors, architects, engineers, project managers, business and property owners, and subcontractors. She works closely with various Tennessee construction documents and standards, including AIA contracts, building codes, and property maintenance codes. Summer recently graduated from AGC’s Construction Leadership Program wherein she learned about topics ranging from bidding and construction financials to conflict resolution and traits of a good leader. Outside of work, Summer enjoys spending time with her husband – named Dayne – and her Great Dane – named Baron.
Construction Litigation Attorney, Burr & Forman
Hassan Hammoud
Hassan is drawn to the kind of work that brings together many facets of society, finding great satisfaction in fostering cross-sector collaboration and integration to help solve our communities’ most pressing needs. He earned a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 2009, always believing that social work was more of a life-long calling than a career, he gains a great deal of personal and professional satisfaction in his ability to assist and empower vulnerable populations. With over fifteen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, he now serves as the Senior Manager of Essential Services at Ford Philanthropy where he is responsible for strategy, partnerships and programs that connect people to essential services and care in low-access communities.
Senior Manager, Ford Motor Company
Mikel Mays
Mikel L. Mays is a dynamic leader and innovator with significant contributions across multiple industries, including construction, nonprofit, music, and business. Born and raised in Northwest Indiana, Mikel is an alum of Naperville Central High School and North Central College, where he earned a B.A. in Music and Entrepreneurship. His artistic talents as a songwriter complement his strategic prowess in business development and community impact.
In the construction industry, Mikel serves as the Assistant Project & Business Development Manager at Bulley & Andrews. His leadership and vision extend to the Chicagoland Associated General Contractors Construction Leadership Council and the Chicago Building Congress’ Future Leaders & IDEA Committee, where he is a committee member. Mikel’s influence in these roles has driven forward-thinking initiatives that emphasize inclusivity and sustainability in the construction sector.
Mikel’s passion for music led him to found the Mays Music Centre of Excellence in December 2020, where he serves as CEO. This 501(c)(3) organization was created to provide high-quality, diverse music lessons, programs, and ensembles to the Chicagoland Area that are affordable and accessible for all, reflecting his dedication to arts and education.
As an entrepreneur, Mikel founded Mays Enterprise in May 2024, further solidifying his commitment to innovation and business excellence. His venture into the grooming industry with the establishment of Royalty Barbershop & Salon in August 2024 showcases his diverse business acumen and ability to identify and capitalize on emerging market trends.
Mikel’s contributions to his community are equally noteworthy. He is a DEI & Young Professional Champion and Advocate, actively participating as an inaugural member of the Youth Inclusion Ambassadors for the City of Naperville. He also plays a pivotal role on the Naperville Downtown Advisory Committee and is a founding member of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce College Advisory Board. In 2023, his leadership and impact were recognized with the prestigious Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Four Under 40 award.
Through his multifaceted career and dedication to community service, Mikel L. Mays continues to inspire and lead across industries, making a lasting impact on all those he serves and collaborates with.
Assistant Project + Business Development Manager, Bulley & Andrews
Korie Palmer
Korie Palmer is a Project Manager and a Managing Member at Clearwater Construction & Management from Spokane, WA. She is currently the 2nd Vice President of the Inland Northwest AGC CLC.
Project Manager + Managing Member, Clearwater Construction & Management
Mihir Somalwar
Mihir Somalwar is a robotics and construction technology expert, currently serving as the Corporate Innovation Lead at Hensel Phelps. With a strong background in developing and deploying advanced robotic systems, Mihir works on improving efficiency and productivity on construction sites by integrating innovative robotic solutions into workflows.
Before joining Hensel Phelps, Mihir was a robotics engineer at Tesla and SafeAI, where he developed various robotic solutions. His experience gives him a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities in adopting robotics. Mihir is dedicated to demystifying robotics, helping others understand the theory and working principles behind these technologies, and showing how they can be valuable tools to enhance human capabilities.
Innovation Lead, Diverge, a Hensel Phelps company
Jon Stalnaker
Jonathan began his professional career with PricewaterhouseCoopers in August 2012. During his time at PwC, he provided assurance services to a wide range of private and publicly held clients in various industries including food processing, retail and franchises. Jonathan graduated from The University of Arkansas in May 2011 with a B.S.B.A. in Accounting and in May 2012 from the University of Central Arkansas with a Masters in Accountancy. Jonathan is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Arkansas Society of CPAs.
VP of Finance, Weaver Bailey Contractors
Tyler Tuscher
Tyler Tuscher has been a member of the SpawGlass Contractors team since 2021 as a Senior Estimator. During this time, he has worked through preconstruction on many large projects across the state of Texas. Having served as an estimator, project manager, and superintendent in his 12 years in the construction industry, Tyler brings well-rounded knowledge of the preparation and processes necessary to successfully deliver a project in budget and on time. Tyler also serves at the Chairman of the 2024 AGC Austin Chapter of the Construction Leadership Council Steering Committee. Tyler resides in Dripping Springs, Texas with his wife Jessica and their two kids. He loves anything involving the outdoors and despite his best efforts, he remains an amateur golfer.
Senior Estimator + Employee Owner, SpawGlass
Ben Walker
My professional experiences vary greatly in title but, are relative in nature. Every step I have taken in life has prepared me for the next. With each and every project in my personal and professional life, I diligently craft a plan that is adaptive, effective and efficient. The ability to be adaptive in project management is imperative in order to achieve a high project success rate and profitability.