Bio: As President of Kilbourne Group, Mike Allmendinger currently oversees the largest redevelopment effort in historic downtown Fargo. With nearly 20 years of experience in historic renovation, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use urban infill projects, Allmendinger leads a multi-disciplinary, integrated team of professionals in real estate projects from site selection, redevelopment, fundraising, construction, and operations. Formally trained as a Landscape Architect, Allmendinger believes that applying the values of design and innovation to real estate creates sustainable communities. Creating unique experiences is the passion of the Kilbourne Group team. In 2003, Allmendinger founded Land Elements, a landscape architecture firm that focuses on concept design to create a unique sense of place and offers full landscape architecture services. In 2019, Land Elements was acquired by Confluence, a Des Moines, Iowa-based landscape architecture firm.

Bio: Karthik Balaji is the Head of Technology and Product Development at Aethero, a company that uses unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the sustainability and efficiency of buildings. He is also a founding member of Aethero. Karthik's team develops automatic building health assessment platforms that use physics-based data to identify maintenance needs, detect defects, and improve energy utilization. Karthik is passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems. He has a PhD in Engineering from the University of North Dakota, where his research focused on developing AI-powered systems for infrastructure optimization. He also has a master's degree in engineering from the University of Southern California. Karthik is excited to continue working on innovative solutions that make infrastructure more sustainable and efficient. He believes that AI and UAS have the potential to revolutionize the way we build and maintain our infrastructure.

Bio: Travis Clark has been with OSHA since 1997. He is the Current Assistant Area Director in Bismarck, ND, with 6 years experience as an Area Director in Corpus Christi, TX, 3 years experience as an Enforcement Program Manager in the Dallas Regional Office, 2 Years experience as an Assistant Area Director in Ft. Worth, Tx and 14 years experience as a Compliance Safety and Health Officer in Bismarck, ND.

Bio: Mike is a project director with KCI Construction Company, a commercial general contractor in Southwest Missouri. He entered the construction industry in 2005 and became a member of the Southwest Missouri Chapter of CSI in January of 2006. He has served the gamut of positions from committees to chapter president. In 2014 he was elected vice president of the North Central Region (NCR) and then President in 2015. Mike has co-chaired President Elect Training with Andrea Zawodny of the Kansas City Chapter at the annual NCR Conference since 2017. Mike and his two sons share a love for the outdoors. His boys also keep him busy with their involvement in track, football, wrestling, FFA, and rodeo.

Bio: Mark Doresey, CAE, FASAE, serves as CEO of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI), an association serving 6,000 members nationwide and connecting to 30,000 professionals weekly. Since joining CSI in 2015, the association doubled its assets, radically changed its governance structure and strategic approach, launched a for-profit subsidiary and highly innovative technology product, and revamped content, learning, and credentialing, resulting in its best performance in two decades. Prior to CSI, Mark was CEO of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), a 32,000-member nonprofit education association. During this period, PSIA-AASI saw record membership growth, record revenue, and award-winning communications and outreach programs, including a 2014 Power of Associations Summit Award.

Bio: After serving in the US Navy nuclear power field, Jay Egg began a career in mechanical design engineering & contracting. Now, as an expert consultant, Jay sists on several technical code committees internally; notably the technical committee for the IAPMO Uniform Mechanical Code. Jay services on the Board of Directors for Geothermal Rising. Jay has co-authored two McGraw-Hill Textbooks focused on geothermal HVAC technologies and continues to write curriculum and lecture on the merits of Clean Heating and Cooling technologies.

Bio: Mimi Egg is a social media marketing professional, writer, and media consultant for Egg Geo, focused on building online connections and educating on social media platforms. Her desire to educate the rising generation about green, sustainable living is a major focus in her career.

Bio: Cody Ellingson has been involved in the design, installation, and management for various education construction projects throughout the upper Midwest. Through experience and study, Cody has gained several certifications that he has utilized to work directly on equipment in commercial buildings to provide an additional understanding of the unique requirements of each piece of equipment.

Bio: Wade joined the Foss team in the Fall of 2001 and became principal of the firm in 2008. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University with over 28 years of experience and is a Registered Architect in Minnesota, North Dakota & South Dakota. Wade’s diverse background includes experience in all types of construction delivery methods, working with both clients and contractors through all phases of the project development.

Bio: Nick Evans is a degreed Mechanical Engineer and professionally licensed Fire Protection Engineer for NOVA Fire Protection, in Fargo, ND. Nick graduated from NDSU in 2007 and has worked in the fire protection industry since 2002. As President of NOVA, Nick is involved in the oversite of the design, installation, service, and inspection of various fire protection systems.

Bio: Oliver Finneman from McGough. Oliver boasts a 15-year career in the construction industry. Graduating from North Dakota State University in 2009 with a degree in Construction Management, he swiftly gained project management experience at firms in Texas, Minnesota, and North Dakota. Currently holding the position of Director of Preconstruction at McGough, Oliver plays a key role during the scope development phase of projects across the region. Oliver’s primary focus is on projects that utilize the Construction Manager at Risk delivery. His project resume includes significant contributions to healthcare, higher ed, and community facilities. Oliver originates from western North Dakota and resides with his family in Fargo.

Bio: Jason Flack from Comstock. Jason has over 15 years of regional project management experience. Additionally, he has 5 years of experience as the Director of Pre-Construction on Comstock’s Executive Leadership Team. Jason has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead and is certified in OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety & Health Training. His priority is overall project coordination with Owners, Design Partners, Subcontractors and Suppliers. With his focus on pre-construction, Jason is committed to building long-lasting relationships with all parties involved in a project. Over the course of Jason’s career, he has successfully completed many projects with aggressive schedules, strict deadlines, and stringent budgets.

Bio: Hank Hauge is the Director of Technical Services for the Strata Corporation and has been there for the past 19 years. He has a Master Builders Technologies in Basic Concrete and is ACI & NRMCA Certified. Hank has served in many organizations including being past President of the North Dakota Ready Mix Association, North Dakota Concrete Council and Aggregate & Ready-Mixed Concrete Association of Minnesota. He is a member of good standing of the American Concrete Institute and American Society of Civil Engineers. Hank worked his way through the ranks from laborer, concrete finisher, to supervisor, to starting and running his own company, until he decided to pursue opportunities that advanced his education and experience. He is a U.S. Army veteran of Desert Shield & Desert Storm and is active in the American Legion. Upon completion of his military service, Hank graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of North Dakota. His breadth of experience in chemical admixtures, cement and pozzolans, and the production processes allow him a unique perspective on the concrete industry.

Bio: Steve Hoepfner Steve holds dual registration as both Professional Mechanical Engineer and Professional Fire Protection Engineer. He has been involved in the design of mechanical and sprinkler systems for various facility types. Steve understands various systems impacts on facility performance to help owners and design teams make the best decisions for their projects.

Bio: Pam Jergenson is currently serving as the CSI North Central Region President and previously held the Secretary position. Pam works as the Building Enclosure Commissioning Technical Manager and a Principal Consultant in the Building and Structure Sciences Group at Braun Intertec. She is a building enclosure consultant for building owners, architects, and contractors in a variety of sectors. She has over 30 years in investigation, testing, design, construction observation, construction contract administration, and enclosure commissioning of new and existing building projects. Pam is a Construction Document Technologist (CDT), Certified Construction Specifier (CCS), and Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA) from Construction Specifications Institute (CSI); among other certifications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Air Barrier Association of America (ABAA). Most recently she was advanced into the CSI Fellowship at the 2023 CSI National Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Bio: Eric Johnson focuses on energy modeling and analysis of building mechanical systems and the recommendations of energy conservation measures for retro-commissioning projects. He also conducts system testing and issue diagnosis as well as conducting building energy simulations on alternative designs. Additionally, Eric performs research on energy-efficient systems and their implementation.

Bio: Tino Kalayil is a licensed Professional Engineer in Wisconsin and received a BS and MS in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. Before joining WoodWorks, he worked as a structural engineering consultant for over six years on various project types, ranging from office, mixed-use, and multi-family to higher education and historical building. Tino's vast experience includes building design, BIM detailing, construction administration, special inspections, construction engineering, forensics, adaptive reuse, facade engineering, and project management.

Bio: Attorney Kristine A. Kubes is principal of Kubes Law Office, PLLC, serving design and construction professionals through all states of a project - from contracts to payment issues, liens, and defense of professional liability claims. She is a litigator admitted to argue cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. She is a mediator, and educator on construction, design, and ethics issues. Kristine is a past National Chair of the American Bar Association Forum on Construction Law. She served as a public member on the MN Board of AELSLAGID from 2006-2013, during which she served two terms as Board Chair from 2009-2011. Daughter of a teacher and a carpenter, Krstine uses the lessons her parents taught her every day.

Bio: Donovan Larson has a Bachelor of Architecture & Environmental Design from North Dakota State University and is a licensed Architect in North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as being a Certified IR Infrared Thermographer. He has 32 years of experience with diverse and challenging roles in the fields of construction and architecture. Donovan performs multiple roles in all facets of planning, design, construction, and administration of the built environment putting him in the unique position of having designed, built, and then evaluated a broad building spectrum.

Bio: Growing up in rural North Dakota, and as a 5th generation North Dakotan, Keith Leier developed an early understanding and passion for the great people, big dreamers, and hard work ethic inherent to our region. Lessons learned from long days of building the family ranch instilled a confidence that big dreams and aspirations are achievable if we can work passionately at achieving them. The passion for the impact of building things is a guiding principle in Keith’s professional career. As the Vice President of Development and Construction at Kilbourne Group, Keith is helping to lead efforts in the company's pursuit, development, design, and construction of new projects. Many of Kilbourne Group’s recent downtown Fargo projects have been completed while he has served in this role. He is a graduate of North Dakota State University, with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and is a licensed Professional Engineer. Beyond Kilbourne Group, Keith and his wife are the parents of four young sons. Together they take tremendous pride in being active in an adventurous family lifestyle. From camping and mountain biking, to building forts and other small-scale family projects, you can often find Keith enjoying the outdoors or teaching his sons the skills to be the next generation of dreamers, builders, and leaders. Keith embodies Kilbourne's values and is a catalyst of inspiration and action for Fargo's vibrant downtown. He is a steward of community-centric development and caretaker of the responsibility that comes from the lasting impacts of projects in our communities.

Bio: Justin Maaninga from ICS. Justin has a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He is a LEED AP professional, certified in OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety and affiliated with the Construction Management Advisory Board for the Minnesota State University Moorhead. Justin possesses a diverse and extensive background in all delivery methods, with over 20 years of experience. He has worked in both private and public sector projects in overall facilities planning, project development and construction. Justin works with architects, engineers, project owners and contractors from the conceptual stage through design, completion, and operation.

Bio: Steve Martens taught architecture and historic preservation at NDSU in Fargo for 30-years until retiring in 2015. In addition to his credentials as an architect and spec writer, he holds a post-professional graduate degree in architectural history and historic preservation. Steve is a proud graduate of MHA Nation's White Shield School on the Fort Berthold Reservation. As a research consultant, he authored 40 successful National Register nominations, led sever student HABS recordings teams, and contributed articles to the Encyclopedia of the Great Plains, Encyclopedia of Rural America, and North Dakota History journal. As a practicing architect, Steve worked extensively on historic preservation, collaborating with several architectural firms to preserve and rehabilitate heritage buildings in all parts of the north central region. In 2010 he completed a comprehensive statewide survey and analysis of federal work relief construction for the State Historical Society of North Dakota. In 2015, Steve & Ron Co-authored the book Buildings of North Dakota, re-visiting historic properties and sites the two had visited together during their 50-year friendship.

Bio: Founded in 2011 by Ben Meland and Austin Morris, Enclave emerged with a vision to deliver an unparalleled product and experience to the market. Fueled by their commitment to reimagining spaces and unwavering dedication to integrity, the duo has successfully led a team in delivering 150 developments, completing $1 billion+ in construction services and managing over 5,000 multifamily units. Enclave is a trusted name in the real estate and construction industry, with an award-winning portfolio that spans multifamily, mixed-use, build-to-suit industrial, healthcare, and commercial environments generating upwards of $1.5 billion in value for partners and clients. What began as a two-person startup has evolved into a team of 230+ talented individuals whose projects are making a lasting impact across the Midwest and Mountain West. Ben's client-focused and strategic growth mindset, coupled with his nearly 20 years of experience in construction management, continues to accelerate Enclave's portfolio performance. His unique understanding of the project lifecycle, from initial deal sourcing and partnership structures, to anticipating the unknowns of the construction process, coupled with his working knowledge across development, construction and property management has made Enclave one of the area's fastest-growing companies and a benchmark for success in the markets in which they operate. Today, Ben leads Enclave's construction entities while spearheading the organization's industrial footprint from development to project completion.

Bio: Founded in 2011 by Ben Meland and Austin Morris, Enclave emerged with a vision to deliver an unparalleled product and experience to the market. Fueled by their commitment to reimagining spaces and unwavering dedication to integrity, the duo has successfully led a team in delivering 150 developments, completing $1 billion+ in construction services and managing over 5,000 multifamily units. Enclave is a trusted name in the real estate and construction industry, with an award-winning portfolio that spans multifamily, mixed-use, build-to-suit industrial, healthcare, and commercial environments generating upwards of $1.5 billion in value for partners and clients. What began as a two-person startup has evolved into a team of 230+ talented individuals whose projects are making a lasting impact across the Midwest and Mountain West. Austin leverages his extensive background in real estate investment, site selection, design-development, and financing to promote Enclave's mission, serving the team in guiding the creation of inspiring spaces for people to live, work, play and invest better. His vision for tangible aesthetics and obtaining the highest relative value have influenced all of Enclave's investments and developments. Austin shares in the strategic, organizational and investment responsibilities while supporting development, property management and marketing strategy. His relevant experience applies to projects spanning all industries, leading deal structures and financing across 100+ developments. The result is significant, forming strong legacy equity investor partners, deep financial institution relationships, positive rapport with municipalities and governing bodies, and an exhaustive approach to sourcing debt and equity to yield the best value for clients.

Bio: Jesse Morrow serves as President of Diversified Contractors, a commercial general contractor based out of Fargo, ND. Jesse graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in Construction Management in 2013 and continued his education at NDSU receiving a Masters in Business Administration in 2015. Jesse has worked in the commercial construction industry for over 15 years, including 9 years with Diversified Contractors. His current role includes project management, estimating, and oversight of both office and field staff. As an owner he also plays a critical role in the decision making and direction of the business.

Bio: Ron Ramsay is nationally well-known for his sustained commitment to humanities research and his distinguished 50-year career as an architectural educator. He taught architectural history, design studios and other humanities courses at NDSU, inspiring lifelong creativity and professional careers of more than 5,000 students who were engaged by his courses and innovative way of understanding the built environment. A lifelong member of the Society of Architectural Historians, Ron's academic credentials include work at the University of Delaware, University of Texas, Columbia University, and the University of Oklahoma. Professor Ramsay has developed gallery exhibits including "In the Architect's Eye: 100-Years of North Dakota Building" and the innovative "Agincourt Sesquicentennial" exhibit for the Rourke Art Museum. He remains an active, passionate researcher who has collected background material on a wide range of regional architecture topics and personalities. Ramsay is currently finalizing a book manuscript on the architectural career of William Halsey Wood. In 2015, Steve & Ron Co-authored the book Buildings of North Dakota, re-visiting historic properties and sites the two had visited together during their 50-year friendship.

Bio: Jack Sadler is the CEO and co-Founder of Part3, where the mission is to enable architects and engineers to take back control over their projects and manage construction administration with speed, automation, and intelligence. Jack has held strategic roles and helped launch multiple tech companies prior to taking on the challenge of connecting construction teams and starting Part3.

Bio: Brad Schwab is a Principal at Schwab Group LLC. in Aurar, IL and has worked in the construction industry as an independent manufacturers rep focused on building envelope products for over 10 years. Prior to working in the construction industry, Brad was an Advertising Executive in Chicago for 17 years where he focused on delivering business-to-business marketing and advertising solutions. Brad is an active member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA). He holds a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from the University of Iowa.

Bio: David Skarphol has five decades of experience in mechanical construction, as well as being a master plumber. Through this experience, he has tackled problems and created solutions in every conceivable scenario. David has a skill set that never seems to stop growing and is a wealth of knowledge for our forensic and construction administration division. He is licensed as a Master Plumber, Minnesota Backflow Tester, South Dakota Journeyman Plumber, and Certified IR Infrared Thermographer.

Bio: Ed Thvedt has extensive experience in the mechanical field, bringing knowledge and expertise in construction services for 27 years. He is a Bismarck State College Graduate of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Sheet Metal. Ed is also HealthCare Construction Certified from the American Society of HealthCare Engineering and a Certified IR Infrared Thermographer. He monitors mechanical system installations at construction sites, tracking activities, and verifying quality of site work for the owner and architects as his primary focus. Ed is part of the building forensics team in uncovering building construction failures.

Bio: Stephen Westerback specializes in energy reduction and sustainable design across various markets and is part of CMTA’s Building Science Leadership team. He provides energy analyses to inform design decisions and ensure projects achieve their energy goals. He also contributes to building certification efforts, allowing projects to demonstrate how thoughtful design leads to efficient and healthy buildings.

Bio: Cindy Urness, AIA is a retired Associate Professor of Architecture at North Dakota State University in the Department of Architecture, having served in the Department as Program Director for Architecture and Interim Chair. She is a registered architect, a member of the American Institute of Architects and has worked in professional practice in Dallas, New York City, and Fargo. She is a North Dakota native and a graduate of North Dakota State University and Pratt Institute. Cindy taught courses in Professional Practice, Architectural Detailing, Interior Space-making, Design Criticism, Building Codes, and at all levels in Design Studio. She was the recipient of the AIA North Dakota 2023 Architecture Outstanding Achievement Award as well as the NDSU 2015 Blue Key Distinguished Educator Award.

Bio: Andrea is a Senior Associate and Senior Specification Writer for the architecture firm, Hellmuth, Obata, & Kassabaum (HOK). She has 29 years of construction industry experience, and 24 years of experience in specifying. A long-time leader in CSI, Andrea is passionate about improving communication and project delivery in the design and construction industry. She has served on many CSI committees, as well as the boards of the Kansas City Chapter and the North Central Region. Andrea is also a Past-President of both. Currently she is serving on the National Board as the Institute Director from the North Central Region, and the President-elect of the Kansas City Chapter. She has co-chaired the President Elect Training with Mike Coan of the Southwest Missouri Chapter at the annual NCR Conference since 2017. An avid animal-lover, Andrea frequently takes in dogs, and checks on cats, to allow pet parents to go on vacations without boarding their loved ones. She also has a passion for cooking for others, particularly those with special dietary needs. Her attitude is “Food is important; it should taste good!”