SPEAKERS
Keynote Speakers
Tanmay Bakshi
Keynote Speaker Tanmay Bakshi, a 21-year-old AI prodigy and technical savant, defies conventions with his extraordinary achievements that reach far beyond his age. Wearing numerous hats – author, TED & keynote speaker, Google Developer Expert for Machine Learning, AI & Software Architect for IBM Watson Apps, Instructor at the University of Winnipeg, Visiting Professor at iUniversity Tokyo, media personality, and YouTuber – he’s a force in the technology and innovation sectors.
His journey with coding began when he was just five years old, by nine, he had published an iOS app. Since then, he has shared his insights with over 300,000 executives, developers and students in more than 30 countries, speaking to high-profile organizations such as the United Nations, Walmart, Microsoft, Google and Amazon. In addition to his speaking engagements, Tanmay has made significant contributions to the field of AI and technology. Notably, he has been instrumental in developing AI techniques to revolutionize the drive-thru experience at McDonald’s as part of his work with IBM. He has also created applications that enhance songwriting capabilities, identifying individuals through their heartbeat, and decode mental states using EEG data.
Tanmay’s passion lies in using technology as a tool to drive positive global change. He remains committed to using his extensive knowledge to transform the world through technology. With his remarkable expertise and unwavering dedication, he is poised to continue making signification contributions to the field and inspiring others to harness the power of technology for the greater good.
Education Speakers
Andrew Nguyen
Andrew Palcan
Project Manager, Helm Group | Chair, MCAA Career Development CommitteeAndrew Palcan
Project Manager, Helm Group | Chair, MCAA Career Development Committee
Andrew Palcan graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) with a B.S./M.S. in Architectural Engineering. He was a member of his MCAA student chapter for his final two years in school and participated in the student chapter competition and presented on stage in San Diego in 2017. He met the President of his current company in Orlando at the 2016 MCAA Convention and secured an internship for the following summer and during his final year of school. Andrew has now been with Helm for seven years. He started out as a project engineer, working with a project manager who ran his own work in their Milwaukee office. He spent most of his internship estimating and helping on a handful of small projects. Once he moved to Helm’s Chicago office, he was immediately sent out to the field to help with a pharmaceutical project as a project engineer for the sheet metal team, but eventually ended up working on both the sheet metal and process piping teams. He was onsite for about a year and then returned to the office to continue estimating industrial work. One and a half years post-graduation, he was given the opportunity to run a school job as a project manager. He worked with a piping and sheet metal foreman for about a year on the renovation, which then increased to a new build for an additional year. He’s now heavily involved with Helm's data center projects. He’s currently managing project schedules and procurement of equipment while working with the project teams. Following graduation, Andrew knew he wanted to stay involved with MCAA and joined the Career Development Committee. He’s been to every MCAA Convention and GreatFutures Forum since 2017 to help recruit the talented students that are involved with MCAA and to assist his company in any way he could. After serving on the committee for three years, he was asked to take on the role of committee chairman.
Anne Finerfrock
W.E. Bowers, Vice PresidentAnne Finerfrock
W.E. Bowers, Vice President
Anne is a Vice President at W.E. Bowers in the DC metro area. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she returned to the mechanical contractor she interned with as an assistant project manager. Corporately, she leads the company’s project controls, workforce development and training initiatives. She is active with the MCA of Metropolitan Washington as a trustee on the Industry Fund Trust and serves as a contractor representative on the UA Local 5 Plumbing Medical Fund. At the national level, she is a member of the MCAA Board of Directors and sits on both the Career Development and Project Managers Education Committees.
Chris Milone
Darren Black, PGA
Director of Instruction, TopGolfDarren Black, PGA
Director of Instruction, TopGolf
Darren Black has been golfing all of his life and turned golf professional in 2005. Before working as the Director of Instruction at TopGolf-Renton in 2022, he was the Head Golf Professional at Rainer Golf & Country Club in Seattle for 12 years. Darren still competes in tournaments around the Pacific Northwest section of the PGA. He was the 2014 PNW Player of the Year and 2015 WA Open Champion and has qualified and competed in 4 PGA Professional National Championships. He currently teaches all skill levels of golfers from beginners to tour professionals and doesn’t believe in teaching a method to all golfers, but rather adapting to each student and their needs as golf is such an individualized sport.
Justin Blackledge
Project Manager, The Waldinger CorporationJustin Blackledge
Project Manager, The Waldinger Corporation
Justin is a Project Manager at The Waldinger Corporation based out of Omaha, Nebraska and has been with the company for 7 years. He has had the opportunity to work on various types of projects including data centers, Amazon fulfillment centers, schools, and currently wastewater treatment facilities. Prior to his professional career, he was a student at the University of Nebraska where he spent 4 years with the MCAA Student Chapter. During those 4 years he was involved with every aspect of the chapter, including the student chapter competition. He was able to attend the GreatFutures Forum as well as the MCAA Convention multiple times. The knowledge and connections made from attending these events served him well and are experiences he will carry with him throughout his career.
Krista Ebbens
EVP HR and General Counsel, J.F. Ahern Co.Krista Ebbens
EVP HR and General Counsel, J.F. Ahern Co.
Krista Ebbens is the General Counsel and Executive Vice President of HR and Marketing. She joined Ahern in 2013 and two years later became its first female member of the Management Committee and a shareholder in the company. Krista currently oversees the legal, HR and marketing functions at Ahern. She has been involved in wide variety of company strategic initiatives during her career including creating new management leadership training, a two-year associates degree equivalent fire protection designer training and a company-wide intranet communication tool. She also founded several affinity groups at Ahern including a new employee, new manager and Women in Construction group. Krista also spends a large amount of her time advising the business risks associated with construction and service projects, ensuring that the business is smart about how it deals with risks associated with each project. She also oversees Ahern’s insurance, workers’ compensation and contract review process. Krista is a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee.
Kurt Voss
Vice President - Engineering, Integrated Facility ServicesKurt Voss
Vice President - Engineering, Integrated Facility Services
Kurt Voss graduated from Missouri School of Science and Technology in 2001 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career working for Koch-Air, St. Louis Area Carrier Distributor, where he learned invaluable knowledge of equipment and applying the right equipment in the right system. After 6 years he decided to expand his engineering knowledge base and utilize his expansive equipment knowledge to begin his career at Integrated Facility Services, a full-service Design Build Mechanical Contractor. He began as a Sales Engineer designing and installing all types of systems for schools, office buildings, and pharmaceutical companies. He worked his way up to Vice President. He currently leads their construction division overseeing all design build projects from concept to completion. He is also part of the executive team leading IFS into the future. Kurt received his Professional Engineering license in 2011. Kurt is active in the local MCA Chapter (MCA of Eastern Missouri) where he is Vice President on the Board and involved with the Education Committee. He is also active with the MCAA as a Career Development Committee member. “This is a fantastic industry and I love to educate others about what a Career in Mechanical Contracting can offer.” His free time is enjoyed with his wife, three kids, and dog. They love to travel, cook, and enjoy the free time together.
Marie Patterson
Chair of Construction Management - California State University, ChicoMarie Patterson
Chair of Construction Management - California State University, Chico
Marie Patterson is the advisor to the Chico State Women in Construction and Mechanical Contractors Association student clubs. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, and a Master’s Degree in Geography with an Option in Environmental Policy and Planning, both from Chico State. Her current research focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion, and economic and workforce development to increase and support underrepresented populations and women in engineering and construction fields. Before academia, her twenty-year industry career included project management, pre-construction and business development roles for specialty piping contractors with a focus on advanced technology and pharmaceutical markets, as well as working on the owner's side overseeing facility renovations and energy management. She is still heavily involved with the construction industry; serving on MCAA’s Career Development Committee since 2019 and was a recent member of the AGC of California Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce. Marie is also the former Director of Student Outreach for WiOPS’ (Women in Construction Operations) Northern California Chapter and has been a part of the Northern California Chapter since its inception in 2017. Marie has attended the MCAA Convention and GreatFutures Forum since 2010. She has also attended MCAA’s IPM and AIPM programs and now teaches at IPM. Marie is also a recipient of the MCAA Educator of the Year Award (2022-2023).
Michael Evans
Talent Learning, MILWAUKEE TOOLMichael Evans
Talent Learning, MILWAUKEE TOOL
Michael Evans is a leader in talent learning for Milwaukee Tool. Michael has spent the last 20 years learning and leading in multiple sales, training, service, and brand marketing roles. Michael is a servant leader focused on educating the Milwaukee teams to serve their partners and end users in the construction industry. Michael’s passion for people and culture has allowed him the opportunity to work as a chair for the Milwaukee culture team, driving the celebration and recognition of their diverse people. As a founding member of the Pudwill Leadership Center, Michael has been committed to designing and delivering engaging learning in both virtual and immersive live experiences. Michael is a dynamic speaker and facilitator who aims to foster an environment where diverse people learn and grow together toward measurable results. Michael is also a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee.
Michael F. Russo
Chief Operation Officer, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp.Michael F. Russo
Chief Operation Officer, Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp.
Michael F. Russo is the COO of Fresh Meadow Mechanical Corp. and has been in the industry for 43 years. He worked on a Nuclear Powerhouse out of college and in 1998 worked on a 47-story high rise hotel in Times Square, New York. He started running a company at 30 years old and has worked on a variety of projects in several states from Boiler Plants to Chiller Plants to a 330 MW Combined Cycle Power Plant. They also installed the fountains at the 9/11 Memorial in NYC, which was toured in conjunction with the New York/New Jersey GreatFutures Forum in 2014. Michael is a member of the Career Development Committee and currently serves as MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer. He will serve as MCAA President in 2027-2028.
Rick Gopffarth
VP of Preconstruction, Dynamic Systems, Inc. | MCAA PresidentRick Gopffarth
VP of Preconstruction, Dynamic Systems, Inc. | MCAA President
Rick Gopffarth is VP of Preconstruction in Dynamic Systems’ North Texas Division and oversees business development, estimating and engineering activities. He manages mechanical projects within the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, mission-critical, healthcare, laboratory and large commercial industries. Additionally, Rick is currently serving as the 2024-2025 MCAA President and is the Chair of the MCAA Education Committee.
Robin Cowper
Executive Director, MCA of Western WashingtonRobin Cowper
Executive Director, MCA of Western Washington
Robin Cowper got her start in the mechanical contracting industry 25 years ago as a Project Managment Assistant. Today, she serves as the Executive Director for the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington (MCAWW). Robin is a strong advocate for education and networking, recognizing their crucial role in her own career growth and is dedicated to offering these opportunities to MCAWW members.
Ron King
Director NCPWB & WebLEM, MCAARon King
Director NCPWB & WebLEM, MCAA
Ron King joined MCAA in April 2024 as Director, NCPWB & WebLEM and is responsible for welding procedures, welder qualification tracking and labor units for the association. Prior to MCAA, he was employed for 17 years by Trimble MEP as Director of Industry Relations and Business Development. Prior to joining Trimble, he was employed for 17 years by GEM INC, a multi-trade contractor in Northwest Ohio, providing a broad range of industrial construction services. Ron also participates on the Pipe Fabrication Institute (PFI) Engineering Committee.
Rory Olson
President, Building Services – MacDonald-Miller Facility SolutionsRory Olson
President, Building Services – MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions
Rory is President of Building Services at MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions, one of the largest mechanical contractors in the Pacific Northwest. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 2005 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he began his career with MacDonald-Miller as a Project Engineer working in their New Construction division. During his career in Project Management, he worked on a variety of projects while focusing on his passion of Lean Construction and Fabrication. He took on the role of Detailing Manager for several years. In mid-2015 he transitioned from the construction side of the business to the Service Operation Manager role and in 2021 became President of Building Services. He has also been heavily involved in the development of Leadership Training within his organization.
He is active with the MCA of Western Washington as a trustee on the Seattle Area Plumbers and Pipefitters Health Trust, a Senior Instructor, and a member of the Board of Education. His engagement in the MCA of Western Washington led to an affiliate instructor role at the University of Washington teaching Mechanical Systems to Construction Management and Architecture students. He is currently an industry advisor to the University of Washington MCA Student Chapter. He is also a guest lecturer for the Washington State University Construction Management program. In his personal life he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two daughters skiing, hiking, backpacking, camping, surfing & running.
Ryan Manuel
Assistant Professor of Practice, Purdue UniversityRyan Manuel
Assistant Professor of Practice, Purdue University
Ryan Manuel, an Assistant Professor at Purdue University's School of Construction Management Technology, has twenty years of experience in residential, commercial, and mechanical construction. Having graduated from Purdue, Ryan embarked on a successful career in the construction industry, where he held various management positions across different sectors, before ultimately deciding to transition to academia in 2019. His academic influence is characterized by creative course design and an interactive teaching style, particularly in his primary course, CM 15000, where students obtain practical construction skills.
Ryan's commitment to excellence in teaching is evident through multiple nominations for the Exceptional Early Career Teaching Award and recognition for his exceptional teaching during the pandemic. Ryan's engagement in the construction sector is extensive, going beyond instruction alone. He is currently a member of the Career Development Committee for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Constructors (AIC). Through his collaborations with the industry, he has made a significant positive impact on Purdue's construction management department, improving educational programs and fostering connections with industry best practices. Ryan has been honored with an Early-Career Engagement Award in recognition of his commitment to improving the construction management curriculum and his significant contributions to the field. Through his ongoing engagement projects, he is dedicated to uplifting the educational landscape and shaping future generations of construction professionals.
Sarabeth Gandara
Preconstruction Manager, U.S. Engineering ConstructionSarabeth Gandara
Preconstruction Manager, U.S. Engineering Construction
Sarabeth Gandara has been with U.S. Engineering in Denver, CO, since graduating from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in 2018. She started as a Preconstruction Engineer and has since moved into the role of Preconstruction Manager, working on notable projects such as the National Western Campus Energy Plant (2022-2023 Student Chapter Competition Project) and the DEN Great Hall Renovation. She has also worked on projects in the healthcare, K-12 education, higher education, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Sarabeth is heavily involved in planning and recruiting for U.S. Engineering’s internship program in the Rocky Mountain region and has lovingly been nicknamed “Intern Mom” due to her immersive involvement with the program. She previously held internships in general contracting, mechanical contracting, and design engineering before confirming her career path in mechanical contracting.
Following her time as an MSOE Student Chapter Member, Sarabeth has continuously been involved with MCAA; she actually discovered her passion for mechanical contracting through her involvement with MCAA. She is currently a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee and is committed to helping students find their fit in the construction industry.
Scott Hinton
Executive Vice President, Enerfab Power and IndustrialScott Hinton
Executive Vice President, Enerfab Power and Industrial
Scott began his career serving an apprenticeship with the UA Local 136 in Evansville, IN. He worked in the trade for 9 years before moving into an office role. He’s now been in the industry for 45 years and was fortunate to work for 3 fantastic companies who provided him with the opportunity to grow as he progressed through many roles and promotions. Throughout his time in the mechanical industry, he has been involved in many great projects. Everything from power generation and industrial facilities, manufacturing facilities, and institutional projects such as hospitals and schools. He’s traveled to multiple countries (Sweden, Germany, Finland, Mexico and Canada) as well as 30 states within the US for work-related travel. Scott recently began a new chapter of his career and relocated to Cincinnati, OH to join Enerfab Power and Industrial where he’s honored to be an Executive Vice President of a 3-state region. His current role is to manage and mentor a fantastic and dedicated group of approximately 1000 employees.
Shannon Nicklaus
Professor, Pittsburg State UniversityShannon Nicklaus
Professor, Pittsburg State University
Shannon Nicklaus started his career as a fabricator, installer and service technician in the HVAC industry. After a few years he moved into the office and became an estimator, then a project manager. He worked over 10 years in the mechanical industry and still maintains his Master Mechanical License. He has also experienced several different types of projects throughout his 20 years with the Army in the Engineers. He received his Bachelors in Vocational Technical Education and holds a Masters Degrees in Technical Teachers Education and Engineering Technology. Shannon has now taught in the PSU School of Construction for the past 18 years, teaching a variety of courses from Concrete, Masonry, Senior Projects and his favorite courses; Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing. He has been an MCA Student Chapter advisor since 2008 and has attended all but 2 GreatFutures Forums since he started. Shannon is also a member of the MCAA Career Development Committee.
Stacy Johnson
President, Auburn Mechanical | MCAA Women in the Mechanical Industry CommitteeStacy Johnson
President, Auburn Mechanical | MCAA Women in the Mechanical Industry Committee
Stacy Johnson has been president of Auburn Mechanical since 2008. As President, Stacy provides leadership, vision, and oversight of day-to-day operations. Her commitment extends to maintaining the robust infrastructure that has positioned Auburn Mechanical as a leading full-service mechanical contractor. With a focus on quality, value, timeliness, innovation, and safety, Stacy ensures that Auburn Mechanical consistently delivers exceptional results. Auburn Mechanical specializes in mechanical design, preconstruction, HVAC, plumbing, fitting, refrigeration, pure water system design and installation, and preventative maintenance. Their emphasis on technology innovation in project delivery aligns perfectly with their markets, which include Education, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Technology, and Industrial. Stacy’s involvement in industry organizations includes Past President of MCAWW (Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington), Chair of MCAA’s National WIMI Initiative, and is a current member of MCAA’s Board of Directors.