Conference Speakers

Alex Willis, founder and CEO of Leadership Surge, is a dynamic speaker, motivator and innovator of corporate and frontline change management programming. The comprehensive training programs available from Leadership Surge help develop leaders at all levels: from the frontline to the board room. Alex has worked directly with more than 2,000 executives, foreman leaders, and front-line team members embedding the values of diversity and inclusion in every area of the leadership mindset resulting in improved communication, engagement, productivity, creativity and job satisfaction. He pushes the boundaries with his training — first, grabbing attention through innovative edutainment experiences then, winning hearts and minds through his authentic approach and relevant, activity-based modules.

Kori Gormley-Huppert is President and fourth-generation owner of Gormley Plumbing + Mechanical, based in McMinnville, Oregon. She is a member of the MCAA Board of Directors, a member of the PCA Board and the former Chair of the Women in the Mechanical Industry Committee.

Shaabini Alford is a seasoned professional in the plumbing and mechanical contracting industry, with a career spanning back to 2003. Shaabini has worked for two of Southern California's leading MEP contractors, and is known for consistently delivering excellence. Having served as Executive Vice President of Southern California Operations, Shaabini led several departments to make sure they continuously delivered on-schedule and maximized the profit.  Shaabini’s strengths include contracts, crisis management, risk mitigation, conflict resolution, cultivating a culture of trust and accountability, teamwork, integrity, and, of course, fun! Shaabini is a proud alumna of California State Polytechnic University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Technology, specializing in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Shaabini’s academic foundation laid the groundwork for her career within the plumbing and mechanical industry. Shaabini has established collaborations and partnerships with the California Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association (CPMCA) and has served on the Board of Directors for the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA). Currently, Shaabini is a full-time consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Shaabini’s passion is to motivate, inspire and leave a lasting impression on others as so many have done for her fueling her successful career.

Stacy Johnson has worked at Auburn Mechanical since 1976. In that time, she has held many different positions including project manager and estimator. She is well connected to other businesses through her involvement in the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), chair of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Western Washington Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (MCAWW DEI) committee, and chair of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Women in Construction initiative. Stacy’s responsibilities at Auburn Mechanical include providing leadership, direction, and support for day-to-day operations. She also oversees our strategic commitment to maintaining the strong infrastructure that’s made Auburn Mechanical a leading full-service mechanical contractor.