FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Cogence Alliance Announces 2026 National Board of Directors and Incoming President Jennifer Son
Cogence Alliance is pleased to announce its 2026 National Board of Directors and the appointment of Jennifer Son, The Ohio State University, to a 2-year term as President.
Board members were nominated by the Cogence membership and confirmed by vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Jennifer Son serves as Director of Projects for Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) at The Ohio State University, where she leads a team of project managers delivering design and construction projects for the Wexner Medical Center—spanning ambulatory services, rehabilitative and behavioral health—along with the university’s health sciences colleges and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK). She also contributes to FDC’s strategic vision, helping advance operational processes while fostering leadership and project management excellence.
Jennifer joined Ohio State in 2024, bringing more than 25 years of experience in architecture and construction, including prior work as a project architect for a local design firm. She is a Registered Architect in Ohio and a proud U.S. Army veteran, retiring from the Army Reserves in 1999.
2026 Cogence Alliance National Board of Directors
President:
Jennifer Son, The Ohio State University
Vice President/Chair, Programs Committee:
Sean McDermott, Cleveland Metroparks
Treasurer:
Robert Hager, Brennan, Manna & Diamond
Immediate Past President:
Scott Wagner, Regency Construction
Secretary:
Kevin Thompson, Cogence Alliance
Chair, Resources Committee:
Brendan Shea, Next Generation Construction
Chair, Emerging Leaders:
Matt Morgan, Karpinski Engineering
Chapter Presidents:
Northeast Ohio: Carter Edman, Marous Brothers Construction
Central Ohio: Adrienne Sraver, Barton Malow Builders
Southwest Ohio: Steve Lawson, Shook Construction
At-Large Directors:
Jeff Appelbaum, Thompson Hine LLP / Project Management Consultants LLC
Kris Edwards, Valley Interiors
Jerry Klanac, University of Dayton / PMA Consultants LLC
Pat Klanac, PTA Engineering
Jonathan Wilch, DLR Group
Cogence Alliance operates through a national board that guides the organization’s mission to positively influence the construction industry, supported by regional chapters focused on local project delivery needs. See here for the regional chapter boards of directors.
Inspired by its name—meaning “to drive together” or “well‑organized thinking”—Cogence Alliance has been a longstanding advocate for industry collaboration, regulatory improvements, and increased inclusivity across the built‑environment community.
Cogence partners are committed to understanding diverse perspectives, fostering open dialogue, and taking shared responsibility for positive outcomes, all while embracing continuous learning and collaboration.
Cogence warmly welcomes President Jennifer Son and extends appreciation to all new and returning board members for their service and leadership as the organization continues its pursuit of collaborative excellence within the construction industry.