Attendees will receive (tbd) AIA LU | Elective for Day 1

NOTE: This page is still under construction

September 15th | DAY ONE – Sessions

9am – 10:30am

Celebrating 10 Years. Defining The Cogence Way. Forward, Together

Help us launch the 2026 Cogence Town Hall with a special celebration of Cogence’s 10-year anniversary. Together, we’ll reflect on a decade of achievements, hear an update on the current State of Cogence, and participate in a dynamic discussion about what makes our projects successful.

At the center of the session is The Cogence Way: a model of the behaviors, mindsets, and approaches that create stronger partnerships and better project outcomes. Developed from insights across our community of owners, designers, constructors, and project affiliates, The Cogence Way captures the principles that define how we work and succeed together.

Join us for this interactive opening session that will celebrate where we’ve been, examine where we are today, and explore where we’re headed next.

Cogence National President

Jennifer Son, RA Director of Projects, The Ohio State University, Facilities Design and Construction

Jennifer Son serves as Director of Projects for Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) at The Ohio State University. In this role, she leads a team of project managers responsible for delivering design and construction projects for the Wexner Medical Center (ambulatory services, rehabilitative and behavioral health), the university’s health sciences colleges, and the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK). Jennifer also plays a key role in shaping FDC’s strategic direction, advancing processes, and fostering leadership and project management excellence within the organization.

Joining Ohio State in 2024, Jennifer brought more than 25 years of experience in architecture and construction, including her tenure as a project architect with a local design firm. She is a Registered Architect in Ohio and a proud veteran, retiring from the United States Army Reserves in 1999.

Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Michigan, followed by a Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Kent State University. Her portfolio includes notable projects such as the Heritage College of Medicine at Ohio University, The James Outpatient Care facility at the Wexner Medical Center, and the award-winning renovation of Hopkins Hall at Ohio State, recipient of the AIA Ohio Gold Medal.

10:45 pm – 11:45am

Taking the long view on interorganizational construction projects: Insights from a ten-year research journey in an evolving field

Brief Summary: In this talk, Stephens will synthesize insights from his ten-year program of research on large interorganizational construction projects. The key theme across these insights is how project team members manage change. Across five major projects, Stephens and his team have used multiple methods, such as surveys, interviews and observation, to learn about how project team members build and sustain relationships, leverage frequent and timely communication and collectively address the persistent challenges of project work to maintain resilience. Drawing on these rich sets of data, Stephens will present three key insights: 1) industry-level change involves project team members paying attention to their everyday talk and actions to truly empower each other; 2) visual materials help smooth cross-functional and interorganizational dialogue and conflict management; and 3) leadership shifts over time and across multiple individuals and organizations in a project, requiring planning for effective handoffs between key phases. These research-backed insights illustrate how project team members already possess many of the resources needed to effectively manage change and deliver successful projects.

John Paul  (J.P.) Stephens, PhD., Case Western Reserve University

John Paul (J.P.) Stephens, Ph.D. is the Theodore M. and Catherine C. Alfred Professor in Management, and Associate Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University. Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, John Paul completed degrees in Psychology at Morgan State University (B.S.) and in Organizational Psychology (M.S. and Ph.D.) at the University of Michigan. J.P. studies work relationships and coordination in groups, focusing on how what individuals and teams perceive about their behaviors shapes complex interdependent work. His research has delved into what people think, feel and do in real time as they pursue excellent, even beautiful collective performances. While he has conducted research in a variety of settings, his main funded research focuses on the strategic structures and practices used to develop a culture of teamwork on large construction sites. JP is also an Associate Editor at the Academy of Management Review, the top journal in the field of management and thoroughly enjoys teaching and mentoring his undergraduate and graduate students.

Noon – 12:50pm

Lunch | Networking | Emerging Leader brief presentation

TRACK SESSIONS

Times: Track One 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Track Two 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm | Track Three 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

TRACK 1 – INTERACTING WITH RESOURCES

(people and things)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 1A: Safe Enough to Disagree: The Superpower of Conversation

Brief Summary: Candor and honest conversation, backed by psychological safety and delegated authority, will produce productive and collaborative real joint problem solving.

Amy Bertleff, Ph.D. | Case Western Reserve University

Amy Bertleff, Ph.D., is a Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Learning Sciences and Educational Psychology from Kent State University and previously spent 10 years teaching middle school students in public schools. Her research interests include motivation, attention, and psychological safety. At Case Western Reserve University, Amy has expanded her expertise to include project coordination, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement within the construction sector. She is passionate about translating complex information into practical insights that support informed decision-making. Through her work, she has contributed to cross-functional initiatives, process improvement efforts, and collaborative problem-solving across diverse teams. Outside of her research, Amy enjoys tackling complex problems and working with diverse teams. Though she began her career as a band director and middle school educator, she never expected to develop such an appreciation for the construction industry, an environment whose complexity, collaboration, and constant problem-solving she finds both challenging and rewarding.

John McCreary | Cleveland Clinic

Bio Coming Soon…

Ben Frederikson | Lighthouse Electric Company

Bio Coming Soon…

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 1B: Don’t Go with the Flow – Lead It: Cogence Solutions

Brief Summary: Exploring the practical differences of the CMAR construction delivery process in a regional market still dominated by traditional design-bid-build practices.

Alex Shaw | Shook Construction

Alex Shaw is an experienced project manager with expertise in water resources projects. During his more than 10 years with Shook Construction, he has progressed from project engineer to project manager, a role he has held for the past six years. Alex earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Akron and is an active member of the Ohio Contractors Association, serving on the executive committee of its Cleveland Chapter.

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 1C: Leveraging Cogence: Scaling Success Across Regions

Brief Summary: We will facilitate a panel discussion featuring industry partners from each of our chapters, offering insights into the regional similarities and unique project challenges addressed by implementing the Cogence tools and methodologies across diverse project scales and regions. It is essential that we maintain consistency in our methodology while adapting to the unique cultural and operational nuances of each region.

John A. Brownrigg | Premier Health

John Brownrigg is the System Director of Facility Planning, Construction, and Real Estate for Premier Health in Dayton, Ohio. He leads the strategic planning and execution of real estate initiatives, capital construction projects, and facility management across the health system. John’s expertise in project management, construction oversight, and long-range facility planning has been shaped by leadership roles across multiple industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, telecommunications, mining, and professional services, with project experience spanning the United States and international markets.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. John has been a Registered Professional Engineer in both Wyoming and Texas.

Jeffrey Vavrek | Independence Construction

Jeff Vavrek, LEED AP, is a Senior Superintendent for Independence Construction. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and Technology from Bowling Green State University and has more than 20 years of construction industry experience. Throughout his career, Jeff has progressed through a variety of field leadership roles and is responsible for managing day-to-day construction operations, coordinating trade partners, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Jeff has played a key role in the successful delivery of numerous healthcare, higher education, and public projects, including the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (moCa), Summa Health’s Williams Tower, Ohio University’s Heritage Hall, and multiple projects for the Cleveland Clinic. Most recently, he completed Case Western Reserve University’s South Residential Village project. Known for his collaborative approach and practical field expertise, Jeff is passionate about fostering strong partnerships between owners, designers, and trade contractors to achieve successful project outcomes.

Brad Carson | Valley Interiors

Brad Carson is the Director of Preconstruction at Valley Interior Systems, where he leads preconstruction efforts for complex commercial projects with a focus on exterior wall systems and the building envelope. With nearly 30 years of construction industry experience spanning field operations, project management, estimating, and leadership, Brad collaborates with owners, architects, engineers, and construction managers to develop high-performance, cost-effective building solutions. He is passionate about leveraging design-assist and offsite prefabrication to improve project quality, efficiency, and schedule.

TRACK 2 – LEARNING WITH TOOLS

(things you use to do your job)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 2A: The Tools are the Problem

(challenge assumptions)

Brief Summary: A session challenging the assumption that more tools mean better outcomes, examining whether the industry’s growing toolset is actually solving problems or simply becoming one itself. It will take a candid look at how tool sprawl can add complexity, cost, and training burden without a clear return, and prompt attendees to rethink which tools genuinely earn a place in their workflow.

Jeff Meyers | DS Architecture

Jeffrey Meyers is CEO and Owner of DS Architecture, a 23-person Cleveland-based architecture and design firm that has served Northeast Ohio for more than 40 years. Their portfolio is split almost evenly between publicly funded and privately funded developments. In addition to serving private developers, DS Architecture is also proud to serve as an on-call architect for both the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

While the firm has built its reputation on decades of experience and trusted client relationships, DS Architecture also remains committed to staying at the forefront of industry innovation. The team leverages advanced design technologies, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D visualization tools, and collaborative digital workflows to enhance project coordination, improve accuracy, and deliver greater value to clients. By embracing emerging technologies and continuously refining its processes, DS Architecture is able to provide efficient, forward-thinking solutions that meet the evolving needs of both public and private sector projects.

Stephanie Drenten Ferro | Heapy Engineering

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 2B: Planning & Scheduling: What Is Working, What Is Not, and Where Are We Going

Brief Summary: A panel discussion bringing together owner, contractor, and design perspectives on the current state of planning and scheduling practice. The session will open with a live poll to help steer the conversation, followed by discussion and simple demonstrations of improved planning and scheduling approaches, covering topics such as interactive and pull planning, progress scheduling specs, schedule review techniques, schedule risk analysis, executive scheduling, and delay analysis.

Moderator: Jerry Klanac | PMA

Bio coming soon…

Panelist: Scott Caltabiano| Eli Lilly

Steve Lawson | Shook Construction

Steve Lawson is a Cincinnati native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. He brings over 21 years of expertise driving complex projects from inception to completion. Steve has spent the last 20 years at Shook Construction, where he manages large-scale industrial projects for clients such as onMain, Dayton Phoenix Group, GE Aerospace, the City of Blue Ash, Honda Motor Company, and Ford Motor Company. As a Senior Project Manager, he leads project management teams and serves as the primary liaison among owners, designers, and stakeholders throughout all phases of a project. Steve has extensive experience with design-build, construction management, and general contracting project delivery methods and is a leader in strategic growth in Southwest Ohio. He currently serves as President of the Cogence Alliance Southwest Ohio Chapter Board of Directors.

Design Rep TBA, PMA Rep TBA

Bios coming soon…

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 2C: The Next Jobsite

Brief Summary: A forward-looking panel imagining what the jobsite of tomorrow could look like, from how teams collaborate and communicate to how work actually gets built in the field. Panelists will share their perspectives on where the industry is headed, the trends and technologies most likely to reshape day-to-day construction, and what it will take for the workforce and processes of today to keep pace with the jobsite of the future.

Marvin Echols and Jason Gebhart | Whiting-Turner

Bios coming soon…

Dave Audie | Lake Erie Electric

Dave Audie began his career in electrical construction as an electrician’s apprentice, building his foundation in the trade from the ground up. Today, he celebrates 20 years as Vice President of Lake Erie Electric, bringing decades of hands-on experience, leadership, and industry knowledge to some of the most complex electrical construction projects in the region.

Throughout his career, Dave has progressed through nearly every level of the electrical construction industry—from Apprentice and Journeyman to Foreman, Project Manager, Group Manager, Operations Manager, and ultimately Vice President. This progression has provided him with a unique perspective and firsthand understanding of every phase of a project, from field installation and project execution to operations, client relationships, and organizational leadership.

Dave has developed extensive experience leading highly complex projects across the healthcare, automotive, industrial, and specialized power distribution sectors. His work has involved challenging environments where safety, reliability, precision, and coordination are critical to project success. He is particularly passionate about developing strong teams, solving complex construction challenges, and ensuring that projects are delivered with the highest standards of quality.

TRACK 3 – ADVANCING CULTURE

(where people and ideas dare to thrive)

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Track 3A: It’s Not What You Said. It’s What You Didn’t.

(Cost of Silence)

Brief Summary: The thing that derailed the project usually wasn’t a surprise. Someone knew. Maybe it was you. Maybe you told someone and nothing happened. Maybe you learned early that certain rooms don’t welcome that kind of news. This session looks honestly at why information stays bottled up on project teams, and what it takes to be the person — and the leader — who changes that dynamic.

Name | Company

Bio TO BE UPDATED

Name | Company

Bio TO BE UPDATED

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Track 3B: What If You Trusted First? How the Cleveland Metroparks Sailing Center got built on trust, not control

(Giving Trust)

Brief Summary: Are we managing risk—or managing around a lack of trust? Through the story of the Cleveland Metroparks’ Patrick S. Parker Sailing Center, this session will examine how a project built on trust, not control, challenged industry assumptions about leadership, decision-making, and accountability. Discover how leaders who extend trust create environments where people speak up sooner, solve problems faster, and take ownership of project outcomes. Expect to leave with a fresh perspective on how trust may be the most underutilized advantage in project delivery, and questioning whether the biggest risk on your projects is not trusting too little—but trusting too late.

Moderator: TBD | TBD

Bio TO BE UPDATED

Speakers: TO BE UPDATED

TBD | TBD

Bio TO BE UPDATED

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Track 3C: Trust the Machine, Trust the Team: The Culture Behind AI Adoption

(Embracing AI)

Brief Summary: AI adoption succeeds or fails on culture, not technology. This fully interactive session explores where AI is already creating real opportunity in design and construction workflows — and where human judgment must stay non-negotiable. Through table-round exercises, participants surface the upside they may be leaving on the table, then work through the trust, disclosure, and no-blame behaviors that let teams use AI confidently without hiding its limits or their own uncertainty.

Pam Neckar | Impact Project Development

Pamela Neckar is the founder and CEO of Impact Project Development, a company dedicated to fostering a positive culture that promotes financial strength. With 25 years of experience in the design industry, she has held roles as Owner, Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Human Resources. Pamela understands the importance of details, but emphasizes that it’s the connection to those details that truly drives success. As a founding board member of the Cogence Alliance, she is committed to leading the industry towards better outcomes for all stakeholders involved in the ownership, design, and construction of the built environment.