Press Releases

The CMAA Foundation is proud to announce it has honored five recipients with scholarships in 2023, the most the organization has ever awarded. In addition, two of this year's scholarships are new for 2023 and will be awarded annually going forward.

The scholarships are given in an effort to continue to support the Foundation's mission: The CMAA Foundation advances and supports workforce development to support the future growth of the industry, development of research beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the industry, and education in the construction management profession.

The Erica Lynn First Generation College Student Scholarship was awarded for the first time to Serena Foote, a graduate student at Colorado State University. The Erica Lynn scholarship provides funds to first-generation students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in construction management, construction engineering, or civil engineering with an emphasis in construction management.

The College of Fellows Scholarship Fund awarded a scholarship to Ann Lyons, a graduate student at Clemson University pursuing a degree in Construction Science and Management with a minor in Trust in Construction Teams. This first annual scholarship was given in honor of Ron Pennella, CCM, FCMAA, who was inducted to the CMAA College of Fellows in 2016.

The 2023 CMAA Foundation Scholarships were awarded to Shirley Wu, an undergraduate from New York University, and to Ehsan Rajaie, a graduate student attending the University of Texas at Arlington. The CMAA Foundation Scholarship program is designed to aid students pursuing postsecondary education that is intended to lead to a construction management career.

The 2023 Francis M. Keville Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Brianna Lopez from San Diego State University. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. The Francis M. Keville Scholarship was established in 2009 by Christine Keville, FCMAA, through her firm, Keville Enterprises, Inc. It was created in honor of her late father. The scholarship is awarded each year to a female student pursuing a degree in construction management or a related discipline, who has a record of leadership and engagement both on- and off-campus, and who is planning a career in the field.

"It is incredibly rewarding for the CMAA Foundation to be in the position to award five scholarships in 2023," says Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA and the CMAA Foundation. "With these scholarships, the Foundation will continue to increase its impact on the program and construction management profession long into the future."

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About the CMAA Foundation:

The CMAA Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable organization; the tax identification number is 54-1803080. VISION: The CMAA Foundation envisions a future workforce that is open, inclusive, and committed to the growth and development of the profession. MISSION: The CMAA Foundation advances and supports workforce development to support the future growth of the industry, development of research beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the industry, and education in the construction management profession. For more information or to donate, visit www.cmaanet.org/foundation.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) invites you to share best practices, successes, and proven techniques by presenting at its spring conference, CMAA Focus24.
 
CMAA invites program and construction management (PM/CM) professionals, faculty, students, and all those involved in design, construction, and management in the built environment to submit education session proposals for CMAA Focus24, which will be held March 10 - 12, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa.
 
An in-person and interactive experience, CMAA Focus24 is designed to provide attendees with learning experiences that are valuable to the recipient, relevant to the evolving industry, unique to the profession, and optimal for project and program outcomes.
 
CMAA Focus24 will provide attendees with valuable insights to leverage leadership skills, technological innovations, digital tools, trends, and resiliency best practices that pave the way for innovative and successful project/program execution.
 
The goal of CMAA Focus24 is to provide PMs/CMs with the knowledge and skills they need to assume greater responsibility on jobsites, within their project and program teams, and among the profession.
 
Proposals for CMAA Focus24 should address ways of improving the professional PM’s/CM’s performance as a leader and their ability to overcome the obstacles and challenges they face in their professional lives. Sessions should provide content and learning opportunities that attendees cannot get elsewhere.
 
All CMAA Focus24 education session proposal submissions are due by October 13, 2023. Learn more and get started on the CMAA website.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has announced the winners of its 2023 Industry Excellence Awards.

CMAA’s Award Program recognizes excellence in construction management practice and honors companies and individuals each year based on merit. A panel of judges reviews each nomination carefully and chooses the best candidate in each category.

Lauren Sullivan, Bay Area Business Development Manager, Vanir Construction Management, has received the 2023 CMAA Leader in Environmental Stewardship Award. This honor recognizes individuals, teams, or organizations, for outstanding leadership in innovation or best practices in guiding and aiding owners as they seek to define and meet their objectives for environmental stewardship throughout a project’s life cycle.
 

Audrey Lynn Schultz, Ph.D., Professor and Chairperson, Pratt Institute, has been awarded the 2023 CMAA Mark Hasso Educator of the Year honor. This recognition emphasizes excellence in teaching and recognizes a full-time educator for outstanding professional accomplishments and a commitment to construction management education.
 

Sharath Vennavelly, PE, CCM, Project Manager, Ardurra, has received the 2023 CMAA Distinguished Young Professional Award. This award recognizes and celebrates a full-time professional for outstanding professional accomplishments and a commitment to the construction management industry early in their career.
 

Tammy Huddleston, Vice President of Design, Code, and Construction, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, has been honored with the 2023 CMAA Distinguished Owner Award. This award recognizes an owner member who understands the value of a professional construction manager on the job and whose consistent actions have made meaningful and extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the construction management profession.
 

This year, a special honor, the CMAA Chair's Commendation for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, was awarded to BuildOUT California. This is an award given at the Chair's discretion for projects or initiatives that go above and beyond in specific areas.
 

David Alexander, PE, CCM, Nevada Area Manager, Kleinfelder/CMWorks, was honored as the 2023 Mehdi Heydari CCM of the Year. David was chosen for demonstrating leadership in his position within the Southern Nevada Chapter by fostering relationships and helping to resurrect and grow awareness for the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential. He has dedicated his career to excellence in construction management and volunteered in numerous positions to help advance the construction industry.

“Each of our award winners work hard to make a difference, and we commend each of them for their achievements and contributions to the construction industry,” states CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE.

CMAA will honor its award winners during the organization’s in-person conference, CMAA2023, October 29 -31, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Visit www.cmaanet.org/cmaa2023 for more information.
 
Entries for the 2024 CMAA Industry Honors Awards program will open in March.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) announces four members have been selected for induction into the CMAA College of Fellows for 2023. They are:

• Frank Corona, PE, CCM, FCMAA | AECOM
• Bruce Risley, RA, CCM, FCMAA | Arcadis
• Heather Shinn, CCM, FCMAA | Parsons Corporation
• Agnes Weber, PE, CCM, FCMAA | Gannett Fleming

“These individuals were selected for their record of contributions to the success of CMAA, their dedication to CMAA’s core objectives, and their commitment to the future of the organization,” said Joe Seibold, PE, FCMAA, Chancellor of the CMAA College of Fellows. “I look forward to their future success and to the new perspectives they bring to the College’s work.”

CMAA members are nominated and selected in recognition of their demonstrated leadership in the industry, their significant contributions to the profession, the industry, the association, and their commitment to the future. The FCMAA designation is the highest honor CMAA can bestow on an individual member and this year’s honorees are no exception.

The College of Fellows seeks to represent a diverse community of industry leaders who lend their knowledge and insight to the strategic issues facing the industry and the construction management profession, identify and assist in the development of future leaders, and take an active role in supporting the mission of CMAA.

“The selection committee has made outstanding choices for this year’s inductees,” said Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, President and CEO of CMAA. “These individuals have a clear commitment to CMAA’s success promoting the profession of construction management and the use of qualified construction managers on projects and programs.”
 
See more about the CMAA College of Fellows here.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for CMAA2023. As the premiere event for program and construction management professionals, this fall conference will bring together public and private sector leaders, professionals, and innovators from across the U.S. to explore the latest trends, technologies, and strategies that are revolutionizing the industry.  

CMAA2023 will take place October 29 - 31, 2023, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor.  Attendees can look froward to a comprehensive expo hall, networking opportunities, plenary and breakout sessions, and a full education program. The highlight of the event is the annual CMAA Industry Honors and Awards Program, where our annual Project Achievement Awards, Person of the Year, and other individual honors are presented.

CMAA is also proud to present these keynote speakers for the event:

The Monday morning plenary session will feature an interactive experience with Amanda Gore, CEO of The Joy Project, as she shares strategies, techniques, and skills that will allow people to adapt to change, transform their attitudes, eradicate fear, and improve relationships, communication, leadership, sales, and customer service.

Tuesday’s lunch plenary features a presentation from Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc. This in-depth analysis of the major factors shaping economic outcomes, including central bank policymaking, worker attitudes, business confidence, and geopolitics, will also include a forecast for the year to come, highlighting the major risks that economic stakeholders will likely encounter.

The CMAA2023 website provides access to registration, accommodation information, the Schedule at a Glance, and Full Schedule. CMAA2023 Sponsorships are also now available and include a variety of ways to get your products and services in front of CMAA members. Now is also the time to become an exhibitor at the CMAA2023 Expo. 

Register for CMAA2023 here. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) have signed a cooperating agreement. 

The newly-formed partnership is a win for both organizations as each has a goal of strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry. NAWIC will use this agreement to help continue the vision of its founding members by advocating for the value and impact of women builders, professionals, and tradeswomen in all aspects of the construction industry.

“NAWIC is a natural partner for CMAA as we work collectively to advance and advocate for women in the industry,” said CMAA President and CEO Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE. 

Rutledge and NAWIC Executive Director Crissy Ingram completed the cooperative agreement recently. The two orgainizations will cross-promote events, with the possibility of co-producing a few, and attend each other's conferences and events. 

One of the features of the partnership is that NAWIC members will be able to pursue CMCI credentials for the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT), Certified Associate Construction Manager (CACM), and the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) at the CMAA member rate. 
Later this year, CMAA will lead a Construction Management Principles Course for NAWIC members during their 68th Annual Conference, in Portland, Oregon.

This partnership aims to further the success of women in construction through advancing their education and careers, as well as advancing the construction industry through increasing talent within the workforce. 

“I am so excited for NAWIC and CMAA to enter into this partnership. This is a big step in educating and promoting women in the industry,” Ingram said.

The mission of the CMAA Foundation is to advance and support workforce development to support the future growth of the industry, development of research beneficial to the advancement of technological, educational, or vocational expertise in the industry, and education in the construction management profession.

One of the ways the CMAA Foundation does this is through scholarships. Providing financial assistance through scholarships to students pursuing post-secondary education in construction management was one of the original purposes for establishing the CMAA Foundation in 1995.

Under the scope of work approved in 2018, the CMAA Foundation established a Scholarship Program to aid students pursuing postsecondary education that is intended to lead to a construction management career. Criteria for awarding scholarships are set by the Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation will award at least one, and no more than four, scholarships annually. The total value of the scholarships is limited to $10,000 per year for the first five years.

The CMAA Foundation also administers the Francis M. Keville Scholarship, which was established in 2009 by Christine Keville, FCMAA, through her firm, Keville Enterprises, Inc. It was created in honor of her late father, Frank Keville and honors his lifelong commitment to learning and opportunity, and reflects his values as a leader and a consummate professional. The father of three girls, Frank brought his work home, not only to study it, but also to share it with his children. This is why the scholarship is awarded each year to a female student pursuing a degree in construction management or a related discipline, who has a record of leadership and engagement both on- and off-campus, and who is planning a career in the field.

New this year is the Erica Lynn Scholarship. Administered by the CMAA Foundation, it provides scholarships to first-generation students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in construction management, construction engineering, or civil engineering with an emphasis in construction management. Any student pursuing a post-secondary education that is intended to lead to a career in construction management, and meets other baseline criteria, is eligible to apply. Scholarships are awarded annually, and recipients may reapply for one additional year.

Applications and supporting materials for each scholarship are due by April 30, 2023. More information and applications can be found on the CMAA website. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) invites you to share your best practices, successes, and proven techniques by presenting at its fall conference, CMAA2023.

CMAA2023, scheduled for October 29 - 31, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (National Harbor), is CMAA's flagship event. It will include a comprehensive exhibit hall, plenary and breakout sessions, and the annual CMAA Industry Recognition Awards where 2023 CMAA Project Achievement Awards, Person of the Year, and other individual honors are presented.

Planned are three days of education, collaboration, and networking. This year’s event will feature unmatched educational programming, solution and technology providers, invaluable connections and engagement, and recognition of the projects and people that help define the construction management industry. 

CMAA2023 is looking for interactive learning sessions that focus on:

• Best practices used to complete successful projects and programs
• Lessons learned from complex projects and programs
• Inspiring leadership, partnerships, and talent management
• Developing a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and professional workforce
• Key issues facing the industry
• Environmental impacts (sustainability, community, safety, etc.)
• Innovative solutions to old problems
• Industry trends (technology, economic, political, etc.)
• Session proposals that promote attendee engagement, contain attendee learning activities, and have diverse panels will receive selection preference.

All CMAA2023 education session proposal submissions are due by Friday, March 24, 2023.

Get started here. 

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) invites all those in the construction industry to join us in San Antonio, Texas, March 19 - 21, 2023, for CMAA Focus23. This event is truly a must-attend for all leaders of program and construction management and will focus on a variety of issues that are relevant to today's professionals.

New for 2023: Some topics deserve more time. Time to talk to your colleagues. Time to surface new solutions to old problems. Time to ask questions and consider answers more fully.

CMAA Focus23 includes a new education format that allows for that time: The Symposium. Three topics - each one considered over two hours with thought-provoking questions, time to talk to colleagues about solutions, and time to make plans for trying new techniques. In 2023, Symposia will cover claims, workforce development, and creating inclusive work environments. 

The Full Education Program also includes: 

• Plenary sessions such as The Connected Leader from speaker Colette Carlson
• Traditional education sessions in one hour blocks on topics most important to today's professionals
• CMAA Forums on the topics of recruiting, technology, DEIB
• Open Space "Prometheus” Sessions allow participants to choose the topics, design the agenda, and connect with others who share their interests
• Town Hall on Owners' Future Forecasting

CMAA Focus23 is also partnering with several other associations for additional educational content. Attendees can choose to participate in sessions by the:

• Association for International Real Estate Investors (AFIRE)
• National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM)
• National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP)
• National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS)
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) San Antonio Chapter
• Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS)
• United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)

Want to learn more and register? Visit the CMAA Focus23 website.

The Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI), a subsidiary of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), announces the release of a new credential for qualified construction managers, the Certified Associate Construction Manager® (CACM). The CACM recognizes mid-career professionals who voluntarily meet the CACM’s eligibility requirements, including formal education, field experience, and passing a written exam. 
  
“CMCI is proud to launch the CACM designation to help retain talent and fill a critical gap within the industry,” said Raoul D. Ilaw, PE, CCM, FCMAA, Vice President at STV Construction Management and CMCI’s Immediate Past Chair. "The CACM helps owners and employers identify professionals who are ready to move beyond entry-level tasks and help lead projects and programs. The CACM provides a path for these mid-level professionals who are ready for more but might not yet be able to lead entirely on their own."
 
Between 2018 and 2022, CMCI conducted a needs assessment and job task analysis which involved hundreds of construction management professionals and conducted a survey to identify the importance of hundreds of topics for mid-career construction management professionals. CMCI then pilot-tested examination questions to ensure that the examination was valid, reliable, and secure. This entire process followed the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024 standard. 
  
The CACM has different requirements and is separate from CMCI’s other credentials, the Certified Construction Manager® (CCM®) and the Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT®) stackable credentials.

• CCM: All candidates must have at least 48 months of responsible-in-charge experience leading all aspects of construction projects or programs.
• CACM: All candidates must have either a minimum of 12 months of responsible-in-charge experience or four years of general design/construction experience.
• CMIT: The CMIT stackable credentials are CMCI’s entry-level designations that require no prior experience to begin and six months of general experience to advance to CMIT Levels 2, 3, and 4.

“CMCI has credentialed qualified construction managers for over 25 years. After the introduction of the CMIT in 2009 and now with nearly 8,000 CMITs, CMAA and CMCI wanted to build a credential for mid-career program and construction management professionals that would fill the gap between CMIT and readiness for the CCM,” said Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, CMAA’s President and CEO. "The CACM is designed to meet that need. The addition of the CACM is the latest step in CMCI's continuing effort to provide career pathways with various points of entry that lead to the growth and development of the next generation of program and construction management professionals." 
 
See more about the new CACM here.