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2014 Annual Meeting: Austin, TX
Summer2014
Volume 7 Issue 2Purpose
The purpose of the Academy is to provide recognition to past and
present industry leaders for their personal contributions to the
engineering and construction industry.
Contents2014 Annual Meeting ............................ 1
Things to Do, Places to Go ..................... 3
Annual Meeting Structure .................... 4
NAC- Its Members and Its Mission ....... 5
Membership Process ............................. 6
NAC Funding .......................................... 8
NAC Lifetime Members ......................... 8
National Construction Forum ................ 9
Safety White Paper -
The Two Faces of Caring ...................... 10
Emerging Trends in Safety Concerns .. 10
Commencement Address:
Manhattan College .............................. 11
Spotlight on Spouses ........................... 12
Committee Contact Information ......... 13
Welcome to AustinThe National Academy of Construction is pleased to welcome its members to Austin, Texas,
for the 2014 Annual Meeting. We’ll be right in the heart of the State’s capital city―minutes away from fine dining, entertainment and museums.
“Come early, stay late” has become an Austin catch-phrase, so think about taking us up on it. You’ll find so many choices, it’ll be a challenge to decide what to do and where to go. We’re leaving the tours up to your own creativity. If enough interest is shown for a particular event, however, we’ll work with you on a more formal tour. A separate notice and Registration Form will be forthcoming.
A good starting point for everyone is the State Capitol Visitors Center on the southeast corner of the Capitol grounds―and within walking distance of the AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center, our host hotel. You can pick up lots of ideas for sightseeing at the Visitors Center. One “don’t miss” spot is the Bullock Texas State History Museum, a short walk from our hotel. The Harry Ransom Center, with its fabulous collections, the Blanton Art Museum, and the LBJ Presidential Library are all close by as well. The Texas Film Festival will be coinciding with our meeting, so you’ll have a chance to catch stars on the red carpet at the Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue.
A short drive to the west is Fredericksburg, with possible stops along the way at the LBJ Ranch, wineries and tastings, Luckenbach, and Wildseed Farms. In Fredericksburg, shop for antiques and visit the Nimitz Museum, a tribute to America’s World War II heroes of the Pacific. An hour’s drive south will find you in San Antonio, home of the Alamo. While in Austin, try alternative transportation modes such as Car2Go, Segways, pedicabs, and walking tours. We told you there’s lots to see and do!
Our Location: AT&T Executive Education and Conference CenterThe AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center offers Austin’s most unique, state-of-
the-art conference facilities with the latest technology, plenty of versatile space and exceptional cuisine. Steps from UT, the Capitol, and museums, the Center offers stylish and comfortable accommodations. The Academy has a room block for the Annual Meeting. To reserve a room, log onto https://resweb.passkey.com/go/NACMET1014. If you prefer to call, contact the Center at 877.744.8822. The NAC discounted room rate is $174. The room block is guaranteed until September 25, 2014.
The 2014 NAC Annual Meeting will be hosted in Austin, Texas on
October 23-25.
Photos Courtesy freedominterventions.com
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Texas Friendly: The Hospitality Room
Our Hospitality Room is a central gathering place for members, but particularly for spouses. Grab a cup of coffee or something stronger, browse through our NAC authors’ collections and the Spotlight on Spouses booklet, chat with friends old and new, and get a first-hand look at the Silent Auction items. And be the first to make a bid!
Meeting Format: Flexibility is KeyFor the 2014 meeting, we’ve rearranged the meeting format to give everyone more flexibility. Our
keynote addresses on Friday and Saturday will be presented during lunch. Our evening events should end by 9 PM, so plan on getting out and doing other things. In Austin, there’s no shortage of things to do, so plan ahead and take advantage of the schedule’s flexibility. Beginning Thursday, the Registration Desk and the Hospitality Room will be open. The NAC golf outing will take place on Thursday morning. On Friday, we’ll have committee meetings after breakfast, the “keynote luncheon address” by Ron Skaggs, introductions of our new members that afternoon, and our black tie induction dinner that night. Then on Saturday, lots of activities after breakfast: member business meeting, Hospitality Room, the “keynote address” by Ron Gafford, a possible tour of the Circuit of the Americas racetrack, and then on to our barbecue dinner, Silent Auction finale, and performance by Jason Allen at the Austin Club.
Events: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Silent Auction- The National Academy of Construction conducts a Silent Auction at each of its Annual Meetings, with the proceeds going to the Academy’s financing and funding efforts. You’ll get a chance, upon your arrival Thursday, to browse through the many offers and pencil in a bid. Keep bidding through Saturday if you’d like. Past items have included week-long stays at ski chalets, box-seat tickets to Major League Baseball and NFL games, artwork, tours and more. On Saturday night, we’ll give everyone one final chance to finally speak up and outbid the silent offers for these great items. Be prepared to up the ante and have some fun!
Thursday Welcome Night: Mariachis, Tex-Mex and Bob Cole-We’ve arranged a Texas-size welcome Thursday night featuring a Mariachi band and the best Tex-Mex food anywhere, with a welcome address from Bob Cole, owner of three radio stations and the famous Hill’s Café. He’s an authority on all things Austin.
By the time you’re on the patio of the Center for cocktails, you’ll probably already have viewed the Silent Auction items, done some sightseeing, and maybe even played a round of golf. It’ll be time to relax and have some fun. The Ted C. Kennedy Award will highlight the night. Dress is business casual. Join us at 6 p.m., October 23.
Friday Night: Black Tie Dinner and Induction of New Members- After a day of committee meetings and business, it will be time to honor the Class of 2014 with a black tie dinner, where our new members will officially receive their certificates and pins from NAC President Bud Ahearn. During the afternoon, you’ll already have been introduced to them at a business casual meeting. The formal induction Friday night will make for a memorable affair in the ballroom. We’ll see you at 6 p.m., October 24.
Saturday Night: Boots and Hats at the Austin Club, and Jason Allen- The Austin Club, built in 1878 as the Millett Opera House, is at Ninth and Congress. Now the Austin Club, it’s seen the likes of John L. Sullivan, Lily Langtry, William Jennings Bryan, John Wilkes Booth’s brother Edwin and John Phillip Sousa among other famous Americans. On Saturday night, we’ll gather at this historic treasure for the closing dinner – complete with a Boots and Hats theme. Get in the spirit of things by coming dressed in your finest Western wear. We’ll announce the items from our Silent Auction, and you’ll have a final chance to bid and maybe outbid your NAC colleagues. The night concludes with a private presentation by native Texas singer-songwriter Jason Allen, who is now based in Nashville. A great way to end the 2014 NAC Annual Meeting.
Photos Courtesy imm.dtu.dk, hotels.com, dappered.com, and austinclub.com
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Museums/Indoor ActivitiesBullock Texas State History Museum thestoryoftexas.com
LBJ Library lbjlibrary.org
State Capital tspb.state.tx.us/CVC/home/home.html
Alamo Drafthouse (movie theatre) drafthouse.com
Elisabet Ney Museum austintexas.gov/Elisabetney
O. Henry Museum austintexas.gov/department/o-henry-museum
Blanton Museum blantonmuseum.org
Breathtaking Outdoor Places/ActivitiesCongress Avenue bats batcon.org/index.php/get-involved/visit-a-bat-location/congress-avenue-bridge/subcategory/54.html
Texas State Cemetery cemetery.state.tx.us
Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum umlaufsculpture.org/
Taniguchi Japanese Garden zilkergarden.org/gardens/oriental.html
Top Golf topgolf.com/us/austin
Stevie Ray Vaughan Statue roadsideamerica.com/story/29966
Willie Nelson Statue texasmonthly.com/story/willie-nelson-statue-austin
Barton Springs Pool austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
Hamilton Pool parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/hamilton-pool
Mount Bonnell austinparks.org/our-parks.html?parkid=287
Enchanted Rock tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock
Drinks and FoodAustin food trailers austineatsfoodtours.com
The Salt Lick Barbeque saltlickbbq.com
Franklin Barbeque franklinbarbecue.com/
Stubbs Barbeque stubbsaustin.com/
Bars and Music Venues downtownaustin.com/experience/listen-live-music
Texas Wineries texaswinetrail.com/wineries
Deep Eddy Vodka deepeddyvodka.com/index-main.html
Local Craft Breweries 365thingsaustin.com/2013/02/08/a-guide-to-austins-brewery-tours
Garrison Brothers Distillery garrisonbros.com
Becker Winery beckervineyards.com
Hill’s Cafe hillscafe.com
Vince Young Steakhouse vinceyoungsteakhouse.com
FestivalsAustin City Limits acltv.com
Austin Film Festival austinfilmfestival.com
Some Things to Do, Places to Go
Photos Courtesy happytellus.com, thistleandleaves.com, braungresham.com, and savvantmusic.com
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Annual Meeting General Structure2014 Annual Meeting
October 23-25, Austin, TX
Organizing Committee: Wayne Crew, John Borcherding, Margaret Walker, Melissa Herkt, Steve Thomas, Sandy Pittman, Pamela Torres
Thursday, October 23Hospitality Room – open each dayGolf at River Place Country Club and Tours (on your own)Tex-Mex Welcome Dinner Welcome from Bob Cole, local radio personalityTed C. Kennedy Award
Friday, October 24Committee Meetings – a.m.Tours (on your own)Keynote Address – Ron Skaggs, “The HKS Austin Experience”Introduction of New MembersBlack Tie Induction Dinner
Saturday, October 25Member Business Meetings – a.m.Tours (on your own)Keynote Address – Ron Gafford, Circuit of the AmericasSite visit, Circuit of the AmericasBarbecue Dinner, Silent Auction, and performance by Jason Allen at The Austin Club
Sunday, October 26Sightseeing/Day Trips (on your own)Golf at Twin Creeks
Photos Courtesy johnrrogers.com, photoblog.statesman.com, whatmakesaustin.com, driftingfocus.com
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The National Academy of Construction—Its Members and Its Mission
By Bud Ahearn, NAC President
Bud AhearnNAC President
In recent months the National Academy of Construction (NAC) Strategic Planning and Membership Committees have completed their work under the very able leadership of Jim Porter, Jimmy Slaughter, Dave Nash, Dominick Servedio, and Hugh Rice. Their purpose was to review the strategic direction, mission elements, and member selection criteria of the Academy. Both Committees affirmed that we are moving in the right direction and growing the strength and potential of NAC by selecting exceptional industry leaders with a bias for action- a desire to serve our nation and industry.
Founded in 1999, the National Academy of Construction is unique. First, its membership is “honorary” and intended to recognize and honor construction industry leaders for their extraordinary contributions to our industry; second, its members include the entire array of construction industry stakeholders- owners, designers, construction managers, general and specialty contractors, attorneys, financial managers, labor leaders, suppliers, academics and researchers, and professional and trade associations; and third, its operational purpose is to share this reservoir of diverse expertise and proven leadership as a service to the nation.
Members of NAC are elected and
restricted in number to sustain a growth rate of 25 new members per year. The Membership Committee employs a rigorous annual process to identify and recommend a slate of new members for election by all NAC members. It is further restricted by selection criteria which emphasize extraordinary leadership, exceptional achievements and lasting improvements to the construction industry over many years, many projects, and the many components of our diverse enterprise. It would be an exception to elect a member whose resumé includes an outstanding accomplishment on a single project or achievements of significance within a single company, agency, or university. Being elected to NAC membership, is for most members, not their first highly esteemed national honor.
NAC members represent the many professions, disciplines, businesses, workforce developers, and other elements in the construction industry that come together as the primary stakeholders of the built environment. Collectively, they are remarkable forces for good, extending their impact into our nation’s political, economic, social, technology, and national security programs. Today’s members have made significant contributions in the areas of technology, alternative contracting and project delivery procedures, work processes, safety, industry image, workforce development, labor relations, tools, communications, construction law, higher education, and cost and schedule management effectiveness. The Academy membership currently numbers almost 200 professionals.
Many national and federal entities seek out expertise such as that found in NAC to work on issues of importance. NAC members currently are serving on such groups as the National Academy of Engineering, the Federal Facilities Council, the National Transportation Board, the National Academies Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment (BICE),
the boards and advisory councils of professional societies, and others. Many NAC members also serve on corporate boards or as consultants to private and public agencies. As a strategic Initiative we have established the NAC Forum, which is composed of private and public sector leaders from many of these groups. The Forum conducts annual workshops in Washington, D.C., and most recently gathered there to study how to advance workforce development, best practices, and industry image. Future work by the Forum will be on developing and implementing strategies to correct critical shortfalls in the craft workforce. In addition, the NAC Safety Committee is developing into an aggressive, self-directed, nationally prominent, and influential force. The committee is very active in planning its short-, mid- and long-term program goals―all aligned to influence the achievement of zero injury outcomes on construction projects. The Safety Committee and the Construction Industry Institute (CII) Safety Research Team have joined together to make a significant contribution on the Low Frequency High Impact Initiative underway in the industry’s safety community. From our uniquely diverse membership, other like-minded members are forming initiatives to address additional critical issues within the industry.
Notwithstanding the credentials and prominence of the members, NAC has developed a culture of collegiality. Titles are dropped in deference to having a “first name” relationship with one another. In addition, attention is giving to members’ spouses through a collection of personally written spouse perspectives authored by members themselves and shared with the membership at large. Also, we recognize individual leadership accomplishments by publishing accreditations that note such achievements.
NAC is a very young Academy possessing enormous promise and potential for the construction industry.
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2014 Membership ProcessThe primary mission of the NAC is to offer
highly qualified, proven, and reliable leaders to service for the nation. To accomplish that, we must have a membership selection process that is thorough and extensive. The NAC process is one of the most selective of its kind in the industry and involves the entire NAC membership.
Selecting members takes a full year for each class chosen and requires considerable involvement by the Membership Committee in securing nominations, gaining references, and performing research long before the full membership votes. Those on the Membership Committee are carefully chosen for three-year terms (with one-third of the committee rotating off each year) so that the eclectic nature of the NAC is well represented.
The process begins in October, when the committee calls for suggestions for prospects to update an evergreen list that carries some previous nominees into the next election cycle. In 2014, there were 260 prospects at the beginning. Calls for nominations have always gone out to the general membership, but the Membership Committee in recent years has taken a more proactive role in this initial step.
By the end of December, the committee develops a list of about 100 candidates and assigns mentors for each candidate from within the Membership Committee. Those mentors then gather more information on the candidates in an informal fashion. Their reports in January provide a list of new nominees to the NAC. In 2014, there were 61 nominees after this phase of the process.
Nominations are due by March 31. Nominators send out reference forms on each nominee, and the references, due by April 15, are sent only to the NAC office, not back to the nominators, to insure candor. After the nomination list is announced in mid-April, a call is made for comments from all NAC members. This year there were 528 comments provided to the NAC office. In late May, the Membership Committee meets to select the ballot. Nominators then contact each nominee for permission to put him/her on the ballot with the nominees’ agreement and commitment to participate in NAC activities.
In mid-June, the ballot for the Class of 2014 was sent to the NAC membership. A vote of 75 percent approval is required for selection to NAC. The class is listed on the next page, and the new members received a formal letter from the NAC president, Bud Ahearn. They have been invited to the Annual Meeting in October, when they will be formally inducted into the Academy.
Consistent with the broad scope of the Academy and the expansion of membership, the Membership Committee has been organized into five groups: I-Owners/Users; II-Designers/Program and Project Managers; III-Contractors/Construction Managers; IV-Service/Consultants; and V-Academics/Researchers. This helps to ensure attention is given to the five groups (group/committee members listed below). There are no group quotas; the organization of the committee is to ensure broad exposure of the members.
While much organizational development progress has been achieved and operational initiatives are beginning to be impactful, there remains a future to build. The pillars of NAC’s future are: extraordinary leaders, membership representing the breadth of industry stakeholders, and service. Operating guidance and procedures for service initiatives are currently being developed to assist members in advancing their initiatives. NAC’s officers, committees, and our General
Secretary seek your advice and participation on how to best serve the construction industry.
Ultimately, the NAC focuses on its own mission: to identify and elect leaders from business, government, academia, and connected professions who have made significant contributions to the construction industry, to recognize and honor them, and for the members as a whole to provide unique perspectives and services to issues of national importance.
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The Membership Committee is listed below.
Chair: Dominick ServedioCo-Chair: Hugh Rice
I. Owners/Users (Public & Private)Charles DeBenedittis (2014)Bob Alger (2016)Richard Anderson (2016)
II. Designers/Program Managers (Architects, Engineers, Program Managers, etc.)Dan Halpin (2014)John Dionisio (2015)Ginger Evans (2016)
III. Constructors/Construction Managers (General, Specialty, Suppliers, etc.)Ron Gafford (2014)Wayne Crew (2015)Russ Fuhrman (2016)
IV. Services (Attorneys, Consultants, Sureties, Associations, etc.)Jan Tuchman (2015)Mike Loulakis (2016)Mike Loose (2016)
V. Academia/Research (Teachers, Researchers, Research Organizations)Jerry Eyink (2015)Gene Lupia (2016)Bob Prieto (2016)
President: Bud Ahearn (2014)General Secretary: Richard Tucker (w/o vote)
The new members represent the wide range of professionals within the Academy. They were selected from more than 250 prospects, all received a vote of 98% or more from over 100 ballots. The new members are:
Kenneth E. Arnold, ParagonSam E. Baker, Oles Morrison Law FirmHarvey M. Bernstein, McGraw Hill ConstructionCarole L. Bionda, Nova GroupRobert L. Bowen, Bowen EngineeringJane A. Chmielinski, AECOMDavid S. Crawford, Sundt ConstructionWilliam T. Dutra, DutraArthur M. Gensler, GenslerHenry J. Hatch, USACEChris T. Hendrickson, Carnegie Mellon Garry M. Higdem, Parsons William P. Hite, United Association of Plumbers
& PipefittersGregory A. Kelly, PB Inc.
Jeffrey M. Levy, Railworks CorpLewis Ed Link, The University of MarylandPeter W. Marshall, NAVFAC/PB Inc.Patrick J. Natale, ASCEJames T. O’Connor, UT AustinGeorge J. Pierson, PB Inc.James A. Rispoli, Project Time & CostMilo E. Riverso, STVVictor Sanvido, Southland IndustiresFrank J. Sciame, Sciame ConstructionWilliam R. Seed, Universal Health ServicesHoward B. Stussman, ENRAnne Bigane Wilson, Bigane PavingJohn B. Zachry, ZachryMichael S. Zetlin, Zetlin & DeChiara, LLP
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National Academy of Construction Funding
Tom SorleyChair,Finance Committee
The Academy’s expansion requires us to look at funding, funding sources, and the historical nature of our membership and membership dues. Three types of membership compose the NAC. Many members are still working for substantial organizations, corporations, and companies. We also have a number of members with restricted or limited resources, such as those from academia, government, and many retirees. This second group is the primary reason we keep our membership dues and meeting fees intentionally low. A third group is composed of retirees with adequate resources to contribute over and above the nominal dues, if they so desire.
Traditional sources of funding for NAC come from:
1) Membership Dues – kept low and equal for all members.
2) Life Memberships – these funds go into two endowment funds described below. To date, no funds have been taken from the endowment funds, even to replace the lost dues. A listing of Life Members is below.
3) Voluntary Contributions – these are now about double of the dues payments. Voluntary contributions are cumulative toward various Life Membership groups. Most professional societies and other academies, as well as all nonprofit organizations, depend on voluntary contributions for funding purposes.
4) Silent Auction – the fundraiser is consistent with the NAC mission to promote collegiality among members. For members only, the Silent Auction modestly helps the budget and increases member familiarity.
5) Annual Meeting Sponsorship – donations from members’ organizations to defray costs of activities such as the NAC Annual Meeting, and to supplement other funding sources
6) Endowments – these include cash donations and pledges, IRAs and minimum IRA distributions as donations, property donations, stocks, and other investment instruments that members may wish to consider as an endowment to the Academy. The two endowment funds currently total over $550K and are expected to reach $10 million in a few years. The endowment funds are guided by elected trustees.
2014 National Academy of Construction Life MembersSILVER ($5,000 MIN.)
Robert AlgerRichard AndersonRobert BittnerWilliam BrookshireJack BuffingtonDoy ColeWayne CrewJohn DaltonPeter DavorenLinda FiggArthur Fort
Ron GaffordEdward GibsonThomas GilbaneRick HallerStephen HanksMelissa HerktVince KontnyRalph LarisonJohn MihmDavid NashRobert Nichol
Doug PruittChris ReseighHugh Rice IIIRobert RubinClifford SchexnayderJ.J. SuarezStephen ThomasRichard WeeksHarold Yoh
GOLD ($15,000 MIN.)William BadgerJames PorterTom Sorley
PLATINUM ($25,000 MIN.)Bud AhearnJames BrausMichael GoodrichDominick Servedio
DIAMOND ($50,000 MIN.)
CORNERSTONE ($100,000 MIN.)James SlaughterRichard Tucker
Ralph LarisonChair,Development Group
Doy ColeChair,Endowment Trustee
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National Construction Forum—Continued Work on Workforce Image and Best Practices
Arlington, VA— The National Academy of Construction hosted its third National Construction Forum here on December 10-11, 2013. Despite horrific winter weather on the U.S. East Coast, 22 attendees representing both the Academy and outside groups gathered to focus on three areas of interest: industry image, workforce development, and industry best practices.
In workforce development, the group concluded a new focus group is needed to take on training and education of both front line management and engineering education. The three key needs regarding the craft workforce shortage all agreed on are:
1. Owner commitment to work only with contractors involved in craft workforce development. 2. Emphasize and support career and technical education in schools. 3. Embrace technology and innovation.
In the image discussions, Forum attendees applauded the efforts of the Go Build marketing campaign in Alabama, the ACE mentor program, and the efforts of Skills USA. It was suggested that NAC follow the Go Build program to publicize worthwhile efforts being made to change the industry’s image. Specific steps identified by the group to improve the image of the industry included:
1. Maintain a continuous effort around image. 2. Engage other organizations with image issues. 3. Focus on industry professionalism. 4. Develop and communicate
construction pathways to prosperity. 5. Find funding for an image initiative in the immediate future.
On best practices, a repository was viewed by the group as the most likely area where the NAC could assist the industry. If the NAC provided a central repository of best practices, it could potentially contribute significantly to industry education at multiple career levels, combat knowledge attrition that occurs with the retiring workforce, and promote its leadership position in the industry. In order for NAC to sponsor the repository, however, a business model for funding must be developed.
Attendees offered future issues to consider for the next National Construction Forum. One was to emphasize the increase in low frequency/high impact incidents, near misses, and fatalities in the industry. Another suggestion was expanding and strengthening construction engineering and management undergraduate programs at colleges and universities in the U.S.
The NAC was well represented at the forum. Outside associations and groups who sent representatives included: ABC, AFPM, CII, CIRT, ENR, CURT, ECC, The National Academies, NCCER, S&B Engineers and Constructors, the TJC Group, Arizona State University, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT-Austin, and the NAC Design Team.
Full reports on this and the National Construction Forums conducted in 2009 and 2011 can be obtained by contacting the NAC directly.
Jimmy SlaughterCo-Chair,NAC Forum
Jim PorterCo-Chair,NAC Forum
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Safety White Paper: The Two Faces of CaringNAC white papers have highlighted
outcomes of and reasons how zero injury can be achieved when employee safety culture “buy-in” and co-ownership is actively sought and won. A primary secret to success is found in the culture leaders demonstrating a “caring” attitude toward the total well-being of the employees’ safety, especially to craft personnel.
Traditionally leaders have demonstrated their caring with a focus on a threatening demand there be no employee safety rule violations. The leader might say: “Since I do not want to see anyone injured on this project, I am hereby issuing a warning to ‘always’ comply with this safety rule. If you are caught violating this rule you will be summarily terminated. You realize, of course, this is for your own good since we do not want to see you injured.” This can be termed the “Safety by Leadership Punishment on First Offense Mode,” using fear as the motivator. This be termed “Face I Caring,” in which the leader is focused on the health of the employee, but not necessarily on the total well-being of the employee.
While “Face I” may keep certain individuals free from injury, the net effect is negative to the remainder of the employees. Face I serves to alienate employees and creates divisive relationships known to stifle zero-injury outcomes.
This is summed in the saying: “You cannot punish your way to a zero-injury outcome!”
With the second face of caring, Face II, the leader is not only truly concerned about the physical wellness of employees, but also exhibits “caring” for the general well-being of the employee and their family unit. Those successful in building a zero-injury safety culture do so by adding to the “caring for life and limb,” which is a second level of caring that extends deeper and recognizes two aspects of an employee’s life:
1. A Positive Peer Role Model – The offending employee can benefit from retraining on how a safety culture benefits all employees by everyone’s adhering to sound safety rules. Recognized, of course, is the problem of a “repeat offender,” where sterner treatment is justified.2. A Positive Family Role Model – This appeals to the employee to consider their family in seeking a cooperative spirit in a safety culture where all support all. This recognizes that employees need jobs to support their families, and thus in reality a truly caring leader does not hasten to terminate anyone.The latter is called “merciful leadership”
and, when used appropriately, serves to win “the hearts and minds” of offending employees.
NAC position paper provided by the NAC Safety Committee: Emmitt J. Nelson, PE, Chair
Emerging Trend in Safety Concerns: Low Frequency, High Impact Incidents (LFHII)
The National Academy of Construction, through its Safety Committee, is aware of a growing concern involving low frequency, high impact incidents (LFHII) in construction. These unplanned and often catastrophic incidents usually involve construction fatalities. The NAC is in the initial planning stages of addressing this trend and recommending actions to take.
What will be required in the future is better planning, better management of risks, and a heightened awareness of these catastrophic incidents and what actions to take once they occur. When LFHIIs occur, it is incumbent upon the leadership in the industry
to bring their expertise and influence to the forefront. Already, the Construction Industry Institute has formed an LFHII research team.
The NAC Safety Committee has chartered an LFHII team that will analyze past LFHII events and from this data create a plan of action designed for employers to use to avert future LFHIIs. The charter team will present a report at the NAC Annual Meeting in October. The Safety Committee also plans to publish Safety White Papers in the coming months on LFHII. The committee urges everyone to recognize at-risk behaviors and to make leaders aware and accountable.
Safety Committee Members: Emmitt Nelson (Chair), Bud Ahearn, Jack Buffingtion, Wayne Crew, Jim Groton, Deb Grubbe, John Mihm, Dave Nash, Jim Porter, Chris Reseigh, Jimmy Slaughter, J.J. Suarez, Richard Tucker, Mike Vorster, Maggi Walker
Emmitt NelsonChair,Safety Committee
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Commencement Address: Manhattan CollegeEditor’s note: In May, NAC Vice President and Membership Committee Chair Dominick Servedio , although a graduate of other universities, received an honorary doctorate of engineering from Manhattan College and gave the keynote address at the college’s Spring Commencement. This abridged version of his speech is reprinted by the Academy with Dominick’s permission.
Dominick ServedioVP and Chair, Membership Committee
Thank you for inviting me here and for this prestigious honor. Fifty-two years removed from my own graduation, I can humbly say this is among the highest honors I have ever received.
I congratulate all of you receiving a degree today. This is a milestone in each of your lives and you should feel proud and happy.
You all deserve this moment, you’ve worked for it. The fact that you have earned your degree from an institution as venerable as Manhattan College is an achievement that cannot be overstated.
You will be the doers: the designers, the builders, the business people, the leaders, and the educators. You’re the ones who forged ahead to finish what you began – even when life got in the way.
Having seen what I have of the world – and the influence of Manhattan College in it – I am confident you will look back and celebrate the fact that the path of your life brought you here. I can speak with confidence about the integrity and value of your college experience because so many of your fellow graduates are currently working for STV. I’ve had the chance to see what they all have in common. A first class education, of course. But also, personal values.
There is a tremendous amount of importance placed here on the excellence of teaching and learning, but also on a respect for human dignity, a commitment to social
justice, and an emphasis on ethics. These worthy values are what you will bring to the work place. As people come to know you in the years ahead, they will sense something special about you, something you gained as a result of your time here. Your education will serve you well throughout your life. Wherever that journey may take you.
Here’s how my journey began. I came from a working class family in the Bronx. My parents instilled in me the importance of an education. To them, a solid education was the first step towards success. But what is success? How do you define a successful life? These are very personal questions.
My father designed and manufactured luggage and played a critical role in developing the garment bag. When I was younger, I felt disappointed my father didn’t get the credit he deserved for his creation. But I came to realize that he never sought credit. Instead, he was driven by the satisfaction of seeing something he helped create become so universal. He smiled every time he saw someone with a garment bag. That was success for him.
My parents told me to work hard and good things would happen. How lucky I am to have my mother here today at age 97, along with my wife of 45 years, our children and grandchildren, representing four generations. They have been my support system during my journey.
It seems like yesterday that I was sitting where you are. To be perfectly honest, I did not have a plan for the future. But just like you are about to do, I embarked on my career. It was never a straight line. It zigged and zagged. I changed careers several times, seeking happiness and satisfaction. Eventually, I would find it at STV, where I have been for 37 years.
So why engineering? I didn’t have a burning desire to become one. But it was a solid profession, and I could get a great job right out of college. So, I worked hard for that degree, as I did for my MBA, going to school at night, all while starting a family. Along the way, I met some wonderful people and learned the value of mentors. Seek them out, but not only for career advice. Find people who inspire you. What my mentors instilled
in me is: give everything you’ve got, respect your fellow workers, earn the trust of your clients, know the importance of relationships, and most of all – make a difference.
The most important advice I ever received came in my first year at STV from the president of the company. He said, “Always do the right thing.” I asked, “How will I know I’m doing the right thing?” He told me, “You will know it and it will define who you are.” Be open to such defining moments. Define yourself and bring more than your intellect to the table – bring all your gifts. Bring your heart, your passion, your grit.
Grit. It’s something a lot of people will want to see from your generation. When I think of the word grit, I think about the movie “True Grit.” Young Mattie Ross chooses Rooster Cogburn to avenge the death of her father. Why him? He was an unsavory character, on in years, and drank too much. Yet what she saw in him was the determination and courage to get the job done. That’s grit.
Always strive for excellence, and have the courage to overcome the fear of failing. One of the greatest philosophers of my generation, Yogi Berra, said: “If you come to a fork in the road, take it!” It’s all about the need to keep moving and not be afraid to make decisions. Life is not a straight line. You are going to face choices where you don’t feel completely certain about which way to go. The point is – don’t stand still. Keep moving forward, and don’t get stuck.
During your journey, opportunities will present themselves. You need to recognize them. And create your own opportunities. Above all else, know yourself. Be comfortable with who you are. Focus on what you can control: your passion, your drive, your sincerity, your grit.
What I have learned over the years is central to the philosophy at Manhattan College. It is the joy of giving back. Take every opportunity along your journey to give back. Believe in yourself. I believe in you. I believe your generation will make a difference. Enjoy today, and then continue on your journey. And be gritty.
I wish all of you every success. And most of all – I wish you happiness.
Page 12 of 23
Spotlight on Spouses
Carol Doebler was born and raised in Sanborn, New York, near Niagara Falls. Jim and Carol met in high school at the age of 16 and married on June 18, 1960. Jim became an officer in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps and Carol was a dedicated Navy Wife. Over the next 32-plus years, they moved numerous times with various assignments in the U.S. and overseas.
Carol is a devoted mother of their two daughters, Cindy and Kim, who were both born in Great Lakes, IL, while Jim was stationed there. Their two daughters now live within driving distance from the Doebler home.
Carol always considered each of Jim’s Navy transfers an adventure as well as a challenge. There were always opportunities: to decorate their new dwelling, to meet new friends, and to explore new surroundings. She enjoys creative cooking and entertaining, which she and Jim had numerous chances to do during his many Navy assignments.
Following Jim’s retirement from active duty, Carol continued to enjoy periodic relocations to Boston, London, Northern Virginia and finally to Williamsburg, VA, where they have been settled since 2002. Carol loves being the grandmother of their five granddaughters, and considers it a blessing to see them growing into young adults, which keeps her young-at-heart. Her favorite things include sharing her life and traveling with Jim and their extended family, needle-pointing, playing bridge, being active in her church, and visiting her children and grandchildren as often as possible. Of significance: Carol donated a kidney to Jim in 2002, obviously a successful transplant.
Connie and John Borcherding recently celebrated 39 years of marriage. Connie grew up on a farm and ranch in Coupland, Texas, and has always lived in the Central Texas area. From an early age, she enjoyed playing piano and organ. An accompanist, she studied music in college and received her bachelor of arts degree in music from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. She later obtained her master’s degree in music from the University of Texas at Austin.
She met John in 1973 after he came on staff as an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department at UT-Austin. They were married in 1975. Connie has been a public school music teacher, a private piano teacher, and has played for many special events. Additionally, Connie came on staff at Riverbend Church as a children’s pastor, a role she has enjoyed for the last 20 years.
John and Connie have two children. Their daughter, Jackie, is a prosecuting attorney and married Dr. Nathan Rylander in January 2014. They live in downtown Austin. Their son, Chad, lives in Houston and works as a senior accountant.
Connie enjoys hospitality, event planning, exercising, cooking, reading, music, fashion, films, gardening, and traveling worldwide. Her life, as well as John’s life, has centered around the community of Riverbend Church (of which Connie and John were charter members in 1975) and the University of Texas at Austin. Connie and John have enjoyed hosting events for all of John’s engineering students in their home for the last 39 years. It has been a joy to get to know these bright students and be a part of their lives.
Anne and Dick Anderson were married in 1970 in Chatham on Cape Cod. They met in New York City, where Anne was a flight attendant and traveled far and wide. They honeymooned in East Africa, and literally circled the globe before starting a family in suburban Westchester County.
Anne, a native of Nova Scotia, moved to the U.S. in her early teens. An art history major at Boston University, she continues to pursue her artistic interests. Son Erik is in the real estate department at Pfizer, and daughter Leslie works in public relations with Weber Shandwick. The Anderson family has grown to include six grandchildren in Minneapolis and Connecticut, ranging in ages from 2 to 9.
Anne is an unofficial staff member with the New York Building Congress, where Dick has served as president since 1994. She hosts frequent events and often attends construction industry functions. She always looks forward to the National Academy of Construction Annual Meeting, particularly the opportunity to see old friends and make new ones each year.
Carol Doebler Anne Anderson
Editor’s Note:
Many of our members have significant spousal involvement in their careers, and a number of spouses attend our annual meetings. The Spotlight on Spouses is included in the Bulletin as a way of introducing these delightful and accomplished individuals. The NAC publishes a booklet of collected Spotlight articles, which is exhibited in the Hospitality Room at the Annual Meeting. We encourage all NAC members to contribute a write-up to this section.
Connie Borcherding
Page 13 of 23
2014 NAC Executive CommitteePresident Bud Ahearn [email protected] 720-286-2179
Vice President Dominick Servedio [email protected] 631-462-1910
Vice President Hugh Rice [email protected] 303-398-7223
General Counsel Jim Groton [email protected] 404-853-8071
General Secretary Richard L. Tucker [email protected] 512-471-3541
1st Past President Dave Nash [email protected] 240-328-9999
2nd Past President J.J. Suarez [email protected] 787-587-2325
At Large Chema de la Garza [email protected] 540-392-5789
At Large Melissa Herkt [email protected] 512-461-5292
Development Chair Ralph Larison [email protected] 562-673-9113
Finance Chair Tom Sorley [email protected] 510-599-7888
CommitteesMembership Dominick Servedio [email protected] 631-462-1910
Forum Jim Porter [email protected] 302-530-8880
Jimmy Slaughter [email protected] 713-845-4502
Safety Emmitt J. Nelson [email protected] 713-453-1228
NAC Endowment Fund Doy Cole [email protected] 713-882-2390
Liaison Jack Buffington [email protected] 479-575-7957
Richard Little [email protected] 213-740-4120
Communications Jan Tuchman [email protected] 718-768-2343
Strategic Planning Jim Porter [email protected] 302-530-8880
Awards Committee Hugh Rice [email protected] 303-398-7223
Spousal Involvement Shirley Tucker [email protected] 512-327-2790
Bulletin Pamela Torres [email protected] 210-837-3173
The NAC Bulletin is a publication of the National Academy of Construction.
Mailing Address:National Academy of ConstructionThe University of Texas at Austin
301 E. Dean Keeton St., C 1752 Austin, TX 78712-0276
[email protected]: 512-471-5084
Fax: 512-471-3191
We’re on the Web!
See us at:www.naocon.org
Membership Committee: Dominick Servedio (Chair), Hugh Rice (Co-Chair), Charles DeBenedittis (2014), Jerry Eyink (2015), John Dionisio (2015), Dan Halpin (2014), Ron Gafford (2014), Jan Tuchman (2015), Wayne Crew (2015), Mike Loose (2016), Russ Fuhrman (2016), Ginger Evans (2016), Bob Alger (2016), Richard Anderson (2016), Mike Loulakis (2016), Gene Lupia (2016), Bob Prieto (2016), Bud Ahearn (President),
Development Group: Ralph Larison (Chair), Richard Anderson, Bill Badger, John Mihm, Jim Porter, Hugh Rice, Tom Sorley
Strategic Planning Committee: Jim Porter (Chair), Richard Anderson, Doy Cole, John Dionisio, Lee Evey, Linda Figg, Mike Johnson, Maggi Walker, Sarah Slaughter
2014 Annual Meeting: Wayne Crew (Chair), John Borcherding, Maggi Walker, Melissa Herkt, Steve Thomas
Finance Committee: Tom Sorley (Chair), Doy Cole, Ralph Larison
