Overview

The Construction Management Program Advisory Board consists of a broad range of stakeholders in the Twin Cities construction industry, from national and local general contractors, subcontractors, industry associations, faculty and alumni. It was highlighted during the 2012 ACCE accreditation visit as a “strength of the program.”

The Board was formed in the late 1990s to advise on the development of the Construction Management program and continues to keep the program informed on current industry trends. Its mission is to advise the program on the direction of the industry as a whole and provide advice directly to the program in seven strategic areas.

  1. Periodic review of the Construction Management curriculum and accreditation
  2. Review of any new Construction Management curricular or programmatic initiatives proposed by CCAPS
  3. Identification of ways to integrate the larger industry community into the program by coordinating with student groups, faculty, and staff on such matters as fundraising, scholarship/endowment development, academic outreach, public relations, and enrollment growth
  4. Setting standards and policies for membership on the Board
  5. Serving as a resource on issues brought to the Board by CCAPS or other collegiate or private and public stakeholders
  6. Identification of potential faculty, particularly adjunct faculty
  7. Facilitation of industry activities in support of students and learning

Seats on the Advisory Board are held by an organization, rather than by an individual, for renewable terms of three-years. The Chair of the Board is elected by the membership for a three-year term. There are presently 50 seats, with additional ex-officio members consisting of University staff and representatives of departments and colleges. The student group is represented on the Board, with the group president serving a one-year term.

Four committees meet on an as-needed basis: an Executive Committee, Academic Committee, Development Committee, and Student Activities and Outreach Committee. Ad hoc committees may be formed at any time to explore specific issues or initiatives.

CMGT Advisory Board Bylaws

Annual Board Meetings

Two meetings of the full Advisory Board are held each year. Summaries of the two most recent meetings are given below:

Fall Board Meeting: November 6, 2024 – Remote meeting via Zoom

Member companies at the end of their three year term were reappointed to the Board. Reports of the fall career fair, the mentor program, alumni activities and enrollments were given. Fund-raising success and opportunities were shared.

Curriculum changes were shared with the Board. A new certificate was announced in Real Estate management developed in collaboration with the Applied Business program. Outcomes assessment reports were shared.

Discussion Topic: AI in the construction industry – How best to prepare students?

There were 30 attendees. Meeting minutes available on request.

Spring Board Meeting: April 30, 2025 – In-person at Coffman Union

Members shared the current state of the industry. A new Board chair was elected. A change was made to the bylaws to limit the term requirement to three years. An update was given on ABET reaccreditation and on curriculum changes. A new online program option was discussed.

Discussion Topic: What is the industry approach to DEI, what should students be taught?

Program enrollment data and fundraising reports were given. Student group activities and competition participation were shared.

There were 32 attendees. Meeting minutes available on request.

Advisory Board Membership

Member OrganizationFirst RepresentedCurrent Representative (Primary/Alternate)
Adolfson & Peterson2002Ben Bowman*
Advanced Design Contracting2021Foster Hackett
AGC MN – Associated General Contractors Minnesota Chapter2005Jenny Moore
American Engineering Testing, Inc.2010Rob Flickinger
Ames Construction2011Felipe Ortega
APi Construction Company2012Jake Castle
AWC – Association of Women Contractors2007Laura Karow
Braun Intertec2002Dan Martin
C. S. McCrossan2015Kenny Beck
CFMA – Construction Financial Management Association2012John Markert
Colliers International2019Mark Parten
Dakota County Technical College2021Scott Holm**
EDEN Resources2021Mariaha Dean**
Egan Company2002Reid Romer
Empirehouse, Inc.2002Mike Gilbert
Greiner Construction2019Hans Siefker
Habitat for Humanity2013Jake Kirchgessner
Hennepin County2016Gilbert Odonkor*
HGA Architects and Engineers2013Joe Tarlizzo
ICS2002Andy Faulkner*
IFMA - International Facilities Management Association2011Laura Magnuson
JE Dunn Construction2012Brett Dunlap*
KMS Construction2021Ken McCraley
Knutson Construction2012Mark Custer
Kraus-Anderson Construction Co.2002Patrick Mulcahey*
Loeffler Construction & Consulting2019Ben Nordquist
MBEX – Minnesota Builders Exchange2024David Siegel
MCA – Minnesota Construction Association2012Jennifer Wothe
McGough Companies2004Brian Baar*
Meyer Borgman Johnson2012Cullen O'Neill
MMCA – MN Mechanical Contractors Association2012Matthew Marquis
MN Department of Transportation2010Michael Beer
Mortenson Construction2012Avin Kallenbach
MSA – Minnesota Subcontractors Association2010Nick Frattalone
Opus Design Build2005Jeremy Cunningham**
PCL Construction Services, Inc.2005Brandi Rutten*
Pulte Homes2013Mike Barden
PWS2021Lee Meyer
RJM Construction2013Brian Recker*
Ryan Companies US, Inc.2010Ben Terry
SRF Consulting2022Curt Sohn
SullivanDay Construction2019Steve Day
Target Corporation2010Gen McJilton*
Tri-Construction2021Calvin Littlejohn
UM Capital Planning and Project Management2012Scott Everson
UM College of Science and Engineering2012Ann Johnson
Watson-Forsberg2010Dale Forsberg
Weis Builders, Inc.2012Grant Weis

* Alumni
** Faculty member