DBIA Announces 2013 Committees and Thought Leaders

The Design-Build Institute of America, the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build project delivery, has revamped its committee structure and reached out to renowned industry experts to dramatically strengthen the reach, products and services of DBIA.

Barbara Wagner, senior vice president, Clark Construction Group and chair of DBIA"s 2013 National Board of Directors said, “This is a very exciting time to take the helm. Our goals are aggressive, but our Thought Leaders represent some of the best minds in the industry. I"m confident they will move DBIA and the A/E/C community in the right direction.”

In addition to new and enhanced committees, the Institute has created two advisory councils aimed at advancing participation and providing support to key constituencies. The Owner Advisory Council will be led by Jacob Williams, assistant director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. The Designer Advisory Council will be directed by Praful Kulkarni, AIA, president and CEO of gkkworks.

As well-known design-build subject matter experts, DBIA's 2013 Thought Leaders will work across the organization's knowledge area and sector committees to enhance the understanding of the value and benefits of design-build and to provide more detailed and meaningful support to owners and industry who engage in, or are considering, design-build project delivery. Among the ambitious goals the Thought Leaders have embraced are development of tools, products that address the entire project cycle — from pre-proposal through commissioning — and resources devoted to design-build done right to guide multidisciplinary teams through the DBIA best practices associated with their sector.

The following industry experts will work closely with staff and the DBIA Board of Directors to tackle this ambitious agenda:

• Michael Loulakis, DBIA, Esq., president/CEO of Capital Strategies, will lead initiatives related to development and dissemination of best practices in design-build.
• Barbara Jackson, DBIA, Ph.D., director of the Center for Integrated Project Leadership of the California Polytechnic Institute, will spearhead development of measureable standards that will lead to specific Project/Team Performance Guidelines.
• Robynne Parkinson, DBIA, Esq., of the Law Offices of Robynne Parkinson, will guide the development of a full library of Tools and Resources that make industry expertise more accessible to owners and practitioners.
• Diana Hoag, DBIA, senior consultant of the Xcelsi Group, will assess DBIA's educational content and ameliorate any deficiencies. She will also identify opportunities for fruitful collaboration with other industry organizations.
• Greg Gidez, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, director of Preconstruction Services of Hensel Phelps Construction Co., will chair DBIA's newly established Innovation Committee.
• Dennis Ashley, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, preconstruction manager of Swinerton Builders, will direct the outreach efforts of the Student and Academia Committee.
• Pam McNealy, Business Development of Hunt Construction Group, Inc., will chair DBIA's Membership Committee.

In addition, Market Sector Thought Leaders will focus on strategies within their markets, identifying any sector-specific issues that lie beyond foundational best practices. These leaders will develop means and methods of ensuring the most efficient integrated project delivery within their arenas.

• Federal Sector outreach will be led by Craig Unger, DBIA , principal of Unger Security Solutions, LLC.
• Transportation Sector efforts will be led Rex Huffman, DBIA, president of Huffman Consulting, LLC, will direct Outreach.
• Water/Wastewater Sector efforts will be led by John Giachino of Haskell.
• Private Sector outreach will be led by Brian Day, director of Correctional Corporation of America (CCA).

“DBIA is very fortunate to have such a committed and well-respected group of volunteer leaders who are both willing and able to serve the organization and the industry by sharing their expertise,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, DBIA's executive director and CEO. ”Unlike most A/E/C associations, DBIA has always been a big tent organization. These individuals represent a wide range of sectors, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. They share a common commitment to advancing collaboration and integration and the best practices that constitute design-build done right.”

Biographical information on DBIA Thought Leaders and information on the strategic direction is available at www.dbia.org.