Board of Directors
Chair - Anastasia Dubnicay
Project Manager University of Pittsburgh
“The ACE Mentor Program is an amazing opportunity for students to get a taste of our industry and understand the breadth of what they can do with a background in Architecture, Engineering and Construction before they dive in and make that commitment after high school. As a mentor, it gives you a chance to meet these shining stars as high schoolers and then have the possibility of working with them as peers in the future.”
Vice Chair - Allison Swank
President
VisionVest, LLC
“The ACE Mentor Program provides a unique learning experience to students through teaching real-world life and professional skills, collaborative design projects, field trips to construction sites, tour offices, and other experiences. This challenging program has an incredible impact to students and provides them exposure to the design and construction industry that can assist them with their future careers.”
Secretary - Bryon Chowka
Attorney at Law Clark Hill
“The ACE Mentor Program is a one of a kind and award-winning program devoted to bringing unique opportunities to high school students. The program offers insight into some of the Nation’s most critical industries, while also providing real-life experiences with professionals in their respective fields that can shape, and positively impact, a student’s career goals and ambitions.”
Treasurer - Nicole Shook, CPA
Director
CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP
“As treasurer of the ACE Program, I have been able to help provide financial oversight to ensure the financial well-being of our organization so that we are able to continue to provide the students with a valuable experience during their time in the program which ultimately benefits our entire construction, engineering and architectural industries.”
Mora McLaughlin
Construction Communications Project Manager
Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority
“ACE Mentorship is an incredible chance for young people of all backgrounds to dive deeper into their interests. Having professionals connect with the next generation of leaders in their field and contribute to their region is what makes this program so special.”
Alicia Avick, PE, LEED AP, CxA
President
Advantus Engineers, LLC
“Growing up I was fortunate enough to have parents and teachers who exposed me to the possibilities in the design and construction industry, ACE provides that opportunity for students who may not receive it elsewhere.”
Tom Bender
Council Representative
Eastern Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters
“ACE Mentoring has the ability to reach students that will excel in the fields of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. This program is is equally advantageous for all students, including those that have, and those that have not realized those fields exist or their potential within them.”
Gene Boyer III
Director of Growth & Innovation
Burns Scalo Real Estate
“ACE provides a valuable platform to expose entire groups of kids to industries in which they have been historically underrepresented. Our board is and will continue to be intentional in our desire to open our industry up to everyone willing to put in the work and stay committed to their goals.”
Ron Cortes
Vice President, Buildings
Mascaro Construction Company
“The importance of ACE is providing high school students with a glimpse into the construction industry through the dedication of our mentors, with the hope of attracting more young people into our industry in such a competitive marketplace.”
Michael Barnard, PE
Vice President Oxford Development Company
“The ACE Mentor program provides benefits for both the businesses as well as the diverse group of local students whom we serve. By engaging students who might not otherwise have an opportunity to gain experience with the wide variety of careers available in our industry, we provide access to outstanding opportunities for them while working to ensure the future of the Architecture, Construction and Engineering workforce.”
Adam Majcher
Operations Manager
PJ Dick Incorporated
“I believe strongly in The ACE Mentor Program's mutually beneficial mission, helping young adults explore and pursue rewarding careers in the architecture, engineering, and construction professions while ensuring our industry continues to attract the best and brightest talent for the future.”
Neal Rivers
Vice President
Easley & Rivers, Inc.
“The ACE Mentor Program is a truly unique student experience; one where students with an interest in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction are afforded the opportunity to work with and learn from the professionals in their region.”
Scott Rowland, PE, LEED AP
Senior Associate/Vice President Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Inc.
“The ACE Mentoring Program helps put students on a great track for success in life, getting them interested in a trade or an engineering or architectural degree at an early age, creating the next generation of thinkers and doers who will help shape the world.”
Danny P. Cerrone Jr. Member Clark Hill
“Unlike any other after school program, ACE offers enjoyable sessions and experiences to students, while providing insight into a potential career in the Architecture, Construction and Engineering industry.”
John T. Sebastian, LEED AP
McKamish Director of Construction Management Program
Swanson School of Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
“The ACE Mentor Program provides students with a valuable real-world experience and insight into the professions of Architecture, Construction and Engineering enabling them to be better prepared to make important educational and career choices.”
Dave Daquelente Executive Director Master Builders’ Association of Western PA
Bethany Yoder, AIA, WELL AP
Associate
Perkins Eastman
“In high school, I attended a similar after-school program that guided me towards the career I have today and influenced me to become a mentor. The ACE Mentorship and Scholarship Program provides invaluable experiences and connections for students as they look to the future. As professionals, mentoring the next generation is key to continued growth of the AEC industry.”
Sean Sheffler, AIA
Associate
LGA Partners, LP
“The ACE Mentor Program gives students an inside look into the AEC industry that most others wouldn’t get until landing their first job, which is invaluable experience toward a successful career in one of these disciplines.”
Associate Board
John Wattick, Mosites Construction and Development Company - Construction Engagement
Jason Hindes, AIA, IKM Incorporated - Architecture Engagement
Anthony Ricketts, PE, LEED AP, Barton Associates, Inc - CIRT Lead
Emily Blaze, Google - Final Presentation Lead
Bethany Yoder, Perkins Eastman - Scholarship and Gala Lead
Jeffrey Wessel, AIA, LEED AP, VEBH Architects - Mentor Appreciation Lead