2025 Construction Financial Management Conference

As of Aug 14th, 2025 | Agenda subject to change.

All times listed are Pacific Standard Time.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Registration open from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

1:00 PM –
1:15 PM

Opening Remarks

1:15 PM –
2:30 PM

CFO Roundtable

Opening General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Join us for an enlightening and interactive panel discussion on the dynamic landscape of construction financial management. Our esteemed panel of experts brings together a diverse range of perspectives, insights, and strategies to address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the construction industry.

Learning objectives:

  • Describe the greatest risks and challenges that construction companies face, as seen through the lens of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  • Identify the strategies used by leading construction organizations and their CFOs to manage financial and business risks and opportunities in the current economic environment.
  • Explain how the evolving responsibilities and expectations of the CFO role have influenced the career paths and experiences that prepare individuals for this position.

Speakers:

Bill Ball
CFO
Blum Construction

Jyll Waters
CFO
VanCon

Michael Azarela
CFO
JRM Construction Management

2:30 PM –
3:00 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

3:00 PM –
4:15 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Guided by an experienced surety broker and a surety underwriter, Surety Secrets for Contractors provides a glimpse into surety underwriting and the surety underwriter’s mindset. The presentation will touch on topics ranging from to underwriting hot buttons to financial metrics. The presentation will also address emerging trends impacting surety, such as AI and bank-fronted surety. Surety Secrets for Contractors will answer some burning surety questions posed to sureties by contractors. The information provided could help to improve the dialogue between contractors and their sureties and ultimately allow for smoother surety relationships.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand risk elements (e.g., financial metrics, debt profile, etc.) and emerging trends which are the focus of surety underwriting.
  • Provide deep insight into the surety underwriting process and how underwriters are approaching risk.
  • Explore concrete examples of red flags for surety underwriting and how contractors can address them.

Speakers:

Mike Bond
Chief Underwriting Officer – National Accounts
Markel Surety

Scott Rooney
Manager, Surety
Marsh & McLennan Agency

1.5 CPE Credits

Not for women only! All are welcome to join this conversation with a dynamic panel of female leaders who will share their unique strategies for navigating the industry’s challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a woman seeking career insights, or an ally who wants to support and understand female leadership, this session will provide valuable and timely perspectives. Women occupy less than 13% of the overall construction workforce (with less than 3% in the field) – are there ways to effectively close the labor gap by making construction a more welcoming, safe, and appealing career choice? How can men be effective allies for the females in their companies? Bring your questions and ideas – let’s talk about it!

Learning objectives:

  • Identify the factors that make construction a challenging work environment for females and discuss strategies for overcoming those challenges.
  • Discuss practical strategies for overcoming “imposter syndrome”, setting boundaries, and becoming a confident leader.
  • Understand practical steps that men can take to support and champion women in construction leadership roles.

Moderator:

Pam Hummel
Business Development Executive
Baker Tilly US

Speakers:

Sarah Rowe
CFO
Gray Construction

Jennifer Murphy
CFO
Pleune Service Company

Kari Juvera
CEO
Enterprise Builders

Katie Burton
CFO
Lydig Construction

1.5 CPE Credits

This session will cover the essentials of the construction business for project leaders and non-financial managers to enable them to track and interpret financials throughout a construction project’s life cycle. The content covers detailed elements for financial tracking, monitoring, communicating, and adjusting as the construction project evolves while also balancing budget and forecasting financials. Attendees will be provided with a solid understanding of the essential financial aspects of managing any project to ensure its successful conclusion.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand key financial concepts
  • Interpret financial statements
  • Communicate financial information

Speakers:

Caryl Coronis
CFO
NAPCO Precast

Joe LaPolla
CFO
Driver Pipeline

4:15 PM –
4:40 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

4:40 PM –
5:55 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2025 and into 2026.

Learning objectives:

  • Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
  • Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
  • How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.

Speaker:

Colby Feane
Vice President, Financial Advisor & Portfolio Manager
Wealth Enhancement

1.5 CPE Credits

Session will be an interactive review and discussion of construction contractor’s Federal and State income tax questions and concerns for 2025 (and beyond!)

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will be updated on Income tax law changes for 2025 and how they impact the construction industry.
  • Recent Tax Rulings and Regulations related to construction contractors will be discussed.
  • Attendees will review income tax planning opportunities, tricks and traps for contractors for 2025 (and what we might see in our crystal ball!)

Speakers:

Jim Lundy
Managing Director
CBIZ

Kelli Franco
Retired Tax Partner
Baker Tilly

1.5 CPE Credits

Don’t miss this lively and interactive session that joins four of the top construction CPAs in the country as they field your questions about, well, anything! Have you been wondering about new tax provisions? Ask them! Thinking about if there’s a way to make your audit process more efficient? Just ask? Unsure about how recent tax legislation will affect your company? You’ve got the mic. Curious about who will win the Super Bowl? They might not have the right answer, but you’ll probably get a prediction or two.

Bring your own questions, spin the wheel of questions, or listen in on what others want to know. Whichever you choose, you’ll leave this session with the answers you need.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the implications of recent tax legislation and provisions
  • Recognize best practices for preparing for your FYE audit
  • Identify what’s useful in supplemental schedules – and what’s just overkill

Speakers:

Chris Gewain
Principal
Baker Tilly US

Alan Villanueva
Principal
Baker Tilly US

Heather Alley
Partner
Forvis Mazars

Scott Yandle
Partner
Forvis Mazars

6:00 PM –
6:45 PM

Welcome Reception

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

Thursday, November 6, 2025

Registration open from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

7:30 AM –
8:15 AM

Continental Breakfast

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

8:15 AM –
8:25 AM

Opening Remarks

8:25 AM –
9:40 AM

Building the Future: The Las Vegas Ballpark and the Business of Stadium Construction

Thursday General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

This dynamic keynote, led by Marc Badain, will trace his journey from Allegiant Stadium to the visionary development of the new $1.75 billion Athletics ballpark in Las Vegas. Attendees will explore strategic planning, public-private funding, and innovative design features—including Strip views and seat-level air cooling. The session also highlights the Mortenson-McCarthy joint venture’s construction execution, advanced tech like Synchro 4D and drone logistics, and a workforce mandate favoring local labor. The discussion wraps with insights into financial stewardship, regulatory navigation, and the stadium’s lasting impact on Las Vegas as a major league sports destination.

Learning objectives:

  • Analyze the financial and operational complexities of large-scale stadium construction, including budgeting, funding sources, and risk management.
  • Evaluate the role of technology and innovation in modern construction practices, with real-world applications from the Athletics stadium project.
  • Understand the strategic impact of sports infrastructure on urban development, workforce engagement, and community branding.

Speaker:

Marc Badain
President
Las Vegas A’s

9:40 AM –
10:00 AM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

10:00 AM –
11:15 AM

Concurrent Sessions

 

1.5 CPE Credits

Find out more about the overall state of the economy, financial markets, and how best to structure your investment strategy. Topics for discussion will include the stock market, interest rates, individual stocks, and selected investment ideas for the balance of 2025 and into 2026.

Learning objectives:

  • Candid, up-to-the-minute conversations about the state of the economy and the outlook for financial markets.
  • Learn to contain risk in investment portfolios whether they be in individual IRAs, 401k plans, or company plans with fiduciary responsibilities.
  • How to avoid typical money-losing behaviors.

Speaker:

Colby Feane
Vice President, Financial Advisor & Portfolio Manager
Wealth Enhancement

1.5 CPE Credits

The WIP meeting is a unique opportunity for finance and operations teams to collaborate, resulting in better oversight that can improve project outcomes. Taking a collaborative approach to project reviews builds alignment and promotes the sharing of information between two key groups within a construction organization.

This session is designed to review the essential skills, strategies and techniques to conduct efficient WIP meetings that foster clear communication, accountability, and tracking; utilize data to analyze and validate cost to complete estimates.

Learning objectives:

  • Cultivate a trusting and communicative environment between finance and operations.
  • Leverage the WIP meeting to gain comfort over the cost to complete and address sensitive topics such as profit fade and aggressive estimates.
  • Integrate processes for change order follow up and accountability into WIP meetings.

Speaker:

Richard King
CFO
Schlouch Incorporated

1.5 CPE Credits

As the impacts of traditional (and emergent) CAT risks grow, we need to step up as an industry to meet these evolving challenges.

Learning objectives:

  • (Re) Defining CAT risks in 2025.
  • CAT risks aren’t just a property issue.
  • Insurance is a blunt instrument, but the industry is evolving.
  • Managing CAT risks across the entire spectrum, both “left of loss” and “right of loss”.

Speaker:

Kirk Chamberlain
EVP
HUB Insurance National Construction Practice

11:15 AM –
11:35 AM

Networking Break and Lunch Pickup

Grab your lunch in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

11:35 AM –
12:50 PM

The Secret Science & Critical Art of Negotiation

Lunch General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Life, and certainly the life of a contractor, is a series of negotiations. Whether you’re securing a project, negotiating with an employee, or sizing up a potential spouse, the question is not whether you negotiate — it’s whether you negotiate well. In this session, attendees will learn the simple skills and critical mind-shift that creates extraordinary agreements. Updated from a critically acclaimed breakout session presented at CFMA National 2023, this session ensures that what is learned today can be of immediate (and profitable) use tomorrow.

Learning objectives:

  • The one indispensable rule to ensuring that the other side will accept your position or offer.
  • How to limit risk on mission-critical (and often one-sided) terms.
  • How to revise contracts to lower risk and avoid conflict.
  • How to streamline any negotiation.

Speaker:

Eliot Wagonheim
Founder / Co-CEO
First Rule Contract Manager

12:50 PM –
1:10 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

1:10 PM –
2:00 PM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

Do you want to be trusted and add value to your career? Now is a great time to earn your Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation to position yourself for new career opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater credibility. What are the benefits of certification? Do you meet the eligibility requirements? What is the best way to prepare? What is required to maintain my certification? The answers to these questions and more will be answered during this session. Learn firsthand from your peers about the certification process and how achieving the industry’s only accredited certification for construction financial professionals enhances your career. Having a CCIFP designation ensures that your firm has someone who understands the nuances and complexity of construction finance and can communicate confidently with everyone involved in the project. 1.5 CPE credits in the field of Specialized Knowledge

Learning objectives:

  • Discover exam eligibility requirements, the application process, and certification maintenance.
  • Review the revised topic areas that are now included on the exam.
  • Identify exam preparation resources.

Speakers:

Joel Dziedzic
Partner
Forvis Mazars

Brian Summers
Vice President, Knowledge and Practice
CFMA

1.0 CPE Credit

Economic and Borrowing trends outlook for 2026. How key policies and economic trends are shaping the economy and how they are relevant to your businesses.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the latest trends in lending, including current interest rate movements and emerging ideas for reducing interest expenses.
  • Analyze banks’ current lending receptivity and criteria to assess opportunities and challenges in obtaining financing.
  • Evaluate key economic trends affecting lending markets with a detailed outlook to inform strategic financial decisions.

Speaker:

Ian Wyatt
Director of Economics and Commercial Market Strategist
Huntington National Bank

1.0 CPE Credit

This session will cover what is going on in the world of worksite enforcement – raids, warrants and audits. Additionally, we will discuss what’s ahead with the infusion of billions of dollars into Dept. of Homeland Security and ICE. Finally, we will discuss the prospects for immigration reform and a guest worker program.

Learning objectives:

  • Better prepare your business for impacts of increased funding.
  • Better prepare construction industry for how to protect yourself in raids and audits.
  • Prepare construction of how to respond to raids and audits and the risks for failure to do so.

Speaker:

Bruce Buchanan
Senior Counsel
Littler Mendelson P.C.

2:00 PM –
2:20 PM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

2:20 PM –
3:10 PM

What Now? The Ever Changing Economic Landscape

Afternoon General Session

1.0 CPE Credit

It has not exactly been a predictable year as far as the economic trends have been concerned. What can we expect as far as inflation, recession threats, tariffs and trade wars? What can we count on and what will be a mystery for the remainder of the year?

Learning objectives:

  • Understand implications of tariff policy
  • Understand inflation threats
  • Understand recession risk

Speaker:

Chris Kuehl
Managing Director
Armada Corporate Intelligence

3:10 PM –
3:30 PM

Happy Hour

Grab a beverage and network before the roundtable breakout sessions begin.

Sponsored by:

3:30 PM –
4:45 PM

Roundtable Breakouts

1.5 CPE Credits

This interactive session will explore the impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill and other anticipated changes to Federal and State tax law. We’ll review significant legislative and regulatory developments from the past year and provide a practical, industry-focused primer on Federal and State pre-year-end tax planning for 2025. In addition, we’ll look ahead to 2026, when several key tax provisions are set to change, and discuss how construction companies and their advisors can prepare now to navigate those shifts effectively.

Learning objectives:

  • Identify pending or proposed Federal and State tax legislation — including provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill — that could affect construction companies and their advisors.
  • Discuss current tax issues and evaluate best practices used in the industry to address them.
  • Apply pre-year-end planning techniques to optimize tax outcomes and take advantage of timely strategies.
  • Anticipate 2026 tax law changes and incorporate forward-looking planning into current strategies.

Moderators:

Kelli Franco
Retired Tax Partner
Baker Tilly

Jim Lundy
Managing Director
CBIZ

1.5 CPE Credits

Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we will delve into the pressing issues and emerging trends facing construction industry financial professionals today. This session is geared to be very interactive and the more input you can bring regarding successes and challenges the better this session will be and the more everyone will learn.

This session will cover a broad spectrum of topics, including Financial Processes, Risk Strategies in an uncertain environment, Workforce Management, State and Local Tax (SALT) Compliance, Succession Planning, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Requirements, and the latest in Construction Technology and Digital Transformation. Come ready to participate in this essential and interactive discussion to gain insights from your peers and learn how to navigate the complexities of the modern construction landscape successfully.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand Financial Processes: Gain insights into the latest financial management techniques and tools that can help streamline operations and improve financial performance.
  • Workforce Management: Explore best practices for managing and retaining talent in the construction industry, including addressing labor shortages and enhancing employee engagement.
  • State and Local Tax (SALT) Compliance: Stay updated on the latest SALT regulations and compliance requirements to ensure your organization remains compliant and avoids penalties.
  • Succession Planning: Understand the importance of succession planning and learn how to develop a robust plan to ensure business continuity and leader

Moderators:

Aprille Bell
Partner
Forvis Mazars

Dan Gaston
Partner
Forvis Mazars

1.5 CPE Credits

In this hands-on, interactive session, participants will roll up their sleeves and dive into two powerful tabletop exercises designed to bring clarity and strategy to their contracting business operations. First, you’ll map out your current technology stack to uncover redundancies, gaps, and opportunities for integration. Then, you’ll take a deep dive into one of your core business processes—like invoicing, time tracking, or change orders—and reimagine it with automation in mind. Whether you’re a tech-savvy contractor or just starting to modernize your operations, this session will help you visualize your systems, streamline your workflows, and walk away with actionable ideas to improve efficiency and profitability.

Learning objectives:

  • Visualize and Evaluate Your Technology Stack: Participants will identify all the tools and software currently used in their business, categorize them by function, and assess their effectiveness, integration, and overlap.
  • Map and Analyze a Core Business Process: Participants will break down a real-world workflow step-by-step, identify inefficiencies or bottlenecks, and explore how automation can reduce manual effort and improve accuracy.
  • Design an Optimized, Tech-Enabled Workflow: Using insights from the exercises, participants will redesign a business process using automation tools and integrations, and articulate the potential ROI and operational benefits.

Moderators:

Brendan King
Regional Director
Suffolk Construction

Kathryn Schneider
Director, Consulting
Forvis Mazars

1.5 CPE Credits

Richard Forrestel, Jr. and Joseph Suk will lead a conversation about succession planning and execution in the construction industry.

Learning objectives:

  • Review the elements and objectives of transition.
  • Identify the pitfalls and concerns, both organizationally and individually, observed thus far in our transition.
  • Defining a successful transition while accepting the reality that we are from dramatically different generations.

Moderators:

Richard Forrestel
Treasurer & Secretary
Cold Spring Construction Co.

Joseph Suk
Controller
Cold Spring Construction Co.

Sponsored by:

4:45 PM –
5:30 PM

Networking Reception

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

Friday, November 7, 2025

Registration open from 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM

7:30 AM –
8:00 AM

Continental Breakfast

Open to all attendees

Sponsored by:

8:00 AM –
9:15 AM

Inside the Political Circus: AGC Political Update

Morning General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Our panelists from AGC of America will be providing an update regarding the current political and economic landscape surrounding the construction industry.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand political trends driving decision making in Washington, D.C. and the country in general.
  • Identify policy priorities of the Trump administration and Congress.
  • Understand the impact of fiscal and regulatory policies on construction employers.

Speakers:

Alex Etchen
VP, Government Relations
AGC of America

Deniz Mustafa
Senior Director, Infrastructure Finance
AGC of America

9:15 AM –
9:40 AM

Networking Break

Grab a quick coffee in between sessions and be sure to visit our sponsors.

Sponsored by:

9:40 AM –
10:55 AM

Concurrent Sessions

1.5 CPE Credits

In this session, get a review of the CFMA’s 2025 Financial Benchmarker results. This inside look will highlight the industry’s key financial ratios as well as other information, including Best in Class, backlog, and some information related to the new lease accounting methods (ASC Topic 842).

Learning objectives:

  • Demonstrate the vital importance of benchmarking.
  • Identify the key ratios of financial performance.
  • Preview the 2025 Financial Benchmarker results, which includes information on lease accounting (ASC Topic 842).

Speakers:

Rhett Ennis
Managing Director
CBIZ

Samantha Spalding Davis
Director, FP&A
Rose Paving LLC

1.5 CPE Credits

Session will be an interactive review and discussion of construction contractor’s Federal and State income tax questions and concerns for 2025 (and beyond!)

Learning objectives:

  • Participants will be updated on Income tax law changes for 2025 and how they impact the construction industry.
  • Recent Tax Rulings and Regulations related to construction contractors will be discussed.
  • Attendees will review income tax planning opportunities, tricks and traps for contractors for 2025 (and what we might see in our crystal ball!)

Speakers:

Jim Lundy
Managing Director
CBIZ

Kelli Franco
Retired Tax Partner
Baker Tilly

1.5 CPE Credits

This session explores AI’s transformative potential in construction for senior leaders, including CFOs. Discover how AI enhances efficiency, mitigates risk, and supports strategic decision-making. We will delve into key applications such as predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and AI-powered optimization, while also addressing AI readiness within an organization. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advanced models like Google Gemini, OpenAI’s GPT-5, and more, and see their practical applications to streamline operations.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand how AI-powered predictive analytics can enhance project planning, proactive risk mitigation, and strategic decision-making.
  • Learn how AI-driven automation streamlines operations, boosting efficiency and minimizing human error in key tasks.
  • Discover how AI enables optimized resource allocation, supporting informed investment decisions and overall enterprise stability.

Speaker:

Bruce Rasa
Principal
Knowledge Systems LLC

10:55 AM –
11:00 AM

Transition Break

11:00 AM –
12:15 PM

2025 Engineering & Construction M&A Update

Closing General Session

1.5 CPE Credits

Macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, increased interest E&C sectors, and pent-up demand for exits from private equity – this presentation will explore the latest trends in M&A activity in the E&C sector. How has surging demand for electricity and power changed the landscape? How are key themes like aging infrastructure, digitalization, urbanization, etc. impacting M&A activity? What is the current international interest in the U.S. from an M&A perspective? Join Alex Miller and Ryan Foley, senior investment bankers with FMI Capital, as they discuss the latest trends in E&C M&A and what that means for owners, CFOs, and their advisors

Learning objectives:

  • Understand current trends in today’s construction M&A environment.
  • Identify how valuation is changing in today’s market.
  • Understand the unique challenges and opportunities faced by owners of E&C firms trying to exit their businesses.

Speakers:

Alex Miller
Managing Director
FMI Capital Advisors

Ryan Foley
Managing Director
FMI Capital Advisors

* Select overlapping sessions will be offered through webinars to conference attendees for free following the conference.

The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website: www.nasba.org.

The Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) designation is the only standard to recognize financial professionals who truly know the business of construction. Credits earned at this conference are eligible toward CCIFP recertification requirements.