Associates Council Meeting

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AGC Associates Council Diversity and Inclusion Panel Discussion


A panel will focus on the topics of diversity and inclusion and consist of several representatives from local construction firms. Topics will include but are not limited to:

• Best Practices – What is working; Examples of Successful Strategies to improve diversity and inclusivity.
• Panelist Experiences – What we’ve learned - Situations where Implicit Bias has impacted the workplace/the construction site.
• Questions from the audience!

• Drew Rippel, The Weitz Company - Drew.Rippel@weitz.com
  • As a Business Development Manager for The Weitz Company, Drew leads BD efforts for national and local aviation projects as well as all public sector pursuits, to include local and federal projects. With over 23 years of construction experience, from both the operations and client side, he works with small and diverse businesses to help them navigate the contracting process, facilitating relationships that bridge the gap between small and large business. As a passionate community advocate, he is a member of various boards such as the HCC Contractor Academy and Society of American Military Engineers; he also champions workforce development through programs like the Mile High Youth Corps.
• Chris Martinez, Hispanic Contractors of Colorado - Chris@hcc-diversityleader.org
  • Chris Martinez currently is Executive Director for HCC Colorado’s Diversity Leader, a non-profit Construction Trade organization that historically provided networking, leadership development and education opportunities for small and large business.    HCC Focuses on Public and Private Construction opportunities.  Since COVID-19 HCC has redesigned its program delivery to an electronic technology platform to meet the membership needs. Prior to HCC, Chris worked for Mayor Michael Hancock, as a Senior Advisor for Human Rights and Community Planning Agency for the City of Denver, where he served as the liaison from the Mayor’s Office for Denver Neighborhoods.  He also worked in Denver’s Office of Economic Development where he managed the Small Business Development Division.  Chris has over 40 years of experience as a community, education, and political activist.  He also has a long history of involvement with non-profit, community and civic organizations.  Chris also served 8 years as a Board Member for the Regional Transportation District, two terms as Chairman of the Board. 
• Rusty Gonzales, St. Andrews Construction - Rusty@sacscolorado.com
  • Rusty has been the owner of St. Andrews since its inception in 1996, and has been in the electrical industry for over 35 years. Prior to founding St. Andrews, Rusty completed the Wyoming Joint Apprentice Training Program, and possesses a Colorado Master Electrician license. His project management expertise earned him an Alliance Project Management Certificate, in addition to a certificate from Howard University for the School of Business Executive Education in the Government Contracting Competency Program. Currently, Rusty is participating in the Latino Leadership Institute at the University of Denver as a part of their 2016 cohort. Rusty has always prided himself on building relationships with both his clients, and his family, and has always considered his greatest accomplishment to be raising two sons and being able to support them through college. He enjoys cooking and creating original recipes, golfing, and traveling with his family.
• Lisa Buckley, American Automation - lrbuckley@americanautomation.com
  • Ms. Buckley joined American Automation, Inc. as President, in November 2002. Immediately she instituted numerous processes in marketing, finance, operations, and quality control. These initiatives have helped to fuel the growth of the Company. Lisa R. Buckley is a seasoned executive that has brought her over 20 years experience in operating multi-billion dollar organizations. She holds a MBA from Michigan State University. She has held executive positions at Ford Motor Company, Maytag Corporation, and First Data Corporation. Her primary goal and initiative is to drive business growth and client satisfaction, in the Government and Commercial markets.
• Paul Blatnak, Turner Construction Company - pblatnak@tcco.com
  • Paul has worked 22 years in the construction industry with 17 of those years being in Colorado. Paul serves as a preconstruction manager for both horizontal and vertical construction projects. Prior to Turner Contruction, Paul worked at PCL, Kiewit, and GE Johnson and attended the University of Kansas.