2026 Workshop on Reducing Claims on Alternative Delivery Projects
Confirmed speakers
Andrew Baskerville, Deputy District Director for the District 4 Division of Construction at Caltrans
Dan Becker, CCM, PMP, F.ASCE, Principal at DBC, LLC, and Chair of the CCRM
Dan has 45 years plus experience delivering capital projects throughout the western US. Since 1990 he has worked on Design-Build and CMAR projects for either the Design-Builder or as Owner’s Representative. He has worked with client’s and their counsels developing their solicitation documents and contracts. He is an ASCE delegate to the Engineer’s Joint Construction Document Committee (EJCDC) working to develop Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build and CMAR contract families. He is the current chair of the ASCE Committee on Claim Reduction & Management, and an ASCE Fellow (Learn more about Dan).
Yvonne Castillo, Director of Risk Advisory at Victor Insurance Managers
Yvonne is Director of Risk Advisory at Victor Insurance Managers, where she helps architects and engineers manage professional liability risks. A lawyer since 1995, she earned her law degree from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Texas. Her career includes work as a litigator, a lobbyist/General Counsel, and Government Affairs Director. She also serves on the Board of the National Institute of Building Sciences and as a City Council-Appointed Advisory Board Member for Boulder Parks & Recreation.
Gerard P. (“Jerry”) Cavaluzzi, Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Risk Officer at at Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc.
Jerry leads enterprise risk management and advises on procurement and contract strategy for complex infrastructure programs. With more than three decades of experience, Jerry focuses on claims prevention through effective risk allocation, balanced contract drafting and proactive dispute resolution across the design and construction lifecycle. Jerry works closely with owners, engineers, contractors, and insurers to develop practical and creative approaches to managing/mitigating risk in collaborative delivery models, including Design-Build and CMAR.
Jerry is an active contributor to EJCDC, the WCDA Contracts Committee, and the ASCE Committee on Claims Reduction and Management. He advises public/private owners and presents nationally on strategies to reduce claims and improve project outcomes through contract structure, risk management/mitigation, and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Alexis is the Assistant General Counsel for Kleinfelder Inc. He has over 20 years of experience as an attorney in the design/construction industry including roles with Wickwire Gavin, LLP, URS Corp., and AECOM. His recent work focuses on all aspects of Alternative Delivery including responsibility for the negotiation and execution of major alternative delivery projects across the United States, with an emphasis on water, wastewater, transportation and federal design-build, including progressive design-build, and public-private partnerships. Alexis also manages all aspects of negotiations, including joint-venture agreements, prime contracts, design subcontracts, and supplier agreements, for projects of all shapes and sizes.
Brad Florentin, P.E., DBIA, is a Principal, Senior Project Manager/Construction Manager, and Director of Collaborative Delivery at Kennedy Jenks
Brad leads multidisciplinary engineering and science teams to deliver complex water and infrastructure projects that strengthen communities. With broad experience across all phases of project development—chartering, budgeting, assessment, design, permitting, construction, monitoring, and advisory—he brings a strong grasp of project lifecycles and risk management. Brad’s clear communication and ability to align owners, contractors, technical teams, regulators, and the public have built long standing partnerships and consistently successful outcomes.
Richard J. Formella, PMP, CPPO, FAC-C III (Retired), FDBIA, Senior VP, Region Relations & Development at DBIA
Paul Franke, Attorney and Shareholder at Polsinelli Law Firm
Paul brings more than 35 years of sophisticated construction law experience to his wide-ranging legal practice at Polsinelli. Paul represents public and private institutional owners, developers, contractors, subcontractors and engineers on a variety of project types and asset classes, including public infrastructure (water, waste water and transportation); medical office and hospital campus systems; resort, hotel, and other commercial real estate developments; stadium and entertainment complex developments; and industrial and data center developments. Paul is currently ranked in Band Three of Chambers USA for construction law and Band Two for banking and finance law and is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America for construction.
Eloy Garcia, General Superintendent at Hensel Phelps
As General Superintendent at Hensel Phelps, Eloy Garcia has extensive experience successfully completing large and complex projects, evidencing his exceptional planning and leadership skills. He carries a comprehensive understanding of the importance of project logistics and team building at the inception of a contract, and has completed all projects on schedule, within budget, and to the client's complete satisfaction. Eloy has maintained an outstanding safety performance record. He has managed projects with delivery methods that include both design-build and hard bid. Eloy’s portfolio of project experience includes several high profile state, county and municipal projects, including Sunnyvale Civic Center, Contra Costa County Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center, East County Hall of Justice, among others. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from California State University, Sacramento.
David Gehrig, Partner at Hanson Bridgett
David is a partner in the law firm of Hanson Bridgett LLP in the government group, and is also the co-chair of the Hanson Bridgett infrastructure practice. David specializes in assisting public agencies with the full range of legal issues presented on public works and infrastructure projects in California. As outside construction counsel, David has assisted clients from the very outset of projects, evaluating available project delivery options, drafting procurement and contract documents, assisting with contract award negotiations, and advising through the course of the project to successful completion. David also serves as general counsel to the Purissima Hills Water District.
Teresa Herrera, P.E., M.ASCE, General Manager at Silicon Valley Clean Water Authority (Retired 2025)
Teresa recently retired as General Manager of Silicon Valley Clean Water. At SVCW, innovative approaches to fulfilling its mission are a constant. Joining SVCW in 2008, Teresa was responsible for delivering a large Capital Improvement Program within a 10-year timeframe. To accomplish this, delivery methods available to SVCW were consistently explored and implemented, when appropriate. When California allowed for public agencies to utilize design-build delivery methods, SVCW jumped into the approach with both feet and into the deep end. SVCW was the first wastewater agency to implement PDB for its capital projects. Beginning in 2017, SVCW awarded 3 sets of PDB projects with a $500 million price tag. The projects were completed on schedule and on budget thanks to the collaborative and risk-sharing approach that all participants embraced.
Teresa was key to SVCW’s embrace of PDB and proud of what has been accomplished using this method. SVCW takes innovative approaches to fulfilling its mission with focus on sustainability and effectiveness to meet its obligations. At the ASCE Alternative Delivery Workshop, Teresa will share how partnering with firms using similarly advanced philosophies in finding solutions has benefited their SVCW and how this approach can benefits others.
Teresa received their Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and her Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Davis. They were in the private consulting engineering field for 20 years, serving as president of their company for the last 7 of those years. Moving to SVCW in 2008, Teresa served for 10 years as Authority Engineer and 7 as General Manager.
Zachary D. Jones, M. ASCE, General Counsel, Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee (EJCDC); Attorney at Martin & Jones, PLLC
Zach is a construction attorney focused on helping engineers and project stakeholders avoid disputes through proactive risk management and effective contracts. In addition to his private practice, Zach serves as General Counsel for EJCDC, and regularly advises clients involved in traditional and specialized project delivery methods, including design-build, P3, and IPD
Brandon Joy, P.E., M.ASCE, Enterprise Project Controls Director at HDR
Brandon has spent his career working on large projects across the various markets. These projects include multiple delivery methods including P3, Design-Build, Progressive Design Build, traditional and other delivery methods. Brandon manages a team of 200 project controls professionals and regularly manages risk, cost, schedule, contracts, and scope for large projects around the world. Brandon has experience as a contractor, owner, and consultant in the mega-project space.
Brian Mello, Vice President, Member Services, at AGC of California
Brian is Vice President of Member Services at AGC of California, where he leads a dynamic team dedicated to advancing the construction industry through effective advocacy and comprehensive member engagement. He oversees the engagement and retention of more than 950 member companies statewide specializing in commercial construction, provides leadership to AGC of California's nine regional district boards, and oversees local government affairs and agency relationships across the state including LA Metro, LAWA, RCTC, VTA, BART, SFO, and other key agencies.
Brian began his career at Shawmut Design and Construction in Boston, where he held various field roles in safety and superintendent capacities on public works projects.
Liz Molina, Assistant Vice President, Senior Claims Examiner at Berkley Alliance Managers, a Berkley Company
Liz began her insurance career in 1978 handling Auto, Homeowners, General Liability, and Tribal claims, building a strong foundation in claims work. In 1994, she transitioned to Professional Liability, gaining experience with Real Estate, Medical Malpractice, and Legal Malpractice claims and expanding her understanding of complex exposures. Over time, she found her greatest fulfillment in Architects and Engineers Professional Liability, which she continues to handle today at Berkley Alliance Managers. Her expertise reflects decades of hands-on experience, problem solving, and a commitment to informed claims handling.
Colin O'Neil, Group Lead, Architects & Engineers Professional Liability at HDI Global Insurance Company
Colin’s current role is the Assistant Product Lead for HDI’s Architects & Engineers Professional Liability Group. He joined HDI in 2023 to help create their A&E product, is responsible for the annual practice book, and helps to place some of the market’s largest project specific policies. Prior to joining HDI, Colin spent five years underwriting A&E insurance at another leading US market carrier. He received his MBA in 2017 from the University of Louisville and currently resides in Chicago with his wife and dog.
Kristi J. Powers, Esq., Vice President/General Counsel/Corporate Secretary at Carollo Engineers
Kristi serves as General Counsel of Carollo Engineers, where she brings nearly 40 years of experience with the firm and nearly 25 years advising on the legal and contractual complexities that define how water infrastructure projects get planned, delivered, and protected. In her role, she oversees all legal affairs and leads enterprise risk management, including contract risk reviews, mitigation strategies, and counsel to Carollo's Board of Directors. Her expertise in design-build contracts and liability issues makes her a trusted advisor in high-stakes project delivery decisions. Kristi is actively engaged in shaping contract standards across the industry and recently joined the WCDA Contracts Committee, where she will work in collaborating with peers to advance best practices and develop contract templates for Design-Build and CMAR delivery methods in the water sector.
Lisa Riggins, Practice Group Lead at Pearl Insurance, a Subsidiary of One80 Intermediaries
Lisa is the Practice Group Lead for Pearl Insurance’s business lines coverage, bringing policy and industry expertise to the ASCE and other associations. She began her career at Pearl, spending six years as a Salesperson and Regional Director before a 12-year consulting career. Lisa rejoined Pearl as a business lines policy expert. She now also coordinates between Pearl and the ASCE and other associations as well as leading sales teams in a consultative approach to commercial insurance needs. Outside of work, she supports several charities and serves on the board of Dog People of Livingston in Walker, LA.
Jim Starling, P.E., M.ASCE, EVP, Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer at Denver International Airport
Jim joined DEN in November 2021, bringing over 25 years of experience managing complex transportation projects. As Chief Construction and Infrastructure Officer, he oversees Planning and Design, Airport Infrastructure Management (AIM), Sustainability, DEN Real Estate, the Great Hall Project, and the Gate Expansion Program. AIM manages infrastructure projects, while Sustainability handles environmental compliance and sustainable practices. DEN Real Estate focuses on developing 16,000 acres of commercial land and oversees existing commercial properties, leveraging DEN's significant land for future growth.
Brian Sweet, P.E., CCM, Director of Engineering - Construction Management at Port of Seattle
Brian is a Professional Civil Engineer and Certified Construction Manager with 40 years in the construction and facility management industry. Prior to assuming his current role Director Engineering - Construction Management with the Port of Seattle, he led the Terminal, Tenant, Noise, Infrastructure and Baggage teams. In addition to his work at the Port of Seattle, Brian served 21 years in the US Navy where he retired as a Commander, Civil Engineer Corp and work as a consultant for URS/AECOM.
Ankur Talwar, District Manager, Civil Infrastructure, West Region at PCL Construction, Inc.
Ankur has 30 years of experience in civil infrastructure, successfully partnering with clients in the delivery of large and complex projects. He leads PCL Construction’s civil infrastructure operations throughout the Western United States and has experienced the shift to alternative project delivery methods, working on various projects such as the CMAR for the City of Ventura as well as the Treasure Island Water Resource Recovery Facility, a lump sum design-build for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission. Talwar works collaboratively with owners and designers and is recognized for his ability to engage and motivate teams to deliver successful outcomes. (Learn more about Ankur)
Nathan Trevor, MPM, Vice President, Garney Construction
Guy Voss, Vice President & Director – Collaborative Project Delivery at HDR
Guy Voss is a seasoned leader in collaborative project delivery with nearly 30 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. A passionate advocate for delivering better projects together, Guy serves as the President of the Water Collaborative Delivery Association and has supported industry leadership for over a decade through the Water Environment Federation’s Water Leadership Institute. He holds a BS in Environmental Engineering and an MBA in Management and Finance from Bradley University. Guy is Vice President and Global Director of HDR’s Collaborative Delivery practice where he strives to foster strong partnerships and teams to ensure high-quality, innovative outcomes for water infrastructure projects.
Ural Yal, President & CEO at Shimmick Construction
Ural serves as Chief Executive Officer of Shimmick, bringing over 28 years of experience in water, transportation and critical infrastructure to his role. His career has taken him from Field Engineer to C-suite executive, including senior leadership roles at major contractors where he led market expansion across North America. Ural is passionate about collaborative project delivery and the role of climate resiliency, energy transition, and emerging technologies in shaping modern infrastructure. He holds a Civil Engineering degree from Istanbul Technical University, an MBA from Cal State Dominguez Hills, and is a licensed civil engineer in California.