William Kohnen, President, CEO – Hydrospace Group

Keynote Speaker

Will will speak about ethics in project, program, and portfolio management. It’s Will who early on raised concerns about the Titan submersible and questioned the safety of the vessel that disappeared and imploded in the Atlantic Ocean, forming stakeholder alliances to have OceanGate reconsider its operations.

William Kohnen is president and Chief Executive Officer of HYDROSPACE Group Inc., a California company expert in manned submersibles and a wide spectrum of pressure vessels for human occupancy. Mr. Kohnen has 30 years of engineering experience in engineering serving the aerospace, medical and subsea industries with a primary mission to promote new technologies for the management of world oceans and industrial infrastructure. He leads as the Chairman of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Submarine committee, a role he has fulfilled for 20+ years. Under his guidance, the committee has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration among experts worldwide. He was made MTS Fellow in 2014 and has published multiple papers and articles on the state of the submarine industry. Mr. Kohnen founded the World Submarine Organization in 2023 to gather the world of submarines experts around the world in a mission of stewardship for the development of a new industry. He is a member of the ASME PVHO (Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy) Safety Standards Committee, a member of the ABS Special Committee on Rules for Underwater Vehicles, Industry representative for DNVGL Underwater Technology Rules review, member of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), the Aerospace Medical Society and was member of the Deep Submersible Pilot association. Mr. Kohnen is Co-Founder of SEAmagine Hydrospace Corp which designs and produces manned submersibles since 1995, with fifteen vehicles distributed around the globe. Kohnen was born in Germany and grew up in Quebec on a milk farm. He moved to California in 1986 to seek engineering wonders. He completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. He speaks six languages, has many stories to tell, is married for 35 years and has two children.  

See the CNN interview with William here.

Evelyn Chao

Evelyn Chao is a high school freshman from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. She earned the Project Management Ready™ Certification from the Project Management Institute at the age of 13. Since then, she has channeled her social service enthusiasm into empowering youth with project management education, inspiring young individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make  positive impacts.

Believing in the transformative power of education and the unity of knowledge and action, Evelyn 
established PM Ready, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accessible at
www.pmready.org. PM Ready makes project management learning engaging and accessible to
everyone and fosters intergenerational conversations about leadership.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Evelyn is a sea cadet, a varsity rower, an award-winning artist and skater, and a seasoned violinist. In her leisure time, Evelyn enjoys reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her family and friends.

Evelyn is a loving older sister to two siblings and takes pleasure in nurturing their inquisitiveness by engaging them in enjoyable small-scale projects.

To learn more about Evelyn, visit: www.evelyn-chao.com

Dr. Luigi Morsa

Aerospace Engineer & Space Fluid Dynamics PhD with experience in Aerospace Structures, Avionics, Aerothermodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Project Management, and Innovation Management Software. Career highlights include serving as an Avionics System Integration & Test Engineer for the NH90 (NATO-Helicopter 90) program at Airbus Helicopters, providing Project Management support for SII Deutschland GmbH, and publishing articles on “Chess and Business Strategy” and “People Innovation: A New Vision to Innovate” for the International Institute for Learning (IIL) Blog. Additionally, the speaker contributed a chapter on “Innovation Management Software” to the book “Innovation Project Management” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2019.

The speaker has significant speaking experience, having presented at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Conference – Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) 2018 in Berlin on the complexity of the aircraft industry market and the relationship between product and customer needs. Their published work includes a case study on “The Airbus A380” in the book “Project Management Case Studies Fifth Edition” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2017.

Academically, the speaker holds a PhD in Space Fluid Dynamics from the University of Naples (2011) and an Aerospace Engineering Degree (BA+MA) from the same university (2008). They also spent time as a Visiting PhD student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA (2011). The speaker’s professional development includes training in Fundamentals of Project Management for Aerospace Professionals (Kansas, 2016), Aircraft Structures Design and Analysis (Orlando, Florida, 2013), and DSMC Codes with Emphasis on NASA’s DSMC Analysis Code (Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2011). Additionally, they collaborated with the German Aerospace Research Center on Aero-Thermo-Dynamic Analysis of SpaceLiner aircraft, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA), from 2010-2015.

Dr. Anil Sawhney

With over 25 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector, the speaker is passionate about advancing the professional development, standards, and knowledge of this critical field. As the Head of Sustainability at RICS, they lead a portfolio of global activities designed to ensure that RICS achieves its strategic objective to lead and influence on sustainability.

In addition to their leadership role, the speaker is also an educator and a researcher. They teach project management at the University of Southern California and Boston University, and have published multiple papers and reports on digitalization, decarbonization, Building Information Modeling (BIM), alternate technologies, and digital model-based delivery. The speaker’s academic and professional contributions have been recognized with several honors and certifications, including the 7th CIDC Vishwakarma Achievement Award and the 2014 Distinguished Scholar Award.

The speaker is always keen to learn and explore new technologies and innovations that can enhance the construction and infrastructure sector’s efficiency, quality, and sustainability. With their extensive experience, expertise, and passion for the industry, they are well-positioned to contribute to the advancement of the construction and infrastructure field.

Dennis Carlberg

Dennis is the Associate Vice President for University Sustainability at Boston University. He is an architect with over 25 years of experience in architecture, planning, and sustainable design.Prior to his role at Boston University, Dennis was a partner at the architectural firm Arrowstreet. He began his career at the Solar Energy Research Institute, where he conducted daylighting research aimed at reducing building energy consumption and improving indoor environmental quality.

Sarah Slaughter 

Dr. Sarah Slaughter is the founder and CEO/President of the Built Environment Coalition. She is a recognized expert on resilience and sustainability for the built environment, and currently advises several federal agencies on strategies for improving resilience.Prior to her current role, Dr. Slaughter was a Visiting Lecturer in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, the Associate Director for Buildings and Infrastructure in the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), and co-founder and faculty head of the Sustainability Initiative in the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Before her work at MIT, Dr. Slaughter founded and was CEO of MOCA Systems, Inc., a software-enabled construction program management company. Prior to that, she was a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and earlier was professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University. She received her Doctoral, Masters, and Bachelor’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Slaughter is currently a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and the National Academy of Construction. She serves on several committees for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, as well as the US General Services Administration’s Green Building Advisory Committee (GBAC).

Hugh Seaton 

Hugh Seaton has been involved in technology for over 25 years, first as a marketer and then as a founder and community organizer. A self-taught coder, Hugh has built and been part of teams that have developed mobile, web, Virtual and Augmented Reality, and Artificial Intelligence applications.

Hugh’s passion for the built environment, and especially construction, dates back decades, but it really came to fruition with the founding of the AEC Hackathon, where he remains an original organizer. Along the way, Hugh has founded national conferences in New York, AI communities in New York, Boston, Toronto and Silicon Valley.

Currently, Hugh serves on the board of the Society for Construction Solutions in New York. He is also the publisher of the Construction Technology Quarterly (www.ctq.directory) and the Product Lead for CSI Crosswalk.You can learn more about Hugh and the Construction Technology Handbook at www.constructiontechnologyhandbook.com.

Markus Halonen

As the Chief Operating Officer at Keto Software Oy, Markus Halonen is a vital part of the Board and Management Team. In this role, Markus leverages decades of expertise to develop value-creating, customized solutions in Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) for large organizations.

Markus’ comprehensive background in software development, spanning hands-on programming to leading diverse teams, enables him to deeply engage with technical challenges and innovate on operational strategies. Markus is dedicated to setting high standards for himself and his team, driving continuous advancements in productivity and strategic alignment.

Markus’ role extensively involves nurturing strong, lasting relationships with customer executives, delivering practical solutions that address complex organizational needs with professionalism and a client-focused approach. With a long-standing commitment to enhancing enterprise capabilities through effective portfolio management, Markus ensures that strategic initiatives are well-aligned with clients’ long-term business objectives, facilitating sustained growth and success. Markus welcomes the opportunity to discuss how he can collaboratively advance strategic and operational goals with proven PPM and SPM expertise.

Kim Essendrup

Kim is CEO of Raidlog. He believes that data is the best foundation for business decision-making. Hunches, and intuition just don’t cut it in today’s agile business model; executives, leaders, and teams need to make educated, data-decisions in order to successfully navigate the complex and ever-changing business landscape. This is one of the reasons he created AI-energized Raidlog to help project, program, and portfolio leaders identify, analyze, respond to, and communicate about risks.

Kim has also published books and is the co-host of the Project Management Happy Hour Podcast – a place for frank and honest discussion about real world issues in project management. We do it in a way that’s not too dry, though it may get a bit salty from time to time. Each episode covers a problem faced by Project Managers today, and share practical advice, real-life examples and the occasional project horror story.

Jack Mackin

As a Principal at Multivista, Jack Mackin leverages his 20 years of executive leadership and business development experience to deliver high-quality visual construction documentation services to clients across various industries and markets. He is passionate about creating and implementing inventive strategies, long-range goals, and solutions that maximize revenue and sales growth while mitigating risk and creating efficiencies for the projects he oversees.

Jack has a proven track record of leading, managing, and motivating teams of up to 70+ professionals and managing budgets of up to $6M, in his previous roles as CEO, COO, and VP at F.D. Sterritt Lumber Co., a retail lumber yard and leading distributor of FSC-certified wood products. He has also established himself as a national leader and award-winning advocate for sustainable and green building practices and a certified entrepreneur by the Goldman Sachs 10K program. Jack is skilled at recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining top talent and building lasting client relationships based on trust, value, and quality.

James Walker

James Walker has spent over a decade of his career assisting global organizations with their digital transformation initiatives. Known for his focus and commitment to achieving results, he helps organizations expand their modern work management practices to drive more efficiency and support the corporate objectives for those that he serves.

As the SVP of Global Sales at Proggio, James is responsible for revenue, operations, and consulting practices globally. He takes great pride in investing in those around him, understanding that leadership is about getting results while developing people and being motivated by their success. James is focused on helping organizations leverage digital tools and best practices to improve efficiency and better align their operations with broader corporate objectives. His expertise in this area has made him a trusted advisor to many large enterprises navigating complex digital transformation challenges.In his role at Proggio, James leverages his deep experience to lead the company’s global sales efforts, oversee consulting services, and ensure smooth operations across the organization. He is driven by a passion for developing high-performing teams and fostering an environment where both the company and its people can thrive.

Denise Arruda

Jacques Goupil

Jacques Goupil is a dynamic, high-energy professional with extensive experience in work management, strategy planning, solution development, and implementation. He is a Microsoft Certified (MCP) and Professional Management Professional (PMP)™, focused on exceeding client expectations, developing solid customer relationships, and providing effective communication and challenge resolution.

Jacques’ key areas of expertise include work management solutions with Microsoft365. He holds an impressive array of certifications, including the PMI Project Management Professional™, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Microsoft Specialist. These credentials demonstrate Jacques’ deep technical knowledge and proficiency in leveraging Microsoft technologies to develop and implement effective work management strategies for his clients. Known for his energetic and collaborative approach, Jacques is skilled at bringing cross-functional teams together to tackle complex challenges. His ability to provide clear communication and effective problem-solving has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to the clients he serves.

Ramesh Razdan

Ramesh Razdan is an accomplished board member, thought leader, and operating executive with close to 30 years of experience. He has a strong track record of delivering exceptional results through tech-enabled transformations to drive business growth, profitability, and innovation.

Ramesh has partnered with CEOs and Boards to assess the impact of technology and to build strategies to evolve businesses and business models. He has significant experience in leading technology organizations for complex global companies in the professional services, technology, and consumer products industries. Ramesh combines strategic thinking and execution skills with exceptional organizational and strategic leadership abilities to deliver business value.

He is recognized as a highly strategic executive committed to developing and motivating high-performing teams. Ramesh is also recognized as an industry expert, thought leader, and noted public speaker on wide-ranging technology topics, including AI and Analytics, Cloud, Cyber Risk, Product Management / Agile, and leadership in the modern era.

Barbara Trautlein

Barbara A. Trautlein, PhD, is the author of “Change Intelligence” and the principal of Change Catalysts. She is also the creator of the CQ System for Developing Change Intelligence. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Trautlein has facilitated transformational initiatives, certified change agents, and coached leaders, resulting in powerful leadership and bottom-line business results.

Dr. Trautlein is a sought-after speaker and trainer, gifted at sharing real-world, actionable strategies. Her clients include well-known organizations such as Abbott, BP, Cisco, Ford, and ThyssenKrupp.In addition to her consulting and training work, Dr. Trautlein has been a frequent guest lecturer for Boston University. She has also co-presented with Professor Rich Maltzman at the United Nations and the Association of Change Management Professionals.Through her expertise, publications, and speaking engagements, Dr. Trautlein has established herself as a leading authority on change management and organizational transformation. Her innovative approaches and passion for empowering individuals and teams have made her a trusted advisor to executives and practitioners across diverse industries.

James Garner

James Garner is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor who joined Gleeds in 1998. He graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a First Class Honours Degree. Currently, James works as the Global Head of Data and Insights & Analytics at Gleeds, holding the position of Senior Director, primarily based out of the London Office, although he has the benefit of Gleeds’ large network of offices around the UK.

James is a Fellow of the RICS and also serves as a chairman for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence. He is the technical author for RICS, having recently published the technical guidance for cashflow forecasting in the construction industry. James is passionate about data in the construction industry, believing that the proper use of data can allow the industry to continue moving forward and breaking boundaries. He specializes in the Cost Management and Procurement of Student Accommodation and has successfully completed schemes for many Oxford Colleges, as well as London Colleges. His experience includes work on listed buildings, phased buildings, and restricted sites.

Eman Deabil

Eman Deabil is a Senior Manager at BBK, leading the Transformation Management Office (TMO) and Business Process Re-engineering (BPR). She has over 15 years of experience in leading and facilitating strategy design and execution, performance management, and PMO activities across various sectors and industries. Eman holds multiple credentials in project and portfolio management, such as PfMP, PMP, IPMO-P, PRINCE2, Strategy Implementation Professional (SIP), and Certified Balanced Scorecard Practitioner (CBSCP). She also holds a diploma in ESG from the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI).

Eman’s mission is to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives and optimize their processes and performance through evidence-based frameworks, methodologies, and tools. Throughout her career, she has successfully led the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard, the portfolio of projects, and the performance management dashboards at different organizations. Eman has also delivered in-house, tailor-made training and knowledge transfer to relevant stakeholders at different levels. Eman is passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration. She always strives to deliver high-quality outcomes while leading projects, with the empowerment granted from senior management and the help given from cross-functional teams.

/Den

Dave Silberman

Pamela Campbell

Oduwa Osagiede

Mukesh Thakkar

Mukesh (Mike) Thakkar is CEO and principal engineer at Amco Enterprises Inc.

Virginia Greiman

Rich Maltzman

Vijay Kanabar

Jim Hannon