WORK HISTORY:
President, Project Development International, Inc., 1984-present;
Project Manager, Highpoint-Schaer, 1991-93;
Senior Project Manager/Contract Administrator, Cruz Construction Corporation, 1989-91;
President, Lalumiere, Vey, Bertolini & Company, 1984-86;
President, Project Development Corporation, 1980-84; President, Northeast Testing, Inc., 1981-82;
General Contractor/Field Manager/Field Engineer, Pizzagalli Construction Company, 1977-84.
EXPERIENCE:
Currently responsible for the development and implementation of international infrastructure projects in Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Successfully managing multi-million dollar design-finance-supply-build projects on both sides of the South Atlantic. Responsible for Owner Representation as well as analysis and preparation, negotiation, mediation and resolution of construction disputes for projects of major concern nationally and internationally.
Published author of several articles on Construction Claims Prevention. Accepted as Expert Witness in Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Massachusetts courts with specific emphasis on Delay, Disruption, Acceleration, and Lost Productivity related damages. Currently providing Owner Representative, dispute resolution, and contract management services for major municipalities including the Cities of Sarasota, FL, Miami, FL, Houston, TX, and Essex County, NJ. Pre-qualified Dispute Review Board Chairperson - Boston’s Central Artery Project.
Founded and directly managed all operations of a construction management consulting firm which provided management support, engineering and estimating services to a wide cross section of the construction industry. Experienced in project planning and scheduling techniques, particularly in the use of CPM systems. Established and directed every operation of a construction materials testing laboratory which provided inspection and testing services to the construction industry. Hands-on experience in large commercial and heavy construction as Project Manager. Specialized experience in water and wastewater facilities, bridges, dams, highways, transportation systems, schools, manufacturing plants, detention facilities, condominium and housing complexes, as well as high and low-rise commercial buildings.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION EXPERIENCE:
Active Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association for 30+ years. Chair mediator in a multi-million dollar dispute between contractors and the City of Houston over the construction of a 14 mile long, deep sewer line. Over 30 years experience in construction claims analysis, negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Fellow and Chartered Arbitrator for the Chartered Institute of Arbotrators. Fellow of the Dispute Board Federation
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION TRAINING:
Non-Traditional Options for Avoiding and resolving Construction Disputes, 2015, Conducting Research and Investigations - The Arbitrator’s Authority, 2014, AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules - Revisions, 2013, Construction Professionals Guide to Conducting an AAA Arbitration, 2013, AAA Fundamentals of Effective Mediation Advocacy, 2009; AAA Arbitrator Ethics & Disclosure, 2008; AAA Pro Se: Managing Cases Involving Self-Represented Parties, 2007; AAA Dealing With Delay Tactics in Arbitration, 2006; Chairing an Arbitration Panel: Managing Procedures, Process & Dynamics, 07/05; Dispute Board Training, International Chamber of Commerce, 5/05; Dispute Review Board Administration and Chairing Training, 11/04; Arbitration Awards: Safeguarding, Deciding & Writing Awards, 08/03; AAA Arbitrator Update 2001; AAA Construction Industry Arbitrator II Training, Orlando, 4/01; AAA Construction Industry Arbitrator Training, Tampa, 6/98; AAA International Commercial Training, Florida, 10/93; various other ADR training sessions.
PUBLICATIONS:
"Handling Claims," CPN, vol. 5, no. 1, January 1988; "How Can Claims Be Resolved," CPN, vol. 5, no. 2, February 1988; "Construction Claims Prevention," FCI Magazine, March/April 1988; "Project Management Controls Claims," PMC, vol. 2, no. 2, February 1988.
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:
“Employing Key Practical Techniques for Project Success”, 2ND EPC Contract and Risk Management Conference, January 14, 2015, “Finishing on Time, Within Budget, and Without Lawsuits - Figuring and Managing Schedule & Cost”, Associated Owners and Developers, October 30, 2008; "Construction Law Developments - Critical Path Method Scheduling," Hillsborough County Bar Association, February 15, 2008; "The Owner's Duties and Responsibilities," Lorman Business Seminars, February 13, 2008; "Resolving Disputes Through Litigation, Mediation, or Arbitration," Associated Owners & Developers, October 24, 2006; "Construction Delay Claims," Lorman Business Seminars, October 20, 2006;
"Construction Delay Claims in Florida," Lorman Business Seminars, April 28, 2005, April 6, 2006; "Prevention and the Early Resolution of Claims," Associated Owners & Developers, June 9, 2005, October 24, 2005; "Considering the Key Principles When Asserting and/or Avoiding Claims," Associated Owners & Developers, December 6, 2004; "Managing the Contract Schedule, Changes on the Project, and the Use of Electronic Software," Associated Owners & Developers, December 6, 2004;
"Dispute Prevention and Resolution Alternatives That Make Sense," Associated Owners & Developers, July 2004.
EDUCATION:
University of New Hampshire - B.A. Psychology/Sociology
Cornell University - College of Engineering
Florida Metropolitan University - MBA - Business Administration / International Business
Export Institute of the United States - Certificate in Export Management
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION:
Licensed Certified General Contractor - State of Florida - CGC031713
Certified Planning & Scheduling Professional (AACE International)
Fellow & Chartered Arbitrator - Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
Fellow - Dispute Board Federation