BEST PRACTICES: HOW TO CREATE A CULTURE THAT INVITES DIVERSITY
MODERATOR:
Marsha Perry Taras, Vice President of Construction Management | Roebbelen
As Vice President, Marsha Perry Taras leads the Construction Management market segment for Roebbelen. Marsha has spent over 25 years leading teams to develop and implement capital improvement programs and projects and specializes in academic and public works facilities. Her primary objective is to work with clients to establish viable program and project objectives, and to manage the resources necessary to successfully accomplish those goals. Marsha earned a bachelor’s degree in community development from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco.
As Vice President, Marsha Perry Taras leads the Construction Management market segment for Roebbelen. Marsha has spent over 25 years leading teams to develop and implement capital improvement programs and projects and specializes in academic and public works facilities. Her primary objective is to work with clients to establish viable program and project objectives, and to manage the resources necessary to successfully accomplish those goals. Marsha earned a bachelor’s degree in community development from the University of California, Davis, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of San Francisco.
PANELISTS:
Sondra Friestad, Superintendent/Site Project Manager | CSI Construction
Sondra brings over 30 years of commercial and residential construction experience managing all aspects of projects and is currently working with CSI Construction Sacramento as a Superintendent/Site Project Manager. Projects include Amazon, Target, Safeway Remodels, as well as Theater, Senior Living, Student Housing, and Affordable Housing projects. Sondra started her career as an Executive Assistant to a home builder in Los Angeles and worked her way up over the years to a Construction Finance Accountant, Project Manager, and Superintendent. “Everything is possible with hard work, dedication to learning, and good mentorship”.
Sondra brings over 30 years of commercial and residential construction experience managing all aspects of projects and is currently working with CSI Construction Sacramento as a Superintendent/Site Project Manager. Projects include Amazon, Target, Safeway Remodels, as well as Theater, Senior Living, Student Housing, and Affordable Housing projects. Sondra started her career as an Executive Assistant to a home builder in Los Angeles and worked her way up over the years to a Construction Finance Accountant, Project Manager, and Superintendent. “Everything is possible with hard work, dedication to learning, and good mentorship”.
Karen Conrod, Project Executive | Herrero Builders
Karen Conrod has over 25 years in the construction industry as an experienced and proven leader overseeing all aspects of construction including project delivery, lean, talent development, finance, risk management and contractual administration. Karen is currently the Project Executive on the UCSF New Hospital at Parnassus Heights and is the current Chair of the Construction Industry Education Foundation. She has a passion about developing the workforce in the build environment and mentoring women in the industry. In 2018 was named as one of the Business Times Most Influential Women in the Bay Area Business.
Karen Conrod has over 25 years in the construction industry as an experienced and proven leader overseeing all aspects of construction including project delivery, lean, talent development, finance, risk management and contractual administration. Karen is currently the Project Executive on the UCSF New Hospital at Parnassus Heights and is the current Chair of the Construction Industry Education Foundation. She has a passion about developing the workforce in the build environment and mentoring women in the industry. In 2018 was named as one of the Business Times Most Influential Women in the Bay Area Business.
Dona Lisa Buschmann, Vice President, Surety | Bender Insurance Solutions
Dona Lisa brings 30+ years of surety experience to Bender Insurance Solutions. She believes, “some of our biggest benefits to our clients are guidance, relationship-building, and ultimately, maximization of their surety credit”. Her book of business includes general contractors, specialty contractors, developers, and some miscellaneous non-contract accounts. Active in the industry, Dona Lisa helped develop the first ACORD Surety Standards and remains an advocate for their implementation. Dona Lisa actively serves in both Sacramento and Northern Nevada Chapters of CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association and AGC of Nevada (Associated General Contractors).
Dona Lisa brings 30+ years of surety experience to Bender Insurance Solutions. She believes, “some of our biggest benefits to our clients are guidance, relationship-building, and ultimately, maximization of their surety credit”. Her book of business includes general contractors, specialty contractors, developers, and some miscellaneous non-contract accounts. Active in the industry, Dona Lisa helped develop the first ACORD Surety Standards and remains an advocate for their implementation. Dona Lisa actively serves in both Sacramento and Northern Nevada Chapters of CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association and AGC of Nevada (Associated General Contractors).