How will market conditions affect the AEC industry  in 2023 and beyond amid robust yet uncertain times? Moderated by Aaron Rupper, CPA, CCIFP, of Grassi Advisors and Accountants, join SMPS-NY for a thought-provoking panel discussion with industry experts to discuss planning for economic uncertainty and stability. 

In this virtual session, attendees will learn:

• How to analyze their firms' pipelines, including market sector diversification. 
• Tactics for recruiting and retaining talent in a tight labor market.
• Updates related to government, regulatory changes, and green infrastructure. 

Moderator:

Aaron Rupper -- Partner, Grassi Advisors & Accountants

Aaron Rupper is a Partner at Grassi and brings 15 years of accounting experience to the firm. He works with clients primarily within the Construction, Architecture & Engineering industries. He utilizes his attestation skills and general accounting knowledge to help clients realize their financial and business goals. Aaron also provides clients with financial reporting, compilations, regulations, and best practice updates that could impact client operations and corporate and individual income tax preparation and planning. Since starting his career, he has specialized in assisting clients in the construction and governmental contracting industry and performs audits in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).

Aaron is a New York State Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA). He earned his bachelor's degree in Accounting from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Aaron is an active supporter of the Construction and AEC industries, as well as professional associations, including the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), with frequent participation in association conferences, meetings and networking events.

Panelists:

Andrew Rocca -- Chief Estimator - Preconstruction, Turner Construction Company

Andrew Rocca is the Chief Estimator of NYC’s Preconstruction department, responsible for over $5 billion in estimates across dozens of projects annually. He joined Turner in 2008 as an Assistant Engineer for the Yankee Stadium project and his field experience also includes working on iconic projects such as the Madison Square Garden renovation and the new Canon USA Headquarters. Andrew built his foundation in estimating and preconstruction services in the Miami business unit as a Senior Estimating Engineer. In his time in Miami, he worked on projects including American Express Corporate Center, Cleveland Clinic Weston Expansion, and Jackson Health Christine E. Lynn Rehabilitation Center. In 2018, Andrew moved back to his roots in NY. He continued to develop his expertise in precon while working on projects, including The Spiral, 550 Washington Street Redevelopment, and Lincoln Center David Geffen Hall transformation.

Carlo Scissura -- President & CEO, New York Building Congress

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq. is President & CEO of the New York Building Congress, a position he has held since January 2017. The New York Building Congress is a broad-based membership association committed to promoting the growth and success of the construction industry in New York City and its environs. The organization – which includes members from across the building community – provides a unique forum to advance an industry-wide agenda focusing on economic and infrastructure investment, job creation, and professional exchange.

Before joining the Building Congress, Carlo served in leadership roles, including the President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and Chief of Staff and General Counsel to Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. A graduate of both Pace University and Pace Law School, Carlo owned a thriving solo practice law firm in Dyker Heights before joining the Borough President’s Office. He previously served on the staff of State Senator Vincent Gentile and Assemblyman Peter Abbate.

Carlo is the Chair of the Federation of Italian-American Organizations and is a member of the Boards of the following organizations: the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp., The New York City Regional Economic Development Council, ACE Mentorship, Salvadori Center and the Friends of the BQX.

Born and raised in Bensonhurst, Carlo is a lifelong Brooklyn resident. He currently lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, with his daughter, Teresa Rose. You can read more about Carlo’s accomplishments at buildingcongress.com.

Franne McNeal -- Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - Community College of Philadelphia

Franne McNeal, is the Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses at the Community College of Philadelphia. She is also the Significant Business Results Coach and the "FranneTastic" serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author, radio, and TV show host.
 
Franne has worked with over 10,000 executives, business leaders and professional organizations in over 25 years and has helped her clients generate over $1 Billion in total revenue.
 
Franne has served as adjunct faculty with several colleges and universities. Her impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem includes being a Philadelphia Business Journal 2022 Woman of Distinction.

As a breast cancer and stroke survivor, Franne McNeal provides motivational keynotes and entrepreneurs who feel "infected with frustration" and "paralyzed by fear" so they "focus their energy for action and achieve significant business results." 

Franne McNeal earned a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and an MBA from Eastern University. She is pursuing a doctorate in business administration at Temple University. As an avid walker and gardener, Franne loves watching people and writing sitcoms. Occasionally
Franne catches 5-minute power naps to refresh her spirits and recharge her batteries!

Virtual networking will be available to attendees after the panel discussion, where we will break out into smaller groups for "speed round" introduction sessions. Come for the intel and stay to make new connections.