Chat with the Chair

In this first episode, Kevin sits down with CFMA’s VP of Marketing, Samantha Lake, to talk about becoming Chairman under such a unique time, the importance of looking ahead and planning for the unpredictable, and the unfortunate coincidence of his 2020 Annual Conference & Exhibition theme.

Chairman Kevin sits down with the President and CEO of CFMA, Stuart Binstock, in the second episode to talk about the importance of knowing your leadership style and the importance of being adaptable.

Chairman Kevin sits down with Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group and CFMA's Chief Economist, for a talk about the big winners and loser of the economy in the summer of 2020. Plus, Anirban chats about the 2020 Virtual Conference, his love of Baltimore, his family, and all about his gamer chair.

Chairman Kevin sits down with Gretchen Kelly, Chair of ICCIFP and CFO for Nystrom, for a talk about CCIFP certification and the recent Town Hall on the CFMA/ICCIFP merger. Plus, Gretchen shares what likes to do in her free time.

In the fifth episode, Chairman Kevin sits down with Michelle Walker, Immediate Past Chairperson of CIASP and VP of Finance and Administration for Specialized Services Co., for a talk about suicide prevention and the work the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention is doing to education and help the industry. Plus, Michelle shares what she likes to do in her free time.

Chairman Kevin sits down with Wayne Newitts, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Viewpoint, a Trimble Company, to learn more about his love of science fiction, what really happens at Spring Creek, and the 2020 edition of the Financial Benchmarker.

In the seventh episode, Chairman Kevin sits down with Mike Hoover, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board at Sundt, to learn more about his passion for cars, his career in the construction industry and his time with Sundt, and the challenges the construction industry has seen in 2020.

Chairman Kevin sits down with James Benham, CEO and founder of JBKnowledge, in this eighth episode to learn more about how he is handling working from home, how construction companies are adopting new technology, and more!

For episode nine, Chairman Kevin sits down with BKD Partners Tim Wilson and Jason Myers. They chat about their passion for music, memorable moments from the 2018 Annual Conference & Exhibition, and a few exciting announcements about BKD!

In the tenth episode, Chairman Kevin sits down with Pronovos's Chief Data Scientist and founder, Bruce Orr for a talk. Covering everything from managing stress in healthy ways to the work ahead on making the association, and the industry, a more diverse and inclusive place. Plus, Bruce is given a surprise!

In the penultimate episode of the season, Chairman Kevin sits down with the three Vice Presidents of CFMA, Samantha Lake, Brian Summers, and Cathy Wasner to talk about CFMA's goals for the year, their careers with CFMA, and more!

In the last episode of the season, Chairman Kevin sits down with CFMA's Vice Chairman Pam Hepburn to talk about Pam's family, journey to be a CCIFP, and the transition to becoming CFMA's Chairman as Kevin's year comes to a close.

In her first episode, Chairman Pam sits down with CFMA's founder and first President, David Casey about the history of CFMA, how he got into the industry and what he does in his free time.

In her second episode of the season, Chairman Pam sits down with Herb Brownett about his career, hobbies, and the start of the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional.

Watch Pam's third episode and learn about Brittany's career in the construction industry and how it runs in the family plus her experiences getting involved with CFMA.

In her fourth episode, Chairman Pam sits down with Pam Hummel to talk about about their friendship and International Friendship Day, Pam's career in the industry, and more!

Since August is CCIFP Month at CFMA, Chairman Pam sits down with Tony Stagliano to talk about his family, his involvement with CFMA and the CCIFP designation, and the importance of becoming certified.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and Chairman Pam is sitting down with Cal Beyer to talk about his involvement in suicide prevention, why this is such a paramount issue in the construction industry, and how people and companies can get involved.

This month Pam sat down with Shawn Erickson, CCCIFP, from C.J.Erickson Plumbing Co. and John Bieber, CCIFP, from National Glass & Metal Co. to talk about their families and the volunteer work they've done with CFMA. Plus, more about the Specialty Trade Committee, where John is the Chair and Shawn is the Vice Chair!

This month Pam sat down with Joe Harper, CCIFP, of Greater Dayton Construction Group to talk about his career in the construction industry, his best stories as a presenter for CFMA, and what a volunteer leadership position at CFMA can do for your career.

For December 2021, Pam sat down with Bob Bobek, a Partner at Gilmore, Jasion & Mahler in Maumee, Ohio, to talk about his career in the construction industry, how getting involved increased the value of his CFMA membership, and what goes into planning a Regional Conference.

In January, CFMA Chairman Pam Hepburn sat down with Gayle McClellan, President at D&M Surety, a long time CFMA member, and friend to Pam to discuss relationships Gayle has built through her years as a CFMA Associate Member and shares a bit more about her life.

Chairman Pam Hepburn sits down with former CFMA Chairman and recently retired CFO of Harcon, Mel BurgEs to chat about his experience as mentor at CFMA and what benefits you can get out of having and being a mentor. Plus, Pam learns about his love of tennis officiating; he's worked some pretty interesting games!

Chairman Pam Hepburn is joined by incoming Chair Tom Borgia to talk about his history with CFMA and how it's played a part in his career and his plans as CFMA's 2022-23 Chairman. Plus, Tom gives us a preview of his interviewing skills!

Tom Borgia is kicking off our third season of Chat with the Chairman! Our 2022-23 Chairman has a new format for his season and Steve Tenney is his first guest! Check out this rapid fire Q&A between the new Chairman and Steve to learn more about both!

Chairman Tom Borgia sits down with Christian Geismann, CFO of Schuchart Corporation, to ask nine questions about his experience in the industry and more about him away from the desk! Hear more more about raising a family full of grit, Christian's process of being a lifetime learner, and what his question for Tom is this month.

Chairman Tom Borgia sits down at CFMA's Annual Conference & Exhibition in Atlanta, GA with Jeannie Spencer, Director of Finance and Partner at Bremik Construction, Bradley Bryant, Principal CPA at Plante Moran, and Michael Zamora, Controller at Star Paving to talk with these first-time Conference attendees!

CFMA Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Rich Brown, Controller at CSDI Construction, and Rory Carlson, Controller at Superior Construction, to ask rapid-fire questions about work, life, and magic. Find out what questions Rich & Rory also have for Tom in this episode of Chat with the Chair!

Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Margie Morris, CCIFP, Partner at Guignard Company, and Janice Lowery, CCIFP, Controller at Balfour Beatty, to ask rapid fire questions and then have Margie and Janice turn the tables on him for some questions as well.

For Suicide Prevention Month, Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Dave Sauerman, Managing Director at CIBC US, and Kristy Domboski, CAE, Director of Communications at CFMA HQ, to discuss hobbies, suicide prevention, and haircuts.

CFMA's Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Angelina Perryman and Gaines Moorer to talk about favorite business applications, balancing work and family, and mixing travel with CFMA and family life.

CFMA's Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Kathy Cole, CPC, of DK Cole Company, to discuss music, advice, and the power of making mistakes.

CFMA's Chair Tom Borgia sits down with Frank Carpenter, Vice President of Finance at Morris, Inc., and James Gunter, Controller at R.D. Olson Construction, to talk about California, poetry, baseball, and how Tom's involvement with CFMA has grown over the years.

CFMA's Chair Tom Borgia talks with Incoming Chair, Kevin Foley, CFO of Madison Construction Company, about album collections, the next generation of CFMA members, quiet confidence and a surprising fact about Kevin.

On the Season 4 premiere of Chat with the Chair, Kevin Foley, CFMA's 2023-24 Chair sits down with Landon Funsten of FMI to discuss Landon's career, life, and why he knows exactly what state has the best kind of barbecue.

Episode 2 of Season 4 finds Kevin Foley, CFMA's 2023-24 Chair, talking with Sarah Stewart of Gorski Engineering about her career, life changes, and the part of the world she has visited the most.

Episode 3 of Season 4 finds Kevin talking with Stuart Binstock, President & CEO of CFMA, as he looks back at his accomplishments as retirement approaches. Also, Kevin unveils his brand new Final Jeopardy component of this season's Chat with the Chair series. Will Stuart answer correctly?

Episode 4 finds Kevin talking with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, as she fields questions ranging from work to the best sandwich in Philadelphia. Will Kevin stump her with his Final Jeopardy question? You'll have to tune in to find out!

On Episode 5, Kevin chats with CFMA's new President & CEO Neil Shah. Learn about how Neil came to CFMA, what he's passionate about, and whether or not Kevin stumped him with his Final Jeopardy question. That's all right here on Chat with the Chair.

On Episode 6, Kevin chats with the current Chair of CFMA's CCIFP Division, Dave Pesce. Find out how Dave got started in Surety, who is responsible for him taking the CCIFP exam, and whether or not Kevin stumped him with his Final Jeopardy question. As CCIFP Month comes to a close, learn how you can further your professional growth on this month's episode.

Episode 7 of Chat with the Chair marks the start to the Double Jeopardy round of the season as Kevin chats with the both Jamie Montague and Andrea Williams. Tune in now to find out about their favorite holiday music, advice they have, and see whether or not they get the final jeopardy question!

On this episode, Kevin talks with three CFOs who have all transitioned to CEO (even if some are still also CFOs) and discusses leadership, sage advice, and HOAs. Tune in now to see if he stumps them with his final jeopardy answer!

On episode 43, Kevin talks with Past Chairs John Corcoran and Gordon Marshall and discusses leadership, advice, and past conferences. Tune in now to see if he stumps them with his final jeopardy answer!

On this episode, Kevin talks with Victoria Terrell, Rebekah Kuller & Stacy Shiflet about their involvement with the Virginias Construction Conference, October 13-15, 2024, at Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA. They also discuss how they got started in the industry, best resorts, and doing taxes for the sheer fun of it.

On this episode, Kevin talks with Christine Thompson, CFMA's first woman Chair (then President). They discuss how Chris got started in the industry, what she enjoys doing now, and Kevin tests her award knowledge. Tune in now to see if he stumps her with his final jeopardy answer!

On Kevin's final episode, he talks with CFMA's incoming 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis. They discuss live music, conferences, and Kevin tests her award knowledge. Tune in now to see how CFMA's 2024-25 Chair does in the Final Jeopardy round!

Join CFMA's 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis, CCIFP, in the latest episode of "Chat with the Chair" as she welcomes Tim Giggee, the Board Chair for AEMP. Tim shares insights from his extensive experience in construction equipment maintenance and repair. He discusses his role in a major renewable energy construction firm and highlights his involvement in sustainability initiatives. Tune in to hear about Tim's journey and the collaborative efforts between CFMA and AEMP.

Join CFMA's 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis, CCIFP, in the latest episode of "Chat with the Chair" as she welcomes Maggie Bates, CCIFP, and Greg Brown, CCIFP, both from Crowe. Maggie and Greg share insights into their successful CCIFP exam preparation programs, discuss the benefits of certification for individuals and companies, and provide valuable advice for exam candidates. Don't miss this engaging conversation on advancing your career in construction finance!

Join CFMA's 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis, CCIFP, in the latest episode of “Chat with the Chair” as she welcomes Rob Labbe, Jr. Rob shares powerful insights from his personal and professional experiences, including the role of awareness, the unique challenges faced by construction professionals, and the importance of hope and support within our community. Tune in to hear how Rob's commitment is making a positive impact and learn valuable resources to support mental health in construction.

Join CFMA’s 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis, CCIFP, in this month's "Chat with the Chair" as she speaks with Scott Blair, Editor-in-Chief of Engineering News-Record (ENR). Scott discusses ENR’s 150-year legacy in construction journalism and the evolution of its platforms to meet the industry's demands. Tune in for insights on ENR’s regional and national rankings, its role in supporting construction professionals, and emerging trends, like AI and decarbonization, shaping the sector. Learn how ENR continues to provide critical resources for construction and ways for professionals to engage with their work.

Join CFMA's 2024-25 Chair, Caryl Coronis, CCIFP, in this month's "Chat with the Chair" as she speaks with Sandra Zimmer, President and Founder of the Self-Expression Center and author of It's Your Time to Shine: How to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking, Develop Authentic Presence and Speak from Your Heart. Sandra shares her transformative journey from overcoming stage fright to developing a method that empowers professionals to speak authentically and with confidence. Tune in for insights on grounding, flow states, and the power of authentic storytelling as tools for impactful communication. This episode is packed with strategies to elevate your leadership presence and public speaking skills.

Links to check out:

• Sandra Zimmer's Website
• Sandra Zimmer's Book
• Free Grounding Exercise Video
• Grounding Audio for Purchase
• Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
• The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler

In Episode 52 of Chat with the Chair, host Caryl Coronis sits down with longtime CFMA member and fractional CFO Bob Alton to explore his unconventional career path and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. From starting as a CPA to becoming a construction industry CFO, Bob shares how his experiences — including a transition to RV living and working across the country — have shaped his perspective on career and life. He also discusses Die With Zero by Bill Perkins, a book that influenced his approach to investing in life experiences. Tune in as Bob highlights the importance of flexibility, fulfillment, and living with intention.

In this episode, host Caryl Coronis sits down with Nathan Wood (Construction Progress Coalition) and Charlie Dunn (Mortenson) to explore how construction professionals can challenge outdated systems and spark meaningful change.

Whether you're focused on financial strategy, project performance, or people-first leadership, this episode will inspire you to ask, what if we did things differently?

In her final episode as CFMA’s 2024–25 Chair, Caryl Coronis passes the mic to incoming Chair Jennifer Murphy for a heartfelt and inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and the power of saying yes. Jennifer shares her winding path from private manufacturing to construction finance, the role CFMA played in helping her find her footing, and how mentorship, regional collaboration, and peer connections shaped her journey. From founding the Great Lakes Regional to launching one of CFMA’s strongest local roundtable models, Jennifer reflects on how small steps turned into leadership milestones — and how she plans to keep CFMA moving forward. It’s a full-circle moment you won’t want to miss.

Season 6 of Chat with the Chair kicks off with a conversation between CFMA Chair Jennifer Murphy and her mentor, past Chair Pat Cebelak. From local chapter roots to national leadership, Pat shares how CFMA shaped his path — and how showing up, getting involved, and giving back can transform yours.