Surety Pulse: Current State and Emerging Trends in Surety

Chris Downey, President, Downey & Company

Discover the latest trends and developments in the surety industry in this comprehensive presentation. I’ll explore innovative outreach and education initiatives, and provide an in-depth look at bond underwriting, emphasizing the key financial presentation elements that underwriters prioritize.

Navigating Wage Decisions and Certified Payrolls: Audit Insights for New Mexico Public Works

Brad Brister, Management Analyst Supervisor, NM Department of Workforce Solutions

Gain valuable insights into the realm of wage decisions, certified payrolls, and audit procedures for public works projects in New Mexico. We’ll delve into the guidelines for making wage determinations, the role and significance of certified payrolls, and the comprehensive audit processes ensuring compliance with state regulations.

Controller/CFO Panel - Financial Frontlines: Addressing Common Issues and Enhancing Communication in the Construction Industry

Mike Zamora, Controller – Star Paving, Carmela Little, CFO – Brycon Corporation, Becky Auge, VP Finance – Yearout Mechanical, Shasta Erickson, President – Miller Bonded

Join a panel of experienced CFOs and Controllers as they delve into the common financial and operational challenges faced in the construction industry. This discussion will cover crucial topics such as cash flow management, cost control, and financial planning amidst market volatility, with a special focus on effective communication with project managers for accurate financial reporting. Gain practical insights and strategies from industry leaders to enhance financial stability and drive success in your construction projects through improved collaboration and reporting accuracy.

Building the Future: Paving the Way with Cutting-Edge Construction Tech

Chris Henderson, Principal, Strategic Client Services, REDW LLC

In this session, we’ll go beyond our usual focus on Accounting Information Systems to explore the groundbreaking technologies transforming the construction industry, from drones and 3D printing to AI-driven project management. Learn how innovations like Building Information Modeling (BIM), augmented reality, and robotics are reshaping how projects are designed, executed, and completed. We’ll dive into how these advancements boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability—ultimately helping firms build smarter and faster.

Economic Horizons: Analyzing the Post-Election Scenario for 2024 and Beyond

Dr. Chris Kuehl, Analyst, Economist, Thought Leader, Managing Director at Armada Corporate Intelligence

Step into the future with our economic update presentation, focusing on the post-presidential election scenario as we approach 2024 and beyond. Understand the implications of the election outcomes on economic policies, market conditions, and growth forecasts. This session will highlight strategic insights and trends that businesses and investors need to consider in the evolving economic landscape.

Navigating Legal Waters: Current Issues and Best Practices in the Construction Industry

Mike Menicucci, Attorney, Calvert Menicucci PC

Stay ahead of the curve with an expert overview of the current legal issues impacting the construction industry, presented by a seasoned construction attorney. This presentation will address critical topics such as contract disputes, compliance challenges, and evolving regulatory landscapes, offering actionable insights and best practices to mitigate risks. Gain valuable knowledge on navigating legal complexities, ensuring project success, and protecting your business in today's dynamic construction environment.

Building the Future: Human Capital Strategies in the Construction Industry

Dale Armstrong, Calvert Menicucci PC

Explore the vital role of human capital in driving success within the construction industry in this comprehensive presentation. I will delve into strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent, addressing workforce challenges, and fostering a culture of safety and productivity. Learn how to leverage human capital to enhance project outcomes and ensure long-term growth and sustainability in your construction business.

Chris Downey, President, Downey & Company

Chris Downey is Downey & Company’s President specializing in contract bonds and insurance for commercial contractors. Chris started his career as a surety underwriter with Fidelity & Deposit in 1995 after graduating from Whittier College in Los Angeles, CA. He worked as a contract bond underwriter with three different surety companies before joining Downey and Company in 2001. Because he has been cross trained in both the surety company ranks and the agency side of the business, he understands the subtlety and importance of the surety relationship. Chris is active in various trade organizations and currently serves on the national board of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers (NASBP) as its 3rd Vice President of the Executive Committee. Chris also serves on the CFMA Albuquerque Board of Directors. Past positions include the New Mexico Branch of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABCNM) president in 2019.

Brad Brister, Management Analyst Supervisor, NM Department of Workforce Solutions

Brad graduated College with a bachelor’s degree in 1987 from the University of Louisiana Monroe.

After 32 years in the private sector, he began his new carrier with the Department of Workforce Solutions as a Management Analyst in May of 2019. He was promoted to Management Analyst Lead in May of 2020.  He prides himself on Knowledge of both the Public Works Minimum wage act as well as the Public Works Apprentice and Training Act. On January 2, 2024, Brad assumed the role of acting supervisor for the public works department. In July of 2024 he was promoted to supervisor for the department.

Mike Zamora, Controller – Star Paving

Mike Zamora has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He began his career in sales, transitioning through roles in estimating, project management, and operations. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in business accounting in 2008, and his served as the controller at Star Paving since 2009.

In his role as controller, Mike oversees daily management and profitability (cash flows), while also focusing on safety, planning and scheduling, business development, consulting, and purchasing. His extensive industry knowledge and experience enable him to provide recommendations, improvements, and changes.

Additionally, Mike has developed and implemented organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state and federal laws. He manages all employee processes, including hiring, coaching, training, planning, assigning tasks, appraising performance, addressing complaints, and problem-solving. Mike collaborates regularly with co-workers to maximize the utilization of both employees and equipment.

Carmela Little, CFO – Brycon Corporation

Carmela Little serves as Chief Financial Officer for Brycon. Over the past four years as CFO Carmela has ensured the financial health and success of Brycon by providing strategic financial leadership, and optimizing financial performance while supporting Brycon’s long-term goals. Prior to being a CFO for the previous 13 years, she worked as a controller in both the private and municipal sector of the construction industry. She has helped companies streamline accounting operations, introduced internal controls, and driven powerful financial initiatives. She has implemented enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to help information flow between all business functions, providing efficiencies and business resources. Carmela also worked for over 3 years with the City of Albuquerque, where she worked closely under two administrations serving as the City’s Risk Manager and Risk Finance Manager. While at the City she worked on complex and multidisciplinary projects that contributed directly to the betterment of society. She collaborated with colleagues to shape policies and regulations that would provide an impact the citizens of Albuquerque. Carmela graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and was a voting member on the City of Albuquerque’s Investment Oversight Committee. She is an active member and serves on several boards and organizations throughout the community including the New Mexico Society of CPAs, the Association of Governmental Accountants, and the Construction Financial Management Association and the Rio Ranch Education Foundation.

Becky Auge, VP Finance – Yearout Mechanical

Becky Auge is the Vice President of Finance of Yearout Mechanical, LLC, a Legence Company, with 23 years’ experience in the construction industry. Mrs. Auge is a graduate of University of New Mexico’s Anderson School of Management.   Mrs. Auge’s leadership experience began in a family business, which had extensive growth and was ultimately sold to a large publicly traded organization. Mrs. Auge began her construction industry career in 2001 with a local cellular tower construction and development firm. The interest in construction led her to public accounting where she worked with many local construction companies, developing relationships with owners and finance leaders. Mrs. Auge was recruited by Yearout Mechanical, an audit client, as Controller in 2011.  

Mrs. Auge’s leadership has assisted in driving higher margins, developing community relationships, growing teams, and developing improved systems and processes, through the ebbs and flows of the business, including years of exponential growth. Becky believes that strong teams are built with mentorship, encouragement, and education and has exhibited that with her team’s growth over the years. 

Shasta Erickson, President – Miller Bonded

Shasta Erickson began their work experience in 1995 as an Accounts Payable/Accounts Receivable professional at Bowen Industrial Contractors. Shasta then worked as a Project Assistant at Big J Enterprises, LLC from 2000 to 2002. In 2002, they joined TLC Plumbing as a Project Coordinator. Shasta joined Miller Bonded Inc. in 2003 and held various roles including Project Assistant, Project Administrator, Project Operations Manager, Finance Manager, and Vice-President of Finance. Currently, they serve as the President of Miller Bonded Inc.

Shasta Erickson attended Sul Ross State University from 1991 to 1992 without completing a degree or specifying a field of study. Prior to that, they pursued an Associate of Arts degree in Mathematics from Howard College from 1989 to 1991. Shasta received their high school diploma from Forsan High School but did not indicate the years of attendance.

Chris Henderson, Principal, Strategic Client Services, REDW LLC

Chris is one of the leaders of REDW’s Strategic Client Services, responsible for firm-wide services to clients. He has more than 15 years of finance and accounting experience serving commercial clients, primarily in the construction, medical, and nonprofit industies, both in the role of public accountant and as the Controller for a national energy service company and New Mexico's largest general contractor.

With a talent for technology, Chris has focused his career on turning his clients´ accounting resources into a competitive advantage, driving profitability through improved data accuracy and availability. He also has extensive experience implementing accounting software systems and integrating third-party applications to greatly improve operational efficiency and streamline reporting and analysis.

Dr. Chris Kuehl, Analyst, Economist, Thought Leader, Managing Director at Armada Corporate Intelligence

Dr. Chris Kuehl is a Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients and business organizations around the world. He is the economic analyst for several national and international organizations.

Prior to starting Armada in 1999 he was a professor of economics and finance for 15 years – teaching in the US, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Singapore and Taiwan. He holds advanced degrees in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies. Chris is the co-author of The Flagship and The Watch- both publications from Armada. He presents to over 125 associations and businesses each year – in the US and globally.

Mike Menicucci, Attorney, Calvert Menicucci PC

Mr. Menicucci’s practice since 1981 has been primarily in the areas of construction law, bankruptcy related to contractors and the construction industry, mediation, complex construction claims mediation, arbitration and environmental remediation. He received his B.A. and J.D. degrees from the University of New Mexico. He is a member of the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of New Mexico. He is a member of Division 5 (Contract Negotiations, Performance and Administration) of the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry, past Division Chair, and is currently a member of the Forum Governing Committee. He represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, architects and engineers in all areas related to construction matters, including licensing, contract negotiations, pre-bid, bidding, contract progress, dispute resolution, delay analysis, close out and final payment. He practices before all state and Federal Courts in New Mexico, and represents clients in both the Civilian and Military Boards of Claim.

Dale Armstrong, Calvert Menicucci PC

Raised in rural western New Mexico, graduated from San Juan College in 1984. Worked in the plumbing trade while attending SJC and continued working in plumbing until 1987.  In 1987, Dale started TLC Plumbing & Utility.  Over the past 37 years, Dale has grown the business from a one-man shop into a thriving company that employs over 600 people that live and work in New Mexico. He and his wife, Gail Armstrong, have been married 40 years raising their four children in the rural town of Magdalena, NM where their family was heavily involved with 4H, athletics, and their family ranch. As a native New Mexican and a member of the trades, Dale was able to get a front-row seat at understanding and addressing the needs of the community he was servicing. Honoring a commitment to provide quality services as well as listening with genuine concern to the customers’ interests, Dale developed company values based on honesty, hard work, respect, compassion, and consistency. Because of Dale’s approach to employee satisfaction and customer service, TLC has earned a reputation as an excellent place for employment and as an acclaimed service provider. The construction and service industry faces a significant challenge: more professionals are retiring than entering the field. In response, TLC was restructured in 2024 into three distinct entities—TLC Services, Spear D Construction, and C Strong. This separation was intended to clarify the company’s operations by distinguishing the construction division from the service division, thereby reducing confusion. Additionally, the restructuring aims to enhance brand growth by improving the recruitment of qualified individuals.