Leading Construction Through Risk & Change

Name: Leading Construction Through Risk & Change
Start: 2026-03-19T11:30:00.000-07:00
End: 2026-03-19T13:00:00.000-07:00
Location: 1751 S Elk Ln

19 March 2026
Mar 19 11:30am PDT - 1:00pm PDT

Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794 - 1751 S Elk Ln, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA

19 March 2026
Mar 19 11:30am PDT - 1:00pm PDT

Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794 - 1751 S Elk Ln, Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA

About

In recognition of Women in Construction Month, CFMA is proud to host a forward-looking panel discussion featuring women leaders who are shaping the financial, operational, and strategic future of the construction industry. This session is not about comparing genders – it is about spotlighting expertise, sharing practical tools, and elevating approaches that strengthen company performance across all teams. Construction companies are navigating unprecedented levels of complexity: market volatility, schedule compression, labor constraints, heightened claims activity, and rapidly evolving technology. Today’s leaders – across finance, operations, risk, and legal – must coordinate more closely than ever to protect profitability and manage enterprise risk. This panel brings together experienced professionals who will share actionable insights on: -Identifying emerging financial and operational risks -Improving forecasting accuracy in unpredictable markets -Strengthening contract and claims prevention practices -Enhancing communication and collaboration between field, finance, and project teams -Leading through change with clarity, accountability, and adaptability Attendees will leave with concrete strategies to improve project outcomes, reduce exposure, and elevate cross-functional alignment in their organizations. While the panelists featured are women in honor of WIC Month, the discussion is designed for all construction finance and operations professionals seeking practical guidance and high-value takeaways.

Schedule

Thursday, March 19th

11:30 am - 12:00 pm

Registration/Networking

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch/Program

Speakers

Kaysie D. Garcia, Esq.

BBG Construction Law

For more than 14 years, Kaysie has provided legal representation for a diverse range of clients involved in construction and government contract disputes in both federal and state courts in California. This includes handling cases related to industrial and commercial projects, as well as large-scale infrastructure projects. Her extensive experience encompasses both prosecuting and defending disputes involving scope of work, additional time and payment claims, mechanic’s liens, bid protests, differing site conditions, and delays. Kaysie embarked on her legal career as a litigator specializing in construction and surety law at Watt, Tieder, Hoffar & Fitzgerald L.L.P. in 2010. In 2016, she transitioned to focusing exclusively on construction litigation at Rogers Nemeth Germain PC. During her legal career, Kaysie also gained invaluable experience working as Assistant General Counsel at Shimmick Construction, where she managed Shimmick’s ongoing litigation, reviewed and negotiated project contracts, and served on the company’s response team navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognized for her exceptional legal skills, Kaysie has been nominated and acknowledged as a Southern California Rising Star in Construction Litigation by Super Lawyers® from 2016 to 2024. She is also a distinguished Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America and an esteemed member of both the Trial Law Institute and Diversity Law Institute.

Shelly Irvine

CFO

Metro Builders

Shelly Irvine, the Chief Financial Officer of Metro Builders & Engineers Group, Ltd brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, risk management, and operational efficiency. With a strong background in the Construction Industry, Shelly has been instrumental in driving financial growth and sustainability at the Company and is dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation. Shelly has been with the company since 2006 and is an expert in public works and prevailing wage contracts.

Denise M. P. Eby

AFSB

Denise is an experienced professional in contract and commercial surety underwriting and management, with a surety career spanning more than thirty years. She is also the publicly elected city treasurer for Brea, California, currently serving her second four-year term. Denise holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Arts with a focus on Organizational Communication and a Marketing Management minor from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, has maintained her Property and Casualty license since 1995, and earned her Associates in Fidelity and Surety Bonding in 1999. Denise has received multiple recognitions for community service and leadership, serves on the Board for Women in Surety West Coast and co-chairs its mentorship program.

Janice Ramsey

Operations Director

Healthcare Design & Construction LLC

With construction in the family—though it skipped her mother’s generation—Janice entered the industry while still in college, working as a general laborer in her brother’s general contracting firm’s cabinet shop. There, she developed hands-on skills in finish carpentry and cabinet making. What began as a part-time job soon evolved into a lifelong career. With more than forty years in construction, Janice has served in roles including Office Manager, Project Administrator, and Superintendent, and currently serves as Operations Director for Healthcare Design & Construction. A dedicated advocate for women in the industry, Janice is a 39-year member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). She has served in every chapter leadership position, chaired regional and national committees, and served as Regional Director in 2012. The community created by NAWIC to support, mentor, and educate women in construction has been central to her long-standing membership and professional journey. In addition to her professional work, Janice is deeply engaged in philanthropic and workforce-development efforts. She previously served on the Board of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation and currently serves as a Trustee for the Future Construction Leaders Foundation, supporting initiatives that advance healthcare and create pathways for the next generation of construction professionals.

Julia Bales

Vice President | Surety

HUB International Insurance Services Inc.

A “bond girl”, specializing in the kind that move businesses forward. With more than 35 years in the surety industry on the broker side, Julia brings a strategic, client‑focused perspective to every bond opportunity. Her experience spans every facet of the surety world, giving her the insight to guide teams, clients, and partners through even the most complex challenges. Throughout her career, she has delivered a wide range of bond solutions to a diverse set of businesses—leveraging her deep expertise in contract bonds to drive results, build trust, and lead with clarity and confidence.

Teresa Osso

Labor Relations Manager

United Contractors

Teresa Osso serves as the Labor Relations Manager at United Contractors, where she supports signatory contractors through advocacy, guidance, and practical problem-solving. With nearly 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Teresa has spent the last decade focused on complex public works projects—managing certified payroll, resolving contractor grievances, and navigating Project Labor Agreements. Her work is grounded in hands-on experience, including several years spent in the field as an Assistant Construction Manager. Teresa is passionate about building trusted relationships between contractors, unions, and public agencies. She believes effective labor relations are rooted in clear communication, mutual respect, and practical, jobsite-tested solutions. She is proud to be part of the UCON team and is committed to delivering the “relentless service” that defines the organization’s mission.

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