In honor of Women in Construction Week, SMPS Central Florida is hosting an empowering discussion with leading women in the A/E/C industry! Allison Behringer will moderate this panel, which will feature top industry voices, including Melissa Caruso, Tyler Kirby, and Mandy Weitknecht.

Join us on March 6th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM to hear their stories of growth, overcoming challenges, and how they’re changing the face of construction leadership. This event is a must for anyone looking to grow their career in the A/E/C industry!

Moderator:

Allison Behringer

Project Manager

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Allison Behringer has been a project manager with the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for over 13 years with a primary focus on hospitality and entertainment projects. She leads the women in their Orlando office through the Women of Whiting-Turner group aimed at opening the communication with leadership about the challenges women face in construction, as well as focusing on not only recruiting, but retaining women to stay in the construction industry throughout their careers. Allison grew up in Orlando, Florida and attended the University of Florida where she received a Bachelor of Building Construction. She also attended Auburn University where she received her Master of Design Build.

Panelist Info

Melissa Caruso

Transportation Market Leader

NOVA Engineering and Environmental, LLC

Melissa’s career started in Operational Leadership within the Public Transportation and Manufacturing sectors, where she guided large, cross-functional teams for Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority, Laidlaw Transit Services, and General Motors to develop best practices and implement business solutions to increase efficiency and productivity, growth, client satisfaction, and profitability. While at General Motors, Melissa also led teams through economic downturns, cost cutting measures, and two plant closures while maintaining operational service levels and client satisfaction. Over the past 11 years, Melissa has transitioned her skills into the realm of Business Development, as the Director of Business Development and Marketing for HRV Conformance Verification, Senior Business Developer for Michael Baker International, and the Strategic Project Development Leader and now Transportation Market Leader for NOVA. As the Transportation Sector Leader, Melissa is responsible for client relationship development/management, leading Go/No Go Decisions, and strategic pursuit and capture planning, with a focus on Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, and other Alternative Delivery Projects across the Southeast in the Transportation and Aviation sectors. 

Tyler Kirby

Partner + Chief Marketing Officer

Baker Barrios Architects

Tyler Kirby is a seasoned professional who is recognized nationally for her marketing and business development acumen. As Chief Marketing Officer Tyler has been the centerpiece of the Baker Barrios Architects marketing team and based in Orlando for over 20 years as, Tyler was appointed a principal with the firm in 2008 and was made a partner in 2009. Her career spans nearly 30 years, during which time she has built a reputation as a superior strategist and team builder who has consistently demonstrated a passion for the design industry. Tyler’s knowledge of the multi-faceted business of design coupled with her collaborative spirit and creative thought process has resulted in Baker Barrios Architects’ marketing success in all building and project types from local to national pursuits on public and private ventures. She has specialized experience in launching firms into new markets, analyzing business driving strategies, tactical marketing management, creative program development, and building dynamic marketing teams. Tyler was born and raised in Winter Park, FL and a graduate of Rollins College. 

Mandy Weitknecht

Senior Vice President

Skanska USA

Mandy Weitknecht is a business strategist with more than 19 years of experience in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction. She currently serves as Senior Vice President of Business Development for the Florida Division of Skanska USA Building. Her focus is on business growth and client retention strategies, identifying strategic partnerships, and leading meaningful community impact efforts throughout Florida. In her role, she oversees all business development activities for the region and is also involved in Skanska’s talent attraction and retention efforts and guides new hires at the firm in their career development. Mandy serves as the Chair of Skanska’s National Business Development Leadership Council and is a member of the National Healthcare Advisory Council. A native of Central Florida, Mandy grew up in the Orlando area, attended the University of Central Florida where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Marketing and later her Master of Business Administration (MBA).