PWC National elects diverse mix of A/E/C industry leaders as board of directors

"This board means business," said Professional Women in Construction (PWC) National President Lenore Janis as she announced the newly elected PWC Board of Directors who will serve the nonprofit organization from 2008 through 2011. "This diverse, uniquely talented and highly prestigious team of eleven women and men represents the range of our membership including CEOs, business owners, A/E/C executives, and attorneys. Each is determined to expand the reach of PWC, advance educational opportunities, and break down barriers impeding the rise of entrepreneurial, professional and executive women within this traditionally male industry," she said. Founded in 1980, PWC now has five chapters along the east coast and a new chapter in formation in South Fla. New director Barbara Armand, president and CEO of Armand Corp., a construction management firm she founded in 1991 said, "The impact of PWC on the industry has been enormous and continues. I will do everything in my power to advocate for PWC and champion its aims." Armand Corp., a certified W/MBE, has participated in such major projects as American Airlines International Terminal, JFK Airport; the Brigantine Connector (Atlantic City); and the Philadelphia School District Capital Improvement Program. New director Kay Lee, general sales manager for SimplexGrinnell's New York City district office said, "We are all committed to inspiring women to pursue professional careers and to assist the marketing efforts of women-owned businesses in a non-traditional field." Lee, who manages a business portfolio of over $25 million and has worked with such clients as the Waldorf-Astoria, Morgan Post Office and Riker's Island, is responsible for the strategic sales growth of SimplexGrinnell's fire and life-safety protection business in the New York City area. PWC National's vice president of corporate development, Gwendolyn Colbert Kushner, the principal of GCK Consulting of NY, LLC, created and managed the contract compliance program for the MTA in the 1980s and was corporate director of EEO for NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation. She is reprising her role as event chair of PWC's October 31 Trade Show & Recruitment Fair. The vice president of PWC National, Lina Gottesman is the president and owner of Altus Metal & Marble Services, Inc., the only certified WBE in the tri-state area specializing in supplying & restoring ornamental metal, glass and stone. Altus participated in the AOL Time Warner project and the World Financial Center. Andy Frankl, president and CEO of Ibex Construction, is the driving force behind, noted Crain's, one of "New York's fastest growing construction companies." Ibex has completed numerous high profile construction projects in corporate, retail, residential, and institutional markets. Senior project manager Jackie Horowitz of Turner Construction Company began her career over 20 years ago in her native Puerto Rico. Notable projects include: Continental Airlines Terminal C; the MoMA Museum; and, currently, the renovation of the former New York Times Headquarters. William Fife, P.E., recently founded The Fife Group. The just-retired corporate VP of DMJM Harris AECOM, Fife originated and has served as moderator for PWC's highly popular Transportation Forums for the past 10 years. An aviation expert, he was formerly with The Port Authority of N.Y. & N.J. Linda Christensen, Esq., senior vice president & general counsel of Tishman Construction Corporation, Tishman Hotel Corporation and their affiliates, received the highest rating for legal ability from Martindale Hubbell ("AV" rating) and was honored in 2004 at the New York Lawyers' Association Celebration of "Outstanding Women of the Bar." Christine Flaherty, CCM and a civil engineer, is managing director of business development for STV Construction, Inc. Serving the private and public sectors with project values ranging from $1 million to $150 million, she is currently responsible for the strategic growth and training of STV's construction management group. Priscilla J. Triolo, Esq., secretary of PWC National, practices with The Law Offices of Richard Malagiere, PC, (NJ and NY), specializing in construction dispute resolution and litigation and land use matters where she represents contractors, developers and owners. Janis is one of the organization's 12 original founders, the former owner of the first WBE steel erection firm in the NY Metropolitan area, and the first woman director of the Bureau of Building Management of the NYC Department of Sanitation.