President

Behnoud Kermani

LinkedIn: Behnoud Kermani, Ph.D., P.E., GSI Fellow, M.ASCE

Company: Exponent

Behnoud is a Managing Engineer in Exponent Construction Consulting Practice. He is a visionary engineering leader with over 14 years of multidisciplinary experience in infrastructure program management, construction consulting, and geotechnical and pavement engineering and innovations. He has a proven track record leading high-performing teams, managing multimillion-dollar capital programs/projects, and guiding organizations through complex technical and operational challenges. Behnoud specializes in construction advisory, project/program/portfolio development, management and controls, infrastructure asset management, and business consulting services to help clients resolve complex construction challenges and improve delivery success and efficiency of their project portfolios. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in developing pavement design and construction guidelines for the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge and other high-profile infrastructure projects.

Behnoud combines deep technical expertise in project/program management as well as pavement and geotechnical engineering with business acumen to deliver strategic, data-driven solutions that improve performance, mitigate risk, and enhance asset resilience. He was recognized as recipient of the 2025 BD+C 40 Under 40 and 2026 ENR West Top Young Professional. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. He is a Geosynthetic Institute (GSI) Fellow and an Editorial Board Member of the ASTM Journal of Testing and Evaluation.

Co-Vice President

Stephanie Anderson

LinkedIn: Stephanie Anderson, LEED AP | LinkedIn

Company: ESTOA

Stephanie is Principal & Founder at ESTOA. She has over 25 years of project delivery experience, collaborating with diverse perspectives and clientele on both national and international scales. She leads engagements focused on driving recovery efforts to enhance project outcomes and program performance. Stephanie’s experience spans over $22 billion of Public, Private, and Institutional Capital Construction Programs across sectors including Buildings and Transportation.

As the Principal and Owner of ESTOA, a Woman-Owned Business dedicated to project and program management consulting, Stephanie leads engagements and teams for various services. These include Owner’s Representative Project and Program Management, Business Process Improvement, Project and Program Controls, PMIS (Project Management Information Systems) Evaluation and Implementation Management, and Project Recovery Mapping for distressed projects. Prior to founding ESTOA, Stephanie gained diverse industry experience working with Turner Construction Company, Stantec, and Arcadis, spanning roles on the contractor, designer, and owner’s sides of the business.

Co-Vice President

Fred Ara

LinkedIn: Fred Ara | LinkedIn

Company: KARA Consults

Fred is President of KARA Consults. He is an experienced construction professional leading cost management, PMO support and delay/claim functions within complex programs. He has been practicing for over 24 years across wide range of industries in US and multinational projects. Outside of work, he is likely spending time with family, gardening, golfing, or trying to learn something new.