Jurors

Abigail Hart is a content specialist for Geo Week News, covering AEC innovation, infrastructure technology, and emerging applications of 3D scanning and digital twins. She focuses on making complex geospatial technology accessible to a broad professional audience. Abigail brings experience in science communication and community engagement from roles at ecomaine and The Boston Women’s Fund.

Aileen Cho is senior editor for transportation and infrastructure at Engineering News-Record. Her coverage of airports, ports, transit, highways, and bridges has won her a number of awards from business publications and engineering societies, including Neal Awards for Best Feature and Best Technical Article. She also co-hosts ENR’s Critical Path podcast.

Alejandro Maceira is the founder and director of Smart Water Magazine, the leading specialist media platform covering the international water sector, and iAgua, the reference publication for the Spanish-speaking water market. Both platforms produce daily news, in-depth interviews, technical articles, print editions and video content. Alejandro has specialized in water digitalization for more than a decade. He directs the Spain Smart Water Summit, the largest annual event on water digital transformation in the Spanish-speaking world and has a regular presence as moderator and speaker at major industry events worldwide.

Dr. Alison Brooks is a research vice president at IDC, leading research and advisory services for the Worldwide and U.S. Smart Cities and Public Safety practices. She specializes in the technology-driven transformation of cities and communities, covering AI, digital twins, IoT, data analytics, urban planning, civic engagement, and infrastructure. Prior to Alison’s 20 years at IDC, she worked with the Government of Ontario and as a consultant with Capgemini on large-scale IT and digital transformation initiatives. She holds a Ph.D. and an MA in political science from Queen’s University, a BA from the University of Calgary, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Allie Walters is the digital delivery lead at HNTB, where she collaborates with the Digital Transformation Solutions team to advance infrastructure innovation. She has a background in roadway engineering and has played a key role in supporting the Utah and Texas departments of transportation in launching and scaling their digital delivery programs. Allie’s expertise spans piloting model-as-the-legal-document initiatives, implementing digital review tools, developing modeling standards and workflows, and leading strategic change management efforts, including stakeholder engagement and long-term planning.

Ananyaa Narain is a globally recognized strategy and policy leader driving digital transformation across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) ecosystem, with a focus on the strategic integration of geospatial technologies, building information modeling (BIM), digital twins, and reality modelling to enable next-generation digital infrastructure. As vice president – consulting at Geospatial World, she leads multidisciplinary advisory engagements spanning digital readiness, enterprise transformation, and interoperable frameworks that accelerate technology convergence across the built environment.

Ann William is technical fellow and manager – geotechnical with the consulting firm Beca Ltd., based in Auckland, New Zealand. She has a career spanning more than 35 years with projects across New Zealand and in Australia, parts of Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Ann is a past chair and life member of the New Zealand Geotechnical Society Inc. (NZGS), and past vice president (Australasia), honorary member, and chair of Women in Engineering Geology (WEG) of the International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG). She is a chartered professional engineering geologist (PEngGeol), as well as a fellow and past board member of Engineering New Zealand.

Annemarie Briggs is an industry analyst at Verdantix, delivering research and insights into how digital technologies are transforming industrial design engineering, plant operations, and asset performance. Specializing in areas such as design simulation, AI, and digital twins, she produces analysis that helps technology buyers optimize design and operational strategies, improve efficiency, and drive innovation, while enabling vendors and service providers to identify growth opportunities and accelerate go-to-market plans. Annemarie previously served as a project engineer and process engineer, focusing on FEED and pre-FEED projects for energy transition initiatives. She holds an MA in chemical engineering from the University of Manchester.

Chloé Meyer is a senior research director at Bluefield Research. She is part of Bluefield’s consulting practice where she provides industry insights and strategic guidance to solution providers and investors navigating the water sector. Previously, Chloé worked as a project manager in UNESCO’s Division of Water Sciences, with a focus on governance, transboundary cooperation, and information management in the Mediterranean region. She holds a MA in geography and water management from Paris Nanterre University.

Christine Ow is a management consultant on the Strategy and Transformation team at Arcadis. In this role she works closely with water and wastewater utilities on the business and management side of operations, including strategic planning, foresighting industry trends, change management, and new technology adoption. Prior to joining Arcadis, she was a digital water analyst at Bluefield Research, where she tracked and reported water technology trends, from legacy devices such as meters to cutting-edge innovations such as artificial intelligence. 

David M. G. Taborda completed his Ph.D. at Imperial College London in 2010 before joining the Geotechnical Consulting Group, where he remains an Associate. He returned to Imperial in 2012 to take up an academic position and is now a reader in geomechanical modelling and director of postgraduate research in civil and environmental engineering. David is also a member of the MAGE research group, where his research merges advanced computational modelling with real-world infrastructure challenges, spanning constitutive modelling of soils, finite element analysis, and surrogate/metamodelling techniques that make sophisticated geotechnical predictions faster and more practical.

Prof. Dr. Darius Pupeikis is a distinguished civil engineer and head of the Centre for Smart Cities and Infrastructure at KTU, with over 20 years of experience bridging advanced research with industrial practice. His expertise centers on the digital transformation of the built environment, specifically through the strategic integration of building information modelling (BIM), building data science, and high-fidelity digital twins. Darius has spearheaded and contributed to significant international initiatives, including the PRECEPT project for edge-enabled energy efficiency and the eUMaP platform for utility management, while advancing automated verification for geometric digital twins. He holds a Ph.D. in building thermal dynamics.

Elisabeth Monaghan has served as editor in chief of Electric Energy T&D Magazine since 2017. In her role, she works with industry experts to deliver the latest on the transmission and distribution side of the global electric energy industry and the strides it is making towards a modernized grid. Monaghan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Regis University.

Federico Foria is the head of the Geotechnics, Geology and Hydraulics Department and head of research and development at ETS in Italy. He is experienced in the design, maintenance, and management of infrastructure. In 2022, Frederico was awarded by EFCA as the Best Future Leader in Europe and, in 2024, by RockMass Technologies as Top Innovator.

Garth Donahue, P.E. is a vice president and the director of the design center of excellence at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (JMT). A licensed professional engineer with over 25 years of experience, Garth specializes in highway and structural design, 3D modeling, and digital project delivery using Bentley and Autodesk platforms. He is a recognized advocate for digital transformation in civil engineering, helping teams bridge the gap between traditional design workflows and cutting-edge technology. Beyond his technical leadership, Garth is passionate about mentoring emerging engineers and fostering collaboration across disciplines. His recent work includes integrating automation and data-driven design into large-scale transportation projects, and he’s currently exploring the intersection of infrastructure and smart technologies.

Gavin Jenkins is the head of content at Roads & Bridges Media. Before taking on this role in 2021, Gavin was associate editor of Pitt Med magazine. He earned a master’s degree in nonfiction writing from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016 and has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and Vice.

Graham Openshaw is UK digital director at Assystem and a transformation leader with more than 20 years’ experience across engineering, nuclear, defence, and public-sector delivery. He leads Assystem UK’s digital transformation capability, helping major infrastructure organisations improve delivery confidence, transparency, and performance through digital engineering, data, and organisational change. Graham has built and led multidisciplinary teams delivering digital transformation for many clients and has developed strategic partnerships with leading technology providers.

With over two decades of experience in the field of Survey & Geomatics, Hui Ying Teo is currently serving as a senior deputy director of the geospatial and survey division at the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), where she oversees Geodesy and National Mapping. She is responsible for the national geodetic and positioning infrastructure, and leads the capture, creation, and maintenance of 3D digital geo-information. Hui Ying Teo brings experience from both the public and private sectors across cadastral, tunnelling, engineering surveys, mapping and reality modelling, and served as a member of the Land Surveyors Board in Singapore from June 2021 to June 2024.

Ian is a senior principal who has led the design of low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings, ranging from residential and office to innovative mixed-use developments. As the leader of MKA’s Sustainability Technical Specialist Team, Ian is advancing the industry towards more sustainable construction by lowering the embodied carbon in concrete, steel, and mass timber structures. He also leads the firm’s Concrete and Foundations Technical Specialist Teams, which includes leadership roles in developing national codes and standards for concrete through the American Concrete Institute and for foundations through the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Jean-François Segalotto is senior associate advisor at IDC Energy Insights, where he focuses on utilities technology and infrastructure strategies globally, particularly across EMEA and APAC. He co-leads IDC’s Worldwide Utilities Platforms and Technologies research program and focuses on the digital transformation of energy systems and utility operations. Jean-François regularly advises technology vendors and industry stakeholders on utility innovation and market strategy and is a frequent speaker at international industry events. Prior to joining IDC, he worked as a market analyst in the telecoms, broadcast, and digital media sectors.

As Research Vice President, Industrial Ecosystems, Engineering, AND Innovation Strategies at IDC, Jeff Hojlo leads the Worldwide Industry Ecosystems & Business Networks research practice, which focuses on creating and optimizing trusted industry ecosystems and next generation value chains across multiple industries including construction, manufacturing, and Infrastructure. He also leads the Worldwide Engineering, R&D, and Product Innovation Strategies practice, and manages a group focused on the research and analysis of the manufacturing process chain.

Jonathan Bradley is a freelance engineering writer, editor and communications advisor whose work has featured in create magazine, the journal for Engineers Australia, Australia’s preeminent engineering body, as well as The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, ABC News, SBS, Billboard, and the Australian Water Association’s news site Water Source. Jonathan’s reporting career began in the entertainment, culture, and politics sphere, but he went on to encompass editorial roles at create and the Australasian Journal of American Studies, along with research publications produced by Australian universities and non-profits.

For over 15 years, Keith Anthon has led digital information management delivery using BIM and CDE’s aligned to PAS 1192 and more recently ISO 19650 standards to enhance project certainty, mitigate risk, and improve design and construction outcomes. He has delivered major building, road, rail, port, and airport projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and industry standards across multiple jurisdictions. His 30 years of expertise spans digital information management, project management, BIM, design management, and surveying across Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Canada.

Kevin Carmody has 20 years of experience in engineering industry publications. He serves as the group publisher of Informed Infrastructure, Asian Surveying & Mapping, Earth Imaging Journal, and Geospatial1 for V1 Media. Carmody was previously director of print and e-media and associate publisher for CE News and Structural Engineer magazines at ZweigWhite, and was account executive for Architectural Record at McGraw-Hill Construction.

Kevin O’Donovan is a Technology Evangelist and Strategic Tech Scout with decades of experience across the technology and energy sectors. He helps companies translate emerging innovation into actionable strategy, bridging the gap between the “art of the possible” and what is practically feasible today. His work spans technology advisory, advocacy, keynote speaking, and facilitation, bringing an independent outside-in perspective built on senior leadership roles at Compaq, HP, and Intel, where he led worldwide energy sales.

Mark Hansford is editor of New Civil Engineer, where he created landmark events including innovation festival TechFest, a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and a member of the UK Green Construction Board and the GIRI Strategic Leadership Group. As director of engineering knowledge at the ICE, he led all knowledge content, including acting as project sponsor for the global carbon management standard PAS 2080:2023. He is currently the technical author for PAS 4010, the new U.K. standard for improving infrastructure productivity, co-sponsored by the UK Department for Transport and the Institution of Civil Engineers, and will also author the associated Guidance document.

Mark Tablante is the technology and innovation director for Burns and McDonnell. He is responsible for the strategic integration of current and emerging technologies, as well as automation, within the transmission and distribution (T&D) sector. Mark is part of a dedicated team that ensures Burns and McDonnell remains at the forefront of T&D innovation, driving the company’s success in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Monica Schnitger is an industry analyst focusing on the software tools that create the objects around us. She has developed market models and forecasts and discussed industry trends and statistics for CAD/CAM, CAE, PLM, GIS, infrastructure, AEC, and plant design software since 1999. Monica holds a BS in naval architecture and marine engineering from MIT and an honors MBA from the F.W. Olin School of Management at Babson College.

Paul Wilkinson is a technology consultant, writer, blogger and freelance journalist with specific expertise in the U.K. architectural, engineering, and construction industry and the ICT sector, particularly with collaboration tools, BIM, and wider information management challenges and opportunities, from interoperability to open data. He worked for a civil engineering consultancy, a multidisciplinary professional services group, and a software provider before becoming an independent consultant in 2009. Paul is also a senior vice chair of nima (formerly the UK BIM Alliance) and a past chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ construction and property special interest group.

Peggy Smedley, president and editorial director with Specialty Publishing Media, is as an award-winning journalist and technology expert, with more than 25 years of experience in IoT, AI, manufacturing, construction, future of work, and sustainability. She heads up the editorial of Constructech and Connected World and is host of her eponymous show “The Peggy Smedley Show.” To date, she has authored two books, “Mending Manufacturing” and “Sustainable in a Circular World.”

Rita Liu is research director and general manager at ARC Advisory Group China, bringing over a decade of research and consulting experience across global markets. She specializes in industrial automation, machinery, and building technologies, as well as infrastructure digitalization and smart asset management. With deep market insight and regional expertise, Rita supports clients in developing informed strategies to enhance operational performance and long-term competitiveness.

Sabyasachi Nayak is a senior civil engineering professional with over 31 years of experience in infrastructure planning, engineering design, project management, and multidisciplinary coordination across diverse sectors of the construction industry. He has led and contributed to complex infrastructure projects involving transportation, water systems, urban infrastructure, and public development works across the world. With extensive experience in engineering consultancy and project leadership, he is known for driving technically sound, sustainable, and efficient infrastructure solutions while working closely with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Sayanh Alam is an industry analyst at Verdantix specializing in industrial asset management and operational risk management solutions. She advises software vendors and services firms on market trends, product strategy and customer priorities. Her research delivers granular insights into APM, AIP, and PSM software, including the growing role of AI in enhancing decision-making and predictive capabilities. Prior to Verdantix, Sayanh completed an MSci in chemistry with molecular physics at Imperial College London.

Scott Blair serves as editor-in-chief of Engineering News-Record, including all editorial print and digital products, websites, videos, podcasts and events. He is the winner of multiple awards from Jesse H. Neal, AZBEES and The Telly Awards for his writing, editing, photography and videography. Scott has more than 30 years of media experience, including radio, film, television, print and digital media, music composition and public speaking. He’s a member of the National Academy of Construction, Moles, and ASCE’s Industry Leaders Council.

Sina Yavari is a digital engineering manager on ACCIONA’s National DE Systems team, supporting major infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. He specializes in digital engineering, BIM, VDC, 4D planning, and digital twins, helping project teams implement scalable digital delivery practices and enterprise systems. Sina has experience in both project delivery and corporate digital engineering.

Susan Fraser is a senior vice president of program management at WSP USA, Inc., with over 25 years of experience in public and private sector infrastructure design, project and program management, and public engagement. She has led teams and delivered major transportation programs across Texas. Susan served as the assistant county engineer for Harris County, one of the largest counties in the United States, managing multiple divisions and aligning operations with the county’s strategic goals. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in engineering and is a professional engineer and certified floodplain manager in Texas.

Willem Fast is chief commercial officer at the City Innovation Network and the Airports AI Alliance, where he focuses on building strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors. His work centers on enabling effective public-private collaboration to accelerate digital transformation across cities, airports, and broader infrastructure ecosystems. Willem works closely with government leaders and industry partners to support the deployment of innovative technologies in areas such as urban mobility, digital infrastructure, and AI. He is also involved in expanding similar collaboration models into adjacent sectors, including ports and large-scale venues, helping organizations translate innovation into scalable, real-world impact.