AGC MA Announces 5th Emerging Leaders Development Series Cohort

Boston, MA – July 30, 2025 — The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) is proud to welcome the fifth cohort of the Emerging Leaders Development Series (ELDS), a flagship initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of construction industry leaders and to champion diversity and inclusion in leadership.

Launched in 2021, the ELDS empowers rising professionals across the AEC industry with the tools, network, and vision needed to step confidently into executive leadership roles. A cornerstone of the program is its focus on advancing underrepresented groups into senior leadership, helping to shape a more inclusive and equitable future for the construction industry.

This year’s cohort of 22 dynamic professionals represents a cross-section of Massachusetts' top construction firms, public agencies, and industry partners. Participants were selected for their leadership potential, commitment to professional growth, and dedication to driving meaningful change in the industry.

The 2025 ELDS will be facilitated by Alex Kielty of Columbia Construction and Mollie McColgan of Shawmut Design and Construction, both graduates of the 2024 cohort, who bring energy, insight, and lived experience to the leadership of this year’s program.
“The Emerging Leaders Development Series continues to foster not just strong managers, but inclusive, values-driven leaders,” said John Ferrante, CEO of AGC MA. “We are proud to support a program that is building a pipeline of leadership that reflects the full diversity and talent of our industry.”

2025 Emerging Leaders Development Series Cohort:

• Jackson Vara – Erland Construction
• Steve Belanger – Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
• Sarah Bedard – Columbia Construction
• Patrick Giard – Massachusetts State College Building Authority
• Briana Whynott – Colantonio Inc.
• Elvis Hodzic – Trinity Building + Construction Management Corp.
• Desmond Woodson – Gilbane Building Company
• Johanna Astudillo Gomez – Columbia
• Jesse Vaillancourt – T.J. McCartney, Inc.
• Jack Brown – BOND Building Construction, Inc.
• Evan Lewis – BOND Building Construction, Inc.
• Charlotte Moore – Walsh Brothers, Inc.
• Colleen Carter – Gilbane Building Company
• Mariana Zapata – Commodore Builders
• Melissa Duvarney – Daniel O'Connells Sons, Inc.
• Francesca DeBenedictis – Shawmut Design and Construction
• Stephen Valeri – Consigli Construction Co., Inc.
• Koby Schofer – Consigli Construction Company
• Emily Fletcher – Turner Construction Company
• Jason Asirifi – Turner Construction Company
• Scott Reed – Erland Construction
• Luke Apone – The Vertex Companies