SPEAKERS

Speaker, Author, Podcaster and Master of Shenanigans

Paul Long is a speaker, author, podcaster and master of shenanigans. He has developed a concept called Fundamism, simply defined as the FUNdamentals of a F.U.N. and optimistic lifestyle. When implemented, Paul’s philosophy has been proven to reduce attrition, attract great talent, improve customer experience and drive employee engagement. Paul is not only great in discussing operational growth theory, but in his corporate leadership experience he’s also seen success putting his FUNdamentals into practice.

As the author of Fundamism: Connecting to Life Through F.U.N. Paul guides you on how to live your whole life—at work and at home—with joy, FUN and fulfillment as the driving force. The book does so through Paul’s entertaining real-life stories, researched-based recommendations, and practical exercises.

He travels the world delivering high-content keynotes and training to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and trade associations. His engaging, inspirational and unbridled energetic style is unlike any speaker you’ve experienced before. Paul’s thought-provoking content, tactical solutions for growth and humor that rivals that of a stand-up comedian consistently generates outstanding feedback from participants.

Paul challenges audiences to move beyond the traditional avenues of achieving happiness — money, title, status — and develop their own core values that create fulfillment both at work and home.

President & COO, Aldrich Solutions

Josh Axelrod is President of Aldrich Solutions, LLC and Chief Operating Officer of Aldrich Services, LLP. He leads firmwide Technology, Marketing, Program & Change Management, Cybersecurity, Legal & Compliance, CPA Administration & Operations, Facilities, and Third‑Party Risk.

Josh helps construction contractors evaluate, implement, and stabilize the systems that run their businesses—from ERP and project management to field time, payroll, and WIP reporting. His teams focus on business intelligence and automation, total experience management, modern revenue tech stacks, data infrastructure, and scalable hybrid work to support growth and M&A. Known for right‑sizing scope and translating jobsite realities into durable workflows, Josh builds governance models and repeatable playbooks that de‑risk conversions, accelerate adoption, and improve job cost accuracy.

CEO, Spokane Sports

Ashley Blake, a Gonzaga University alumna with a Master's in Sport & Athletic Administration, began her career as an intern at Spokane Sports and has risen through roles in logistics, event research, and rights-holder negotiations to ultimately become CEO in late 2022. Under her leadership, Spokane Sports is staging nearly 60 major events in 2025—including track & field meets, USA Volleyball qualifiers, NCAA tournaments—and is now positioned as a potential 2026 FIFA World Cup base camp. Recently appointed to the national board of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, Blake brings Spokane’s voice to national discussions on sports tourism while driving local economic impact through strategic event development.

Chief Executive Officer, Spokane Public Facilities District

Stephanie Curran is the Chief Executive Officer of the Spokane Public Facilities District, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience within the organization and more than five years at the helm as CEO. A Gonzaga University alumna, she holds a B.A. in Public Relations and an M.A. in Organizational Communication and Leadership, and is a graduate of the IAVM Venue Management School as well as Cornell’s Senior Executive Symposium. Under her direction, the District has overseen major projects including The Podium indoor sports venue, the expansion of the Spokane Convention Center, and groundbreaking riverfront and stadium developments—boosting Spokane’s role as a regional event and tourism hub

Construction National Practice Leader, Baker Tilly

Aaron has worked in public accounting since 1997. He provides accounting and business advisory services to closely held businesses with a focus on construction and real estate. His deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and proactive, client-focused approach enables him to provide insightful and timely advice to clients on regulatory changes and business opportunities. He participates in all phases of audit and review engagements, including control and compliance testing, supervision, and report preparation for clients. Aaron has an extensive background in strategic planning, cash flow management, benchmarking, and overall operational improvement. He also often advises clients on bonding and banking matters.

The current leader of Moss Adams Construction National Practice, Aaron has also served on the firm’s Assurance Services committee. Additionally, Aaron is a Board Member of the AGC of Washington’s Education Foundation, serves as a judge for AGC of Washington’s Annual Build Washington Awards, is a member CFMA (Puget Sound), ELECTRI, NECA and AICPA. He is a subject matter expert on the topics of cash management for specialty and trade contractors, financial reporting, has recently been published Construction Dive, and has previously spoken at the CFMA Annual Conference, Trimble Dimensions conference, and the AGC/CFMA (CFMC) conference.

Merit Electric

CFO, MacDonald-Miller

Christian serves as finance leader for one of the leading mechanical contractors in the US. He's been active in construction finance for over two decades, working as a financial auditor and serving construction clients before becoming CFO for a regional general contractor. The transition from general contractor to specialty trade contractor has been eye-opening, appreciating the higher margin percentages but frustrated with the additional risk that gets pushed down and the cash flow constraints. He's passionate about lifetime learning and education, channeling that passion into CFMA. He currently serves on CFMA's National Executive Committee, upholding the association's strategic plan, and on various CFMA national committees and task forces. Christian also serves on the Board for the Puget Sound chapter of CFMA as past president and led the regional efforts to initiate and maintain the CFMA Pacific Northwest Regional Conference.

Executive Director, AGC of Washington Education Foundation

Diane Kocer serves as the Executive Director of the AGC of Washington Education Foundation. Diane manages multi-faceted outreach programs that promote and develop construction careers through education and training. With over 30 years of project management experience, she creates effective initiatives that link careers in the construction industry with the state’s school system and organizations. She is known and respected for her leadership and relationship-building. Her strategic approach to creating inclusive and impactful programs helps individuals discover and advance careers in construction, including Core Plus Construction.

Diane is responsible for a highly regarded training program for construction professionals, and she successfully manages the Foundation’s endowment and annual fund-raising efforts which provide scholarships and funds to numerous students, schools, and organizations. In addition to her work at the Foundation, she serves in many volunteer leadership roles and demonstrates a lasting commitment to helping underserved communities find support and opportunities in the construction industry.

Senior Vice President, IMA

Ron Lange is a Senior Vice President specializing in both insurance and surety at IMA. He focuses on serving clients in the construction industry, helping them solve complex Surety and Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) challenges while strategically planning to ensure their programs stand out in the marketplace. With over 30 years of experience, Ron is known for his unwavering commitment to client advocacy and his ability to broker win-win negotiations. His expertise has consistently placed him among the top 10 performers at every regional and national brokerage he has worked with. Since joining IMA in 2013, Ron has developed and managed programs for ENR 400 contractors, including those with annual revenues in the billions. Ron earned his degree in Business Management from Seattle University in 1986.

Regional Underwriting Officer, Travelers

Darrin Oelke Started in the industry 1988 with Safeco (Liberty). Travelers since 1998 – 2015 and responsible for the Portland and Seattle Offices and moved on to the Regional Underwriting Officer overseeing WA, OR, ID,HI, AK, UT, CO & WY.

He grew up in the Wenatchee Valley and Graduated from Central Washington University with a BS Business Finance and Economics. He is presently residing in Gig Harbor, WA with wife and two daughters.

Workforce Development Director, AGC Education Foundation

Sarah Patterson is the Workforce Development Director for the AGC Education Foundation, where she leads statewide efforts to expand and modernize construction career pathways. With over 15 years of experience as a structural welder, certified welding inspector, and tenured welding instructor, she brings a deep, firsthand understanding of the trades into every aspect of her work.

Sarah holds a Master’s in Education and is known for building practical, scalable training systems that cut through red tape and deliver results. Her work is grounded in the belief that construction is a first-choice career—and she’s committed to creating pathways that reflect the skill, pride, and opportunity the industry offers.

Partner, Morgan Stanley

Jay is a partner with a private wealth team at Morgan Stanley who focuses on family-owned businesses. They work with 38 families throughout the Pacific Northwest. Prior to joining the Morgan Stanley team, Jay spent 17 years as an investment banker advising PNW families on business sales, acquisitions, and other corporate finance needs.

Jay is a Seattle native who headed to Philadelphia for college, graduating with degrees in economics and political science from Swarthmore College.

Chief Economist, Washington Trust Bank

Steve is the Chief Economist for Washington Trust Bank and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation with over 40 years of investment and economic experience.

In Steve’s role as the Chief Economist for Washington Trust Bank he participates in public speaking engagements, as well as authoring multiple communications, to keep clients and the public informed on economic conditions. Throughout Idaho, Oregon and Washington, Steve is a well-known speaker on economic conditions.

Vice President & CFO, RAFN

Marc is one of a handful of Rafn employees that have started their career here, then gone out into the world to gain valuable experience with others, before returning to become part of the Rafn legacy. Marc took advantage of Rafn’s education program during his first five years of employment with Rafn and graduated from Seattle University with an MBA in 2001. He then went on to gain invaluable experience as Controller for two local entrepreneurial businesses before returning to Rafn in 2007.

Since his return, Marc has been instrumental in leading Rafn’s accounting and finance functions, as well as overseeing the HR, Admin and IT departments. He is responsible for ensuring that Rafn maintains its high standards of financial integrity, transparency, and compliance. Marc is actively involved in the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and earned his Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) certification in 2019. Marc is passionate about creating a positive and collaborative work environment that fosters professional growth and development for all employees.

RM Mechanical

CFO, Walsh Construction

John Wied, CPA A graduate of The University of Oregon, John joined Walsh Construction Co. in 2000, after an 11year public accounting career that was focused on finance, accounting, risk and tax strategies for the construction and real estate investment industries.  John serves as Walsh Construction Co.’s Chief Financial Officer and takes an active role in working with Walsh project teams and Project Owners to establish practical and equitable contractual agreements, develop proper risk strategies, procure and monitor construction financing agreements and ensure that the financial reporting and compliance needs of projects, project owners and the Walsh companies are met.  John frequently presents construction related topics on behalf of the AICPA, CFMA and other industry organizations.

CFO, T.W. Clark Construction

Jake Williamson is the CFO at T.W. Clark Construction. He began his career in public accounting with Moss Adams and later served as CFO for Pearson Packaging Systems.

In addition to his current role at T.W. Clark, Jakes serves as the President of the Inland Northwest Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).