CAIA Board of Directors
The Construction Allies in Action Board of Directors guide the organization and its programming to help create generational change for underrepresented contractors in Michigan.
At Construction Allies in Action, we differentiate ourselves through the leadership of our experienced board of directors, many of whom have personally navigated the challenges of scaling and growing a company in West Michigan.
This first-hand experience allows us to deeply empathize with the obstacles and aspirations of minority-owned construction businesses. Our approach is built on understanding, compassion, and a shared determination to drive positive change in the industry.
BOARD CHAIR
Geoff McDaniel
With over two decades of experience in Business Development, Geoff McDaniel has dedicated his career to forging strategic partnerships, fostering connections, and driving revenue growth. Currently serving as the Senior Business Development Leader at Fishbeck, he specializes in performance motivation, relationship cultivation, and innovative problem-solving.
Geoff’s commitment to professional excellence is underscored by his educational background. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Marketing, from Concordia University Chicago, further enhancing his strategic insights in the corporate realm.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Geoff is deeply engaged in community service. He serves as a dedicated board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids, reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others. Additionally, he plays a crucial role as a committee member of the University of Michigan West Health Sponsorship Committee and is recognized as a visionary of the year candidate for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
DIRECTOR
Tom Cizauskas
Tom Cizauskas is the Business Administration Manager for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. He is charged with ensuring all business efforts aim to improve our guest’s experience while supporting and growing the Airport’s various lines of business. He manages property management, negotiating and writing leases and agreements, procurement, legal compliance, and budget research.
In his 7 years with the Authority, Tom has streamlined the procurement process by creating guidelines and facilitating the bidding process in-house, saving time and money. Tom also created the Authority’s Vendor Equality/Inclusion Policy and guarantees its compliance to State standards.
Tom also manages the complex real estate ground leases and related development contracts. His work on the commercial development team has helped enhance the Airport’s ongoing improvements, including the more than $500 million capital expansion program, Elevate.
In addition to his work in commercial development at the Airport, Tom serves on the Board of Construction Allies in Action, and the West Michigan Public Purchasing Alliance.
Prior to Tom joining the GFIAA team, he rose up the ranks in the purchasing division of the Kent County where he supported the development of long-term procurement strategies.
Cizauskas earned his MBA from Cornerstone University and holds a B.S. in History from Grand Valley State University.
DIRECTOR
Nathan Beene
Nate was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is one of five siblings – all engaged in social enterprise and community development work in Grand Rapids.
As CEO of Building Bridges Professional Services and Rising Grinds Cafe, two social enterprises a part of the Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation network, his role is to be the visionary and drive results through leadership development, key stakeholder engagement, and new business development. Nate is passionate about developing and providing opportunities to indigenous entrepreneurs and incubating and operating transformational businesses that seek impact outside of just profits. Nate also serves as co-chairman of the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association where he advocates for equity and diversity in the construction industry across West Michigan.
DIRECTOR
Laura Hopson
As the President and CEO of EM Services, LLC, Laura is excited to embrace the true meaning of minority business development. Her focus is to help her customers streamline their current procurement processes and platforms as well as to help build a community network of businesses, so they can collaborate on new business ventures and opportunities.
Outside of work, Laura spends time focusing on mentoring young professionals and business leaders, and she has been an active member on numerous West Michigan community and professional boards.
DIRECTOR
Daniel Escobar Bercini
Daniel is a construction project manager with experience at multiple top general contracting companies in West Michigan. He is passionate about real estate development, and helping local and small construction companies grow and develop in a sustainable way. He believes that we were all created equal, with the same potential to do good and great things, and that it is our responsibility to give back some of the many blessings that we are entrusted with.
Daniel’s journey started in Hermosillo, Sonora, a beautiful desert State in the Northwest of Mexico. When he was a teen he discovered his passion for construction through watching Mega Construction on the Discovery Channel. Watching that show, he knew he wanted to be involved in big and challenging projects that bring development and prosperity to the communities around them. He studied a BS in Civil Engineering at the University of Sonora, is a Certified Project Manager Professional by the Project Management Institute, and is currently finishing up his master’s in Business Administration by Grand Valley State University.
DIRECTOR
Bradford Mathis
As Rockford Construction’s Vice President of Community Development and Inclusion, Brad offers more than 20 years of experience. Combined with his Masters in both Health Services Administration and Public Policy from the University of Michigan, his unique perspective on healthcare construction is an asset to the team.
Brad also brings more than 15 years of real estate experience, building sustainable communities that meet the needs of stakeholders while improving the well-being and quality of life for neighborhoods.
Additionally, Brad leads the company’s community engagement efforts, while also supporting goals for internal and external diversity and inclusion. Brad has strong relationships with community leaders, which supports his important work with neighbors, non-profits, and City officials.
DIRECTOR
Jenny Waugh
Jenny Waugh serves as the Vice President of Economic Growth at the Grand Rapids Chamber, where she develops and delivers innovative strategies and resources to foster business growth with an intentional emphasis on supporting traditionally underserved entrepreneurs. In this role, she leads program development, identifies emerging trends, and builds strong partnerships that address the evolving needs of the business community.
She began in the construction industry nearly 20 years ago as Director of Marketing at Rockford Construction. Most recently, Jenny served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Fishbeck, where she led transformative growth initiatives that more than doubled the company in staff members, revenue, and geographic footprint, all in less than eight years.
With 15 years of experience working with trade associations and non-profit organizations, Jenny brings valuable insight to the Construction Allies board. She has provided expertise to organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Habit for Humanity Kent County, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Inforum, National Association of Woman in Construction, and American Council of Engineering Companies. Her current leadership on the Associated Builders and Contractors board of directors further demonstrates her commitment to the construction industry’s advancement.
VICE PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR
Courtney Howe
Courtney Howe owns and operates Yellow Umbrella Creative, LLC, a Michigan-based digital marketing studio specializing in web design, branding, and creative strategy for small businesses in the Greater Grand Rapids area and beyond.
With roots in rural Michigan and minimal formal college education, Courtney’s path into entrepreneurship was anything but traditional. After navigating single motherhood and working her way from member services to marketing at a construction association, she went on to lead the marketing division of a local tech firm as Vice President. When that company unexpectedly closed, she turned a challenge into an opportunity—launching her own business and bringing her clients along with her.
At Yellow Umbrella, Courtney combines design expertise with a deep understanding of what it’s like to be a small business owner. She focuses on brand identity, user-friendly websites, and impactful graphic design to help both established and brand-new businesses grow their presence—digitally and in print. She’s especially passionate about empowering women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and underrepresented entrepreneurs by making marketing accessible, flexible, and supportive.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT / DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Bovard Strong
Elizabeth Bovard Strong is a dedicated advocate for equity in the construction industry and the Founder and President of Construction Allies in Action (CAIA). She is committed to breaking down barriers for underrepresented contractors by providing resources, training, and connections to help create sustainability for their businesses.
As the first female Executive Vice President of the Builders Exchange of Michigan, Elizabeth spent decades fostering industry relationships and driving strategic growth. Elizabeth was named a 2024 Notable Nonprofit Leader by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business and received the AIA Honorary Allied Award in 2022. Through mentorship and intentional advocacy, she continues to reshape the industry and help contractors build generational wealth.