Infrastructure Forum Agenda
April 22, 2026
AGENDA:
8:00 – 9:00am | Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
9:00 – 9:10am | Overview of Program Agenda / Safety Moment
Patrick Natale, P.E., Member, NJIT Foundation Board of Directors/United Engineering Foundation
9:10 - 9:15am | Welcome to NJIT
Dr. Teik C. Lim, President, NJIT
9:15 – 9:30am | Keynote Speaker #1
“Industry Perspective: The Benefits of an Engaged Relationship between Industry and NJIT”
Nick DeNichilo, P.E. (Ret.), Vice Co-Chair, NJIT Board of Trustees/Former CEO, Mott McDonald
9:30 – 10:00am | Keynote Speaker #2
“The Critical Need for Investment in Infrastructure: 2025 ASCE Report Card for America’s Infrastructure”
Maria Lehman, P.E., Interim Executive Director, ASCE
10:00 – 10:15am | Legislative Perspective #1: Transportation Sector
Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Chair, Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
10:15 – 10:30am | Break
10:30 – 11:30am | Panel #1: Transportation Agencies
“Resource Challenges and Technological Advancements”
Moderator: Senator Paul A. Sarlo, P.E. - COO, Joseph M Sanzari, Inc. and Chair, Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
Panelists:
- Rizwan Baig, P.E., Chief Engineer, Port Authority of NY and NJ
- NJ Turnpike Authority TBA
- NJ Transit TBA
- NJDOT TBA
11:30am – 12:15pm | Keynote Speaker #3
“Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Risks”
Lucian Niemeyer, Managing Executive, Nadsco Tech; CEO, Building Cyber Security; Founding Partner, UCAN Power; Founder and Principal, The Niemeyer Group
12:15 – 1:00pm | Networking Lunch
1:00 – 1:15pm | Legislative Perspective #2: Water and Energy
Senator Andrew Zwicker, Chairman, Senate Legislative Oversight Committee
1:15 – 2:00pm | Panel #2: Utilities – Water and Energy
“Resource Challenges and Technological Advancements”
Moderator: Richard Calbi, Jr., P.E., Director of Municipal Operations, Ridgewood Water
Panelists:
- Jason Kalwa, Senior Director, Construction and Maintenance, PSE&G
- Ali Pajooman, Senior PFAS Project Manager, Veolia
- Thomas A. Laustsen, P.E., BCEE, PMP, Chief Operating Officer, Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission
- Jim Mueller, Executive Director, Passaic Valley Water Commission
2:00 – 2:45pm | Panel #3: Architects and Engineers
“Emerging Technologies”
Moderator: Gary Dahms, P.E., P.P., C.M.E., President and CEO, T&M Associates/NJIT Board of Trustees
Panelists:
- Kim Vierheilig, President - Buildings, STV
- Kevin Haney, CEO, Colliers Engineering and Design
- Steve Hoyt, Associate Vice President, Office Director, Pennoni
- Áine O’Dwyer, CEO, Enovate
2:45 – 3:30pm | Panel #4: Construction Leaders
“Advancing Innovation in Construction”
Moderator: Andrew Christ, P.E., Senior Vice President of University Operations, NJIT
Panelists:
- Ken Colao, President and CEO, CNY Group
- Jhonatan Ocampo, PANJ Regional Innovation Champion, Turner Construction
- Brian D. Senyk, Vice President/Chief Engineer, Terminal Construction
- Stephen Neeson, Senior Vice President Technical Operations, STO Building Group
3:30 – 4:30pm | Panel #5: Academia
“Technological Advancements from Academia”
Moderator: Dr. John Pelesko, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, NJIT
Panelists:
- Dr. Michel Boufadel, P.E., Distinguished Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, NJIT
- Dr. Matthew P. Adams, Fellow ACI, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, NJIT
- Dr. Branislav Dimitrijevic, Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, NJIT
- Dr. Patrick Borges Rodrigues, Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering, NJIT
- Gernot Riether, Associate Professor, NJ School of Architecture, NJIT
4:30 – 4:45pm | Presentation: Professional Services at NJIT
Dr. John Pelesko, Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, NJIT
4:45 – 5:00pm | Closing Remarks
Alan Kelly, Senior Vice President, University Advancement, NJIT
Pat Natale, P.E., Member, NJIT Foundation Board of Directors/United Engineering Foundation
5:00 – 6:30pm | Networking Reception & Showcase Exhibitions