Bjorn Morisbak, EVP & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Stantec
David Richter, EVP, Chief Growth Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Atwell, LLC

Join PSMJ’s Karl Wohler as he brings together AEC M&A veterans Bjorn Morisbak and David Richter to share how they are sourcing opportunities, assessing value, and structuring transactions in today’s competitive and fast-moving environment. This panel will unpack the key trends shaping AEC M&A in 2025 and offer a forward-looking perspective on what buyers and sellers should expect heading into 2026.

Doug Lake, Founder & Managing Partner, Godspeed Capital Management
Jason Donker, Director of Corporate Development, HFW Companies
Ian Adelson, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Hunter Forest Capital

Doug Lake, Jason Donker, and Ian Adelson examine their unique approaches for building a winning platform in AEC M&A, including emerging trends, strategies for growth, and how to differentiate yourself as a buyer in this competitive space. Buyers and sellers alike can sharpen their 2026 strategies with insights from these industry leaders.

Michael Andrisani, Partner, Clairvest Group Inc.
Want to unlock capital for growth while maintaining control of your AEC firm? A minority recapitalization could be the answer. As we enjoy a delicious lunch, Michael Andrisani explains how minority partners structure investments, what makes a firm an attractive candidate, and how this option compares to majority sales or ESOPs. You gain a practical understanding of whether minority recapitalization could be the right path for their firm’s next stage of growth.

Steve Thompson, COO/Chairman of the Board, Veenstra & Kimm, Inc.
Mark St.Germain, President of St.Germain, an Aventia Company
Jeff Weiler, P.E., Former CEO, Weiler Engineering

PSMJ's Mitchell Mafra hosts a candid conversation with Steve Thompson, Mark St.Germain, and Jeff Weiler, sharing real-world insights from the seller’s side of the table. This panel will explore each seller’s unique experience and highlight lessons learned about process, culture fit, and value creation. Attendees will learn the perspectives of three different sellers as they share the clarity of having lived through a transaction.

Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group 
Bernard Baumohl is well known for being ahead of the curve in assessing the direction of the U.S. and world economy. The Wall Street Journal has twice recognized him (2019 & 2025) as the nation’s top economic forecaster.

He began his career with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank specializing in international affairs and national security. He later served as senior economist at European American Bank with responsibilities to monitor the global economy. He was also an award-winning journalist with TIME magazine who covered the White House, Federal Reserve and Wall Street.

In this address, Bernie lays out the opportunities and risks ahead for the U.S. and international economy. It is a topic of tremendous urgency because the economic and geopolitical order of the last century is no more! The Covid pandemic, war in Ukraine and the reversals in globalization are completely transforming the entire business landscape. Adding more complexity to the outlook are interest rates and inflation. As a consequence, every firm is now experimenting, exploring and testing out new strategies on how to survive and prosper in this new, and still evolving, business landscape.

• Where is the economy headed and how might it impact your business?
• What are the implications for consumer and business spending, supply chains, inflation, interest rates and dollar?
• How do you make business decisions when the outlook is so murky and geopolitical tensions keep escalating?
• Who will be the leaders and laggards in the world economy?
• Which economic and geopolitical threats are likely to erupt next?
• How can businesses navigate through a crisis-prone world economy?

Paul VanDuyne, CEO, IMEG Corp.
Ira Starr, Managing Director, Long Point Capital
Casey Bello, M&A Manager, Terracon
Join moderator Greg Hart for a dynamic discussion with industry veterans as they share their insights on the forces shaping AEC mergers and acquisitions today. This session will contrast three successful approaches of firms from across the spectrum of growth strategies, highlighting the nuances of how success can be achieved via M&A. Moderated by PSMJ President Greg Hart.

Noah Tolson, Principal and President, Array Architects
Justin Ramirez, Director of Strategic Growth, RTM-EC
Curt Peitzman, Senior VP/Director of Strategy and Growth
Horner & Shifrin

Growth through acquisition can be a transformative path for privately held AEC firms, but success starts with a clear strategy and disciplined execution. This session brings together firm leaders who have navigated the acquisition process firsthand to share what it really takes to grow through M&A. From defining a firm’s growth objectives to identifying and evaluating potential partners, each panelist will reveal lessons learned, best practices, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re exploring your first acquisition or refining your playbook, this discussion will provide practical guidance on how to align vision, resources, and leadership to achieve successful, sustainable growth through acquisition.

Bill O'Brien, Managing Director, Corporate Client Group, Director, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Paul VanDuyne, CEO, IMEG Corp. 
Learn how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and the 1042 exchange can create powerful outcomes in AEC firm acquisitions. This discussion will unpack the financial, tax, and cultural benefits of ESOP structures, offering firm owners a practical look at how this approach can maximize value while preserving company legacy.

Jon Kessler, Senior M&A Advisor, PSMJ Resources and former EVP and Director of Strategic Development, Gannett Fleming
Post-AEC merger integration planning is important… and difficult to really get right. That's because there is no single “right” answer, but there are some wrong ones. In more than 15 years at Gannett Fleming (now GFT), Jon held roles including Chief Financial Officer and, most recently, Director of Strategic Development where he was directly involved in virtually all facets of the firm’s acquisitive growth strategy. He has seen a lot when it comes to integration planning and is ready to help you create more value after the closing.

As a PSMJ Senior M&A Advisor, Jon brings his unique experience and perspective to share an inside look at how to: 

• Ask the right questions before the Letter of Intent to spot potential integration issues early
• Think like a client when prioritizing and structuring integration activities
• Know where you want flexibility and where you don’t want it in integration
• Avoid costly morale killers in dealing with post-transaction staffing and org structure
• And much more!

PGA Resort’s Fazio Course • 18 holes • Shotgun start • White tees 

Cap off your Summit experience with 18 unforgettable holes at PGA Resort’s legendary Fazio Course! Tee off at 2:30 PM with a shotgun start and white-tee format designed for fun, fast play, and easy connection. The Fazio Course’s championship layout delivers just the right mix of challenge and relaxation—perfect for friendly competition and on-course deal-making.

Soak up the sunshine, swap stories with fellow AEC leaders, and turn casual conversation into lasting connections. From first drive to final putt, this exclusive outing combines networking, fresh air, and a little friendly rivalry—the ultimate way to wrap up your AEC M&A Summit experience.