“My biggest dream in life is that the DEI support as a job is no longer needed, but that’s a pretty big reach so I really hope that no matter what I do it supports communities in need for generations to come,” she said.

Page said she appreciates being part of a team that drives innovative DEI programs, both internal and external, for small businesses. Her goal is to grow Fortis’ small business development programs for companies they already partner with as well as ones they don’t yet.

“We have programs at job sites across the country and I would like to expand those so that the communities we reach can be greater, and we can cast a wide net and support every community that we can within it,” she said, adding, “In the world of DEI, there is nothing that any of us do alone. It truly takes a village and it feels like supportive communities building communities.”

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In the world of construction project management, Greg Elbert stands out as a paragon of dedication and precision, bringing more than 40 years of industry experience to every challenge he encounters.

Elbert’s leadership on Jackstraw, a Bend-area mixed-use apartment community under development by Killian Pacific, exemplifies his unique approach to construction management. Known for his proactive mindset, he consistently anticipates potential issues before they emerge, transforming potential obstacles into opportunities for excellence.

Cassidy Bolger, Killian Pacific’s director of development, describes Elbert as the kind of professional who goes beyond typical project protocols.
“When I see his number, I know it matters, so I always answer,” Bolger stated in Elbert’s Construction All-Star nomination form. Bolger noted Elbert’s communications often center on quality improvements, even if it means temporarily disrupting project timelines. “Greg’s dedication to quality and thoroughness is a vital part of the project’s success and speaks to his exceptional leadership,” he noted.

For Killian Pacific, Elbert has become synonymous with meticulous attention to detail. His on-site leadership demonstrates an organizational skill that keeps projects not just on track, but exceeding expectations. He represents a commitment to craftsmanship that transforms construction from a technical process to an art form, ensuring each project leaves a meaningful impact on the community.

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Since joining the organization in December 2019, Holmes has developed a reputation for collaborative leadership and innovative safety solutions.

Starting as a safety assistant, she quickly progressed through the ranks to safety manager. She works with more than 350 employees across job sites for both Pence Contractors and Pence/Kelly Concrete.

One of her most recent achievements is a custom incident reporting app with an integrated dashboard, allowing the team to analyze safety trends more effectively. Holmes is certified as an Associate Safety Professional and is working toward full Certified Safety Professional status.

Beyond technical skills, Holmes stands out for her interpersonal approach. She conducts site inspections with a focus on relationship-building, avoiding heavy-handed tactics while ensuring compliance with OSHA standards.

Holmes is bilingual, enabling her to communicate better with trades on jobsites. A CPR trainer who annually teaches approximately 90 employees, Holmes received the 2022 Pence Values Award. She is also a member of the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee.

Care is at the core of Holmes’ role as a construction leader. Her goal remains consistent: getting workers home safely each day.

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His deep knowledge of the project, paired with his quick problem-solving abilities, made him a natural leader on the jobsite, noted Chelsea Rooklyn, brand and impact manager with Killian Pacific, when nominating Keudell for an All-Stars award.

“Jake’s collaborative spirit and positive attitude were essential in maintaining team morale and ensuring a smooth workflow,” she wrote in his nomination. “His ability to address issues before they became setbacks, combined with his focus on coordination, was key to keeping the project on track.”

Keudell excelled in managing neighborhood relations, approaching local concerns with empathy and care. His commitment to being a good community partner ensured that the Jackstraw project maintained a positive presence in the surrounding area.

With more than 12 years of industry experience, Keudell’s approach goes beyond traditional project management. His ability to navigate complex technical details while maintaining a holistic view sets him apart. Colleagues describe him as the team’s “elephant” for his remarkable memory of minute project details.

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A 48-year industry veteran, Lage is known as a calm, collected leader who creates collaborative environments between joint ventures, owners and design teams.

Lage is part of the leadership team working closely with the Port of Portland and ZGF Architects on the Portland International Airport’s $1.75 billion TCORE project. He is responsible for contractual requirements and helps the team find solutions to complex challenges. When safety concerns arose during the final stretch of Phase 1, Lage and the Port didn’t hesitate to hit pause. A group decision to keep everyone safe, the reset worked, resulting in significantly improved site safety and a successful project completion.

Lage is known for his person-first approach. He works with individuals to identify career growth opportunities and is often the first person to suggest sending flowers or cards when personal issues arise.

His “no surprises” management style and solutions-based approach are his hallmarks of leadership, as he tackles the most significant challenges and hardest conversations with grace and understanding.

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Phil Cleaveland is making his mark in construction with a leadership approach that puts others first.

“Phil is a servant leader who operates by elevating those around him and putting other people first,” wrote Emily Steele, senior marketing coordinator with Mortenson, when nominating the 18-year industry veteran for All-Star recognition.

Over his 13 years with Mortenson, Cleaveland has led some of the company’s most complex and technical projects. He started his career with Mortenson in Minneapolis and Iowa City. In 2017, he joined the newly established Portland office, and quickly emerged as a leader in the healthcare sector, supporting projects for organizations like Oregon Health & Science University, Kaiser Permanente, Adventist and The Oregon Clinic.

Cleaveland’s exceptional project management stems from family influences. His passion for construction and dedication to customer service were inspired by his father, who worked as a service pipefitter for 35 years, and his mother, who worked as an ICU nurse.

Most recently, Cleaveland led a 10-year phased campus development program for a local utility client, utilizing the progressive design-build delivery method. The first major project in the program won a DBIA national award.

Cleaveland helped launch Mortenson’s Empowered Program, a mentor-based initiative that develops minority, women and veteran-owned businesses. He also mentors Mortenson team members.

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Sloop, who joined Walsh in 1995 as a laborer, has served as assistant superintendent, superintendent and project manager. The U.S. Navy veteran’s leadership has been pivotal since 2010 in the estimation, value engineering and system analysis of all Walsh projects in Oregon. He brings expertise to a portfolio of more than 500 projects, including schools, affordable housing, medical offices, and community-focused facilities. His work covers projects of all sizes, from $125,000 tenant improvements to $125 million developments, and integrates sustainable building certifications such as Living Building, LEED, and Earth Advantage.

Sloop’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills shined on the PAE Living Building project. When space limitations prevented full on-site energy generation, he proposed an off-site solution using the solar-ready roof of Renaissance Commons, an affordable housing development built by Walsh in the same utility district. This strategy not only resolved the energy challenge but aligned with the equity requirements of the Living Building Challenge, directly benefiting the community.

Sloop volunteers at Doreen’s Place – a Portland men’s shelter – and participates in SOLVE neighborhood cleanups.

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As a senior estimator in Portland, McCabe has achieved what many consider impossible: delivering final estimates within $10,000 of initial projections. This remarkable accuracy has revolutionized Mortenson’s approach to design-build projects nationwide. She’s been instrumental in securing two of Mortenson’s largest projects ever contracted in the Portland office, and has estimated $4 billion in work during her tenure with the company.

“I love having Cherilyn as the lead estimator on my projects because I know the customer and I will both have the correct amount of money we need in the project to be successful,” noted Sarah Cochenour, a Mortenson project manager.

McCabe is just the second person among her 250+ family members to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She overcame significant childhood hardships after her family was relocated from their reservation.

McCabe is dedicated to community service, having worked with HOPE Worldwide since 1999. She also is a captain with the ACE Mentor Program, where she introduces high school students to construction careers.

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Beyond professional contributions, Alexander leads numerous community engagement initiatives, both organizing and personally participating in volunteer efforts. He regularly commits his time and financial support to charitable causes, demonstrating dedication to community improvement.
Alexander advocates for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs), creating opportunities for small businesses to participate in projects and succeed.

“Having worked with Michael throughout my 17-year career, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award,” wrote Chris Orueta, Stacy Witbeck project manager, when nominating Alexander for All-Star recognition. “He is not only an exceptional colleague but also a great friend who has consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and integrity.”

Outside work, Alexander balances his career with family life as a father of three. His combination of professional excellence and personal commitment has established him as a cornerstone of the Stacy Witbeck team and a respected industry leader.

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As a carpenter for RDF Builders Co., Walsh’s union arm, Bufton enjoys the intricate details involved in his work. Over the last decade, he has increasingly used reclaimed wood from job sites to create tables, chairs and other furniture for clients to display in their newly constructed buildings.

“We do a lot of low-income housing and it makes it easier to do what we do because somebody’s going to benefit greatly from a place to live,” he said.

For a veterans’ home, Bufton crafted an American flag from wood that hangs on the wall. He has made three more similar flags to date. He also does woodworking as a hobby with his son, and the pair have established a venture called Bufton Woodworking.

“We don’t sell a whole lot, but it’s fun. I like working on the lathe and doing some 3D stuff. It gives my creative side something to do,” Bufton said.

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