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What is CIAC?

The purpose of the Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) is to enhance the construction industry through our support of the Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management at LSU.

Who Are CIAC Members?

Recent LSU CM graduates, leaders in the construction industry, and organizations who work in and support the construction industry both locally and across the world.

Who Can Join LSU CIAC?

Anyone who is passionate about giving back and enhancing the construction industry. It is also always recommended that recent LSU CM alumni get involved to share their input on how the program can be improved.

2026 - 2027 CIAC Board of Directors

Abby Thomas, President MMR Group

Lance McCann, President-Elect/Treasurer Performance Contractors

Chad Bradley, Secretary
Turner Industries

Bryan Wesley, Past-President Wesley Construction

Courtney Hernandez Cajun Industries

Bobby Cowsar DSLD

Mason Moran ISC Constructors

Katie Boyer Ryan Gootee General Contractors

Ryan Day
Optimal Field Services

Josh Rounds
Performance Contractors

Travis Blair US Fusion

Stephen Breaux MMR Group

Stephen Fertitta PALA Group

Art Favre , Life Director
Performance Contractors

Kenny Freeman , Life Director
Petrin Corporation

Lane Grigsby, Life Director
Cajun Industries

Scott Couper , Life Director PALA Group

Ken Naquin, Life Director LSLBC, CETF

Dr. Charles Berryman, Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management Chair

Dr. Amir Jafari, Bert S. Turner Department of Construction Management Faculty Representative

Steve Fleury, LSU Alumni Representative

Chris Marshall, LSU Foundation Representatives

2026 - 2027 COmmittee Chairs

Finance and Governance, Abby Thomas

Curriculum & Accreditation, Ryan Day

Department Enhancement, Lance McCann

Stewardship & Accountability, Scott Couper

Student Enhancement, Britain Chouest & Katie Boyer

Membership & Fundraising, Bryan Wesley & Luke Andrews

Publicity & Promotion, Stephen Fertitta

Research, Josh Rounds & Chad Bradley

New Orleans Ad-Hoc, TBA

Committee Responsibilities

Finance & Governance | It is the responsibility of this committee to provide an analysis of the expenditures of the previous fiscal period, prepare a budget for the succeeding fiscal year and make recommendations to the Board of Directors for updating the current budget.

Bylaw Changes & Updates
Review Budget Requests
Budget Recommendations

Curriculum & Accreditation | It is the responsibility of this committee to ensure that the education program is excellent in all phases possible.

Conduct Student Surveys
Review Curriculum Content
Accreditation Assistance

Department Enhancement | It is the responsibility of this committee to maintain an open dialogue with the faculty and to assist the department in the recruitment of new faculty and other needs of the department.

Maintain Open Dialogue with Faculty
Recruit New Faculty
Construction Facility Plans
Equipment for the Classroom

Stewardship & Accountability | It is the responsibility of this committee to review the Construction Management Program's proposed use of funds donated through the CIAC, advise the program on the use of these funds, ensure the funds are used solely for the benefit of the program while providing long-term accountability to the Board.

Reviews Proposed Use of Funds
Advise on Use of Funds
Ensure Funds are Used for the Benefit of the CM Program

Student Enhancement | It is the responsibility of this committee to focus on student development beyond the classroom and to assist the faculty in recruiting the best possible students through scholarships and cooperative work programs.

Maximize Experience
Student Exposure
Career Services
Mentor Program
Guest Lecture Program

Membership & Fundraising | It is the responsibly of this committee to recruit members for the council and raise funds.

Membership Retention
Recruit New Members
Donation Assistance
Event Management and Coordination

Publicity & Promotion | It is the responsibility of this committee to create awareness of the council and to promote its activities in support of the CM Department.

Content Assistance
Inform Members
Council Awareness

Research | It is the responsibility of this committee to collaborate with the CM Program to support their research initiatives, identify industry collaboration and needs and provide feedback to the CM Program on their focus areas.

Research Initiatives
Collaborate with Industry on Research Projects
Provide Feedback to the CM Program

New Orleans Ad-Hoc | It is the responsibility of this committee to collaborate among their geographic area membership to support committees and initiatives of CIAC.

Phone: 225-953-7535 | Contact Email | LinkedIn