Meet CFMA’s 2025-26 Executive Officers - Articles

What’s one challenge facing construction financial professionals today that you’re passionate about helping to solve?

Jennifer: I am passionate about making sure CFMA is the place that provides members with everything they need to succeed, including education; peer groups; local and regional support; volunteer, leadership, and networking opportunities; community outreach; and support. The goal is that once they join, they never want to leave the industry or CFMA.

John: As we see a great generation of leaders retire, the willingness of construction financial professionals to mentor others is key to attracting new talent to the construction industry. The power of CFMA’s network is an amazing resource.

Bryce: Staying informed about rapidly emerging issues that impact our industry is a never-ending challenge. CFMA must continue to be the tip of the spear in delivering timely and accurate education to members.

Margie: I’m passionate about helping construction financial professionals turn reporting into a strategic tool that supports bonding and growth. Through CFMA, I help bridge the gap between financials and decision-making, guiding teams to present strong, accurate data that enhances surety confidence and supports long-term success.

Caryl: One exciting challenge is the adoption and utilization of technology across the entire construction process. Some visual AI models cover the process from takeoff through project completion, with data like percentage-of-completion flowing effortlessly throughout. This technology impacts all aspects of construction, including accounting and finance functions.

What innovation or trend do you think will have the biggest impact on construction financial management in the next 5-10 years?

Jennifer: AI will transform the profession in ways we can’t imagine yet. I believe AI will revolutionize construction financial analysis and reporting and improve workforce scheduling. Also, enterprise resource planning software will incorporate AI to enable users to quickly get the reports and information they need.

John: The technology trend is not going away anytime soon. Encouraging your company to explore, implement, and leverage various technologies will allow us to accomplish more with fewer resources. As we continue to attract the next generation to the industry, we need to be willing to step outside of our comfort zones to learn more about technologies as they become available.

Bryce: AI is already having a huge impact in our industry, and I believe we’ve only scratched the surface. CFMA will play an important role in keeping members informed of AI’s latest trends and pitfalls.

Margie: Real-time data integration and predictive analytics will transform construction financial management. As contractors move beyond lagging indicators, better visibility will drive smarter decisions, stronger projections, and improved bonding support. I’m excited to help teams use these tools for strategic growth and risk management.

Caryl: Our industry will see extensive use of AI, especially in data reporting and analysis.

How has the CFMA community helped shape your professional development?

Jennifer: The CFMA community educated me on construction accounting and gave me leadership opportunities locally, within the association, and through my network. I have peers all over the country I can go to for questions or issues I am facing.

John: As you expand your CFMA network, the resources available to you multiply quickly. The initial growth starts at the local level with access to General Members willing to help and Associate Members lending expertise. As you grow your CFMA network with regional and Association-wide contacts, you add a new depth of resources through peer groups, relationships, and technologies. You will quickly find that any situation you may encounter has a resource that can help you.

Bryce: First-class industry-specific education, a nationwide network of peers and mentors, and business partnerships born from contacts made through CFMA have all enhanced my professional development and help make me a more effective financial professional.

Margie: CFMA has shaped my professional growth by deepening my understanding of construction finance and strengthening my ability to be an advocate for my contractor clients. The knowledge, relationships, and peer collaboration I have gained have made me a more informed surety partner and a part of a valuable industry network that I truly trust and learn from constantly.

Caryl: Educational opportunities have allowed me to expand my knowledge of all aspects of construction finance and subjects beyond typical accounting duties. The vast network of members who offer expertise and advice on many subjects has been remarkable. I have developed close relationships and friends who have offered support during uncertain times in my career.

How can CFMA continue to support and elevate underrepresented voices in the industry?

Jennifer: CFMA can continue working on ways to make all members feel welcome and included, as we are best when we have diverse thoughts and opinions. It’s important to ensure we have offerings that meet the needs of all members where they are.

John: CFMA members should continue to support individuals new to the industry. There are no wrong questions, construction is just different.

Bryce: It boils down to being respectful and welcoming of everyone. I think it’s important to recognize our own biases and look beyond those to recognize the talents of others. From there, we can provide an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to the organization’s mission.

Margie: CFMA can elevate underrepresented voices by intentionally fostering inclusion in leadership, programming, and conversations. Creating space for diverse professionals to lead, speak, and mentor ensures everyone feels seen and heard. That’s how we strengthen both our community and the construction financial industry as a whole.

Caryl: Small and underrepresented contractors can benefit greatly from CFMA education. By reaching out to these contractors, it would increase awareness of the available construction careers and also elevate those who haven’t seriously considered construction as a career.

How has earning the CCIFP designation enhanced the way you lead, support your company, or contribute to your projects?

Jennifer: Earning my CCIFP designation confirms my knowledge in all areas of the business that I am involved in. The annual CPE requirements ensure I stay educated on things that are changing or developing in the industry. It also allows my business partners (bank, surety, and CPA) to know that our financial statements and work-in-progress are done properly.

John: Earning the CCIFP reconfirmed my level of knowledge about the construction industry and enabled me to speak more freely in meetings during the early stages of my career.

Bryce: I believe attaining my CCIFP designation contributed to my promotion from controller to CFO, as it demonstrates to internal and external stakeholders that I am committed to being an expert in the field of construction financial management.

Margie: Earning the CCIFP designation has enhanced my ability to support clients by deepening my understanding of construction finance. It allows me to speak the language of CFOs; offer proactive guidance; and strengthen credibility with sureties, lenders, and stakeholders, making me a more strategic partner in contractor growth.

Caryl: Earning the CCIFP designation has improved the credibility of information that I report internally and externally, increasing bonding and borrowing capacity. It also helped move me to the top of the list for job opportunities when the company that I previously worked for was unexpectedly sold.