Speakers

For more than two decades Josh Bone has been implementing, training, and presenting construction technology solutions to AEC&O (Architecture, Engineering, Construction, Owners) professionals. Having worked with some of the top technology leaders in the industry, Josh specializes in identifying best practices and methodologies for integrating construction technology into everyday workflows. Today Josh works with ELECTRI International the non-profit foundation for the electrical construction industry as the Executive Director where he is helping to ensure electrical contractors and industry partners across North American and around the world have access to the best research, educational programming, student engagement, and international outreach. Josh has had the opportunity to share his knowledge with audiences and publications across North America as a frequent professional speaker and guest editorial contributor.

Marco Giamberardino is Senior Vice President, Government and Public Affairs for the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). He supervises numerous program areas, including advocacy, political fundraising, communications, marketing, and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR magazine.

Marco joined NECA in 2012 as Executive Director, Government Affairs, where he shaped the association’s legislative, regulatory, and political strategy advocating for the industry’s key priority issues in Washington, D.C.

Marco has been an active trade association profession and advocacy expert for over 30 years. Prior to joining NECA, he served as Senior Director, Government Affairs, for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Before that, he was the Director of Advocacy for the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA). He is widely regarded as a policy expert in infrastructure investment, tax policy, and federal procurement.

Marco earned his Bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and his Masters of Public Administration from The George Washington University. Since 2018 he been recognized every year by The Hill newspaper for being one of Washington “top lobbyists” for associations. He lives with his family in Virginia.

Jeff Beavers Is NECA’s Executive Director of Network Integration and Services.

With more 30 years in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, Jeff began his (telecommunications) career in the U.S. Air Force as a cable splicer. He has served in various roles from lineman to installer/technician, to design and consulting roles.

He has experience in many types of projects, including the Department of Defense, municipal and federal government, K–12 and higher education, healthcare, sports and entertainment, data centers, and utilities (broadband, water, energy, wind and solar).

He is a recognized subject matter expert and a technical contributor to standards and reference manuals from BICSI (pronounced Bic-see), a global professional association supporting the advancement of the ICT community. Jeff served as President of BICSI from 2018- 2020.

Jeff is a Registered Communications Distribution Designer and has the OSP Designer credential.

I’m a Distinguished Engineer in the Panduit Corporate Research and Development group, leading technological innovation and adoption. Rooted in a strong automation background, my current work spans shepherding of groundbreaking technologies such as Single Pair Ethernet and Fault Managed Power. My job provides a key role in setting global engineering standards in IEEE, TIA, NEMA, ODVA, and NFPA, as well as nurturing strategic technology partnerships. I’m the chairman and one of the founders of the FMP Alliance.

Ron Tellas is a subject-matter expert in RF design and electromagnetic propagation and joined Belden in 2016 to help define the roadmap of technology and applications in smart buildings. He now takes these experiences to incorporate systems, equipment and connectivity into network solutions. Ron represents Belden in several standards organizations, committees of the National Electrical Code and as a board member of the FMP Alliance. He has a master’s and bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, has a master in business administration and is the inventor of 17 U.S. patents. Ron is a proud recipient of the 2024 Harry J. Pfister Award for his outstanding and impactful contributions to the telecommunications industry.  

Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey is a national leader who joined NECA as Vice President, Industry Development, in 2020. At NECA, he is working on creating executive training programs, expanding the scope of workforce development, implementing diversity strategies, creating partnerships with institutions of higher learning, and leading the charge on recruitment programs that bring new, skilled workers into the industry. This includes a focus on recruiting ex-military personnel to NECA member companies and various Chapter positions.

At his alma mater, Austin Peay State University, Bailey was a student athlete and member of the ROTC program. He graduated from the University in 1977 with a degree in biology. He was a varsity member of the football team, and he turned the skills he learned at Austin Peay into a distinguished career in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In October 1979, he was assigned to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, as a Series Commander, Battalion S-3 and Commanding Officer of Company F, 2d Recruit Training Battalion. During this tour, he earned a master’s degree in business management and administration from Webster University.

From August 1997 to 1998, Bailey attended National War College, Washington, D.C., where he earned his second master’s degree in national security strategy.

In June 2013, Bailey was promoted to Lieutenant General and assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps as the Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations, where he served as the top Marine responsible for guiding deployment plans and force-structure policies. He also served as the advocate for the service’s ground combat element, acting as a liaison between Marines carrying out missions worldwide and the leaders planning them in the Pentagon.

Bailey went on to be the first African-American to command the 1st Marine Division where he oversaw more than 25,000 Marine and Sailors.

“Leadership is about influence and relationships – relationships with the American people,” Bailey said, while serving as commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, “Our nation’s citizens expect us to be America’s expeditionary force in readiness committed to their protection at home and abroad; we will honor that expectation with the professional and empathetic execution of our mission within their communities nationwide.”

Bailey’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal with bronze oak leaf, Legion of Merit with combat V, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 gold stars, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Bailey retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 40 years of service, on September 1, 2017. Prior to joining NECA, he served as Vice President of External Affairs at Austin Peay, where he was responsible for Public Relations, Marketing, Advancement, Strategic Planning, as well as acting as President of the Foundation for the university.

Audra Kellams joined the electrical training ALLIANCE in 2023 as an Outreach Specialist, aiming to increase awareness and enrolment in the organization’s online curriculum, the Interim Credentials. She also assists in expanding this curriculum adoption by states, municipalities, and school districts.

Prior to her role with the ALLIANCE, Audra spent 34 years in instruction and educational leadership as a teacher, principal, and chief administrative officer over middle schools. She holds a license in Educational Leadership and Supervision from Brown University, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Indiana State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Joseph Weyel brings more than 25 years of project management and construction experience to the CDI team.  Having grown up in the electrical and telecommunications industry in San Antonio, he has participated in the completion of a number of iconic projects throughout the region.  Earning his BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer credential in 2009, Mr. Weyel excels in the design and installation of structured cabling systems and data center solutions, overseeing the implementation of designs through completion.

Mr. Weyel is responsible for coordinating the efforts of our team in bringing quality and efficient solutions to our customers while maintaining a progressive business model geared towards growth and diversity.   His knowledge and deep appreciation for the rich history of the electrical and construction industries, enables him to educate new generations of technicians and management on a successful path into the future.