Beverly Bailey, who co-founded Stronghold Engineering Inc. in 1991, is Stronghold’s president and chief executive officer. She has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry and is responsible for the overall management of Stronghold’s operations, Stronghold’s growth and project selection, and the health and safety of more than 175 employees. A distinguished member of the construction industry, Beverly sits on various boards and has been actively involved in the local and national chapters of Society of American Military Engineers, Associated Builders & Contractors, National Women In Construction, C200, and other industry and charitable organizations.
Charles Gossage, Stronghold Engineering Inc.’s executive vice president, has more than 20 years’ experience in the construction industry and is the product of a deeply rooted construction family. Charles is actively involved in the day-to-day business affairs of Stronghold’s construction operations, is a frequent speaker at construction industry events, and is an adviser to college and university efforts to expand and enhance construction and engineering programs.
Tom Porter, DBIA, is executive vice president of Barton Malow Company, a design/construction services firm with headquarters in Michigan and offices throughout North America. He is involved in the overall management of the business, including direct responsibility for the corporate departments and service as chief legal officer. Tom currently supports DBIA as treasurer, board member, and chair of the annual conference.
Cara Woodson Welch, Esq., is vice president, advocacy and general counsel with the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). She has more than 15 years of association management, government affairs, and legal experience. Prior to DBIA, she was the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)‘s legal counsel and director, government affairs. In that role, she headed up a government affairs department that focused on state and federal issues, including licensure, transportation, water/wastewater issues, historic preservation, parks, and many other issues. Previously, she held positions at the National Association of Realtors, The American Institute of Architects, and the National League of Cities. She has also held positions at many levels of government — federal, state, and local. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College, St. Paul, Minn., and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C. Cara is licensed to practice law in Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.