California Chapter


LEADERSHIP TEAM

President -  Michael Roush, University of California, San Diego
Vice President - Dale Harvey Jr., IBI Group
Sponsorship Chair - Laura Wards, ProjectMates
Southern Region Leader: Mark von Leffren
Central Region Leader: Bill McAllister, Trimble
North Region Leader: Jack Stackalis, Whiting-Turner


Seeking news, networking opportunities, and workshops with the latest industry issues? Contact the COAA-California Chapter with your fresh ideas, to update your contact information, to join the leadership committee, or just stay connected for all the latest chapter happenings.


COAA-CA Webinar: Powering the Future of Healthcare: UC Irvine’s All-Electric Hospital Campus

What does it take to build the nation’s first all-electric acute care hospital? Join Brian Pratt, Associate Vice Chancellor and Campus Architect at UC Irvine, for an inside look at the pioneering UCI Health — Irvine project, a zero-emission medical campus redefining what’s possible in sustainable healthcare design and operations.

This session will explore the architectural and engineering strategies behind the all-electric approach, from replacing traditional steam systems with distributed electric chillers and point-of-use generators, to addressing the power resilience and grid challenges unique to a 24/7 clinical environment. Attendees will gain insight into how UC Irvine balanced sustainability, patient care, and long-term operational reliability in designing this first-of-its-kind facility — and what lessons can be applied to other large-scale institutional projects.

Register Today!

 PAST EVENT INFORMATION 

Support COAA-CA in 2026: Become a Chapter Sponsor

COAA-CA is gearing up for an exciting year of programs designed specifically for construction project Owners and their partners. From cutting-edge virtual sessions to hands-on workshops and a signature Gemba Walk, our 2026 slate offers rich opportunities for learning, collaboration, and visibility.

To support this growing momentum, we are launching our 2026 COAA-CA Sponsorship Program — a tiered, accessible set of opportunities that allow firms to align with COAA’s mission, connect with California Owners, and stand out as leaders in our industry.

2026 COAA-CA Sponsorship Opportunities

2026 COAA-CA Event Lineup

Your sponsorship directly supports a diverse and impactful set of programs, including:

Virtual Programs
  • Powering the Future of Healthcare: UC Irvine’s All-Electric Hospital Campus
    A spotlight on the nation’s first all-electric acute care hospital.

  • Integrated Design Solutions – Building Electrification
    A look at practical electrification strategies Owners can implement now.

In-Person Workshops & Programs
  • Digital Twins to Enhance Facility Management for Owners
    A hands-on exploration of digital twin tools and their real-world impact.

  • Potential LA/OC Program
    A developing session focused on regional Owner needs and innovations.

Signature Experience
  • Gemba Walk
    An immersive, on-site program where participants observe how real work happens — directly on the project floor.

Whether virtual or in person, each program is designed to elevate Owner knowledge, spark meaningful conversations, and strengthen California’s construction Owner community.


VOLUNTEER-AUTHORED CONTENT

COAA members and/or sponsors of the COAA-CA chapter have some things on their minds and offer those thoughts here as an aid to Owners and other project stakeholders.  Enjoy!

Articles

A Data-Centric Approach to Program Management
by: Michael Roush |  Program Manager
University of California, San Diego

Why Every Construction Owner Needs to Embrace Technology
by: Laura Wards |  Marketing Director

Projectmates
   

Proactive Change Management in Construction Projects
by: Mark von Lefferen
Mammoth Associates

Virtual Recordings

Elevate Project Performance by Starting with the Right Team

Elevating Project Performance - Shaping Your Teams to Improve Project Outcomes

Elevating Project Performance - Retaining Top Talent for Long-Term Success

Demystifying AI for AEC Professionals

Proactive Change Management for Construction


Up your project leadership game by joining COAA.
Sharpen your saw even further by helping lead the COAA-CA chapter.

A group of people sitting on a benchDescription automatically generatedThe value of COAA membership is off-the-charts high. An entire Owner organization can join for $1,050/year. For an organization with 25 staff in the planning/design/construction department, that means a cost of only $42/person. Beyond the tangible benefits – especially for Emerging Pros (age 35 or younger) – membership also opens the door to engagement and volunteer opportunities. Give back to the industry, network with like-minded and motivated peers, direct the future of the organization, and build your resume.

The ball is in your court! If you are interested in learning more about COAA membership and/or volunteer opportunities, contact Jessica Bonin at jbonin@coaa.org