COAA-VA 2026 Spring Workshop Recap

Last year, COAA Virginia decided to move our workshops around to bring COAA’s message, and the opportunity to connect with fellow Owners and industry partners, to more people.  After a very successful fall workshop in Williamsburg, we went to NoVA.

Cathy Wolfe-Pinskey, Program Director at George Mason University in Fairfax, was our host.  Cathy developed nearly all of the day’s events around the Fuse at Mason Square, a P3 (Public-Private Partnership) project.  “Partnership” is in the name, and our spring workshop focused on how far we can go when we are humble enough to work together.

Owners, designers, builders and industry partners gathered for a full day of learning, collaboration, and service … exactly the kind of environment COAA strives to create.  

A recap of the day is below.  But first, some thanks:

• Mainly, to Cathy Wolfe-Pinskey for spearheading the day!  Her enthusiasm for Fuse, for GMU, and for our industry drove a very rewarding day. 
• To all our contributors, speakers, and tour leaders.  There is a lot to Fuse and your clarity helped educate us all. 
• To all our sponsors.  Flagship Sponsor: Clark Construction (who built Fuse and spoke to us about workforce development).  Event Sponsors: Edgemoore Infrastructure & Real Estate (Fuse’s building manager); Barton Malow; Nitsch Engineering; Moseley; Brailsford & Dunlavey; Perkins & Will; and Page (now Stantec), Fuse’s designer of record. 
• To COAA Virginia’s two new chairs: Sylvia Bowman - COAA CARES, and John Carty - Sponsorships.  Both John and Sylvia are new to their roles but are absolutely crushing it! 
• To all attendees for your presence, your questions, your conversation, and for helping make our industry better. 

Looking ahead

We want our fall workshop to be in the west or southwest of Virginia.  We hope to see you there and please encourage your industry friends to attend. 

Do you have a topic, a tour, or an activity to recommend?  Do you have a question the industry should be discussing?  Let us know – we want to hear from you. 

For COAA to grow, we need your help bringing people and ideas.  COAA focuses on Owners who live in and operate their facilities: K-12; Higher-Ed; Healthcare; Government; Ports; etc.  Just like how Owners can’t deliver a project without Designers and Builders, COAA also needs Designers and Builders to function.  You are vital because you work with Owners every day.  You know where the industry should improve and you know Owners who can help make things better. 

Historically, COAA Virginia leadership has typically been higher-ed, but that’s not on by design.  We want to be a place where all Owner / Operators can learn and share.  We are pushing to add leaders from K-12 and Healthcare.  Regardless of your specialty, we welcome your involvement. 

The Day’s Highlights

Fuse was our topic and our venue. 

After a nice breakfast, Frank Strike, GMU’s VP of Facilities, kicked off the day.  He spoke about how GMU delivers their mission with a cross-discipline framework that avoids organizational silos. 

Next, Stantec, the Architect of Record, spoke about the ideas behind Fuse and how space activates Fuse’s program. 

Attendees then had the opportunity to tour either Fuse’s robust automation systems or its labs and innovation spaces.  In one memorable moment, a group briefly found themselves stuck in an elevator.  Fortunately, spirits stayed high, and the experience ended with new connections, a great story, and an unforgettable group selfie.

COAA CARES in Action

Local charity PathForward worked to bring us COAA VA’s first CARES event (CARES = Connecting Attendees with Rewarding Experience & Service). 

Together we packed 150 meals and assembled 27 no-sew blankets for those in need in the NoVA area. 

This was probably the most memorable part of the day.  We worked together, got to make new friends, did a good deed, and got our blood moving. 

Look for CARES to be a part of all future workshops, and for stand-alone CARES events. 

Afternoon Conversations

After lunch, Cathy assembled a panel to discuss how Fuse supports developing the Commonwealth’s Tech talent pipeline.  Panelists serve at Arlington Economic Development, Mason Innovation Partners, and George Mason University.

Next, Flagship Sponsor and Fuse builder, Clark, spoke on supporting the needs and development of construction workers.  Our industry can’t function without workers, but they have often been viewed as a commodity.  Clark talked about their efforts to encourage middle and high school students to consider trades and how respect for the trades lead to changes on Clark jobsites.

Our last session talked about how The Plaza at Fuse helps engage the community with constant healthy activity.  The Plaza gives GMU students more than a workspace and brings the neighborhood outdoor activity and connection. 

We wrapped up with a reception, again with Fuse serving as our venue. 

Fuse served as an inspiring topic and location for COAA Virginia’s Spring 2026 Workshop. 

Thank you to everyone who participated, supported the event, and shared their time and expertise.  Together, you helped make this a truly valuable and inspiring event.