MPM Reestablishes Industry Advisory Board

Northwestern Engineering's Master of Science in Project Management (MPM) program has a long history of preparing students to become leaders and innovators in the built environment.  

To continue that tradition and ensure MPM is meeting industry needs, MPM director Shelley Finnigan recently announced the reestablishment of the program's Industry Advisory Board (IAB). 

“The MPM program’s reputation for preparing students for career success has captured the interest of an incredible group of industry leaders who are now volunteering their time to help shape the future of our program,” Finnigan said. "I am honored that the IAB members will share their diverse insights on project management trends in the built environment sector and support our students as they prepare for post-degree careers and build their professional networks. Together, the IAB and MPM leadership will build on the program’s rich history to ensure we continue to give our students and graduates the best tools to succeed and thrive professionally.” 

Finnigan welcomed eight new members to the IAB earlier this year:  

Sam Barrett is the vice president of preconstruction at Walters Group, where he leads group pursuits on projects across North America. Barrett joined Walters Group in 2013 as a project coordinator. He later served as a project manager before becoming director of preconstruction. He's been in his current position since 2020. Walters Group has been named one of Canada's best-managed companies for the past eight years. 

David Corr is the principal engineer and materials consulting group director at CTLGroup. Corr is considered one of the leading experts in structural performance, material characterization, and material development in the country. Prior to joining CTLGroup in 2022, Corr was a clinical professor and the director of graduate studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern.   

Rachel Jackson is associate principal of structural engineering at Thornton Tomasetti, a firm focused on optimizing the design and performance of structures, materials, and systems. Thornton Tomasetti has worked on six of the 15 tallest buildings in the world. Jackson has worked at the company since 2007 and is a leader in its Chicago office. 

Tyler Jensen is studio leader of high performance buildings at Environmental Systems Design, Inc., now Stantec Consulting Services. Jensen has broad experience as a mechanical engineer and project manager across a variety of markets, with a focus on tall buildings, infrastructure, life sciences, and repositioning projects. As Studio Leader, he is responsible for ensuring the performance, efficiency, and profitability of an interdisciplinary team of engineers and project managers. 

John Nguyen is the director of life sciences and healthcare project management at CBRE. Nguyen oversees a team of project managers who specialize in all aspects of critical research facilities and healthcare systems. Nguyen is considered an industry leader in research facilities, healthcare developments, complex master-planning exercises, and large capital programs. He's worked with CBRE since 2021. 

Adam Semel is a managing partner at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, where he's worked since 2005. Semel was named Chicagoan of the Year in Architecture in 2020 for his work leading the architectural team that remade the historic Cook County Hospital into a mixed-use building with two Hyatt hotels, a food hall, a day care center, and medical offices. 

Carolyn Sizemore is a market executive at Mortenson, a builder, developer, and provider of energy and engineering services. Sizemore has been in her position since 2010 and has worked on an array of high-profile projects, from the Nike World Headquarters LeBron James Advanced Innovation Building to the Portland Art Museum Rothko Pavillion. She also has worked on a number of college and university renovation projects.  

Junjian (J.J.) Tang is the vice president and director of federal facilities at HDR, where he has worked since 2006. Tang specializes in military architecture, and the buildings he has designed are considered some of the most mission-critical assets in the country. The Society of American Military Engineers awarded him the Urbahn Medal for notable contributions to the field of architecture, as well as the President's Medal. 

The MPM IAB will meet twice each year to review the program and its direction.