Board of Directors
Dawn Meeker
President
Marcum LLP (CT)
Dawn Meeker
Dawn Meeker is a Partner in Marcum’s Advisory and Consulting practice and a member of the CFO and Controllership group. She has more than 31 years of experience in both public and private accounting. She earned a Bachelor of Science, in Accounting from the University of New Haven, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Connecticut. Dawn advises clients on construction accounting software system implementations; and manages onboarding and training of all staff on these systems. She has a significant depth of knowledge within the construction industry due to her 20 years of experience serving as the Controller and Vice President with various companies in the drywall, electrical and mechanical construction trade industries. She oversaw all bonding processes, including all financial and banking operations. Dawn has also previously held Interim Controller roles for many of her clients, where she provided daily accounting and financial operational support and comprehensive oversight.
Dawn is an active member of the community and industry. She currently serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee for the Boys and Girls Club of New Haven, CT, where her values closely align with the mission of the organization. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). Dawn has served as the PWC CT Chapter Secretary since 2020, and Membership Chair since 2021. She also continues to volunteer on the PWC Awards Committee.
Amy Ray
An award-winning professional services marketer, and designer with more than 20 years of industry experience, Amy blends design expertise with a deep understanding of business development, communications, and brand strategy. As Director of Business Development & Marketing for Babbidge Construction Company, Amy’s leads market positioning, develops client relationship experiences, and builds brand development and communications efforts—a role that is influenced by her background in fine arts, her experience as a creative director, and a lifelong love of the AEC industry.
Amy believes in community outreach and volunteers for several professional organizations. In addition to serving as the Vice President for PWC CT, she serves on the Programs and Communications committees. Amy is also an active member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS CT) and National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAct). Amy earned her BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Hartford. In her free time, Amy enjoys spending time at the beach and attending sporting events with her family.
Leyna Erickson
Secretary
Assured Partners New England
Leyna Erickson
As the Construction Practice Leader for AssuredPartners New England, Leyna Erickson helps CEOs and CFOs ensure that their Insurance, Bonding and Risk Management programs are tailored to their businesses and are out-performing the industry-average program. Leyna has over 20 years of experience partnering with complex construction companies, delivering specialized expertise, building strong relationships and the deploying unparalleled resources for her clients. The connections she has grown over the past 20 years have inspired her passion for championing women in the AEC Industries, a mission that closely aligns with the Professional Women in Construction.
Leyna finds great joy in connecting with others through volunteering in her community and within her industry. She serves on the Board of the Farmington Valley YMCA and was a founding member of the Emerging Leaders Group of the Associated Builders and Contractors of Connecticut. In addition to her position on the PWC Board, she continues to volunteer on the PWC Programs Committee. Leyna holds her Accredited Advisor of Insurance designation and attended Manchester Community College. She is the proud wife of a Marine Corps veteran, the mother of two young sons, and when she’s not delving into the depths of insurance policies and contract language, Leyna is an avid obstacle course racer and outdoor enthusiast.
Laurann Asklof
Director
Shipman & Goodwin
Laurann Asklof
Laurann Asklof practices in the area of Construction Law and Litigation. She has extensive experience in handling complex construction litigation on behalf of owners, contractors and subcontractors. Drawing on her approximate 30 years of experience, Laurann provides sophisticated advice, delivered in a practical, business-oriented manner to construction clients throughout the life of a project, including project delivery methods; bidding/procurement; drafting and negotiations of contracts and dispute resolution. Laurann works closely with the firm’s school law lawyers in providing thoughtful guidance on the bidding process, contracts and dispute resolution. She also litigates municipal tax appeals on behalf of property owners and municipalities.
Since 2003, Laurann has been the principal litigator for the University of Connecticut’s UCONN 2000, 21st Century Construction Infrastructure Program and the University of Connecticut’s Next Generation Construction Program. In that capacity, Laurann counsels the University on bidding/procurement practices, dispute avoidance before and during the construction project and, when disputes are unavoidable, represents the University in the mediation, arbitration and litigation of bidding and construction disputes.
Laurann believes in developing a strong relationship with her clients and gaining a deep understanding of their business while offering a cost-effective resolution to their legal needs. She tirelessly works to deliver effective and efficient results for them in all areas of practice.
In addition to the various roles Laurann has held with PWC, Laurann is the Secretary of the Connecticut Bar Association, Construction Law Section; a member of the American Bar Association, Construction Law Section; Industry Advisory Board member for CCSU Construction Management Program; and has been appointed by the Governor of Connecticut to serve on the Architectural Licensing Board.
Jennifer Marks
Director
BL Companies, Inc.
Jennifer Marks
Jennifer Marks is a licensed Land Surveyor and Principal at BL Companies, an employee-owned firm delivering high-quality, integrated architecture, engineering, environmental and land surveying services to public and private clients for land development, building design and infrastructure projects. She has over 40 years of land surveying experience and is a licensed surveyor in multiple states throughout the region. She performs business development at BL Companies with a particular focus on the energy industry as well as commercial real estate. She has been successful in developing key client relationships and expanding the company’s geographic footprint throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In addition, Jennifer has been instrumental in developing and leading the implementation of the firm’s strategic foundation and leadership development program. She is an experienced project manager and enjoys mentoring and sharing her wealth of experiences with others in the industry. Jennifer is currently active in Professional Women in Construction, the Connecticut Association of Land Surveyors and CREW CT. She resides in Branford, CT with her husband and has two post college-age children.
Christina Oneglia Rossi
Director
O & G Industries, Inc.
Christina Oneglia Rossi
Christina Oneglia Rossi (M.S. Construction Management) is the Vice President of Business Development for O&G Industries, Inc.’s Building Group. Christina began her career as a Project Engineer in the field, spent time in virtual design, and served the company as a Project Manager in the Special Projects Group. In her current role, Christina is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the Building Group, along with input from the Building Group Executive Team, to set goals and achieve pursuits. Christina enjoys making new connections and strives to gain new business opportunities for O&G. She has been a member of the Hartford Hospital Auxiliary Board for seven years doing “good works for Hartford Hospital” and has recently been involved with Dignity Grows, a non-profit that provides sanitary totes to men and women in need. She currently resides in Connecticut with her husband, John, and their three children as well as their new puppy, Stevie.
Blerina Pina
Blerina (Bela) Pina, a Contract Surety - Sr.Territory Manager at Nationwide in Avon, CT. Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company and a Top 20 Surety company with 1.8B T-Listing. In her role, she underwrites an array of contractors to provide surety bonds, working with agents/brokers across various regions of the US.
Bela received her Bachelor of Accounting from Central Connecticut University and her Associate’s in Management from Capital Community College. She serves on the PWC Board of Directors for her 4th year, volunteers on the PWC Mentorship Committee, and was most recently involved with the Communications – Social Media Committee.
Her “why” for engaging with PWC-CT is to pay it forward. “I’ve had many mentors support me throughout my career, and my goal is to continue to pay it forward. PWC does just that with their mentorship, scholarships, and networking opportunities.”
Samantha Santos
Director
Turner Construction Company
Samantha Santos
Samantha Santos is the Business Development Engineer for Turner Construction Company’s Connecticut Business Unit. Samantha joined Turner upon graduating from the University of New Haven with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering in 2017. In 2022, she graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Master’s of Business Administration. Over her time with Turner thus far, she has worked as an engineer and superintendent on projects ranging from $7M-$50M. She has also serves as purchasing agent, project manager for Turner’s in-house drywall company, cost engineer, and currently fulfils a role in Business Development. Sam takes pride in delivering high-quality projects to clients and developing a valuable dynamic across project teams.
Sam has been involved with PWC since 2022 and recently established PWC CT’s Emerging Leaders Committee. She is an advocate for young professionals in the industry and ensuring future leaders are supplied with the tools and support needed to help them succeed in the Construction industry!
Allison Puzycki
Director
Consulting Engineering Services
Allison Puzycki
Allison Puzycki is the Director of Marketing at CES. Dedicated to big picture marketing goals, she brings an extraordinary ability to orchestrate global company objectives. Allison is a master at uncovering the culture that exists within an established company and bringing those values to light. Combined with an endless ability to generate ideas and an energetic spirit, it’s easy to be drawn into her enthusiasm. Through a genuine interest in the people around her and the ability to easily assess each person’s strengths and abilities, she thoughtfully creates an atmosphere where all contributions are welcomed and each individual’s talents are celebrated in the true spirit of collaboration.
Allison has been involved with PWC since 2022 and serves as the Communications Committee Chair. When she isn’t promoting the AEC industry you’ll find Allison at home with her husband, Josh, their two sons, and Alfredo the family dog.
Patricia Bilotto, CPSM
Immediate Past President
van Zelm Heywood & Shadford Inc.