Description

Owner's Perspective: Strategies for Effective Collaboration and Trust
Keys to delivering successful projects

MEET THE PRESENTERS

MODERATOR: 

Michael Mendick, PE, CCM - District Engineer | CT Department of Transportation

Mike Mendick is a District Engineer with Connecticut Department of Transportation and is responsible for the contract administration of capital construction projects for Public Transit and Major Facilities throughout the State. Notable projects in the New Haven Railyard Facilities Improvement Program, CTfastrak, Connecticut’s first Bus Rapid Transit system, as well as the WALK bridge program, a $2B program replacing the oldest movable span on the Northeast Corridor. Mr. Mendick holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, with 29 years in the industry. A past president of the CT CMAA Chapter and currently Chair Elect of the CMAA Board of Directors.

PANELISTS:

Peter Simmons, PE - Director of Project Management  | CT Department of Administrative Services

Peter Simmons is a UCONN School of Engineering graduate with nearly 40 years of State Service. He is currently the Director of Project Management at DAS Real Estate and Construction Services. As such, he is responsible for the execution of about $1.6 Billion in capital projects supporting over 25 State Agencies. Peter has prior service as a Reserve Component Officer with the US Navy’s Construction Forces (SEABEES). Peter is actively involved with the CMAA, contributing to education and training initiatives and supporting the CMAA mission. His leadership includes mentoring team members and advancing industry standards through collaboration and innovation.

John Lombardi, CHFM - Director of Engineering and Sustainability | UCONN Health

John Lombardi has BSME from University of Hartford. 30 years’ experience in healthcare facilities management and engineering at Saint Francis, Connecticut Children’s, Eastern Connecticut Health Network, Cooley Dickinson Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital.  John is current president of the Connecticut Healthcare Engineers Society (CHES) which is the state chapter of New England Healthcare Society (NEHES) and American Healthcare Engineers Society (ASHE). UConn Health is comprised of John Dempsey Hospital, University Medical Group, UConn Schools of Medicine and Dentistry and UConn Health Research and Animal labs. The campus is approximately 4 million square feet in Farmington Connecticut along with medical clinics throughout central and northern Connecticut.

Dominic A. LaRosa, PE - Construction Administrator | CT Department of Transportation 

Domenic LaRosa is a licensed Professional Engineer with over 30 years at CTDOT. He currently oversees all five District Offices and the Central Construction Division, leading the state’s transportation construction program. Domenic began his career in 1990 and has managed major projects, including the New Haven Harbor Crossing I-95 Corridor Program and Q-Bridge Contracts, earning awards for on-time and on-budget delivery. Domenic is active in professional organizations including AASHTO, ASBI, NETTCP, and serves on the CCSU Civil Engineering Advisory Board.

Ted Desantos - Director of Construction | Winstanley Enterprises

Ted Desantos oversees new construction, major renovations, capital improvements, and tenant fit‑out projects across the company’s portfolio. He leads the Winstanley Construction Management Team in its role as Owner’s Representative, ensuring projects are delivered collaboratively with our tenants, on schedule, and on budget. A licensed Professional Engineer, Ted brings more than 30 years of Connecticut‑based experience in industrial, life science, commercial, and retail development. Over his career, he has partnered with organizations including Amazon, Alexion, BioLabs, Pfizer, Yale University, Stop & Shop, Morgan Stanley, and many others.

Devin Xenelis - Director of Facilities and Real Estate | Electric Boat

Devin D. Xenelis is the Director of Facilities and Real Estate at General Dynamics Electric Boat, where he leads major capital projects, real estate acquisitions, and overall facility operations in support of the Columbia and Virginia Class submarine programs in Connecticut and Rhode Island. A native of Middlefield, Connecticut, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Western New England College and began his career as a mechanical systems engineer designing automated motion systems before joining Electric Boat in 1997. Over more than two decades with the company, Mr. Xenelis has progressed through engineering, project management, and leadership roles, overseeing large‑scale facility expansions, waterfront operations, and multidisciplinary teams.