The 2025 Election Slate of Candidates Announced

Barrett Richards, CCP CEP PSP

I am a construction professional with over 25 years of experience. I hold an MBA from Hofstra University and a BS in Construction Management from Brigham Young University. I am a Certified Cost Professional, Certified Estimating Professional, and Planning and Scheduling Professional, reflecting my commitment to AACE’s educational values and industry excellence.

My career includes roles in change management, claims resolution, construction management, cost engineering, estimating, planning, and scheduling. I have served public and private sector clients in commercial, education, hospitality, infrastructure, and residential industries.

I am a Project Director at Turner & Townsend in New York, NY, leading project controls and advisory teams in the Infrastructure US East Region and assisting with the Infrastructure US estimating group. My prior roles include Senior Director at Kroll, Executive Consultant at GREYHAWK, and senior positions at Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and Strategy LLC.

I am actively involved in industry organizations, serving on AACE’s Ethics Committee and Programming Chair of the Construction Law Committee at the New York City Bar. I have held positions as Education Board Member and President of the Long Island and New York Metro Sections.

I have shared my expertise as an Adjunct Professor in Construction Management at The Pratt Institute and Farmingdale State College. Raised in Northern California’s Redwood forests, I spent 24 months on a service mission to Seoul, South Korea. I live in Long Island, NY, with my wife of 28 years, Nicole, and our 19-year-old son, Elliot, who is on a 24-month service mission in Accra, Ghana. My interests include trail running, BYU athletics, and any Reese’s product.

My extensive experience, industry affiliations, commitment to excellence, and interest in others' well-being make me a qualified nominee for Secretary of AACE.

Goals/Objectives:

I am seeking election to the position of Secretary of AACE to support the Association's mission of advancing cost engineering and project controls. My goal is to facilitate the transition for the new CEO and Board, verifying initiatives align with AACE's mission and values. I will promote AACE’s vision of global leadership in cost engineering and verify that actions taken align with the Association's objectives.

As Secretary, I will prioritize consistent governance and transparent communication, maintaining the Organization Manual, charters, and Board meeting documentation. I am committed to upholding AACE’s core values of quality, integrity, professionalism, and trustworthiness by fostering impartiality and supporting strategic planning, as I have on the AACE Ethics Board. My aim is to maintain trust with the Board and membership while aligning with AACE’s strategic plan.

Additionally, I will enhance membership engagement and support professional development. By working closely with the membership committee, I will endeavor for timely and transparent communication with members and support initiatives for continuous learning and professional growth. By integrating AACE’s core values, I will keep our programs relevant and impactful. My leadership will contribute to promoting AACE's position as the recognized source in cost engineering, focusing on service to the membership, promotion in target industries, and expansion of educational reach. 

Daniel McCrave-Bessette, PSP

I am a Professional Engineer (PE) with a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. My career began in heavy civil and high construction, where I worked as a Project Manager and Superintendent for a general contractor, managing complex infrastructure projects. Currently, I serve as a Director at JS Held, providing schedule delay and inefficiency expert services, helping clients navigate complex construction claims and disputes. Additionally, I have earned my Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) certification.

Since joining AACE in 2018, my involvement has been extensive in a relatively short time, particularly at the section and regional levels. Since becoming President of the AACE Boston Section in 2021, I have led the section through 30% growth, introduced new networking events, and significantly expanded our LinkedIn presence by 3.5 times through regular activity. I served on the 2021 Section Task Force, where I collaborated on forward-thinking recommendations to improve AACE section engagement globally. Additionally, I have been part of the Region 2 Northeast Symposium Planning Committee since 2023, leading the scholarship subcommittee, which has nearly doubled its applications from 26 schools and expanded outreach to 62 schools. I have also worked to strengthen relationships with affiliate organizations, such as CMAA, to enhance AACE’s presence in the industry.

Beyond my professional and AACE commitments, I have been a Boy Scout Leader for 15 years, mentoring young individuals and fostering leadership skills within my community. My passion for mentorship and professional development extends into my vision for AACE, where I aim to enhance student outreach, affiliate partnerships, and support for section leadership.

Goals/Objectives:

If elected as Director at Large, I am committed to helping shape the future of AACEI by supporting the Board’s Strategic Plan and the President's initiatives and promoting the following key areas:

1. Enhancing Brand Awareness & Young Member Engagement

• Expand student and younger member outreach, ensuring that AACE remains a key resource for emerging professionals in cost engineering and project controls.
• Develop programs that encourage early-career professionals to engage with AACE and see long-term value in membership.
  
  

2. Strengthening Affiliate Relationships

• Work with the board to foster strategic partnerships with organizations that align with AACE’s mission, such as CMAA, ABA, and RICS, to enhance networking and professional development opportunities.

3. Supporting Section & Regional Leadership

• Provide support to local sections and regions, ensuring that section leaders have the resources, guidance, and tools needed to grow AACE at a local level.
• Recognize the time constraints and commitments of volunteer leaders and develop strategies to help them be more effective without overburdening them.
  
  

As a passionate advocate for AACE and its mission, I am eager to represent the diverse AACE membership and contribute my experience and leadership skills to help drive strategic growth, enhance member engagement, and build a stronger future for AACE International.

I appreciate your support and the opportunity to serve as Director at Large.

David Alejandro Chigne Tataje, CCP CEP PSP

My journey with AACE International began in 2014, driven by a passion for project and cost management and a desire to connect with a global community. I became an active volunteer with AACE Perú, and by 2015, I joined the Perú Board, serving as Treasurer, Vice President, and President.

As a relevant milestone with AACE Perú, I led the organization of three international conferences, with the 2019 event becoming a sold-out success, reaching the maximum number of sponsors and setting a milestone for the section. Beyond organizing events, I also focused on developing future leaders, mentoring and empowering new volunteers to ensure the long-term sustainability of the association. I strongly believe that building strong leadership pipelines is key to preserving AACE’s values and mission for future generations.

In 2023, I was honored to take on the role of Regional Director for AACE Region 10 (Latin America and the Caribbean), where I’ve worked directly to expand AACE’s footprint by supporting the creation and reactivation of sections in countries like Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and more. Strengthening these connections has been key to growing our global community.

One of my key initiatives has been to formally promote the translation of RPs into Spanish and Portuguese —a vision long pursued by others but never realized until now. Today, we have our first official translated RP, with more on the way, turning this long-standing dream into a reality.

I’m also passionate about certification being CCP, CEP and PSP certified and as a professor, I have delivered CCP and PSP preparation courses in Spanish to over 200 professionals across LATAM, helping others advance in their careers within AACE.

I’ve had the privilege to be as a speaker at conferences in AACE Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and the USA, promoting our mission and connecting with professionals worldwide.

Goals/Objectives:

AACE has been a cornerstone in my professional journey, and I’m committed to giving back. As Director At Large, I will continue to champion our global community, foster growth, and strengthen the connections that make AACE so special.

1.Expand AACE’s Global Reach Through Multilingual and Accessible Resources

Advocate for the translation and adaptation of a broader range of AACE resources, including RPs, TCM and educational materials—into multiple languages. My goal is to make AACE’s vast knowledge base accessible to professionals worldwide, breaking language barriers and fostering a global community.

2.Strengthen Leadership Development at the Local Level

Implement a structured leadership development program specifically designed for local sections in and outside the USA, creating an achievable roadmap to help sections cultivate strong future leaders. This initiative will ensure sustainable growth and long-term success across all regions.

3.Support Section Growth Through Direct Engagement with RDs

Work closely with Regional Directors, providing hands-on support to drive the creation, reactivation, and strengthening of sections. My focus will be on building strong relationships, offering guidance, and ensuring each RD has the support to help their sections thrive.

4.Promote Fair/Accessible Membership & Certification Opportunities

Advocate for a thoughtful evaluation of membership and certification exam pricing to ensure greater accessibility worldwide. Recognizing that salary levels vary globally, I aim to explore affordable and fair pricing models that maintain AACE’s value while expanding access—ensuring professionals in regions like LATAM, EMEA can engage fully with AACE’s offerings without economic barriers, while still respecting the organization’s sustainability.

João Paulo Matos Dias, PSP

João Dias holds two Master of Science degrees - one in Civil Engineering and another in Data Science - and brings 15 years of experience in construction project management, planning, scheduling, and change management. His expertise spans over large EPC global projects with roles focusing on project controls, and analytics, with a strong focus on integrating systems across multiple stakeholders and managing complex project interfaces.

Beyond his project controls industry contributions, leading the AACE Region 9 as a Director, João is also deeply engaged in AI and digital transformation for construction, exploring how large language models (LLMs) can enhance project delivery and risk mitigation. His research and professional focus align with advancing project controls through technology, optimizing decision-making, and improving project efficiency.

He has been actively involved in mentoring, knowledge-sharing, and professional development initiatives, particularly in bridging global best practices in project controls. His expertise in schedule and cost engineering and passion for education and outreach position him as a strong advocate for the global professional community.

Goals/Objectives:

• Expand Global Outreach: Strengthen international engagement within the association by fostering collaborations between professionals, sections, and industry leaders worldwide.
• Promote Knowledge Sharing: Support the development of digital knowledge-sharing platforms, webinars, and publications to connect experts in project controls, risk management, and AI-driven construction methodologies.
• Support Membership Growth: Contribute to initiatives that attract and retain global members, ensuring diverse perspectives and regional expertise are well-represented.
• Increase Innovation in Project Controls: Advocate for technological advancements, including AI, digital twins, and predictive analytics, to enhance project performance and industry best practices.
• Uphold the Association’s Mission: Work alongside the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, policies, and professional development programs that align with the association’s long-term objectives.