2026 Slate of Candidates

Cindy L. Hands, P.Eng. MCL CCP

 Cindy is a Senior Project Controls Manager with 35 years of experience in the infrastructure, mining, oil and gas, energy, and construction industries. She has supported mega projects worldwide and worked with world-class international engineering, fabrication, and construction contractors. She has been a project controls manager for several major EPCM firms, overseeing project controls teams across North America.Cindy is currently an associate with Hatch Ltd. (20 years).

Cindy has a degree in Civil Engineering from Memorial University and a master’s degree in leadership. She is a Certified Cost Professional (CCP), a Professional Engineer, and aResponsible Member (APEGA, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta, Canada). She has extensive knowledge of project planning and delivery, estimate development, cost management, scheduling, progress measurement, and status reporting.

Cindy has a passion for project controls. She has been active in the local Calgary-Chinook Section of AACE since 2001. She has previously been elected to AACE leadership roles including 2014-2016 when she served as President of AACE Canada (Regional Director 1), overseeing 10+ Canadian sections and serving on the International AACE Board. She was next elected to the Board of Directors as VP Membership from 2020-2021. From 2021-2022, she served as the Membership Advisory Committee (MAC) Chair. From 2022 through June 2026, Cindy has been the Treasurer for both the AACE International Board of Directors and the AACE Certification Institute Board. 

Further, Cindy collaborates with industry professionals and university professors to provide project controls training (including AACE certification training) across North America (3Targets.com). She is also the proud mom of two active teenage boys. 

 Goals/Objectives

• After enjoying an incredible career delivering major capital projects, and utilizing the knowledge and network of AACE, being the president of AACE would be a way to give back.   
• Safeguard the great work done by past leaders of AACE.
• Ensure the association stays true to its vision, mission and values.
• Ensure budgeting and spending align with the association’s strategic plan.
• Grow and evolve the association, keeping it relevant for the next generation of members and industry participants.

Omoniyi (Niyi) Ladipo, CCP EVP 

Niyi Ladipo graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1984. Later, she earned a Master of Science in Construction Management and Economics in 1994 from the University of Greenwich, United Kingdom. She has over 37 years of US and overseas experience in construction and construction management. Over the last 21 years, she has been employed with MBP. She serves as vice president and service executive within the Consulting Practice Line.

She has been an active member of AACE since 2005 and has served as National Capital Section secretary, president, chair for scholarships and college outreach, and board member. She has also been actively involved with the Region 2 Symposium, serving as the Region 2 Director, a member of the AACE Marketing Advisory Committee, and a member of the Ethics Committee at the association level. Most recently, Niyi has served on the Board of Directors as Director-at-Large.

She has authored papers and presented at AACE Conference & Expo meetings, at AACE Region 2 Symposia, and at other professional association conferences on topics related to cost management, earned value management, schedule reviews in construction, cost engineering successes and solutions, and Transit sector successes. She has also authored a chapter in the Construction Law Update on earned value management.

Goals/Objectives:

• Will work closely with others on the Board of Directors to uphold and promote the mission and vision of our association.
• Will work closely with AACE Headquarters staff to support the control and reporting of the Association financial transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices, and present quarterly reports to the Board of Directors.
• Will support the Board of Directors in the investment of the Association’s funds in accordance with Board-approved policy.
• Will prepare an annual budget and submit it to the Board of Directors for review and approval prior to the start of the Association fiscal year.
• Will submit the Association financial records for inspection by an outside auditor, per the Board of Directors’ requirements.
• Will approve expenditures, per the Association’s requirements and will serve on the AACE International Certification Institute Board, to support its mission.

 

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.