STROUD

John Michael Stroud
Worked his way up from odd jobs to leading specialty contracting firm
39, President
J.B. Henderson Construction Co.
Albuquerque

Recently named president of J.B. Henderson Construction Co., John Michael Stroud began his 24-year career at the firm pulling weeds at one of the 53-year-old Albuquerque company's offices. Stroud's family has a strong legacy within the firm; both his father and grandfather worked in the mechanical department, and his mother cleaned offices. After simultaneously completing the construction management program at the University of New Mexico and an apprenticeship program with Local Union 412 Plumbers and Pipefitters, Stroud worked his way up to become one of J.B. Henderson's top project managers, tackling hundreds of complex higher education, microelectronics and national laboratory projects. After 16 years in that role, he was promoted again to Rio Rancho area manager, where he managed multimillion-dollar projects in the Albuquerque suburb. Stroud's unique blend of management and field experience, along with a dedication to continuing education, helps him lead by example and maintain the company's excellent reputation for safety and quality control.

TURCHIN

Jennifer Turchin
Industry activist promoting sustainability in architecture
31, Principal/Senior Consultant
Coda Architecture/Sellen Sustainability
Las Vegas

In just a few short years, Jennifer Turchin has made a tremendous impact on Nevada's design community by taking on leadership roles in numerous industry and community organizations. She is president-elect of the USGBC in Nevada and chairs the Developing Leaders Institute committee for the state's NAIOP chapter, a commercial real estate association. She also serves as AIA+2030 Professional Education Series moderator for the AIA Las Vegas and recently received the chapter's Young Architect Award. While continuing to manage green consulting projects for Sellen Sustainability, Turchin started her own architectural practice with her husband, Kevin, focusing on sustainable architecture.

UMBERGER

Erin Umberger
Combines creative and scientific smarts into great building designs
37, Associate, Project Director
Westlake Reed Leskosky
Phoenix

With bachelor's degrees in both biology and biochemistry and a master's in architecture, Erin Umberger brings a unique blend of critical thinking skills and rigorous scientific methodology to her creative skills in designing health care, performing arts and historic preservation projects. Whether designing an operating room or a contemporary theater space, Umberger balances her right/left brain talents to successfully lead integrated project teams. One standout project was the $42-million transformation of a Las Vegas federal courthouse into the MOB Museum on organized crime and law enforcement, where she managed her internal WRL team along with 18 specialized consultants across the U.S. Even during construction, Umberger stayed on to help represent the City of Las Vegas and coordinate with the general contractor and subcontractors. She was project manager on Lone Tree Arts Center in Colorado, WRL's first performing arts facility executed in REVIT. She also helps guide adoption of new design technologies.

WAGNER

Jeff Wagner
Architect and educator who inspires emerging designers
33, Principal
[N]Site Studios
Las Vegas

Despite his young age, Jeff Wagner is already a veteran of the Las Vegas architecture community. He received his master's degree in architecture from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and in 2008 joined local firm RAFI, where he worked his way up from project manager to director of operations. Believing that both academic and professional advancement are the cornerstones of a successful architect, Wagner began a full-time teaching position at the College of Southern Nevada in 2007 that continues to this day. He also serves on the AIA of Las Vegas board, representing and mentoring young architects. In 2012 Wagner left RAFI to form his own practice, [N]Site Studios, while continuing to support several community organizations such as 1percent.org and Skills USA. He hopes to instill similar values in his design students by involving them with Spirit Therapies, a local organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding for physically and mentally challenged individuals.