Infraday Midwest

The Big Picture

The 6th Infraday Midwest 2025

July 15 | Chicago, IL

The Midwest is at the heart of America’s infrastructure evolution — and Infraday Midwest 2025 is where its future takes shape.

On July 15, join top public officials, industry leaders, and infrastructure decision-makers in Chicago for a one-day summit focused on the opportunities and challenges redefining the Midwest’s built environment. This year’s program convenes voices from across government, transportation, energy, logistics, housing, and technology to explore how the region is rebuilding, modernizing, and preparing for what's next.

Through high-impact panels, expert presentations, and meaningful networking, Infraday Midwest will dive into:

The next wave of state and local infrastructure investment
Transforming transit, highways, and rail across the region
Grid resilience, renewable energy, and transmission expansion
Water infrastructure, flood protection, and climate adaptation
The Midwest’s role in semiconductor and manufacturing resurgence
The smart city revolution — AI, 5G, and cybersecurity in urban planning
Workforce development, labor shortages, and the future of skilled trades
New models for funding and executing critical infrastructure projects

Hear directly from leaders shaping the region’s infrastructure future — from city and state agencies to utilities, developers, tech innovators, and transportation authorities. If you’re building in the Midwest, this is your room.

Whether you're working on highways, water systems, manufacturing, data, housing, or electrification — Infraday Midwest is your launchpad for insight, connection, and collaboration.

Interested in partnering with us? Visit www.infraday.com/partner

Point of Contact:
Ken Bauco | 646-675-0171 | ken@infraday.com

Meet the 2025 Speakers

Adam Salgado, Development Commissioner, City of New Rochelle, NY

Adam Salgado is the Commissioner of Development for the City of New Rochelle, where he leads city planning, transit-oriented development, and economic revitalization initiatives. With over a decade of public sector leadership experience—including roles at NYC DOT and HPD—he brings deep expertise in housing, infrastructure, and urban transformation. Salgado is a champion of inclusive, community-driven growth, overseeing projects like the city’s $125 million train station redesign.

AJ Waters, Chief Evangelist, Kahua, Inc.

AJ Waters is the Chief Evangelist at Kahua and the creator of TheEngiNerdLife, where he breaks down construction tech in a way that actually makes sense. He’s spent the last 15+ years helping teams across construction and infrastructure embrace digital tools — from jobsite workflows to complex capital projects, including time at Google’s data center team. AJ’s known for cutting through the buzzwords and showing how tech can solve real problems in the field. At his core, he’s a curious problem-solver who believes the best ideas start with asking better questions.

Bruce Coffing, Chief Information Security Officer, City of Chicago

Bruce Coffing is the Chief Information Security Officer for the City of Chicago, where he leads municipal cybersecurity strategy and operations. With over 25 years of experience across public and private sectors—including senior roles at Bank of America, ABN AMRO, and Accenture—he brings deep expertise in risk management, identity and access governance, and digital resilience. He also serves on the board of the Coalition of City CISOs, advancing secure, tech-forward city government nationwide.

Bryan Peckinpaugh, Public Affairs Director, City of Detroit Water & Sewerage Department

Bryan Peckinpaugh is the Public Affairs Director at the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, where he leads strategic communications and public engagement initiatives around water infrastructure, affordability, and customer education. With more than two decades of experience in media relations, policy communications, and community campaigns, he’s known for delivering impactful messaging that builds trust between government and the public. Bryan holds a Public Leadership Credential from Harvard Kennedy School and has advised leaders across the public and nonprofit sectors. He also serves on the boards of Community Living Services and the University of Michigan-Dearborn Alumni Society.

Christine Flynn, Public Sector Consultant, Workforce Policy Lab, Northern Illinois University

Christine Flynn, MSW, MPA, is a Public Sector Consultant at Workforce Policy Lab at Northern Illinois University where she leads high-impact initiatives shaping workforce and economic development policy. A seasoned public sector leader with over a decade of experience, she has a proven record of advancing equitable policy solutions through advocacy, nonprofit leadership, resource development, and organizational strategy. At the Workforce Policy Lab, Christine has been instrumental in the design and implementation of flagship programs for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, including major statewide efforts under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Illinois Works Jobs Act—initiatives recognized as models for equitable workforce development nationally.

Christine holds a Master of Social Work in Leadership and Development from Loyola University Chicago and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield.

Christopher Meister, Executive Director, Illinois Finance Authority

Chris Meister has served as Executive Director of the Illinois Finance Authority (“Authority”), our State’s infrastructure bank, since 2009. Chris serves as the Authority’s chief executive officer and has overseen the presentation, approval and closing of over 390 individual transactions, mainly federally tax-exempt conduit bonds involving privately-owned capital projects and publicly-owned infrastructure with an estimated dollar value of over $13.7 billion Significant achievements include the Triple-A rated (S&P/Fitch) Illinois State Revolving Fund (“SRF”) Bonds, Series 2013, which restructured the SRF Program to enable increased leveraging while also representing the first SRF issue in Illinois in nearly 10 years (December 2013); removing nearly $40 million in contingent State Moral Obligation Bonds through the redemption and cash defeasance of the Authority’s Rural Bond Bank Local Government Bond Program (August 2014); and various Recovery Zone Facilities Bonds, including importantly, the Navistar International Corporation conduit transaction (2010). With respect to transportation infrastructure, working with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, Chris served as Finance Committee Co-Chair of the Elgin-O’Hare Western Access/By-Pass Commission, Finance Committee Co-Chair of the Illinois 53/120 Committee (Lake County, Illinois), and worked on the Authority’s CenterPoint Joliet Terminal Railroad conduit transactions (2010; 2012). In November 2014, Chris received the Council of Development Finance Agencies’ “Federal Development Finance Leadership Award” for his work with Congressman Randy Hultgren in introducing the Modernizing American Manufacturing Bonds Act (MAMBA) that will bring industrial development revenue bonds into the 21st century and help to finance manufacturing facility projects that will bring manufacturing jobs back to America. Chris also served as the Authority’s General Counsel from 2007 to 2009.

Prior to joining the Authority, Chris was Director of Legislative Affairs for the Illinois Department of Commerce (2003-2007) where his most significant accomplishment was the enactment and extension of the Illinois Film Tax Credit. Before his State public service, Chris has also worked in private law practice, most recently at Holland & Knight LLP. Chris is an Edgar Fellow (University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs) and was a law clerk for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary Ann McMorrow. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and DePaul University’s College of Liberal Arts. Chris and his wife, Connie, live in Oak Park, Illinois, with their four children, Jake, Julia, David and Kathryn.

Dan Lohrmann, Field Chief information Security Officer (CISO) for Public Sector, Presidio

Dan Lohrmann is a globally recognized cybersecurity leader, keynote speaker, and bestselling author with over three decades of public and private sector experience. He currently serves as Field CISO for Public Sector at Presidio, advising government agencies on strategic cybersecurity solutions. Formerly Michigan’s first Chief Security Officer, Dan is a trusted voice on cyber resilience, regularly contributing to leading publications and speaking at major conferences worldwide.

Hilary-Scott Ogunrinde, Deputy Director, Office of Energy & Business Utility, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

Hilary Scott-Ogunrinde, B.S., MPH (pronounced O-goo-ren-day) is a transformational leader in clean energy whose work sits at the intersection of environmental justice, economic equity, and community empowerment. With deep expertise in business development, operations management, grant administration, and organizational development, she has spent her career fostering transformative change through cross-sector collaboration, regulatory integrity, and strategic vision. Hilary’s work has become a regional catalyst for clean energy transition efforts in the Midwest. Her leadership in developing and financing environmentally and socially impactful infrastructure projects across Illinois and Missouri reflects her commitment to systemic solutions to climate, workforce, and economic challenges. She currently serves as Deputy Director of the Office of Energy & Business Utility at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, where she leads state-level initiatives advancing energy equity and sustainable development. Her impact has been recognized with several honors, including being named a Leader in Cleantech by the Clean Energy Business Network (2022) receiving the Outstanding Public Servant Award from Prairie Rivers Network (2024), and Helen Stump Award from United Congregations of Metroeast (2025).

Outside of her professional work, Hilary is a proud mother, devoted family member, and steadfast champion of those she serves and works alongside.

Jagadeesh Yedetore, Digital Solutions Architect, Discovery Partners Institute

Jagadeesh Yedetore is a Digital Solutions Architect at the Discovery Partners Institute, where he bridges academia and industry to drive equitable economic development through research-driven innovation. With over two decades of experience in systems design and engineering leadership across organizations like Illinois Applied Research Institute, Tellabs, and ADTRAN, he specializes in crafting strategic solutions to complex technical challenges. He currently helps shape the vision of the CLEETS Global Center, advancing cutting-edge research in logistics, energy, and transportation systems.

James Coston, Executive Chairman, Corridor Rail Development

James Coston is Executive Chairman of Corridor Rail Development, where he leads efforts to finance and develop intercity and commuter rail infrastructure across the U.S. He also serves as Chairman of Corridor Capital LLC, a private investment firm focused on transportation-related assets. With over four decades of experience in rail policy and finance, James previously held leadership roles at Coston & Coston LLC and Coston & Lichtman, and served on the Amtrak Reform Council. Based in Chicago, he is widely regarded as a leading voice in advancing modern passenger rail solutions.

Jamie Lock, Chief Stormwater Engineer, DuPage County Stormwater Management

Jamie Lock is Chief Stormwater Engineer for DuPage County, where he leads complex civil and environmental infrastructure efforts across the region. With nearly two decades of experience, he has worked extensively on stormwater management, flood mitigation, and regulatory permitting. Jamie holds dual degrees in Civil Engineering and German from Michigan State University.

Jeff Stone, Commissioner/Chair, Milwaukee Metro Sewerage District Commission

Jeff Stone is Vice President at Kapur & Associates and Chair of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District Commission, bringing over 30 years of experience in public policy, infrastructure, and economic development. He has led major transportation initiatives across Wisconsin and served in roles ranging from State Representative to Division Administrator at the Public Service Commission. A strong advocate for regional collaboration, Jeff bridges public and private sectors to advance sustainable infrastructure solutions.

Jezieel Cortes, Deputy Procurement Officer, City of Chicago Department of Procurement Services

Jezieel Cortes is the Deputy Procurement Officer for Design & Construction at the City of Chicago’s Department of Procurement Services, where they lead procurement efforts for large-scale infrastructure and capital improvement projects. In this role, Jezieel works closely with city agencies and vendors to ensure transparent, efficient, and equitable procurement practices. With a focus on public-sector project delivery, they bring extensive experience in contract management, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder coordination.

Jim Doten, Carbon Sequestration Program Manager, City of Minneapolis - Health

James Doten is the Carbon Sequestration Program Manager for the City of Minneapolis, where he leads municipal biochar and durable carbon storage initiatives. A professional geologist with nearly four decades of experience, he has worked across the public, private, and military sectors to advance climate resilience and environmental innovation. He also serves on the board of the North American Biochar Council and founded the Minnesota Biochar Initiative.

Kevin Campbell, Director - Maintenance Operations, City of Chicago

Kevin Campbell is the Director of Maintenance Operations for the City of Chicago's Department of Fleet & Facility Management (2FM), overseeing one of the nation’s largest municipal fleets. With over 30 years of experience in engineering, fleet management, and public sector operations, he specializes in vehicle procurement, budgeting, and strategic maintenance planning. His leadership ensures efficient service delivery across more than 12,000 vehicles and assets citywide. Kevin is committed to innovation and operational excellence in municipal infrastructure management.

Khurshid Hoda, Director, Engineering Department, Village of Orland Park

Khurshid Hoda is the Director of Engineering Programs and Services for the Village of Orland Park, Illinois, where he leads multi-million dollar infrastructure, development, and transportation projects from concept to completion. With over 25 years of experience spanning public and private sectors—including roles at Kimley-Horn, 3M, and WGI—he specializes in innovative project delivery, strategic planning, and risk management. A licensed engineer and longtime adjunct professor at Western Michigan University, Khurshid is also a published thought leader in parking, safety, and urban mobility.

Lydia Ross, Senior Strategist, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Lydia Ross is a civic leader and arts policy expert serving as Senior Strategist at Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), where she leads major public art initiatives and citywide cultural strategy. She has directed over $20 million in capital investments, including Chicago’s largest public art acquisition in three decades. With prior roles at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Creative Time, Lydia brings a deep commitment to equity, education, and community engagement in the arts.

Mohammed Elahi, Deputy Director, Cook County Government

Mohammed Elahi is Deputy Director of Economic Development at Cook County Government, where he has led regional planning and clean energy initiatives since 2016. He brings over two decades of public-private experience, including senior roles at the City of Chicago, Loop Capital Markets, and Andes Capital Group. Mohammed’s work centers on driving investment, job creation, and inclusive growth across the greater Chicago area. He is a passionate advocate for advancing the clean energy economy and positioning Cook County as a hub for sustainable development.

Neha Soni, Senior Planner/Designer, Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH)

Neha Soni is a Senior Planner and Designer at the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, where she leads urban design and transportation planning initiatives. With a global background in architecture and planning across the U.S., UK, UAE, Qatar, and India, she brings a multidisciplinary and international perspective to sustainable infrastructure and equitable development. Neha is AICP and LEED ND certified, with expertise spanning comprehensive planning, transit-oriented development, and community-centered design.

Paul Sanderson, Director of New York Operations, Epstein

Paul Sanderson is a licensed architect and Partner at Epstein, where he leads complex, large-scale architecture and engineering projects across New York City and beyond. With over a decade of experience delivering high-impact developments like the Jacob K. Javits Center renovation and Port Authority Midtown Bus Terminal replacement, he specializes in turning intricate visions into built realities. Paul is known for his multidisciplinary leadership, technical precision, and commitment to design that drives economic and community transformation.

Robert Sinkler, Executive Director, Corn Belt Ports

Robert A. Sinkler is the Executive Director of Corn Belt Ports and a nationally recognized leader in inland waterway infrastructure, port development, and multi-modal logistics. A former senior officer in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, he directed major national initiatives including the $14B hurricane protection system in New Orleans and oversaw $30B in infrastructure across five Midwestern states. He has served as a strategic advisor at the Pentagon, Water Infrastructure Director at The Nature Conservancy, and currently sits on multiple boards advancing sustainable waterway development. Robert brings deep expertise in environmental resilience, freight systems, and interagency coordination at the regional and national levels.

Sayeh Amirshaghaghi, Chief Water Engineer, City of Chicago Department of Water Management

Sayeh Amirshaghaghi is the Chief Water Engineer for the City of Chicago’s Department of Water Management, where she leads the planning and delivery of major infrastructure projects across the city’s water and sewer systems. With over a decade of experience in civil and structural engineering, she has held key roles at AECOM, SOM, and the City of Chicago. Sayeh holds dual master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Sharif University of Technology and the Illinois Institute of Technology, where she was awarded the IIT Dean's Fellowship.

Stephan Dallendorfer, Partner, Director of Transportation, FXCollaborative

Stephan plays a diverse leadership role, having served as a senior designer, project manager, and project director on a range of projects spanning transportation, residential, institutional, cultural, and commercial.

Growing up in Europe, Stephan was convinced of his involvement in architecture from an early age. Now a proud New Yorker for the past 20 years, he teaches at New York University, and is a frequent guest critic at Cornell and Pratt Universities.

An avid traveler with an international eye, Stephan is a strong advocate for approaching new projects with an open mind and a healthy dose of curiosity. With a focus on residential design and transportation, his work includes award-winning designs, studies and leadership on several major projects in the New York City area, including The Greenwich Lane, 35XV, Penn and Moynihan Stations, and Newark Penn Station.

Tamakia Edwards, Executive Director, Illinois Capital Development Board

Tamakia "TJ" Edwards previously served as the Chief Strategy Officer for a minority owned small business firm in the Chicago Metro Area. TJ is a seasoned strategist, operations leader, and change agent with a history of leading organizations through a range of transformational initiatives of varying size and scope. In 2020, Tamakia joined the Illinois Capital Development Board as the Chief of Staff. For that role, she set the tone, direction, and clear vision for the organization’s growth, partnering with the Board and staff to optimize day-to-day operations and deliver against key business objectives. TJ spent 12 years with U.S. General Services Administration where she served in many roles, including cost estimating, project management, and program management.

With a value-added mindset and always with an eye to the future, TJ continually distinguishes herself as a growth driver, value creator, and business partner to her leadership teams. TJ is active in her community as evidenced in service to the Indian Boundary YMCA, job coach with the People’s Resource Center, former Hinsdale D86 Board member, Special Facilities committee member, and on the Community Equity Leadership Team. TJ holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology. TJ resides with her husband Herb and their three sons in Chicagoland area.

Teresa Fourcher, Program Director, Amtrak

Teresa Fourcher is a licensed architect and urban planner currently serving as Program Director at Amtrak, where she leads the Chicago Hub Improvement Program. With over 15 years of experience in transit-oriented development, sustainable design, and large-scale public infrastructure, she brings a multidisciplinary lens to reshaping urban mobility and station accessibility. Teresa’s work reflects a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and the human experience of urban space.

Interested in becoming a partner or exhibitor? Please contact ken@infraday.com

Industry Partners

Avicado Construction Technology Services

Avicado empowers construction owners to leverage their systems and data. Our experts partner with enterprise organizations like data centers, universities, hospitals, public agencies, and developers to create seamless interoperability across their teams and technologies.

As a construction owner’s strategic partner, Avicado reduces churn on construction programs and fosters healthy, data-driven decision-making. We bring our unparalleled construction technology expertise to every project, no matter the size.

Kahua

Kahua helps you manage processes, documents and cost on your construction programs and projects from inception to closeout. Purpose-built solutions for owners, program managers, general contractors and subcontractors help you minimize time-to-value and enhance user adoption. Kahua enables collaboration between all project participants to streamline communication and improve efficiency. Eliminate waste and rework by keeping everyone on the same page with the latest design and scope information. And with Kahua’s comprehensive dashboards and reporting, you get the visibility and control you need to minimize risk.

Kahua is a lifecycle solution, with applications for capital planning, sources of funds, design review, bid management, document management & control, cost management and asset handover. Kahua is available on all mobile devices to easily connect field to office.

Kahua apps are built on kBuilder, an Enterprise Low-Code Application Platform which enables Kahua partners and customers to rapidly build new apps or customize existing apps to extend or enhance Kahua solutions. This gives you the agility you need to adapt as your business needs evolve. To date, over 600 private and public apps have been developed on kBuilder, and public apps are available to the Kahua community on the kStore app marketplace.

Procore

Procore is a cloud-based construction management platform that streamlines project workflows. It connects all project stakeholders—from owners and contractors to subcontractors—on a single, collaborative platform. For public sector projects, this means improved transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Procore facilitates real-time communication, document control, bid management, and cost tracking, helping ensure projects stay on time and within budget. It enhances collaboration, reduces risk, and provides valuable data insights for better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle, ultimately benefiting taxpayers.

Municipal, State & Federal Partners

City of Chicago | Department of Procurement Services

The Department of Procurement Services (DPS) is the contracting, certification, and compliance authority for the City of Chicago. DPS maintains the highest commitment to diversity, transparency, and innovation while continuously expanding the resources and programs that empower citizens to become involved in the contracting opportunities available at the City.

2025 Agenda

2025 Venue

City Hall - Recess
838 W. Kinzie
Chicago, IL 60642