Lean: The Basics and a Live Roundtable

Meet the Facilitators

Jeff Bonk

Jeff has more than 28 years of experience in facilities in a variety of capacities that include master electrician, facilities manager, project manager, electrical engineer, and university leader. This broad range of experience has allowed him to effectively lead capital projects valued at more than $200M in the past four years. 

Currently serving as a Project Delivery Manager at MSU, Jeff has the opportunity to lead engineers, architects, designers, and project managers in the planning, design, and construction of capital projects. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and is both a Certified Facilities Manager (CFM-IFMA) and a LEED AP (USGBC). 

Kate Edwards

Kate is the Vice President of Quality at The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company – a multi-billion-dollar construction organization with a reputation for excellence since 1909. Skilled in strategic visioning, planning and alignment, she focuses on culture and behavior combined with methodical process to drive transformative results. She enjoys building construction projects, but is fueled by building people, passionately championing teams, and driving continuous improvement.

Prior to her current role, Kate managed over $500 million in construction projects in healthcare, higher education, parking, entertainment, cultural, and senior living which helped develop her proficiencies in risk assessment and mitigation, construction team management, leadership and communication, and overall project cost, schedule, and quality management controls.

Kate earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and an MBA from Loyola College (now Loyola University Maryland) with a focus on leadership and management. She is a 2017 recipient of the Baltimore Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Honor and presented as the 2018 Keynote Speaker for the national Advancing Construction Quality Conference. She serves on the national Construction Quality Executive Council (CQEC), advocating to advance quality in the built environment, and has actively participated in the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) as a Congress champion, presenter, and Lean coffee host and facilitator.

Mark Jussaume

Mark is the Office Director for the Boston office of SmithGroup, a multidisciplinary design firm serving clients across the U.S. and internationally. Previously, Mark led a highly regarded Boston-based architecture/engineering firm specializing in healthcare that joined SmithGroup in 2018. 

Mark began his career as a mechanical engineer, emphasizing healthcare design and A/E integration. In his 30+-year career, he has taken on various roles, including engineering discipline lead, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. While his titles and day-to-day responsibilities have changed, his passion and purpose have remained consistent. Mark is committed to working and leading in a way that brings out the best in people, inviting growth, respect, and continuous learning. 

Mark is a trained facilitator for the Arbinger Institute in Outward Mindset and Outward Leadership training. He is trained in Lean practices and actively promotes Lean through various speaking and training opportunities, including local and national Lean Construction Institute (LCI) events and training. Mark is a certified executive coach and enjoys working with people to help them tap into their potential and talent. 

Mark’s current passions include integrating Lean thinking and practices into the design and construction process. He has an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology and is a registered Professional Engineer specializing in HVAC engineering.