NCCER’s The Builders’ Briefing: Building Construction Connections
NCCER’s The Builders’ Briefing Webinar program presents Building Construction Connections, hosted by Cathy Tyler, NCCER’s Director of Workforce Development. Join us to learn how the Golden Triangle Empowerment Center partnered with Kiewit to build training programs that meet local industry needs in Port Arthur, TX.On Thursday, August 21st at 2PM, discover how schools, training programs and employers can work together to create pathways to employment and new talent pipelines.
Dr. Melissa Perkins, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships, NCCER
Dr. Melissa L. Perkins, CFRE, is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in philanthropy, institutional advancement, and marketing strategy. As Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships at NCCER, she spearheads fundraising initiatives, builds organizational partnerships, and drives impact through philanthropic investments. Her personal passion is helping organizations measure their social impact. She is the author of “The Viability of Venture Philanthropy in a Nonprofit Organization” and creator of Not Every Nonprofit, a blog exploring the intersectionality between innovation and best practices in nonprofit leadership. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science and Doctorate in Public Administration from Walden University. She has been a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2014 and is an active volunteer for CFRE International and Global Underwater Explorers.
Melvin R. White
President, MRSW Management, LLC
Founder of the Golden Triangle Empowerment Center, Melvin R. White is a leader in workforce development with a focus on construction training, small business support and digital inclusion. He has launched impactful programs across Texas and internationally to underserved communities with meaningful career pathways. A former Board Chair at Stephen F. Austin State University, Melvin continues to champion partnerships that build strong, resilient workforces for the future.
Ron Duce
HR Director, Craft and Field Operations, Kiewit
Ron Duce leads craft and field HR operations at Kiewit, overseeing training, recruiting and workforce development across North America. With 29 years at Kiewit, including two decades in construction management, Duce brings deep field experience to building and supporting a skilled construction workforce. Ron also chairs the Workforce Development Committee for NCCER.
Cathy Tyler
Director of Workforce Development, NCCER
Cathy Tyler oversees workforce development, accreditation and customer success at NCCER, where she has championed construction education for over 25 years. A recognized thought leader, she has led national partnerships and served on boards such as ACCE and NAWIC. Cathy was recently honored in Port Arthur, TX for her contributions to community-based workforce development initiatives.