Business View-Oct 2023

CONSTRUCT ION MANAGEMENT ASSOCIAT ION OF AMERICA (CMAA) Andrea S. Rutledge, CAE, the President & CEO of CMAA, recalls, “In 1982, the role, profession, and scope of work of a construction manager was poorly understood. What was emerging in the 80s was the understanding that the role of a construction manager went beyond merely overseeing the creation of a structure. It encompassed a broad yet specific set of activities centered around quality, scope, schedule, cost, safety, and function.” For nearly four decades, the primary focus of CMAA was to define the profession, enhance its professionalism, and build a competent workforce. This dedication led to the establishment of the first standards of practice and the introduction of the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential in the 90s. Rutledge continues, “There’s a whole 35, almost 40-year body of work around defining the role as a professional service, expanding the understanding of the role to project owners, and building on the professionalism of those engaged in construction management.” However, the last few years have seen the association’s direction shift. Following a comprehensive strategic planning effort in 2021 and 2022, the CMAA Board of Directors acknowledged the vast achievements since its inception and recognized the profession’s evolving nature. “The profession is bigger, encompassing more disciplines and deeper expertise. It goes beyond single projects, addressing whole programs of work for various entities like airports, transportation departments, and city agencies,” Rutledge explains. This realization prompted a change in the association’s mission and vision.The renewed mission of CMAA is centered on supporting and developing the professionals leading the delivery of programs and projects, with a vision to be the voice of the program and construction management profession and the premier resource for professionals in the built environment. Navigating the Staffing Landscape In today’s dynamic employment landscape, staffing remains a pivotal concern for many industries. The program and construction management sector is no exception. With more job openings than there are professionals to fill them, the challenge of finding the right talent is ever-present. Rutledge sheds light on this pressing issue from the perspective of CMAA “There has not been a day since I started at CMAA that