Meet Team EMI

Executive Leadership

Leadership

Podcast Hosts

Learning Instructors

Please note: Individuals on this page may be volunteers, part or full-time employees or contract freelance professionals.

Anthony Fasano, P.E.

Team EMI

Founder, Engineer, Lead Trainer and Coach

Anthony Fasano, P.E., is the founder and CEO of the Engineering Management Institute (EMI), where he helps engineering organizations build stronger leaders and project managers. After achieving early success as a civil engineer, he recognized that long-term career growth is driven not only by technical expertise, but by the development of core professional skills. This realization led him to transition from design work to coaching, speaking, and training engineers worldwide.
 
Fasano is the bestselling author of Engineer Your Own Success: 7 Key Elements to Creating an Extraordinary Engineering Career (IEEE-Wiley), and co-author of the children’s book series Purpee the Purple Dragon, created with his daughter. Together, they have donated hundreds of books to pediatric cancer centers around the world.
He is also the host of multiple top-ranked podcasts, including The Engineering Career Coach Podcast, recognized by Forbes as one of the most inspiring for professionals, and The Civil Engineering Podcast, which has surpassed one million downloads globally.
 
Fasano holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Lafayette College, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Columbia University, and an executive coaching certification from Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC).

Betty Arellano, AEC PM

Operations & Finance Leader

Betty Arellano is the Chief Operating Officer of the Engineering Management Institute (EMI), overseeing Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Learning & Development. She leads a dynamic team of project managers, designers, and delivery specialists to design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs that drive organizational growth — managing multiple initiatives simultaneously while keeping each one on time, within scope, and on budget.
 
Betty’s path to operations leadership is rooted in a strong technical foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University Philippines and her Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines (UP). After graduating, she co-founded a consulting firm with fellow UP alumni, helping companies navigate environmental compliance, permitting requirements, and impact assessments.
She was selected as one of the Philippine representatives for a 10-month Industrial Biotechnology and Technology Transfer program in Germany, which deepened her global perspective on engineering and innovation. She also played a pivotal role in launching a startup, serving as management representative for ISO 9000/14000 quality, environmental, health, and safety management systems.
Betty relocated to the United States in 2006 and joined the EMI team in 2012, where she has spent over a decade channeling her engineering discipline and global experience into building programs that develop the next generation of engineering leaders.
 

Alicia Peterson, MHR, SHRM-SCP

Human Resources Manager

Alicia Peterson, MHR, SHRM-SCP, joined the Engineering Management Institute as the Human Resources Manager in July 2025. With over ten years of extensive experience in human resources and people operations, she brings expertise in a variety of disciplines including employee engagement, organizational development, and leadership enablement.


Based in Oviedo Florida, Alicia views HR as a consultative partner in the organization and strives to adapt HR practices that align with their business goals and long-term strategic initiatives. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management with a Minor in Human Communications from the University of Central Florida, and a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Rollins College. Her work at EMI specifically aims to scale and streamline processes through periods of growth, build programs that represent EMI’s culture of “Give, Guide, Grow”, and support team members at all levels of the organization achieve professional growth and satisfaction.

Ana Prats, AEC PM

Team EMI

Design Team Leader

Ana is a civil engineer by background and a dedicated L&D professional, leading a team of highly skilled designers responsible for developing programs and creating all the customized materials to support our learners.

Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM

Strategic Initiatives Team Leader

Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the Strategic Initiatives Team Leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.

Michelle Cochran, AEC PM

Team EMI

Manager, Learning Program Operations

Michelle joined the EMI team in September 2023 after spending over six years in EdTech. In her current role as Manager of Learning Program Operations, she oversees the delivery of all programs and courses, as well as our webinars and certifications. In her time at EMI, Michelle has implemented a new Learning Management System (LMS) and assisted in the launch of the AEC PM Certification and AEC PM Connect event. Michelle is a Maryland native, currently living in the Baltimore area where she enjoys spending time with her family, coaching youth sports, and being an active member of her church.

Nick Heim, P.E.

Host of the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast,
and Co-Founder of Trinovate Advisors

Nick Heim, P.E., is a civil engineer with nearly a decade of experience in the repair and restoration of existing structures. Nick is the host of the AEC AI & Tech Strategy Podcast, and co-founder of Trinovate Advisors – an advisory firm focused on human-centered innovation in AEC. In all of his endeavors, Nick brings practical insights and expertise to listeners and clients worldwide. Nick’s interests lie at the intersection between the built world and technology, and he can be found looking for the ever-changing answer to the question, “How can we do this better?

Mike Lozanoff, P.E.

Mike Lozanoff, P.E. worked as a civil engineer on Infrastructure projects for years, began developing training programs for Project Managers, giving them the skills and tools necessary to effectively manage multiple projects. He became immersed in business development, created market growth strategies, facilitated leadership development programs, and has served on Boards of Directors for profit and non-profit businesses.

Richard Negri, P.E.

Richard Negri, P.E. is a seasoned Professional Engineer with a passion for merging his Civil Engineering expertise with the dynamic world of real estate. With a genuine commitment to helping others, Rich’s journey has taken him from the intricacies of geotechnical and light-framed structural design to the heart of construction and project management.

Susan Wolford

Susan Wolford is a licensed landscape architect, certified land planner, sustainable professional and LEED Green Associate with extensive experience in the coordination and overall management of a variety of site development projects for private clients and public agencies. She is involved in a multitude of land development phases for industrial, residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational facilities, as well as the preparation of complete site development documents for streetscape design, park facilities, and commercial site development. In the preparation of these plans, she has participated in public presentations and the development of design solutions responsive to social and environmental influences. As Regional Vice President, she was responsible for the operations and management of Pennoni’s four Virginia and one North Carolina offices.

Bob Hildebranski, P.E.

Bob Hildebranski is a licensed professional civil engineer with 35 years of experience in the heavy highway and infrastructure industry. Throughout his career, he has primarily served Departments of Transportation and municipal agencies in roles such as resident engineer and construction project manager. His expertise spans corporate and construction management, infrastructure planning, development and design, and construction surveying, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the full project lifecycle.

In addition to his professional work, Hildebranski is an adjunct instructor at Joliet Junior College, where he teaches construction layout, sharing his field knowledge with the next generation of engineers. He also hosts The Construction Engineering Show Podcast and manages a companion website, both dedicated to advancing the skills and insights of civil and construction engineering professionals.

Denise Nelson, P.E., CFM, ENV SP, LEED AP​

Denise Nelson is an Environmental Engineer and Planner, Certified Floodplain Manager, Envision Sustainability Professional, and LEED Accredited Professional, with 23 years of experience in sustainable development, community resilience, and creating training tailored for adult learners. Her background as a design engineer and more recent work in community development and stakeholder engagement provides extensive transferable knowledge for community planning, policy analysis, collaboration building, master planning, and grant applications (she has won over $77 million in grant funding for her clients since 2018). 

Mrs. Nelson founded Denise Nelson Advising (DNA), a small, women-owned business (SWaM) based in Richmond Virginia, in 2024 to provide support to government agencies and the AEC industry across Virginia, the US, and internationally. 

Luke Carter, Civil Engineer

Luke Carter brings over a decade of leadership and operational expertise from both the U.S. Marine Corps and the manufacturing industry. As an Infantry Officer, he led platoon- and company-size units on ship-borne and land-based deployments across Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

After earning his B.S. in Civil Engineering, Carter transitioned to the steel industry, where he honed his ability to align team and organizational goals to drive profitable outcomes. In 2021, he joined Talent Matters, leveraging predictive analytics, coaching, and leadership development to help companies select, develop, and retain top talent. In 2024, Talent Matters partnered with EMI to launch the AEC PM Behaviors Assessment.

Erin Khan, EIT, LEED AP BD+C

Erin Khan is a recognized leader in AEC technology, with more than a decade of combined experience in construction operations, data and process analysis, and software implementation. In 2023, she founded Erin Khan Consulting, where she delivers technology and innovation services to both contractors and construction technology startups, helping them optimize workflows, implement effective tools, and drive digital transformation.

Before launching EKC, Erin served as the National Director of Construction Solutions for Suffolk Construction, where she oversaw technology and innovation operations across the country. She holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Southern California, a Business Analytics certificate from The Wharton School, and is EIT, LEED AP BD+C, and OSHA-10 certified.

D'Angelo Woods, MEng, Electrical Engineer

D’Angelo Woods is a seasoned project management and engineering professional with over 15 years of experience leading teams and delivering complex projects. As an engineering division leader and accomplished actor, he offers a unique blend of technical expertise and creative insight, allowing him to connect with audiences in a compelling and relatable way. His diverse background equips him with a distinctive perspective on people management, team dynamics, and career development.

Specializing in creating engaging, actionable training experiences, D’Angelo draws on his strengths in communication, problem-solving, and storytelling to inspire and equip engineering professionals. His personal mission is to help others lead with confidence, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful, measurable results—transforming both individual careers and organizational performance.

James Alexander, PE

James Alexander, a Project Manager and licensed Professional Engineer with more than 30 years of experience delivering capital projects across the global energy industry. With a civil and structural engineering background and a master’s degree in civil engineering, he’s led energy projects ranging from quick‑turn site upgrades to multi‑billion‑dollar mega‑projects. Today, he’s here to share practical, real‑world project management insights drawn from decades of hands‑on work across the full capital project lifecycle that apply directly to the AEC Industry.

Jim Otis, PE

Jim Otis is a licensed professional engineer with 40 years of experience that includes design, project management, and staff coordination for private, municipal, and state projects – including over a dozen CTDOT jobs. Jim has been a Senior Project Manager, an Associate, and a Principal at various Connecticut-based engineering firms over the course of his career.