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About Us

AEC Cares is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that engages the architecture, engineering, and construction industry to come together each year for a day of service. AEC Cares is actively supported by ConstructConnect and our generous sponsors, donors, and volunteers to make as big of a community impact as possible.

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AECCares - New Orleans (2011)

Our History

AEC Cares was founded in 2011 by a group of passionate professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, united by a shared vision to give back to communities in need. The organization’s first project took place in New Orleans, where over 80 volunteers came together to renovate five homes damaged by the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. This inaugural effort marked the beginning of AEC Cares’ ongoing mission to transform communities through the power of collaboration, expertise, and service.

Since then, AEC Cares has grown significantly, organizing annual renovation projects in cities across the United States. Through partnerships with local nonprofits, building material suppliers, contractors, and design professionals, AEC Cares has brought new hope to communities in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Each year, the organization selects a new city and project that can have a lasting, positive impact on the local community.

Supported by ConstructConnect and a network of generous sponsors, donors, and volunteers, AEC Cares continues to expand its reach, creating spaces that inspire learning, healing, and growth. Our story is one of community, dedication, and the belief that small actions can lead to big changes, year after year.

A common goal

Partnerships

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As a major supporter of AEC Cares, ConstructConnect provides invaluable financial support, materials, and volunteer hours. Their contributions are central to the success of our initiatives, helping us make a lasting impact on communities in need.

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A global leader in paints, coatings, and specialty materials, PPG generously supplies products and expertise for our renovation projects. Their high-quality materials help ensure that the spaces we renovate are not only beautiful but durable and sustainable.

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Spartan Surfaces is a specialty flooring company that donates materials and supports our renovation efforts. Their contribution enhances the aesthetic and functional qualities of the spaces we transform, ensuring each project meets the highest standards.

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We partnered with Sasha Bruce Youthwork, a local nonprofit focused on supporting at-risk youth. Together, we renovated the REACH home, a vital resource for young people in the area, helping to create a safe, welcoming environment for those in need.

These partnerships are essential to the success of our work, providing the expertise, materials, and resources needed to transform spaces and uplift communities. We are deeply grateful for the support of all our collaborators, whose commitment to social impact makes our mission possible. Want to become a partner on our next project? Contact us today to get involved.

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Board of Directors

Jennifer Johnson

President

Jennifer Johnson is the Chief Product Officer (CPO) for ConstructConnect, overseeing Product Management, Product Marketing, User Experience, and Research. Since joining the company in 2008, Jennifer has provided leadership to the Product Management, Product Development, and Marketing teams. She has a passion for solving complicated problems and continuously enhancing the user experience. Jennifer has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and an MBA, both from Georgia Tech.

Mike Waldinger

Member at Large

Mike Waldinger, co-founder of AEC Cares and Board member, has participated in every project since its start, seeing each as a testament to the industry’s positive impact. With over 20 years of service to the American Institute of Architects in Illinois and Colorado, he now serves as CEO, leading efforts to enhance the architecture profession. Mike has authored legislation, developed programs, built partnerships, and mentored many in the field.

Rik Master

Member at Large

Richard C. (Rik) Master, FAIA, LEED AP, is a Research Architect and Building Scientist with over 40 years of experience. He currently works at Main Architecture in the Chicago area and is a former President of AIA Chicago and AIA Illinois, as well as a past member of the AIA National Strategic Council. Rik spent 37 years at USG, including 17 years at the USG Research Center, where he developed building systems and created USG ACTION, a technical information software that evolved into www.usgdesignstudio.com. He also led USG's Building Science and Sustainability teams until 2017.

Andrew Wilkinson

Member at Large

Andrew is a licensed architect in New York and Pennsylvania with NCARB certification. Since 2000, he has led his own firm in SoHo, NYC, with projects featured in major media outlets and on NBC’s Open House NYC and CBS’s New York By Design. His work includes residential and multi-family projects in the U.S., Sweden, and Latin America. Andrew holds a degree from Roger Williams University and lives in NYC with his wife, three daughters, and pitbull, Buttercup.

Jeff Cryder

Treasurer

Jeff holds a B.S. in Business Administration with an Accounting focus from Bowling Green State University. He began his career at Arthur Andersen in 1982 and earned his CPA soon after. Jeff held senior finance roles in industries including coal mining and metal forming. In 1999, he became CFO of Executive Jet Management, a NetJets subsidiary, and in 2007, CFO of iSqFt (now ConstructConnect). He was named EVP of Administration in 2018 and joined AEC Cares in 2016.

Derek Guffey

Secretary

Derek Guffey, Vice President of Sales for the Manufacturer Segment, has been with ConstructConnect since 2006. Prior to joining ConstructConnect, Derek worked as a registered architect for 12 years in the state of Indiana. Derek’s unique skillset provides him with a deep understanding of how data, analytics, architecture and building products come together in the built environment. Additionally, he is LEED AP, a member of AIA’s Manufactures Council, and Associate Member of the AIA.