Project & Finance Operations Forum

Debbie is BST Global’s Chief Product Officer, and a member of the BST Global Executive Management team. In her role, Debbie sets product vision and strategy for all BST Global software products worldwide. She leads a team of product directors and user interaction designers who are dedicated to delivering the most meaningful and effortless software experience possible.

Debbie also sets the vision and timing of all BST Global product releases to ensure that the release roadmap aligns with current business strategies and client and market demands, as well as delivers high-quality and timely product releases.

Debbie joined BST Global in 1999 as Head of the Americas Client Support Group, and in 2007, she was named Business Line Director of Finance and Accounting Management. In 2009, Debbie assumed her dual role as Director of Release Management, where she has played a significant role in shaping and leading the release program for all BST Global software products worldwide. In 2017, Debbie was named Chief Product Officer, which further broadened her area of leadership to include the product management, user-experience design, and project and release management.

Prior to joining BST Global, Debbie worked for Environmental Science & Engineering, a 3,000-person environmental and engineering consultancy, from 1988 to 1999 in a number of financial roles, culminating in her role as Corporate Controller.

Debbie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and an MBA from St. Leo University in St. Leo, Florida.

John is BST Global's Product Director of Audere and Project Pursuit and Delivery, with more than 25 years of experience at the nexus of professional services, business management and software systems. In his role, John leads cross-disciplinary teams focused on designing, building and stewarding innovative sales, project and operations management software for design consultancies.

John joined BST Global in 2001 and has spearheaded the design, launch and ongoing evolution of several products spanning opportunity management, project planning, resource management, mobile timesheets and earned value management.

Prior to joining BST Global, John was with Deloitte Consulting, focusing on business and technology needs of large construction projects. He also spent time in New York City, designing knowledge management solutions for architecture and engineering firms.

John is a certified Project Management Professional and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania.

Karen is the Director of Learning & Knowledge at Colliers Engineering & Design (CED) and a shareholder in the firm. She has 35+ years of experience in the AECO industry and more than 20 years with CED. Karen leads her team in designing, developing and implementing policies, practices, and initiatives for training and knowledge assets. She also collaborates with the Accounting team to identify and plan for effective training for the firm’s financial management programs. CED has been a BST Global client for more than 20 years, with Karen acting as their client manager and NE User Group facilitator. She has also participated in several BST Global product enhancement focus groups.

Karen holds a Bachelor of Science in Education and is located at CED’s Holmdel, NJ, office.

Ram is Executive Vice President and a second-generation family owner of DLZ. An Ohio-licensed Professional Engineer, Ram has 17 years of experience in the AEC industry and is committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure solutions. He leads DLZ’s growth initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and expansion into emerging markets such as renewable energy and hydrogen fueling.

DLZ Corporation is a minority- and family-owned engineering consulting firm headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. DLZ’s team of more than 1,000 professionals works across the country to design innovative, future-ready engineering solutions.