Johnny Fortune is a technology leader and subject matter expert in building information management (BIM) for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner/operator industry. He serves as the Director of the U.S. National BIM Program with the National Institute of Building Sciences, where he focuses on the program launch and implementation plan to improve efficiencies in the design and construction industry. Fortune has more than 20 years of experience in computer-aided design and BIM management. Throughout his career, he has successfully helped many professionals adopt various levels of design and construction technology, from hand drafting to virtual design and construction. His vast experience includes developing BIM strategies, standards, training, workflows, and integration with external stakeholders. Fortune is a contributing author for several national standards documents, including the USACE and VA BIM requirements. Fortune enjoys utilizing technology to improve business and industry processes and focuses on building meaningful and lasting relationships.
Brandon Searle, P. Eng. is the Innovation Director for the Off-site Construction Research Centre (OCRC) at the University of New Brunswick. Born in Moncton, N.B., he completed a BScE in civil engineering and a diploma in Technology Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of New Brunswick Before joining UNB, Brandon worked on capital projects from both the owner and contractor side followed by a four-year position with WSP where he was an asset management consultant. While with WSP, he worked toward an M.Eng. focusing on level of service in infrastructure management and completed a broad collection of courses in economics, project management, business, finance and engineering. Brandon serves as the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Western NB Section Past-Chair, CSCE Atlantic Region Treasurer and sits on the Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) Board of Directors.
