Dr. Johnny Fortune, Ed.D., CDT, CM-BIM, CM-Lean, LEED AP, is President and Senior Consultant of AECO Digital Technologies and a nationally recognized leader in digital transformation for the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner/operator industry. With more than 20 years of experience advancing BIM, VDC, digital standards, performance improvement, and technology adoption, he has contributed to major industry initiatives including the National BIM Standard–United States, National CAD Standard, Digital Twins for the Built Environment, and standards work with VA, USACE, and the National Institute of Building Sciences. Johnny previously served as Executive Director of the U.S. National BIM Program and has held leadership roles within various industry-focused organizations and committees. His work centers on helping AECO organizations align people, process, technology, and standards to improve project delivery, reduce risk, and support practical, lasting digital transformation.
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.
