LEADERSHIP

WCOE is focused on helping our members’ businesses to grow and prosper. Dedicated to creating a level playing field for women-owned firms in the construction industry, WCOE is proud to represent large and small women-owned firms as well as executive women in policy-making positions with some of the largest corporations in the country.

WCOE has a prestigious reputation on Capitol Hill and uses that influence to advocate for issues important to women who have entered the construction industry. Whether it is equal to federal contracting opportunities, opposition to onerous federal regulatory burdens, support for expanding access to business financing or participation in Congressional hearings, WCOE represents our members’ business interests.

2024 WCOE OFFICERS

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Elisabeth DeCoursey is the managing member and president of Kansas City Testing and Engineering LLC. This D/WBE-certified firm specializes in civil and geotechnical engineering, drilling, construction materials testing and inspection, and environmental consulting. Founded in 1894, KC Testing has a long tradition of expert problemsolving, excellent communication, and quality service.

Under DeCoursey's leadership, the company has tripled in size and contributed to multiple iconic development projects throughout the region. KC Testing has Engineers licensed in KS, MO, IA, NE, and IL. In addition to her work with WCOE, Elisabeth is a leader in Kansas City for fairness in construction and small businesses.

President
Kansas City Testing and Engineering, LLC

Elisabeth DeCoursey (President)

Christi Powell with 84 Lumber
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Women Business Enterprise Division
84 Lumber Company

Christi Powell (President-Elect)

Christi Powell has established herself as a leader in the construction industry. With more than 30 years of experience, Powell has a wealth of knowledge to share with others. Through her current position in the Women Business Enterprise Division for 84 Lumber Company, she is able to facilitate the growth and success for 84 Lumber's WBE certification as well as support WBE and MBE contractors.

She oversees the operations and business development of the WBE department, while developing community and associate awareness of diversity in construction. With strong leadership skills and a focus on teamwork, Christi is ready to take the MWBE program to new heights.

Lynette Thompson with Gresham Smith
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Lynette Thompson (Secretary)

Lynette works for Gresham Smith in their Risk Management Corporate Services Group. She assists the team in contract reviews, insurance placements, claims management and risk mitigations practices for the firm. She brings a wealth of knowledge from her years as a Risk Manager and Insurance Broker to internal and external clients.

She has spent half of her career in Risk Manager in the Engineering and Construction industry and the other years as an Insurance Broker. Lynette's experience is not solely for work within the United States but includes working with companies that were operating in various countries around the world. She has 30+ years of knowledge and experience in the construction industry.

Senior Risk Manager
Gresham Smith

Deborah Bradley with DBC
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Deborah Bradley is the founder and CEO of Deborah Bradley Construction & Management Services, Inc. (DBC), celebrating 30 years as a 100% woman-owned and operated business. DBC is a full-service general contractor, electrical contractor, and construction management consulting firm specializing in site and civil contracting, electrical power, and building interiors in the New York/Tri-State region.

A former president of the Women Builders Council, Inc. Very active in the New York region, Bradley is a member of the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors and serves on the NYC Department of Design & Construction Diversity Board and the NYC School Construction Authority Diversity Advisory Board. Bradley is dedicated to mentoring young women entering the construction industry and helping small M/WBE firms grow and prosper and is also a mentor in the NYC Small Business Services Mentor Program.

Founder & CEO
Deborah Bradley Construction & Management Services, Inc. (DBC)

Deborah Bradley (Treasurer)

Lorraine D'Angelo with LDA Compliance Consulting
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Lorraine D'Angelo (Past President)

Lorraine D'Angelo is the President of LDA Compliance Consulting (LDACC) Inc., which promotes principled contracting in the construction industry and provides consulting services on all aspects of contractor compliance, monitoring, and reporting. D'Angelo is a leading expert on issues, programs, and policy implementation related to SBE, M/WBE, and DBE and frequently lectures and conducts training on regulatory and ethics compliance best practices.

D'Angelo is an accredited ethics and compliance professional with over 30 years of experience in commercial and construction law litigation. In 2022, she was elected national president of WCOE and is widely recognized as a dynamic, forward-looking executive and thought leader on ethics and compliance issues facing the construction industry. She serves as the Senior Policy Advisor for Women Builders Council, a New York-based trade association.

President
LDA Compliance Consulting, Inc.