2025-2026 OCA Future Leaders Forum

OCA Board Perspective

The Board of Directors at OCA has recognized the need to develop the "rising stars" of tomorrow. We hope selection to participate in the Leadership OCA Forum will be a badge of distinction for thouse identified as leaders in the heavy/highway industry in Ohio for many years to come.

Meet the 2025-2026 Future Leaders

This unique, high-impact program provides emerging leaders with exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of the agencies, partnerships, and decision-making bodies that shape our industry. Over the course of seven months, participants will engage directly with leaders from ODOT, OSHA, OUPS, labor unions, legislative bodies, industry consultants, and more. They'll also participate in an intensive leadership development workshop.

More than just a learning opportunity, the Forum is a launchpad. It’s a chance for companies to showcase and invest in their top talent—the people who will carry their organization and our industry into the future. Participation in the program will be a mark of distinction for rising professionals and a clear statement of a company’s commitment to leadership, excellence, and long-term success.

We encourage every OCA member firm to nominate one or more individuals who have demonstrated leadership potential and a drive to grow. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of our industry—by investing in the people who will lead it.

If you have any questions, please contact David Rule, Director, Member Events at 614-361-9144.

2025-2026 Future Leaders Forum Program Outline

2025-2026 Future Leaders Forum Flyer

Perspective From Past Participants

"The Future Leaders Forum is an excellent way to learn about all aspects of doing heavy highway work. The knowledge I gained and the friendships formed with OCA staff and other participants continues to pay dividends to me and my company repeatedly."

Mary G. Fantozzi, President, J.D. Williamson Construction Co., Inc.

"The most beneficial aspect of the Future Leaders Forum to me was the ability to network and build relationships with other future industry leaders that I will be working with over the next few decades."

Mike Guzzo, Project Manager, Double Z Construction

Outline of Sessions

The following is an overview and proposed time frames for the 2025 -2026 sessions. Dates for all of the sessions will be ﬁnalized and provided to the applicants when they are accepted into the program. Dates and programs are subject to change.

GETTING TO KNOW OCA & INDUSTRY TAX ISSUES - Learn about the role of OCA as an industry advocate and member service provider. Hear from your team at OCA what resources are available to help your business grow. Following lunch, an industry expert walks through industry tax issues.

HOW DO I BECOME A BETTER LEADER - We have been focusing on speciﬁc skills and construction-related topics in our profession. Now it is time to take a look at ourselves and learn how to develop and grow our personal leadership skills. A fun and interactive day with a leadership development specialist.

ON-SITE WITH ODOT - Travel to ODOT to get an on-site session with leaders from the department. Gain insight into the operations and resources available from the state.

PROJECT PARTNERING - Explore the importance and impact of partnering on projects. Develop a better understanding of the partnering process. Success and failure stories will be discussed to help you build your understanding.

OCA WINTER CONFERENCE/DINNER WITH LEADERSHIP - Be our guest at the OCA Winter Conference. Explore the trade show, attend educational and informational sessions, and network with peers. Bring your spouse/guest along and then end the day with a special dinner with OCA leaders at one of the many great restaurants at the Easton Town Center.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY - Learn the intricacies of the legislative process, the importance of the legislative work OCA does on your behalf, and gain experience advocating for the industry at the Statehouse. Lunch with the lobbyist and then visits at the Statehouse.

UNIONS AND WORKERS COMPENSATION - Today we will head out to visit Union leaders and learn more about their importance to our industry and the work that OCA does to work with them building a stronger workforce. After lunch, back at OCA, we will wrap up the forum with an important session where we gain more understanding of the Workers Compensation system in the State of Ohio.