Contractor Forum Live: Find and Keep Great People

Monday • April 3, 2023
11:45 AM -
 1:00 PM
Mardi Gras Ballroom

This session is when virtual becomes reality. One of the best features of ACCA membership is networking with top contractors. ACCA has one of the industry’s top online forums. A huge success in its first showing last year, we’re bringing it back with new topics and presenters. Join the discussion on issues contractors ask each other and share how you achieved your success. 

PAPE2022
Dr. Stephen Pape, Ed.D, MBA
Dallas College

Dr. Stephen Pape, Ed.D, MBA, is a second generation HVACR contractor from DeSoto, TX. He is dedicated to helping train the next generation of HVACR professionals, having developed and taught HVACR and business-related courses for the state of Texas and local contracting associations, as well as Carrier North Texas, JADE Learning, and multiple Dallas County Community Colleges. Additionally, Stephen is the Associate Dean Construction Science Division at Dallas College in Dallas, TX.

Stephen currently serves as Senior Vice Chair on ACCA’s Board of Directors and has represented HVACR contractors as a Credentialed Electric Cooperative Director and has enjoyed stints on numerous civic and church groups, including two terms as mayor of his hometown.

Steve Nellis
Steve Nellis
American Council for Construction Education

Steve Nellis joined American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) as President/CEO in May 2019. He has had an active role in the ACCE since 2003 when he was selected as the National Association of Home Builders representative to the ACCE Board of Trustees. In the ensuing years, Steve served on various ACCE Committees and Visiting Teams to verify the reaccreditation of Construction Management Degree programs. Elected Vice-Chair of the ACCE Board of Trustees in 2007, he became Board Chair in 2009-2011. Steve is dedicated to supporting and promoting construction management education for the benefit of industry and academia.

Steve brings more than 40 years of experience in management for professional construction firms and industry associations. This includes executive-level leadership in operations and human resources roles for the publicly traded firms Centex Homes and Waypoint Homes. Steve also founded a home building company specializing in sustainably constructed, energy-efficient homes and has operated a construction management and consulting firm. Steve’s past clients include the National Housing Endowment, The Home Builders Institute, Cambridge Homes, and Highlander Training Center.

Steve earned his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Building Construction Management from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Construction Management (MCM) from East Carolina University.

When Steve is not working on his construction projects, he spends time with his wife, Tammy, and their Standard Poodle named Magic and Labrador Retriever named Leda. Steve is an avid fan of the Detroit sports teams and his alma mater, Michigan State University (selected as Distinguished Alumnus in 2009). Steve also enjoys bowling, playing racquetball, and learning new technology.