ABSTRACT
2004 ASCE Roebling Award LectureTroubled Projects CAN be Completed Successfully
Lester M. Hunkele III, P.E. C.C.M., Senior Vice President, DMJM Management
Presented: Wednesday, May 12
Executive Forum
7:30 am
Using the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center as an example of a troubled project, Les Hunkele identifies and explains many of the actions he took to turn around this project. The project was maligned by the press being referred to as the "Project from Hell" and the "white elephant." When he arrived, Les Hunkele took control of an unwieldy organization and applied leadership principles and management techniques to complete the building that is now nationally and internationally recognized as an exceptionally successful project aesthetically, financially and functionally. Les inherited all aspects of the project: from congressional and public relations, to contracting officer, project administrator, and most importantly project leader. This lecture presents information useful to others faced with a troubled project, including the elements used to tame the project and temper the media, complete with candid anecdotes.
