Sandra Benson
Global Head of Industry Transformation, Procore

Sandra Benson has more than 25 years of experience in the building and construction technology industry, along with a deep knowledge of construction operations in various countries. She is an award-winning groundbreaker in business process improvement, leveraging technology for construction, engineering, real estate, and professional services firms. Before joining Procore, Benson held several senior management positions at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kentz/SNC-Lavalin, and Oracle/J.D. Edwards

Carla Bailo
President and CEO, CAR

Carla Bailo is the President and CEO of the Center for Automotive Research (CAR), and is a leader in engineering and vehicle program management with 42 years of experience in the automotive industry. Under her leadership, CAR continues to be a preeminent resource of objective and unbiased research, analysis, and information regarding the North American automotive industry.

In addition to her role at CAR, Ms. Bailo is currently an Independent Director on the corporate boards for SM Energy (SM) and Advance Auto Parts (AAP).

Prior to joining CAR, she was most recently the assistant vice president for mobility research and business development at The Ohio State University. She also has 25 years of experience at Nissan North America, Inc., where she served as senior vice president of research and development. Ms. Bailo also spent 10 years at General Motors. She has a MS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan and a BS degree in mechanical engineering from Kettering University.

Melissa Connolly
Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs, Association of American Railroads

Melissa Connolly is an Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs at the Association of American Railroads. She joined AAR in January of 2022 after nearly 13 years working in the U.S. House of Representatives. Connolly most recently served as the Legislative Director for Congressman Jerry Nadler of New York where she managed a broad issue portfolio – including taxes, health care, budget, appropriations, labor, and financial services. Connolly received her master's degree in Public Policy from the Sanford School at Duke University and her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Daniel T. Pippenger
Chief Operating Officer, Port of Portland

Dan Pippenger was named the Port of Portland’s Chief Operating Officer in January 2020. In this role, he is responsible for the operation of the Portland International Airport, two general aviation airports, and all of the Port’s marine terminals.

Dan has been with the Port since 2006. In his previous role as the Director of Planning and Development, he oversaw long-range and land-use planning, capital program development and asset management, site and facility design, and the Port’s tenant improvement program.

Dan also served as the Port’s Director of Marine Operations, a position he was well-suited for thanks to a bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from the US Coast Guard Academy, master degrees in both Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and his 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard, where he retired with the rank of Commander.

Dan and his wife live in Portland and have three daughters. You’ll find him camping and hiking in the Cascades or running with his dog in Forest Park. He also manages the dog’s Instagram site with ample guidance from his daughters.