Panelist Biographies
Anastasia Barnes
Publisher
Anastasia Barnes is the publisher at High-Profile Monthly, a three-generation family-owned publication and media outlet focused on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) news in New England. Barnes has played a pivotal role at High-Profile for over two decades and took the helm in January of 2019. As publisher, she has put a greater emphasis on highlighting the people, teams, and organizations that are acting to build a better industry. She is the host and producer of the Build Better podcast, featuring interviews with thought leaders in the AEC industry. In response to COVID-19, Barnes and her team created a weekly free webinar series called HPConnects, which is designed to discover new ways to adapt, pivot and come together. Prior to being named publisher, Barnes served as the business development manager where she focused on new client relationships and managed High-Profile’s sales team. In 2013, she created FastFacts Friday, High-Profile’s weekly newsletter featuring the latest headlines and contributor articles from around New England. She also oversaw the creation of the company’s annual Green supplement, and has been instrumental in bringing High-Profile online. Barnes has also spent 20 years as a professional stage, film, and television actor. She has appeared in series episodics for Showtime, CBS, TNT, Disney’s Family Channel, and most recently, Apple’s new streaming network. She wrote, produced, and starred in the original limited series “The Ruby Besler Show.” The show was adapted for stage and performed nationally from 2013-2017, and is currently being adapted for the big screen.
Rohan Freeman
President and CEO
Rohan A. Freeman, PE, LS is President and CEO of Hartford-based Freeman Companies. Freeman founded the company shortly after summiting Mount Everest with a promise to clients to Elevate Your Expectations. The company has thrived since its inception in 2009 - allowing Freeman to subsequently launch 7 Summits Realty (2014) and 7 Summits Construction (2016). He is a popular motivational speaker, board member of several community charities, and Vice Chair of Outward Bound’s national board. In 2014 he established UCONN School of Engineering’s Freeman Companies BRIDGE Endowed Engineering Scholarship to support minority students interested in engineering. Freeman is also among select alumni to be inducted into the UCONN Academy of Distinguished Engineers. In 2018, he was recognized as the Hartford Business Journal’s Small Firm CEO of the Year. Freeman grew up in Jamaica and is the first African-American to climb the tallest peaks on each of the 7 continents, known as the “Seven Summits”. He has conquered the “Adventurers’ Grand Slam” comprised of the 7 Summits, in addition to treks across both Poles, North and South.
Michael McKelvy
President and CEO
Michael E. McKelvy is President and Chief Executive Officer of Gilbane Building Company, a private, family owned construction firm that began as a carpentry shop in 1870 and has expanded its roots globally, currently employing more than 3,000 people with over 45 offices worldwide. Gilbane is a prominent builder and developer of some of the most highly visible projects domestically and internationally— providing global integrated construction and facility management services. McKelvy joined Gilbane in 2014 and has been instrumental in developing and executing the company’s annual business plan in support of Gilbane’s strategic growth. His focused leadership and strategic vision have strengthened the company’s position with continued profitability and growth. McKelvy has spent his entire career in the architecture and construction industry. A firm believer in promoting construction sites that are safer, stronger and better equipped, he is an advocate and champion of Gilbane’s safety program—Gilbane Cares. Gilbane Building Company has been an honored recipient of the Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award from the Construction Users Roundtable in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015 and 2017. Continuing the firm’s strong commitment to safety industry-wide, Gilbane is proud to be a national sponsor of Construction Safety Week 2020 with McKelvy serving as co-chair. In addition to being a member of multiple professional societies and organizations, McKelvy is currently serving on the board of directors for Gilbane, Inc. and RPS Group PLC, a leading global professional services firm. He is chairman of the board of trustees for Meeting Street, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit school where children of all abilities thrive. As a registered architect in 16 U.S. states, McKelvy is a certified member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Design from the University of Oklahoma, a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University and has completed the Advanced Management Program at the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.
Adrienne Nelson
Associate
Adrienne Nelson, AIA, is an Associate with Pickard Chilton. Her experience includes a variety of innovative projects including, most recently a 1.25M sf corporate campus, and 2+U, a high-rise in downtown Seattle, Washington. Nelson’s commitment to design excellence; dedication to sustainable design; and a deep passion for mentorship within the community and studio is evident in her professional work and service to the AIA. Recognized as an active leader within the architecture, engineering, and construction community, she has been an advocate for female architects, receiving the AIA CT 2016 Award for Emerging Architects and recognition on ENR’s national Top 20 Under 40 list.
