BUILD IT BETTER

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MARY CULLER
President, Ford Philanthropy

Mary Culler is president of Ford Philanthropy, where she leads the company’s global philanthropic strategy through partnerships and programming in more than 40 countries. She also serves as Chair of Ford’s Michigan Central Station project, guiding the redevelopment of the historic train station and related properties in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.

Prior to these roles, Culler served as Bill Ford’s chief of staff and held leadership positions in government relations and public policy, including director of U.S. State and Local Government Relations. Earlier in her career, she worked with the City of Chicago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Senate on economic development, environmental programs, and energy policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree in public administration.

Cindy Lanoue
Director of Industry Development and Technical Services, IMI

Cindy's professional experience spans all sectors, with expertise in both new and existing construction. She's a graduate of Lawrence Technological University's Master of Architecture program and has focused her career on understanding effective design and construction. With a concentration on building science, detailing, specifications, and building condition assessments, she's developed a passion for technical collaboration. Prior to joining IMI, she spent over 20 years supporting national accounts, international clients, and their evolving needs.

Cindy is a part of IMI's tile, marble and terrazzo industry development program. She contributes to IMI's national series of tile, marble, and terrazzo educational seminars, webinars, and workshops. In this role, Cindy collaborates with industry partners to support designers and contractors in keeping up with evolving tile standards and installation practices.

Michael Hipes 
Superintendent, Grunwell-Cashero 

Michael is a second-generation mason who was introduced to the trade at an early age, working alongside his family on masonry projects throughout his youth. Those early experiences sparked a lifelong interest in the craft and the built environment. After briefly pursuing studies in computer science at Eastern Michigan University, he returned to the masonry industry to follow his family’s trade. His formal training began through an apprenticeship with BAC Local 9 at the Lansing training center, where he began his professional masonry career.

His early work centered on new construction masonry before expanding into air and vapor barrier systems, waterproofing, methane barriers, spray foam insulation, and sealants. That experience eventually led to historic masonry preservation and restoration, where he discovered a lasting passion for protecting and maintaining historic structures. To strengthen his expertise, he has completed extensive training through the International Masonry Institute and other professional development programs. Today, he continues working in the field while helping train and mentor the next generation of craftworkers and industry leaders.

Austin Giesey
Senior Project Manager, The Christman Company

Austin M. Giesey, a key leader within The Christman Company’s Historic Preservation Group, brings a wealth of expertise in both exterior and interior preservation. A Michigan native, Austin holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Michigan State University.

Throughout his career, Austin has spearheaded significant preservation projects, including the rehabilitation of the iconic Michigan Central Station, the restoration of the Henry Ford Estate Fair Lane Potting Shed and Powerhouse, The Belle Isle Aquarium & James Scott Fountain, the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit Campus, and work at The Fisher Building.

With a deep passion for meticulous preservation practices, Austin has been recognized for his contributions, most notably co-authoring Ruin to Revival: Restoring Michigan Central Station: The Builders’ Journey, a coffee table book that chronicles the restoration of Michigan Central Station.

Angela Wyrembelski, AIA, APT-RP 
Associate Principal, Quinn Evans 

Angela is an Associate Principal and architect with Quinn Evans, based in the firm’s Detroit office. She earned her Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College, a Master’s Certificate in Historic Preservation from Eastern Michigan University, and her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

A passionate advocate for historic preservation and adaptive reuse, Angela is dedicated to extending the life of vacant and underused buildings. She leads Quinn Evans’ Living Practice Area, focusing on the thoughtful transformation of buildings that shape and support everyday life.

Kent Diebolt, FAPT
Founding Partner, Vertical Access

Kent Diebolt’s professional experience focuses on the investigation, testing, and inspection of historic and existing buildings. A graduate of Cornell University’s Master of Science program, he has dedicated his career to the evaluation and preservation of historically significant structures. His work includes the inspection and assessment of a wide range of building materials, including brick and stone masonry, terra cotta, concrete, architectural sheet metals, and cast iron.

Kent is an active participant and leader in several professional preservation and rope access organizations, including the Association for Preservation Technology International, US/ICOMOS, and ASTM’s E06 Subcommittee on Façade Inspection and Industrial Rope Access. Through his work with Vertical Access and collaboration with industry partners, he supports the investigation, documentation, and preservation of historic building envelopes across the United States.