The Concrete Masonry Checkoff Announces Its 5 Regional Technical Directors for the Block Design Collective

The Mason Contractors Association of America is excited to announce the completion of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff’s national technical support team. With five Regional Technical Directors now in place, the Block Design Collective (BDC) is fully equipped to provide CMU design services to architects, engineers, and contractors nationwide.

The national team brings a wealth of experience to their respective regions:

Tino Kalayil, P.E. (Midwest Region): A former senior project engineer with engineering giant Thornton Tomasetti.

Charles Rotondo (Northwest Region): Offers a unique perspective from his work with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and in product specification consulting.

Lauren Kennedy (Central Region): A civil engineer with experience from Kiewit and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Irene Li (West Region): A structural engineer with degrees from Cornell and Stanford, poised to tackle challenges like seismic activity and wildfire exposure.

Danielle Mokris (Southeast Region): Joins after seven years with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

This team of Regional Technical Directors, supported by a network of experienced designers and architects, is united in its commitment to innovative problem-solving and delivering timely, expert project support.



About: Industry News
Stop Assuming, Start Assigning: How To Communicate Actionable Tasks
October 2026

Communication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behavior to express or exchange information or to express thoughts, feelings, etc., to another person. It is such an important part of a successful business and for construction projec

Melonie Leslie
Business Management
Read More
New CMHA Manual Advances Masonry Storm Shelter Design
October 2026

A new manual from the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) provides structural guidance to help engineers, architects, and mason contractors design and build ICC 500-compliant tornado shelters using reinforced concrete masonry. Funded by the

Kristen Garman
Industry News
Read More
MARSHALLTOWN Returns as a Silver Partner in 2027
October 2026

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Ironsite Continues as a Cornerstone Partner into 2027
October 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that Ironsite will continue as a Cornerstone Partner into the 2027 Masonry Alliance Program.

MAP Partner
MAP Partner
Read More
Interested in working with us? Learn about and join the Masonry Alliance Program →