USPAC Board of Directors
Joshua Adams
Joshua Adams is the Vice President of Operations for NPL Construction in Illinois.
Joshua manages and oversees the Nicor Gas Company account and has nearly 600 employees serving a territory of 22,000 square miles and coordinates activities between multiple departments including fleet, safety, quality, construction, and administration.
Prior to his 14-year career at NPL, Josh worked for 10 years in residential construction serving as a Project Superintendent and Supply Chain Professional. Given his tenure and experience, Josh interacts with a number of construction partners and customers to further the industry in process improvements, sales, and DE&I initiatives.
Eric Sanderson
Darade Collins
Darade Collins is the Regional Manager of Operations and DEI for NPL Construction’s Great Lakes Region. Darade oversees the company’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts (which includes supplier diversity, workforce diversity, and community engagement), and various aspects of Operations.
Prior to joining NPL, Darade served as the Director of Supplier Diversity for Nicor Gas. With more than 20 years in the gas utility industry, Darade has experience in Operations, Community Relations, Economic Development, Supplier Diversity, leading Employee Resource Groups, and serving on Boards of several non-profit organizations.
Eric Sanderson is President and Founder of Red Rocks Advisors, LLC.
As a strategy and management consultant, Mr. Sanderson provides consulting services to companies and organizations specifically in the design, engineering and construction industry. Mr. Sanderson focuses on helping organizations define and execute their strategies, realize their goals and achieve success, though a practical, efficient, and results-oriented approach.
As an experienced speaker and trainer, Mr. Sanderson can effectively interface with professionals at all levels of an organization. His thorough understanding of all elements of the construction industry enables him to provide a broad perspective yet understand the importance of managing the details.
Jim Turi
Jim Turi is the Vertical Market Manager for United Rentals Trench Safety Division.
16 years with United rentals, current role Manage and oversee all excavation shoring safety designs for NPL and all local gas companies.
Certified trainer and teacher of excavation safety Competent person and confined space training classes.
Involved in plan development of new shoring designs, tabulated data and engineering for new plan development.
Sara Prado-Kopac
Sara Prado-Kopac is the Co-Founder and Vice President of iLink Resources, Inc, a Certified WBE Staffing Agency located in the South Suburbs of Chicago.
Sara has amassed 20 plus years’ experience in the Staffing Industry, specializing in placement of Engineering and Construction professionals. Sara brings her enthusiasm and excitement to the NPL Partner Alliance Community Outreach Committee.
She partners with local organizations and their leadership to increase impact through strategic and innovative engagements.
Lauryn Christensen
Lauryn Christensen is the Owner of J&L Christensen Co., LLC. She has been a successful entrepreneur in the construction industry for over 12 years.
In addition to J&L Company, a Certified WBE firm that provides business solutions and procurement, she is the owner and founder of a trucking company and a ready-mix concrete company.
Lauryn's construction career began as a Project Manager and Estimator. Her educational background is in Accounting and Business Administration, but it was through her own ventures that she truly gained her vast, hands-on, knowledge and experience.
As a result, Lauryn has the foundational elements to effectively, and confidently, interact with professionals at any organizational level.
David Paluch
David Paluch
Amy Kent
Amy Kent is an award-winning journalist and communications specialist who has worked with various non-profit organizations, education institutions, Illinois municipalities, and corporate entities. Her friendly disposition allows her to create a relaxed atmosphere for her and her clients to work in, which allows for delivering clear and concise messaging across various platforms.
Amy capitalizes on her storytelling prowess to convey dynamic messages for the organizations that need it most. In addition to telling the stories of her clients, she is also writing a children’s book dedicated to her son, Lincoln.
When Amy isn’t busy doting on the ever-changing interests of her toddler, she is an avid guitar player, LGBTQIA rights advocate, and amateur photographer, among other things.