Michelle Spielmann and Nikola Dukleski selected for competitive national program recognizing emerging industry leaders
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Sept. 23, 2026) — HNTB’s Michelle Spielmann and Nikola Dukleski have been selected to participate in the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Emerging Leaders Program, a highly regarded yearlong program that limits each cohort to 10 participants or fewer and develops future leaders in the construction management profession. Their selection reflects HNTB’s industry leadership and the firm’s commitment to advancing technical excellence across major infrastructure programs.
HNTB’s Michelle Spielmann
The program participants engage in facilitated learning sessions with industry leaders, attend CMAA national conferences and collaborate on a capstone group project focused on advancing the industry.
Spielmann, based in HNTB’s Minneapolis office, is a project controls manager with more than 14 years of experience delivering major transportation construction projects and programs. Her experience includes the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit, METRO Green Line Light Rail Line (LRT) and METRO Blue Line LRT Extension projects in Minnesota.
Dukleski, based in HNTB’s Seattle office, is a resident engineer with more than 13 years of experience delivering major transportation and heavy civil infrastructure projects. His experience includes Sound Transit’s East Link and Lynnwood Link light rail projects, as well as New York City Transit flood-mitigation work, the Second Avenue Subway and the Bronx River Parkway Bridge Replacement. His background spans construction and project management, field supervision, structures and bridge construction, contract administration, value engineering and estimating.
HNTB’s Nick Dukleski
“Michelle and Nick exemplify the initiative, technical skills and collaborative mindset that define emerging leaders in construction management,” said Kara
Lentz, HNTB’s national construction services practice leader. “Their selection for CMAA’s Emerging Leaders Program is a testament to their commitment to growth, excellence and delivering meaningful results for our clients. We are proud to see them recognized among the next generation of industry leaders.”