The Only Constant Is Change—Lessons Learned in Construction Staffing

The San Antonio Water System (SAWS) constructed a 28-mile, 60 inch water transmission pipeline and 2 pump stations to convey water to key storage and distribution sites in the city of San Antonio. Construction commenced in 2015–2017. This $100,000,000 project was recently completed and is in operation. This presentation will focus on change management during construction of this pipeline from the perspective of the owner (SAWS) and the third-party construction manager (3PCM). This presentation will not focus on the typical change management of the construction (CMC) issues like change of conditions, weather delays, etc., rather, it will present lesson learned associated with change management of key staff (CMKS) during construction of this project. The lessons learned for CMKS during this project are closely aligned with best practices and principles of traditional construction change management. The good news is: as an owner or construction manager, you likely already know how to manage change in construction and therefore, by applying the same principles you are already equipped to manage change of key staff and leadership during a project too. This presentation will explain how to do so.