Business Practices Committee Meeting - December 2026

AI Panel: How AI Can Help the Business of Engineering

Join ACEC/NC for an engaging Lunch & Learn panel discussion exploring the evolving role of AI and its potential impact on engineering firms and professionals. 

Artificial intelligence is changing not only how we design and deliver engineering projects, but also how firms manage the business behind them. This panel will explore practical ways AI can improve business practices, streamline processes and procedures, and reduce time spent on routine administrative tasks. Panelists will discuss AI tools and approaches already available in the marketplace, where firms are seeing value, and where opportunities remain. The conversation will focus on a simple question: Can AI help our firms work more efficiently so our engineers can spend more time solving engineering problems?

Featuring panelists:

Paul Cassani, Ashler, Head of GTM (Go To Market)

Paul Cassani leads commercial activities at Ashler, an AI platform for engineering companies. Previously, he held senior operating roles at Trilon Group, a nationwide family of AEC firms, where he helped drive growth, integrate acquisitions, and improve operational performance. Earlier in his career, he worked in L.E.K. Consulting's Industrials practice and served as an engineering officer in the U.S. Navy. Paul holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Meagan Kittle Autry, Ph.D., NC State University

Associate Teaching Professor in Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at NC State University
- Leading department discussions about the role of AI in engineering education
- Co-creator of UNC system-wide course on generative AI for college students

Cort McCombs, Egnyte

Cort McCombs of Egnyte brings a technology-provider perspective on how AI can improve the business of engineering. His experience working with organizations on content management and technology solutions will help the panel explore practical AI applications, including productivity, data management, security, and turning existing company information into more useful business knowledge.