National Engineering Group Elects Tonya Finley, MBA, FACEC, Vice Chair

The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) announced today that Tonya Finley, MBA, FACEC, CPCM, CFCM, associate vice president and manager of contracts and risk management at David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA), has been elected to serve as ACEC Vice Chair for the 2026-2028 term. Finley will be officially installed at the 2026 ACEC Spring Conference and Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., in May.

DEA was founded in 1976 in Portland, Ore., and today employs more than 1000 professionals in offices in California, Colorado, Idaho, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington.

“Tonya Finley’s expertise in contract management and risk mitigation addresses critical challenges facing engineering firms today,” said ACEC Chair John Rathke. “Her deep understanding of government contracting and procurement processes will be invaluable as we advocate for fair and efficient procurement practices.”

With more than 30 years of experience in contract management, Finley specializes in government and public contracting at DEA. She holds prestigious certifications from the National Contract Management Association as both a Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) and Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), credentials that underscore her technical expertise in the complex procurement landscape.

“I look forward to leveraging my contracting and risk management experience to help ACEC members navigate an increasingly complex business environment,” said Finley. “Our firms need strong advocacy on procurement reform and contract terms that enable successfully delivering valuable projects to the community.”

Finley brings proven ACEC leadership experience, having served as president of ACEC Oregon as well as being instrumental in the successful passage of “Duty to Defend” legislation in Oregon. She has served on numerous Oregon and National committees as well as serving on the ACEC National Planning Cabinet and Transportation Steering Committee. Her commitment to the profession extends to regularly providing training in risk management and contracts, helping firms strengthen their business practices. She also serves as president-elect of the Clackamas County Business Alliance, demonstrating her broader engagement with the business community.

“ACEC’s ability to strengthen the business environment for engineering firms depends on leaders who understand how contracting, risk, and policy intersect to shape our industry’s future,” said Linda Bauer Darr, ACEC president and CEO.“Tonya brings a respected combination of technical mastery and strategic insight that will help us champion reforms and business practices that enable firms to compete, deliver, and grow. Her perspective will be instrumental as we continue advancing the interests of engineering companies nationwide.”