This Owner’s Panel at the Lean Construction Institute brings together three project owners from diverse industries to share candid perspectives on their real-world experiences with Lean practices. Through a facilitated interview format, panelists will reflect on how Lean was introduced and implemented on their projects, the degree to which it delivered measurable or perceived benefits, and where expectations aligned—or failed to align—with outcomes. The discussion will explore both positive and challenging experiences, offering an unfiltered look at Lean from the owner’s perspective rather than through a theoretical or practitioner-only lens.

In addition to assessing results, the panel will delve into specific Lean processes the owners have encountered, such as collaborative planning, target value delivery, pull planning, and visual management. Panelists will also discuss which Lean tools and behaviors they found most valuable, which were underutilized or misapplied, and which processes they would like to see implemented more effectively in future projects. The session is designed to provide attendees with practical insights into how Lean is experienced at the ownership level—and what it takes to make it truly valuable from the client’s perspective, and how it might impact their future pursuits.

MEET YOUR PANELISTS:

HEALTHCARE
Russ Korcuska, CPC 
Senior Vice President, Facilities & Supply Chain
Phoenix Children’s Hospital
Russ Korcuska brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in healthcare construction and operations to his role as Senior Vice President of Construction and Special Projects at Phoenix Children’s. A recognized expert in hospital and healthcare facility development, he has led numerous high-profile initiatives, including the landmark $350 million expansion of the main tower at Phoenix Children’s.

Prior to joining Phoenix Children’s, Russ served as Vice President of Capital Construction and Project Management and Vice President of Supply Chain for Memorial Hermann Healthcare System in Houston, where he oversaw a broad portfolio of systemwide services supporting complex healthcare operations.

Russ holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the Del E. Webb School of Construction at Arizona State University.

HIGHER EDUCATION
Rafael deLuna III, MSCM, LEED AP, CFM, CEFP
Director Capital Programs Management Group
Arizona State University
As Capital Programs Management Group (CPMG), Rafael provides strategic leadership for the planning, development, and execution of capital projects across all ASU campuses. In this role, he oversees the University’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and Annual Capital Plan, guiding the design, construction, and renovation of facilities that support ASU’s academic mission, research growth, and long-term sustainability goals.

Under Rafael’s leadership, CPMG ensures that capital investments align with ASU’s strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility, quality, and operational excellence. His responsibilities include directing project delivery teams, administering Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for architectural, engineering, and construction services, and leading the selection and management of external consultants and contractors.

Rafael holds master’s degrees in construction management and Sustainable Design and maintains multiple professional certifications, including LEED AP O+M and Certified Facilities Manager (CFM). He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Construction Management, with research interests that include building commissioning, emerging technologies, and sustainability in the built environment.

PANELIST - INDUSTRIAL
Ashley Watkins, PE
Site Construction Leader, Phoenix
Procter & Gamble
Ashley Watkins is a construction leader with Procter & Gamble in Arizona, where she supports the planning and execution of complex capital projects within advanced manufacturing and operational environments. With a background in large-scale facility development and cross-functional team coordination, Ashley brings a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to delivering projects that meet corporate performance standards. Her work reflects a strong understanding of the unique demands of industrial construction—balancing safety, schedule, quality, and operational continuity in highly regulated and process-driven settings.

Ashley’s philosophy on managing construction centers on proactive planning, transparent communication, and shared accountability. She believes that successful projects are built on early stakeholder alignment, clearly defined expectations, and a culture where issues are surfaced and resolved collaboratively rather than re-actively. By emphasizing data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, she strives to create project environments where contractors, designers, and operations teams function as one integrated unit—focused not only on delivering facilities, but on enabling long-term operational excellence.

PANEL MODERATOR
Wayne Einbinder, PE, LEED
Vice President, Institutional Division
Clayco Construction
Wayne Einbinder is a senior construction executive with Clayco Construction, bringing more than four decades of experience across the full spectrum of the built environment. Over the course of his career, he has served as contractor, architect, and owner’s representative, leading complex academic, healthcare, mixed-use, and large-scale institutional projects ranging from tens of millions to over half a billion dollars. His breadth of experience gives him a rare, 360-degree perspective on project delivery—understanding not only how buildings are constructed, but how they are conceived, financed, designed, and ultimately operated. At Clayco, Wayne leverages this comprehensive background to guide teams through technically demanding projects with clarity, discipline, and strategic insight.

Parking available in the garage on site.

Drinks and snacks will be served. 

Thank you to our 2026 Sustaining Sponsors!

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