“Coffee With…” Virtual Conversation with Paul A. Ochoa. Commissioner, NYC DDC
Join us for our next episode in our “Coffee With…” Virtual Conversation on August 28th from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM featuring our guest, Paul A. Ochoa.
The “Coffee With…” Series is a NextGen initiative created to advance DBIA’s mission of promoting excellence in Design-Build project delivery by connecting emerging professionals with experienced industry leaders.
This informal, virtual forum provides young professionals the opportunity to listen and learn from candid conversations about real-world Design-Build execution – including integrated team dynamics, risk allocation, procurement strategies, leadership decision-making, and lessons learned across complex projects. The series emphasizes open dialogue and firsthand experience, reinforcing DBIA Best Practices and exposing participants to the cultural and collaborative foundations that define successful Design-Build delivery.
By providing consistent access to authentic industry insight in a virtual and accessible format, the initiative strengthens engagement within the DBIA community, supports professional growth and credentialing pathways, and helps prepare the next generation to lead integrated project delivery across the region.
This event is only open to DBIA NextGen/Young Professionals (ages 35 and under).
Hosted By: Sheriff Naggar Project Manager, Hill International, Inc.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: This event will take place on Zoom. You will receive a follow-up email with the Zoom link.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Paul A. Ochoa
Commissioner, NYC Department of Design and Construction
Paul A. Ochoa was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC) in April 2026 by Mayor Mamdani. As Commissioner, Ochoa oversees all agency divisions and leads DDC’s $34 billion portfolio of public projects, guiding the City’s primary capital construction agency in delivering critical infrastructure and public facilities for New Yorkers.
Prior to joining DDC, Ochoa served as Executive Deputy Commissioner at the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), where he oversaw the agency’s administrative divisions, including management of its $34 billion 10-year capital plan. Previously, he served as Chief Strategy Officer at the New York City Department of Sanitation and as Director of City Legislative Affairs in the Mayor’s Office.
Ochoa earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, San Diego.
A proud first-generation immigrant from Tijuana, Mexico, Ochoa lives in Brooklyn with his wife, son, and dog, Petunia.
MEET YOUR HOST
Sheriff Naggar
Project Manager, Hill International, Inc.
Sheriff Naggar is a Project Manager & Claims Consultant with over 10 years of experience delivering mega Design-Build infrastructure programs, including projects with an aggregate portfolio exceeding $35B. He has supported landmark initiatives such as the Hudson Tunnel Project, Borough-Based Jail Program, and Penn Station Expansion, specializing in project management, risk management, dispute resolution, cost control, scheduling, and contract administration. Sheriff serves as Chair of DBIA NextGen and holds a Master of Science in Construction Management from Columbia University and a Program in Finance and Behavioral Economics from Harvard Business School.