Matthew Perna is a PPP practitioner and one of our first successful APMG PPP Certification Program’s Preparation Exam candidate. We caught up with Matthew Perna to understand his PPP journey and how the PPP Certification Program adds value to his career. Matthew Perna is currently the president of Primer Construction Corp - a general contractor, constructing government projects in the NYC area, and Primer Construction Management Corp, which provides PPP consulting services, including construction risk analysis through site inspections and schedule analysis.
APMG: What first prompted you to get started in public private partnerships?
MP: Governments around the world are experiencing increasing demand for improved infrastructure. As they do not have the fiscal availability to invest in all projects, an alternate means of funding is required. We have created a company positioned to assist stakeholders in the analysis of PPP deals, utilizing our construction experience and finance experience. Prior to working in construction, I spent eight years working in finance as a portfolio manager and trader of securitized bonds. In this capacity, I performed credit analysis on individual deals and analysed the portfolio versus benchmarks. With college bachelor’s degrees in both finance and engineering and a masters degree in financial engineering, I was educated in both areas. Hence this felt like a natural progression.
APMG: Can you please give us a background on your (PPP) job role emphasising on the PPP sector that it is related to.
MP: I am the president of Primer Construction Corp, a general construction company that has been constructing municipal projects for over thirty years, including bridges, wastewater plants, parks, and roads. Primer Construction Management Corp is a consulting company that specializes in construction risks and performs analysis and site inspections to update and help mitigate.
APMG: What prompted you to get certified, how did you hear about APMG’s PPP certification program?
MP: As we see PPP projects as the future of construction due to financing needs and the expertise required, we wanted to have the certifications in this area to learn, as well as document our skills. To date, I have obtained my professional engineering license, project management professional certification (PMI PMP), and 6 Sigma Lean Black Belt certification. In researching all available PPP certifications on the internet, I located APMG’s program.
APMG: Take us through your thought process while deciding to get certified.
MP: Working in the construction industry, I have seen that performing work duties alone does not provide the necessary education required to advance. There are many aspects of the work that must be considered at all times. I wanted to become certified in order to have a consistent framework to utilize.
APMG: Why did you choose APMG’s PPP certification program and how did it help?
MP: APMG’s PPP certification program is the most comprehensive program that I have located. The program exams are modelled after the certification guide, which can be studied from and also be used as a reference guide while practicing. Other programs require individual courses and you would have to create your own guide, which would vary from other participants.
APMG: What are your key strengths and how have you used them in your current PPP role?
MP: I am excellent at multi-tasking, which makes me a great project manager. Being able to see the larger picture, I assist on everyday construction issues that arise, but ultimately focus on the project as a whole. My financial skills are very strong as well, from my education and previous experience managing billions of dollars for clients.
APMG: What factors of your role as a PPP practitioner are easy?
MP: While I would not consider any parts of being a PPP practitioner easy, there are certainly easier stuff to deal with than others. When projects happen according to plan, being a PPP practitioner can be easy. However as projects progress, there are numerous challenges to deal with; it is the preparation about how to deal with the unknown, what to do, and being agile that makes the job more challenging. Experience and a good framework to work with are very important.
APMG: What characteristics and skills do you think make a better PPP professional or a successful one?
MP: Having a good understanding of all aspects of PPP is extremely important. The combination of project management skills, knowledge of all PPP aspects, and experience make successful PPP professionals. Keeping informed of new developments in the area is important to remain successful.
APMG: What is next in line for you, how are you planning to utilise the knowledge gathered from doing the Foundations and Preparation exams of this PPP Certification Program?
MP: We are looking to further develop Primer Construction Management Corp and increase our consulting business to assist more PPP’s.
APMG: What is your advice for new comers or other PPP practitioners on helping deliver successful projects in the PPP world?
MP: Obtaining project management skills, analysing PPP projects and case studies, and obtaining APMG’s PPP certifications would help deliver successful projects in the PPP world.
ENDS
Marketing Campaign Manager, APMG