About CPI

Transforming lives and places.

Led by inspired people, CPI transforms lives and strengthens the places where we live, work, and find meaning.

Grounded in mission, vision, and values, CPI is driven to make lasting impact.

Mission

Train and guide active duty military for civilian careers in the construction industry and improve national park structures.

Vision

Values

Who we are

Team with a Purpose

CPI's team is united by a shared passion for service and impact, with deep expertise in workforce development, construction, architecture and historic preservation, and military life.

We combine field knowledge with strategic insight and a vast industry network to support every stage of the participant journey and our park work. Together, we combine purpose, skill, and heart to create opportunities, transform lives, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

CPI Foundation Development

For 15+ years, CPI has delivered impactful, cost-effective programs—building momentum for even greater transformation ahead.

2008

Idea develops with student participation on work at Pointe du Hoc - the D-Day landing site at Normandy Beach, France.

2010

Alcatraz Island program begins with college student training during summer internships.

2012

Formal 501(c)3 non-profit foundation established. Program evolves to military veteran training, with expansion to year-around programming.

2016

Invited by DOD, CPI becomes one of the first DOD authorized SkillBridge programs. Expands to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial.

2021

Company Internship Program established. National Park Program continues.

2023

National Park Service partnership elevated to include a Special Use Permit for headquarters, classroom, and training workshop facilities.

2024

CPI honored as one of the Top 25 Newsmakers by Engineering News Record.

Our People

Leadership Team

Get to know the visionaries guiding CPI's mission and growth.

Tanya Wattenburg Komas, Ph.D.

President/CEO & Director

Leads organizational strategy and industry partnerships, delivers participant instruction, and provides preservation expertise for project work.

Scott Burghardt

Sr. VP/Chief of Operations & Director

Leads CPI’s operations and park projects, develops strategy, leads curriculum development and safety, and provides participant instruction.

Michael Farris

VP/Chief Relationship Officer

Leads the internship program and participant professional development, manages industry relationships, and manages finances.

Andrew Parks

VP/Chief of Military Partnerships

Leads CPI’s SkillBridge partnership with the Department of Defense, leads recruitment and onboarding, and provides participant instruction.

Joel Threet

Program Manager

Manages construction projects, provides participant instruction, manages CPI's workshop, and oversees management plans with NPS.

Peter Emmons

Director

CEO & Founder of Structural Group, Inc., committed to CPI's strategic development, construction operations, and financial growth.

Expertise

We lead from experience and strategic insight.

Grounded in experience and guided by strategic insight, CPI’s team turns vision into impact by uniquely bridging three stakeholder challenges for maximum benefit.

Military Life

Staff who have walked the military path themselves turn lived experience into meaningful guidance, helping service members see—and seize—their next mission.

Construction

Staff construction experts lead our projects and bring real-world knowledge —because we’re in the arena, we understand industry challenges and equip service members with the skills and fit employers are seeking.

Architecture & Preservation

Bringing expertise in architecture and historic preservation to projects and teaching, our staff provide service members with a valuable perspective and vocabulary translatable into careers throughout the construction industry.

Workforce Development

Guided by workforce development expertise and broad real-world experience, CPI staff help service members prioritize their goals and match with companies ready to invest in their long-term success.

Join the mission: support, serve, and shape the future with us

Whether you're a military service member, industry leader, national park lover, or supporter, there’s a place for you in our mission. Explore the many ways you can get involved and make a lasting impact.

Military

Construction Industry

National Parks

Donate

200,000

Each year, thousands of service members face the challenge of finding their next mission as a civilian. Through CPI’s unique national park and industry internship programs, they uncover construction’s career opportunities — and rediscover the teamwork, purpose, and sense of impact they found in military service.

500,000+

The growing workforce gap threatens our nation’s ability to meet critical building and infrastructure demands. Through the inspiration of national parks and our partnerships with leading construction companies, CPI graduates are stepping up — building careers while helping rebuild the nation.

$22B

America's national parks face a massive deferred maintenance backlog. CPI has contributed 176,160 work hours toward addressing this need, completing projects that would otherwise remain undone due to limited park resources — preventing further deterioration and rising costs, while protecting these treasures for future generations.

30%+

CPI’s proven model, refined over 15 years, unites military transition, national park stewardship, and U.S. infrastructure workforce needs — generating lasting value and measurable savings for American taxpayers.

Annual Report

Transparency and the results of our work.
We believe in openness and accountability. Read our annual reports to learn more about our achievements, funding and key initiatives over the years.

2024 Annual Report

Key achievements, projects, partnerships and financial statements for 2024.

Download PDF

Need More Info?

Our team is here to help. Whether you're a service member, DOD leader, in the construction industry, or in the national park system, reach out to learn more.

FAQ