Brooke Konopacki is Here to Help You Become an Accredited DPI Member

As you get to know CGA’s newest arm, the Damage Prevention Institute (DPI), we want to introduce you to one of your greatest resources at the DPI, Brooke Konopacki. In her role as Senior Director of Program Participation and Compliance, Brooke works closely with organizations to help them through the DPI accreditation process and better understand the DPI’s role in reducing damages to underground infrastructure. If your organization is interested in participating in the DPI, she is your go-to source as you take on this active role in the damage prevention industry.

Brooke grew up on a farm and was driving tractors by the age of 10, so she has always had a deep appreciation for industry professionals who have their boots on the ground. “It’s one of the things I enjoy most, working with contractors, excavators and individuals in the utility and construction industry. They are so hardworking and genuine, and they build the world that we rely on,” she said. Brooke joined CGA last fall with deep experience in association management, education development and the construction industry.

Based in Wisconsin, Brooke is a die-hard Packers fan and animal lover, raising dogs, cat and chickens. She’s also an accomplished baker (if you get the chance to try her triple fudge chippers, don’t pass it up!), loves hunting and fishing with her husband Jeff of 25 years, and, despite where she lives, she hates the cold and snow!

What Brooke wants you to know

We sat down with Brooke to learn some of the expert advice she’s gleaned from the hundreds of conversations she’s had with organizations in the accreditation process. Here are a few key points that she wants DPI participants and those interested in participating to know:

• The DPI is ours to build together, and is meant to be a member-driven, collaborative effort. This means that participating in the DPI is an active role, and we encourage participants to share their unique thoughts and perspectives to help the program evolve and improve in a way that benefits all damage prevention stakeholders.
• Organizations curious about their status in the accreditation process should check the accredited organizations list on the DPI website. The list is updated weekly and is a great place to check if you’re unsure where your organization stands. 
• Brooke encourages all organizations to start the accreditation process soon if they haven’t already. Beginning in late March, the DPI will be removing organizations that have not begun the accreditation process from the list of accredited organizations. Check out this page on the DPI website for the steps to get accreditation started, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Brooke with any questions.
• For organizations that have completed the accreditation process, the DPI will begin issuing accreditation certificates in late March.

To support Brooke in her tireless work with the DPI’s hundreds of participant organizations, the DPI will be welcoming Sierra Tireman to the team this March. Like Brooke, Sierra looks forward to the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about the DPI and the accreditation process, and is eager to provide assistance in any way possible. Be on the lookout for Brooke and other CGA staff at next week’s CONEXPO/CON-AGG – for the chance to connect in person, come visit the CGA booth!

Brooke and the entire DPI team are always eager to help organizations during any step of the accreditation process, so be sure to contact us with any questions you have. For more information on the DPI, including the list of accredited organizations, how to become an accredited member and more, visit dpi.commongroundalliance.com.