Chelsea Harrison, CSM

Project Manager

LOCATION: Oklahoma City, Okla.

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Chelsea is sitting on her hearth on a plaid blanket, smiling. She is wearing glasses, a brown shirt, jeans, and her hair in a bun.

A Conversation With Chelsea:

Tell us about your experience in the industry.

Why GFT?

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

How does GFT support your professional development and career growth?

Have you participated in any of the firm's employee resource groups (ERGs)?

What can AEC firms do to celebrate diversity and create a stronger sense of belonging across diverse groups?

What is one piece of advice you’d give to young women entering any of the STEM career tracks?

Let’s talk family!

What are your favorite hobbies?

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

Tell us about your experience in the industry.

I have worked in the GIS industry for 10 years. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in geographic information science and cartography (in other words, a major of GIS). Prior to joining GeoDecisions, formerly GFT’s GIS, data management, and technology division, I worked in the oil and gas industry, where I earned my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. Throughout my career, I have focused on asset management.

Why GFT?

One of the reasons I joined GFT was that I was immediately impressed with the variety of projects they were working on. During my first interview, the team was incredibly welcoming and warm, and I felt that my skills would benefit the team and allow me to continue growing and learning.

I’ve been with GFT for more than two years. My favorite part about working here is that there is always something new! Every day is different and fresh, whether a brand-new project and client or a new challenge to conquer.

Tell us about your current role and responsibilities.

As a project manager, I help provide solutions that improve our clients’ business processes, which drives them to be industry leaders. I also manage a team of two team members who serve as business analysts. Together we work on asset management projects to help clients manage their physical assets and maximize their use and functionality.

How does GFT support your professional development and career growth?

GFT has allowed me to become a certified scrum master (CSM). My CSM certification trained me in the agile methodology and the scrum framework, focusing on teamwork, communication, and flexibility. With effective team management, I bring agility to my projects, and I can implement more efficient and streamlined solutions.

Have you participated in any of the firm's employee resource groups (ERGs)?

As a division of GFT, GeoDecisions employees receive GFT benefits and are a part of the firm’s inclusive culture. Have you participated in any of the employee resource groups (ERGs)?

The Future Generations of GFT (FuGen) ERG supports early-career professionals while including their diverse perspectives companywide. I have served as a mentor for the FuGen intern program.

What can AEC firms do to celebrate diversity and create a stronger sense of belonging across diverse groups?

I think diversity is important because it ensures that a variety of experiences and views are accounted for when solving a problem. AEC firms should continue to work with disadvantaged business enterprises, even when not required, and push to incorporate a multitude of different backgrounds in key positions.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to young women entering any of the STEM career tracks?

Always advocate for yourself!

Let’s talk family!

I have been married to my husband Kasey for five years and am a bonus mom to two wonderful step-children. We also have two English Bull Terriers who keep our lives in constant chaos.

My favorite family tradition is our annual “picking of the paper.” Each year for Christmas, we pick the wrapping paper we will use for wrapping all of our gifts. This tradition includes shopping, eating, and the first hot chocolate of the season.

What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy reading and am currently embracing my “memoirs phase.” I also enjoy attending sporting events (especially Oklahoma University [Go Sooners!] and the Oklahoma City Thunder). And I can never turn down live music and theatre!