Most of my work centers around Caltrans, especially District 3, where we’ve expanded our team of inspectors and office engineers. It’s been exciting to see our partnership and reputation with District 3 grow in a relatively short amount of time. Beyond Caltrans, we partner with local agencies like Sierra County, Sacramento County, Amador County, and the City of West Sacramento. Those projects range from bridge and highway construction to paving city streets. 

Additionally, my relationship with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has become an incredibly rewarding part of my work. They are an important client and a valued partner whose collaboration I deeply appreciate. I look forward to continuing to expand this relationship and finding new opportunities to support their goals. 

The variety keeps things interesting — no two projects are exactly alike. I really enjoy building lasting client relationships. Over time, clients start to see us as trusted partners, reaching out to us in advance about upcoming opportunities. That’s the kind of trust and continuity that fuels long-term success.  

What’s been especially rewarding is that I now have the support of a larger firm, including human resources, payroll, invoicing, business development, and marketing communications. Prior to the acquisition by GFT, I wore every hat imaginable. Now, I can focus and put my energy into developing talent and strengthening client relationships, which ultimately sets us up for success.  

If you’re looking for a career move, I encourage you to browse our open positions and come join our team! 

On a personal level, I’m proud of working alongside my dad to grow Flaherty Engineering and navigate the GFT acquisition. It was meaningful to be able to step in, help the business thrive, and position it for a strong future. After the acquisition, he stepped into the role of Sacramento Area manager, which was always his career goal. We continue to work together in the GFT Construction Services Business Group.

Professionally, I’d say I’m proud of how I’ve navigated such a dramatic career change. I went from bond trading floors to construction sites. At first, I wasn’t sure how it would work out, but leaning into my transferable leadership and communication skills allowed me to grow into this role. Every time I look at a successfully completed project or a new contract we’ve won, I feel a sense of progress and momentum, which motivates me every day.

For me, leadership isn’t just about managing projects; it’s about investing in people. Many of our inspectors and engineers work in remote areas, sometimes hours from the nearest office. That can feel isolating, so I make it a priority to check in regularly, pick up the phone, or drive out to visit them. Sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing dinner together. Those small gestures go a long way in building trust, loyalty, and team spirit.

I also see leadership as setting people up for success, whether that’s making sure they have the resources they need on a project, advocating for them, or providing mentorship. At the end of the day, if my team feels supported and valued, they’re going to deliver their best work.

My biggest advice is to be open-minded and confident, even when you don’t feel like you have all the answers. Switching industries can be intimidating. When I first joined GFT, it felt a little overwhelming, much like when I started in finance years ago. I’d sit in meetings, understand only aspects of the conversation, and wonder how I would ever catch up. But I reminded myself that six months down the road, the acronyms and industry jargon would all make sense — and it did.

It’s about trusting that you’ll learn, taking good notes, asking questions, and being comfortable with not knowing everything at the start. For recent graduates, that means not being afraid to dive into something that might feel outside your comfort zone. For mid-career professionals, it’s about being open to reinventing yourself. You might be surprised by where you land. The willingness to learn is just as important as the knowledge you walk in with.

Sports are still a big part of my life. I played basketball at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, and now in my mid-40s, I still lace up for an adult league at the gym. It keeps me active and competitive, and honestly, it’s just fun. I also enjoy golf; it’s one of those sports that lets you combine time outdoors with a bit of strategy and challenge.

Family time is huge for me. I have three younger sisters, four nieces, and a nephew all living nearby. Weekends often mean lake days, swimming, or family get-togethers. Living close to family has been one of the best parts of moving back to Northern California.

When I can, I like to travel and road trip. I recently spent time in Colorado floating down rivers, exploring new breweries, and getting in a round of golf. Trips like that recharge me. Whether it’s basketball, golf, family, or a quick getaway, I try to keep a balance between work and hobbies.