No two days are the same. Some days I’m analyzing traffic data or capture planning for a priority pursuit, while other days I’m working with a village or county to develop a funding strategy for a major corridor project. A big part of my role involves coordinating between engineers, planners, agency partners, and funding sources to help clients align their vision with execution.

Much of this coordination relies on the strong support of the team around me. Our business development & marketing leader ensures we always understand where our pursuits and projects stand, and our primary local agency business development coordinator organizes pursuits and keeps our proposals moving. Much of the work begins with strategy, defining project purpose, identifying grant opportunities, and building trust with local agency staff. As projects progress, the focus shifts to sequencing design and approvals, navigating technical reviews, and keeping everything moving forward.

In 2022, I had the honor of being named American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Illinois Emerging Professional of the Year, while a project I managed received the ACEC Grand Conceptor Award for Project of the Year. Individual recognition is somewhat rare in our industry, so having both achievements recognized at the same event was a memorable moment.

More recently, I’ve been proud of the continued growth of our local agency program. We’ve expanded our team by adding new business development champions, client service leaders, and project managers, enabling us to increase capacity without sacrificing quality.

Responsiveness and strong project delivery remain the foundation of our reputation. At the same time, innovative ideas and strong teaming partnerships help differentiate GFT during the pursuit process. As a result, our local agency team consistently secures around $20 million in new work each year, and we continue to refine both our pursuit strategies and delivery approach to support long-term growth.

Interestingly, I’m one of the many “boomerang” employees who returned to the company. Earlier in my career, I worked at the company before it became GFT. I subsequently accepted another opportunity where I led a transportation group at a smaller firm. That experience allowed me to grow as a leader and develop new approaches to client service, team management, and project delivery. Eventually, I was encouraged by former colleagues at GFT to return and help strengthen our local agency relationships across the region.   

What keeps me here today is the depth of expertise and the collaborative environment at GFT. The firm brings together specialists across transportation, rail, environmental services, asset management, and many other disciplines.

Family comes first. Outside of work, I coach youth sports for my son, Luke (11), and daughter, Olivia (8), which has become one of my favorite ways to spend time with them. I also enjoy long-distance running and completed my first 50-mile race a couple of years ago as I transition into my slower years.

Much of our free time revolves around our kids’ activities, but we also enjoy taking small weekend trips to places like the Wisconsin Dells or our family’s summer home in New Buffalo, Michigan. Time with my family is when I’m happiest and helps keep everything in perspective.