Stephanie Templeton, PE

It’s the people at GFT who have made me want to stay and grow here. I truly enjoy working with and supporting my team, as well as collaborating across disciplines. The projects we pursue are challenging and impactful, improving everyday life. Over the years, GFT has grown and evolved through changes in structure, systems, and processes, while remaining committed to meaningful work that serves clients and communities. That balance between growth and purposeful impact is something I value deeply.

My involvement with American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has played a meaningful role in my professional growth. Most recently, serving as immediate past president of the Arizona Section allowed me to reflect on how the organization has helped shape my career. Through ASCE, I have been able to serve the engineering community, support science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) outreach, strengthen relationships with clients and teaming partners, and continue building my leadership and public speaking skills. Just as importantly, it has allowed me to form lasting connections with peers across the country who share similar goals and values.

During my term as president, the Arizona Section celebrated its 100th anniversary. I helped plan a statewide celebration and support the creation of a commemorative video highlighting the history of civil engineering and its impact in Arizona. Bringing people together to recognize a century of contributions reinforced the importance of engineers in shaping communities and improving everyday life.

The Crossfield Taxiway Uniform project at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport has been a unique challenge. I joined the project after key decisions were made, so I stepped back to learn its history and understand the reasoning behind earlier approaches. That experience reinforced the value of flexibility and curiosity when approaching complex projects. It was a valuable reminder that there are often multiple ways to achieve the same outcome, and that adaptability plays a critical role in long–term success. 

Earlier in my career, I focused heavily on technical problem-solving. Over time, leadership training and a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence helped me recognize how much communication style and self-awareness matter.

I have learned that people process information differently, and effective collaboration often depends on meeting individuals where they are. Adjusting how I communicate has strengthened trust, reduced friction, and helped teams work through challenges more efficiently.

The value that resonated with me most is “All In.” I know my team has my back, and I have theirs. I strive to show up fully for my colleagues, our clients, and the work we do together. Approaching relationships with that level of commitment creates stronger partnerships and leads to better outcomes for our business and the communities we serve.

Music has had a big influence on my life and how I approach problem-solving. Like engineering, it is grounded in fundamentals, such as understanding theory, structure, and practice, while still allowing room for creativity. Melodies and harmonies mirror design solutions in that they begin with the basics and evolve into something that tells a story. That balance between structure and creativity influences how I approach engineering, leadership, and collaboration.