Relentless Pursuit
of Excellence

Laura McWilliams began college with the goal of pursuing a degree in architecture, but she soon discovered that her passion leaned more toward a technical field than a creative one.

With a deep appreciation for the complexity and scale of construction projects, Laura changed course and obtained a degree in construction management from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, a top-ranked school for construction superintendents.

After graduating, Laura began her career with Balfour Beatty as an office engineer. Her first opportunity would be both life and career-changing. As a member of the New Parkland Hospital project team, Laura experienced how teamwork and industry-leading operational excellence brought the dream of a 2.1-million-square-foot, 862-bed, LEED® Gold hospital to life for the Dallas-Fort Worth community. It would also ignite a passion in Laura to pursue one of the career paths less traditionally traveled for women in construction. 

Transitioning from the Office to the Field

Laura credits her early career development to two of Parkland’s general superintendents, Sam Moses and Aaron Blair. By exposing Laura to on-site activities, these industry veterans helped her understand how construction drawings translate to real-world field applications. Their mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping her career trajectory.
 
“Hospital projects are highly complex, and all the details and moving parts made every day so exciting and busy,” Laura recalls. “I realized how much I enjoyed being in the field."

After completing the Parkland project, Laura decided to refocus her ambitions on becoming a superintendent—one of the least common career paths for women in construction. In fact, according to the National Association of Women in Construction, approximately 10% of construction workers are women, with only 1% representing the field (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Although Laura was cognizant of the industry’s widespread gender imbalance, she felt unwavering support from her mentors and colleagues at Balfour Beatty and never doubted her ability to succeed. 

Since that time, Laura has contributed to iconic and highly complex projects such as the 50,000-square-foot First Baptist Medical Center, Park District and  The Independent, a 58-story residential tower and Austin's tallest building. Most recently, Laura completed work on Victory Commons One in Dallas.

Developing a Team Environment

Although superintendents are responsible for ensuring quality work is executed safely and on schedule, they also play a vital role in building a thriving team culture that extends to Balfour Beatty’s trade partners. On every project, Laura strives to replicate the model team environment she experienced on the Parkland project by establishing strong and collaborative relationships, encouraging open communication and maintaining a positive outlook.

"I walk the job after the morning huddle to connect with the project team, ensure everyone is working safely and provide my teams with feedback and encouragement. This constant movement of walking the site benefits our team, safety, project quality and schedule," she says.

Laura has also observed that effective teambuilding extends beyond the jobsite. By facilitating opportunities for regular team lunches and outings such as bowling or baseball games, Laura helps build more personal and meaningful connections between colleagues. 

"We spend our workdays together, sometimes including a weekend rotation, so providing a positive atmosphere and safe environment where people work well together is essential. It's easier to find solutions as a team in a positive and collaborative environment that supports diverse viewpoints," she maintains.

Leading as a Woman in the Field

As Laura has grown in her career, assuming greater levels of responsibility and leadership, she has witnessed the industry make tremendous strides to become more diverse and inclusive. And while there is still a great need to eliminate barriers and create opportunities, Laura believes technical proficiencies are the great equalizer. “If you’re good at your job, you earn respect—on or off the field.” When Laura encounters misconceptions or stereotypes, she reframes situations by establishing clear boundaries based on her position, without regard to gender.

To encourage more women to pursue careers in the field, Laura advises “Don't feel out of place on jobsites, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The more you learn, the better you're going to be. Providing different perspectives will make you an asset to any team."

To build momentum around diversity, equity and inclusion within Balfour Beatty, Laura has been a steadfast advocate for Connecting Women, an employee affinity group that connects teammates across all disciplines. In addition to serving as a professional network, Connecting Women provides a safe forum for practical discussions about common challenges women face in the industry and supports opportunities for professional development. 

Although Laura has achieved tremendous success in her career to date, she has her sights set as high as the buildings she has brought to the Dallas skyline and will continue to raise the bar as a Relentless Ally within her teams, industry and community.

Senior Project Engineer promotes minority recruitment and mentorship, critical conversations around racial equity and unity among diverse teammates in the construction industry. 

If you ask Kofi Afriyie, Balfour Beatty senior project engineer in the Mid-Atlantic, what the best times of his life were so far, he will unhesitatingly respond that being a student at Morgan State University were the best four years of his life. 

At one of the largest historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU) in Maryland, Kofi was a civil and structural engineering student with a thirst for construction industry knowledge and a desire to support and prepare minority students’ transition into an evolving and increasingly diverse workforce. 

Morgan State gave Kofi the opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment and to further immerse himself in Black history and culture. During these four years, he learned his alma mater’s rich legacy of moving the needle on civil rights for African Americans, which heightened his passion for advocating on behalf of young, Black, engineers entering the construction industry. 

Kofi strived to make an influential impact outside of the classroom for his peers at Morgan State. As a University Innovation Fellow, Kofi formed and led a team who spearheaded the development of an ideation and makerspace at Morgan State’s School of Engineering. This included securing funding from the institution, finding an underutilized shell space on campus and transforming it into a safe and inclusive place for students to collaborate and innovate. 

Kofi was instrumental in establishing Morgan State as the only HBCU to have a Chi Epsilon chapter of the Civil Engineering Honor Society. As President of Chi Epsilon’s 141st chapter, he made it his goal to help each and every member obtain an internship to help grow their professional skills and increase their chances of securing a job after college.

Kofi remains engaged with his alma mater to continue vital work in transitioning African American students into the professional workforce. Through Balfour Beatty’s partnership with Morgan State, Kofi serves on the advisory board of the college’s Construction Management Program and is a member of the company’s Mid-Atlantic recruiting committee where he orchestrates visits to the college to recruit new and diverse talent for the company. As a former Balfour Beatty intern Kofi also makes himself available to the young recruits on the job by mentoring and coaching them to success. 

But Kofi isn’t stopping there. 

When the unjustified killing of George Floyd and protests against police brutality triggered critical conversations nationwide, Kofi joined African American employees across the country to share and deepen the company’s understanding of the Black experience within Balfour Beatty and the wider industry. Taking a leading role in Balfour Beatty’ newly formed Network of Black Leaders and Executives (NOBLE) affinity group, Kofi moderated an employee panel at Balfour Beatty’s Inaugural Together Allies Summit that discussed a comprehensive plan for greater equity and inclusion for Black employees. 

From explaining unconscious racial biases and social injustices to discussing the importance of recruiting and mentoring the African American workforce, Kofi and panelists introduced crucial conversations that opened eyes for employees across the business. It was in this panel that Kofi presented an overarching theme that rang true throughout the entire Together Allies Summit – being comfortable being uncomfortable. 

Kofi is determined to be a force for lasting, beneficial change that begins today. In his own words: “The construction industry must work to normalize conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, and integrate individuals from diverse background into our labor force to bring real change throughout workplaces across the nation. We know when we accept the different backgrounds of others, actively listen and work cohesively to approach and solve problems in safe and inclusive environments, we can provide a unique and authentic value to the projects we are entrusted to build.”

He also praises the work of vested Black team members and the NOBLE affinity group for collectively leading the change and giving employees a platform to address systematic and social injustices impacting minorities in the workplace.

From his days at Morgan State to his career as a project engineer, Kofi is making influential strides and demonstrating why representation matters at all levels in business. As he gives recognition to his experience at Morgan State as some of the best years of his life, Balfour Beatty is equally honored to have this Relentless Ally helping to drive change in the construction industry.

In a sudden, violent burst, shrapnel ricochets through the air like fireworks, slamming combat medic Jordan Webster to the ground. Before the cloud of dust and smoke clears, Jordan spots a crumpled silhouette on the ground only a few feet away. It is his brother-in-arms, who just a few minutes prior, switched places with Jordan while en route to attend to other wounded soldiers. As he watches blood stain the dry dirt of southwest Baghdad, Jordan knows that for this brave soldier, there will be no wounds to pack and no tourniquets to tighten. Like thousands of Americans who gave all in the name of freedom, Jordan’s friend will leave this war-torn land with fifty stars and thirteen stripes bearing eternal witness to his sacrifice. 

Fifteen years later, Jordan can still recall every detail of that deadly IED explosion down to the oppressiveness of the desert air, thick with the scent of hot lead and diesel fuel. It is Jordan’s first combat mission in Iraq—a day of days that would define and divide his life much in the same way history is separated by B.C. and A.D. There is only before, only after. 

Although Jordan would go on to execute many missions during the year in which he was deployed with the Scout Sniper Unit as part of the U.S. Army 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, in many ways time ground to a halt on December 27, 2005. With fingers curled around the cold metal of an M4 carbine rifle and medic bag slung over his shoulder, Jordan learns to measure the distance between life and death in inches and seconds. It is a lesson that will prepare him well for a future career in construction safety. 

But when Jordan returned home to his next duty station in San Antonio, Texas, building a career outside the military wasn’t on his immediate radar. Neither was seeking support for his invisible wounds that would later be diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and survivor syndrome. 

Many nights, Jordan would wake to images of bullet-riddled buildings and mouths gasping for their last breaths, his heart racing in rhythm with the crack of sniper fire. “It’s like looking at the sun,” Jordan compares, “the images are burned into you.” Other nights, sleep would elude him entirely. Hailing from a long line of soldiers who shared stories of heroism in war but never its horrors, Jordan did not seek help for nearly two years. 

Although Jordan has accepted that his personal battle may always rage on, he has turned pain into purpose by raising awareness within the construction community about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. It would take exposure to a potentially fatal yet highly preventable construction accident to set his destiny in motion.

Stationed halfway around the world managing an emergency medical clinic at Camp Stanley in South Korea, Jordan was accustomed to triaging almost every type of illness and injury. But when a construction worker was rushed in, having suffered electrical shock when his boom lift contacted an energized power line, Jordan felt overwhelming emotional exhaustion. “The compassion was there,” Jordan recalls, “but I didn’t have any more capacity for exposure to horrific injuries.”

A career change was in order, but what, Jordan pondered? He enjoyed working with his hands, and growing up, had visited construction sites with his grandfather who owned a door subcontracting company. Dynamic, challenging and demanding complex problem-solving skills, construction checked all of Jordan’s boxes, and he enrolled in Texas A&M University’s construction science program. 

The stars further aligned when Jordan interviewed for an internship with Balfour Beatty on The New Parkland Hospital. When asked if he would consider working with the safety team due to his medical experience, Jordan responded “I’ll do anything you want,” hiding his skepticism.

It wasn’t long before Jordan realized he had not only found the perfect career track, but also a home and another ‘band of brothers’ at Balfour Beatty. When he woke up late one morning, he feared reprimand or even the termination of his internship—despite disclosing his PTSD diagnosis. Instead, he was met with compassion and a reminder that Balfour Beatty puts people and their health first in every situation. “Balfour saw in me a skillset no was else was looking for and created a safe, supportive environment where I could contribute,” praises Jordan. 

And he’s been a key member of Balfour Beatty’s Texas Buildings team ever since, creating a safety culture for teammates and trade partners grounded in three principles: production, safety and quality. For Jordan, these facets of project performance are inextricably linked. “I’ve heard people say, ‘Production is our problem. Safety is our problem.’ No, it’s one team, one fight.”

Jordan’s experiences in Iraq give him a unique lens into the mindsets of our trade partners, many of whom are immigrants trying to provide for their families. “If I’m a worker, and you give me a six-foot ladder when I really need an eight-foot ladder and tell me to go do this task, I’m probably going to do it.” For Jordan, that’s where psychological safety comes into play. By showing workers that we care about their safety and well-being, mindsets shift, and they become more comfortable voicing their needs and concerns. 

Jordan Webster’s unlikely journey to become a construction safety leader began in a different continent and under tragic circumstances. A few inches spared his life on December 27, 2005, while it claimed the life of a brother-in-arms and a friend. 

Real heroes rarely boast about their acts of valor. They sign up and stand up, never counting the cost. And if we aren’t careful, we can miss the ones like Jordan walking quietly among us, continuing the mission with a servant’s heart and a soldier’s unwavering duty. 

Balfour Beatty is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that recognizes the unique value, skills and experiences that veterans offer. Looking to build your career alongside veterans like Safety, Health & Environment (SHE) Director Jordan Webster? Click here to explore our current opportunities. Learn more about Balfour Beatty’s veteran recruitment efforts and why the construction industry is an ideal fit for veterans. 

From winning work to investing in our local communities, Erica Frandsen’s commitment to excellence has positioned Balfour Beatty to build new futures across California.

From winning work to helping cement Balfour Beatty’s reputation as an industry and community leader, the roles and responsibilities of a construction marketing professional extend far beyond sales and advertising. For Marketing Director Erica Frandsen, activities like building morale amongst her team, organizing local volunteer opportunities and even supporting the next generation of builders are all in a day’s work. 

Since joining Balfour Beatty in 2013, Erica has exemplified intentional leadership beyond her colleagues and communities. In 2021, Erica, along with her husband and Balfour Beatty Director, Sacramento Kyle Frandsen, developed and executed a plan in collaboration with the company’s local leadership to open a new office in Sacramento. This strategy has effectively positioned Balfour Beatty to expand our presence into the growing K-12 and higher education markets in and around the Sacramento community—among other exciting opportunities. 

Since that time, Erica has played an integral role in growing the footprint of the business, as recently demonstrated by the team’s first project award—the $2.8 million Natomas High School Administration Building for new client, Natomas Unified School District. The team also secured a $35 million progressive design-build contract to build the new C80 Creekview Elementary School for Roseville City School District—amongst 15 local competitors.

But it isn't simply achievements such as opening a new office and delivering critical project wins that have lifted Erica to new levels of leadership. Erica says the key component of her intentional leadership is always remaining cognizant of her teammates' daily hard work, both on and off the jobsite.

In 2020 when COVID-19 required jobsite teams to rapidly implement new safety and operational procedures, Erica created a program designed to encourage Balfour Beatty teammates on the front lines of the pandemic. She implemented a "Project Pride" campaign to recognize jobsite teams for their dedication and commitment to the safety and health of our people and partners as they continued to deliver industry-leading projects for our clients.

Erica understands that leading with intention also requires forward-thinking. As the co-chair of Balfour Beatty's summer internship program in California, Erica demonstrates her passion for investing in the builders of tomorrow and the importance of Balfour Beatty’s role in ensuring a robust talent pipeline. 

"One of the best ways we can help solve the labor issues our industry faces is to provide meaningful internship opportunities," adds Erica. Balfour Beatty’s summer internship program in California spans six weeks, includes opportunities for various roles both on and off the jobsite and culminates in an annual scholarship presentation experience.

Additionally, Erica has also supported the next generation of construction leaders through her service on the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Judges Panel for the national Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Student Competition. 

As an intentional leader, Erica understands that Balfour Beatty’s impact reaches far beyond our jobsites and into the communities where we live and build. Throughout her tenure with Balfour Beatty, Erica led the annual Red Shoe Day, participating alongside her teammates to collectively raise over $20,000 in support of San Diego's Ronald McDonald House Charities. 

She has also co-led the coordination of Balfour Beatty’s annual Green Apple Day of Service for the past seven years—an effort that has provided sustainable campus beautification projects for several of Balfour Beatty's valued education clients. 

But even with the various activities she spearheads, Erica's teammates know that she will never lose sight of her primary focus and passion – leading challenging efforts to procure new work for Balfour Beatty. Since joining the company, Erica has contributed to securing 34 project wins totaling over $750 million worth of work. These include new progressive design-build K-14 school campuses, energy-efficiency retrofits and large design-build youth transition centers among other projects that have helped build new futures across California. In 2021, she also collaborated with a team that secured a  $2.5 billion, five-year pool selection with the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southwest. Erica is now taking her efforts one step further in support of the new Sacramento office, chasing challenging opportunities with new school district partners against top local competitors. 

Due to her exceptional contributions, the San Diego Business Journal recognized Erica as a 2020 Outstanding Woman in Construction and Design as well as a 2020 Next Top Business Leader under 40. 

Whether she's creating compelling proposals, giving back to the community or even launching a new office, Erica demonstrates the same intentional leadership and commitment to excellence that exemplifies Balfour Beatty’s reputation as a people-first business.

A little over two years ago, Ellie McBride packed her bags and left her home in the UK for a new opportunity with Balfour Beatty in the US. After four years working with Balfour Beatty UK’s major projects business and the opportunity to travel to over 30 countries, Ellie had set her sights stateside.

Working as a field engineer on the Jimmy DeLoach Project in Savannah, Georgia, Ellie felt ready for the career and lifestyle changes that came with her move. Although the transition put her in a new role with different expectations, she soon adapted to life on site and began the construction of six structures on the project.

“When I arrived, many things were different from what I was used to, but that is to be expected,” says Ellie. “Fortunately, I had our business manager, Sherrie Drinnen. She took me under her wing, helped me settle in my role so that I could fulfill my responsibilities in this new environment. Sherrie’s support made my transition more straightforward.”

Career changes aren’t the only differences Ellie has overcome during her two years in the U.S. On top of tackling a language barrier (deep southern accents can be tough!), there are subtle lifestyle differences that require some adjustment. Everything from calculating time differences when communicating with family back home, driving on a different side of the road and even grocery shopping looks little different. As is her personality, Ellie tackles all of this with energy, determination and a good sense of humor.

While Ellie certainly misses her friends, family and dog, Tom, she’s enjoying her opportunity to work in the U.S. and is making the most out of her time here.

When she’s not hard at work, Ellie likes to explore new places and continues to immerse herself in American culture by attending baseball and football games, traveling interstate to visit friends, hiking and even plans to attempt a few water sports.

Staying true to her adventurous nature and hoping to gain more experience in the early construction phase, Ellie recently made her way to Texas, to begin work on our design-build Oak Hill Parkway project.

Beth Davis was visiting construction sites before she could walk. Perhaps that’s why these days, she’s pretty comfortable running some of the largest and most complex jobsites in the Southeast. 

A second-generation builder who learned the ropes of large commercial projects from her father, the Ohio native has spent her entire 20-year career with Balfour Beatty, building a resume that would spark envy even amongst the most seasoned industry veterans. And she’s done it with a combination of sweat equity and earned swagger. 

A recognized ground-up construction expert, Beth has helped shape the Charlotte skyline. Her mark includes the $76 million Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel in Uptown Charlotte and the new corporate headquarters for Corning Fiber.

Beth can credit countless other high-profile projects to her name. She oversaw interiors work for SPX’s Corporate Global Headquarters, a LEED Silver project that received a first place Eagle Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Carolinas Chapter. 

Speaking of awards, Beth helped another marquee project receive a few of its own. Considering the job’s difficulty, it’s little wonder the collective industry took notice. Beth led a talented team that put nearly 340,000 square feet of work in place in just nine months. It took 12+ hours, seven days a week to achieve the feat of craftsmanship that is the LEED Platinum MetLife Corporate Retail Headquarters. “I learned the power of maintaining a positive attitude and persevering,” recalls Beth. 

Though her portfolio primarily spans the private sector, Beth’s fondest memories are of a $200 million Central Campus for the Army Corps of Engineers. “It was something new and different,” she reminisces. Both qualities are key to Beth’s love of construction. “I like the process of creating something from nothing. You’re never doing the same thing twice in this field.” 

Given the demands of her all-consuming career, it’s tough to imagine Beth having time to pursue many hobbies or interests once she’s kicked off her (often muddy) steel-toe boots. While she’s meeting project milestones, Beth is masterfully managing the schedules, routines and day-to-day organization of her family. Recognizing the importance of educating and inspiring the next generation of builders, Beth also plays an active role in mentoring Balfour Beatty’s up-and-coming project engineers and project managers in Charlotte. 

It’s safe to say Beth never dreamed of a path that didn’t include building. For those women contemplating a career that mirrors her own, Beth offers this advice, “Be passionate and take ownership of your work. Construction is all about following through from start to finish.” 

While Beth is aware of the reality that she is both a woman of influence and a minority in a demanding and competitive industry, she’s always maintained a firm policy of checking her apologies at the trailer door, refusing to concede any assumption that she doesn’t belong. 

“If you treat others the way you want to be treated—with responsiveness and respect—you earn both in this industry. That really holds true for anything in life,” she argues. 

Outspoken but fair, confident but compassionate, Beth Davis and women like her are the future of our industry.

Ashrita always knew that she was destined for an active, hands-on career. She enjoys being outside in the fresh air and sunshine and has a scientific mind that relishes a challenge. With a can-do attitude and a strong determination to help her teammates succeed, Ashrita is building an impressive construction career by relying on her keen problem-solving and communication skills to foster collaboration and identify innovative solutions for her teams and projects.

Born and raised in India among a family of engineers and scientists, Ashrita moved to the U.S. to pursue her college education. As a student at Purdue University, Ashrita considered multiple technical fields, but civil engineering felt like the right fit. 

Armed with a bachelor’s and master’s degree, she began her career working for a structural engineer in Houston. She enjoyed the stimulating work and was thrilled to be a team member on multiple ENR award-winning projects in Houston and southern California. However, after spending time on jobsites and seeing construction managers in action, she dreamed of a future in the field.  When she heard Balfour Beatty was hiring field engineers in northern California, she jumped at the chance. 

Ashrita has excelled in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of construction management. Currently in her sixth year in the profession, she recently received a promotion to project engineer and is serving as a member of the Caltrain Electrification project. This complex, urban project includes working in a 150-year-old right-of-way.

During the installation of pile footings on the project, crews discovered an abandoned foundation fifteen feet underground that dated back to the early 1900s. The object was obstructing the path of the piles. Working into the early hours of the morning, Ashrita and the designer developed a plan to safely move the footing. Ashrita’s adaptability and creative thinking helped her team keep the project on schedule.

When Ashrita is not at the jobsite, she enjoys volunteering for community-based construction organizations, including Building Humanity and Habitat for Humanity. As a member of the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, she has also travelled to the Philippines to work on a wastewater treatment facility.

Ashrita feels fortunate to work in such a challenging and rewarding industry. As she has witnessed the industry become increasingly more diverse and inclusive, she appreciates all the individuals who have paved the way to ensure a more equitable future for women. Yet, from her first day on-site as a field engineer, Ashrita has observed areas in which more progress is needed.

“Working alongside my Balfour Beatty teammates, I am respected, and my contributions are appreciated,” Ashrita explains. “However, the workforce is predominantly male, and it can present unique challenges to establish trust with those who do not have a lot of experience working with women. Once they get to know me and know my work, they begin to trust me, but it takes communication and tenacity to break down barriers.”

Ashrita is quick to point out that once relationships of mutual trust are established, the same trade partners will go out of their way to assist her in accomplishing jobsite tasks. Still, she feels that continuing to advance the number of women in construction, and supporting these women, is paramount in creating a more equitable and inclusive work environment. In support of this, in 2021 Ashrita served as a panelist Balfour Beatty’s first “Together Allies” Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit Allies” Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit to discuss allyship and how men can advocate for women.

Ashrita is proud of the honest dialogue that occurred at the conference and the continuing efforts of Balfour Beatty’s Connecting Women employee affinity group. “Connecting Women provides a platform for empowering the women of Balfour Beatty to discuss issues that are still prevalent in our industry and gives the men of Balfour Beatty an opportunity to understand how they can support their teammates and be an advocate for change in our industry.”

Ask Ashrita if more can be done, and her prowess at finding solutions quickly reveals itself. 

“We need more women in higher operational and administrative positions to serve as role models and mentors. There are also opportunities to continue to grow our Connecting Women employee affinity group and create a mentorship program to help women from across the company support each other and recruit new women to enter the industry.”

Being flexible, adaptive and always looking for more efficient ways to solve issues is how Ashrita approaches her daily work and her career. She appreciates that Balfour Beatty is a people-first company unflinchingly tackling workforce equality issues to move the construction industry forward. It is construction professionals and leaders like Ashrita who will get this job done, and she is up for the challenge.

When April Medlin was young, she dreamt of helping people by becoming a nurse. Little did she know, instead of through nursing, she would impact the lives of hundreds of children through her role in the construction industry.

April’s unlikely journey began when she graduated with a degree in sociology. At the time, April had already shifted gears from nursing to setting her sights on educating and inspiring future generations by earning her teaching credentials. 

During her time as a student teacher at a local middle school, April was touched by a moment she experienced with a young girl. The school had taken a group of children on a field trip to the nearby community college, where they displayed a plethora of unique career options. 

When the class was leaving, April began a conversation with a young girl, asking questions aimed at what she wanted her future to hold. “My mom works at Taco Bell and puts food on the table every night for me and my siblings. I think that is a good job. I want to work at Taco Bell,” the young girl said in response. April pondered the thought for a moment. She had never considered the prospect of children not wanting to pursue a postsecondary education. 

Curious, April asked the student if she wanted to attend college and received a firm “no” in response. April continued pressing the topic, asking questions about what the young girl was interested in and whether she had considered pursuing her passions in the beauty industry. The young girl began to light up as April explained the potential career paths within that industry. This is the moment that ignited a fire within April to continue guiding and supporting children who may not be exposed to the opportunities available to them. 

As fate would have it, April began working at Balfour Beatty over 12 years ago when she learned more about a field she had never previously considered. Many misconceptions about the construction industry exist, including that it is labor intensive with visualizations of hammering nails, setting framework and pouring concrete. But, as April discovered, there are many avenues to pursue a career in this field. 

Today, as a project accountant manager for Balfour Beatty in California, April oversees a vast array of vital business activities. Her responsibilities range from overseeing accounting processes to developing a team of adept accountants. April is even helping drive the implementation of a new software to help streamline accounting practices nationally. 

April now takes every opportunity to help younger generations explore new paths and shape their futures. Volunteering at Abraxas High School in Poway, CA, April relates to the students by sharing the twists and turns of her own career. She helps expose students to apprenticeship programs, networking events and even internships that can be taken advantage of while they are in high school. 

“[As a builder focused on education facilities] We build things that matter, that give me pride and impact students every day,” states April.

April discovered this volunteer opportunity through the Women’s Construction Coalition’s Julie Morgan Society. This program was founded with the goal of inspiring younger generations to pursue the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries by providing them with related mentorships and scholarships. The program presents high schoolers with options for achieving education through venues such as a traditional four-year education or apprenticeship programs. They also provide networking events where students can meet and connect with industry professionals. 

A trusted advisor, April reviews and recommends training materials for teachers to utilize in their classrooms. Leveraging her experience as a teacher, she also works with the students, guiding them through the Julie Morgan Society program and assisting them in filling out applications for scholarships. 

Having found her own door of opportunity, April shares her story of working her way through a variety of careers, eventually rising through the ranks at Balfour Beatty where she began as an accounts payable clerk. Even though April isn't working in a field related to her degree, she inspires those around her and is shaping future generations through her outreach efforts.

Amy’s collaborative mindset has led to the success of many projects, including the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experiences she has become an expert in building. To create these community-anchoring establishments, Amy not only assembles teams of experts committed to operational excellence, but she also works alongside longstanding, local trade partners to achieve the client’s vision.

“Painters, electricians, and framers all serve any type of building construction, but the demands of hospitality and entertainment construction are unique and particular,” Amy affirms. “To build the best tourist attractions, we work hand-in-hand with our best, longstanding trade allies.”

From upgrading and expanding attractions for premier entertainment companies to breathing new life into the Hyatt Regency Orlando (formerly The Peabody Orlando), Amy is a pro at setting the foundation for exciting experiences.

Leveling the Field

Today, Amy is leading Balfour Beatty’s largest active project in our Central Florida market in the hospitality and entertainment sector. She has also led the Florida chapter of the company’s employee affinity group, Connecting Women, for the last two years. Under her guidance, the group has hosted speakers, organized volunteer events and provided networking opportunities for the women of Balfour Beatty.

For Amy, every day is another opportunity – a chance to learn, a chance to grow and a chance to lift someone else up. In her mind this is all just part of the job that she loves, but for those who have been inspired or mentored by Amy, she’s doing much more than that.

Through her work and her example, Amy is a role model, leveling the field for everyone.

Amanda Patton almost skirted her destiny to become a third-generation builder. 

It was a strong lineage, too. Amanda’s grandfather was a plumber, and her father worked on septic systems. They dreamed that Amanda would follow in their footsteps as a professional engineer. But growing up, Amanda wasn’t drawn to construction—or any related field for that matter. 

That was until her family decided to build a new home. Like any teenager, Amanda was keenly interested in the plans for her bedroom. But unlike most her age and much to the astonishment of the architect, Amanda took it upon herself to resketch those plans precisely to her liking. And just like that, a young girl from a small Alabama town started to dream big about her future as an architect. 

At Auburn University, Amanda enrolled in the prestigious College of Architecture, Design, and Construction’s School of Architecture. During her third year, Amanda learned that she had not been selected to advance within the architecture program. What appeared like a dream denied ended up being destiny in disguise.  

Upon transferring to study construction management in the College’s Department of Building Science, Amanda’s exposure to architecture helped her recognize some of the industry’s inherent dysfunctions and operational inefficiencies. Unbeknownst to Amanda at the time, it marked the beginning of her journey to become the lean construction leader she is today. 

After graduation, Amanda joined Balfour Beatty’s recently established Charlotte, NC office as an estimator. Nearly two decades later, she’s still going strong, having earned a reputation as a respected and collaborative building partner committed to the continuous improvement of her projects, teams, and the industry at large. 

Amanda’s formative years in the business offered exposure to a wide variety of markets and project scopes. From tenant improvement work for international banking institutions like Bank of America to higher education projects at Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Penn State University and healthcare projects such as Western State Hospital, Amanda built a strong and well-rounded foundation that included certification as a Design-Build Professional™.

Thanks to the encouragement of a mentor, she even made the leap from preconstruction to operations. To quote Sheryl Sandberg, Amanda “leaned in” to each opportunity she was presented with bold curiosity and the tenacity to make it her own. 

In 2006, Amanda relocated to the Mid-Atlantic region to help grow the Corporate Accounts’ footprint. However, a shift in the company’s strategic focus led her to officially join the Mid-Atlantic team contributing to integrated projects. 

Recognizing the vast communications gap and system siloes that exist between AEC partners, Amanda began exploring ways to help owners more effectively communicate their project goals and expectations—what’s known in lean circles as “conditions of satisfaction.” As she helped teams break away from traditional modes of thinking and working, Amanda experienced an epiphany that had perhaps been her whole career in the making. 

“I realized that I don’t have the process-driven mindset of your typical engineer. My passion is connecting people,” Amanda recalls. “The first pillar of lean is respect for people. This really resonated with me. The prospect of delivering projects differently was interesting and motivating.” 

Although Amanda got a glimpse of an ideal industry future state while attending Lean Construction Institute (LCI) events, she wanted the opportunity to work on a project where lean was fully embraced and embedded. In 2015, Amanda got that opportunity as part of the integrated project delivery (IPD) team (collectively referenced PennFIRST) selected to build a new, 1.5-million-square-foot patient pavilion for Penn Medicine. The project, which is slated to complete in 2021, created an ideal testing ground for lean practices and tools. From off-site manufacturing to daily huddles, target value design (TVD), and parametric modeling, the PennFIRST team has reaped countless successes in advancing the case for lean.

“To see people want to work this way and to find value in it has been really exciting,” praises Amanda, who has most recently been serving in the capacity of control on the Penn Medicine project. “To be part of a team where the owner may one day find the cure for cancer – it doesn’t get much better than that.”

Amanda has not only been committed to positively impacting the practice of lean on her projects, but she also played an instrumental role in establishing a new lean community of practice (CoP) in the Philadelphia, PA area. 

Amanda may not be your typical construction professional. In an industry where the command is all too often valued over collaboration and tradition over innovation, Amanda has broken the mold by remaining true to herself and to her deep-seated belief that there is a better way to build that puts people first.

When Aislinn Nagy changed her major from city planning to building construction at Virginia Tech, she didn’t think twice about working in a male-dominated industry. It wasn’t just that construction was becoming more inclusive when Aislinn graduated in 2011. As decisive as she is driven, once Aislinn establishes a goal, she simply refuses to accept any barriers to achieving it. 

Before donning her cap and gown, the Charlotte, NC native was already building an enviable resume. During an internship with RT Dooley Construction, a family-owned general contractor Balfour Beatty acquired in 2009, Aislinn worked on one of the most signature buildings punctuating her hometown skyline, the Duke Energy Center. During another internship, Aislinn made her mark on the nation’s capital, helping renovate the Pentagon.

It came as little surprise to those who knew Aislinn that she graduated with the honor of “Most Exemplary Senior” in her building construction department. But Aislinn was only just beginning to crack the glass ceiling. After graduation, Aislinn joined another national general contractor. Her first project, a federal prison in West Virginia, was hardly a softball for the 22-year-old. Aislinn relocated to an unfamiliar state and was the only woman out of a nearly 30-member project team. In what would become a recurring theme of Aislinn’s career, where others see obstacles, she seizes opportunities. Aislinn describes her relationship with the project’s superintendent, a 6’4,” Paul Bunyan-esque, tower crane of a man, “He toughened me up, and I softened him.”  

Though Aislinn enjoyed her tenure in the Mid-Atlantic, she never forgot her roots and joined Balfour Beatty’s Charlotte team in 2015. “It felt like coming home,” she recalls. Aislinn’s first project with the company, a challenging multifamily housing development, would have tested even the most seasoned construction professional. It was a baptism of fire of sorts for Aislinn, then a 27-year-old assistant project manager. But Aislinn wasn’t second-in-command on-site for long. When the project manager departed the company, senior leadership entrusted the job to Aislinn, confident in her ability to deliver. Predictably, Aislinn did not disappoint.

“You have to find ways to get a job done under pressure,” maintains Aislinn. “Often, you don’t have the liberty of taking three days to make a decision. You have to make the best call for your client and trade partners and be willing to stand behind it.” As Aislinn looks back, she realizes these lessons are equally applicable to projects that run smoothly or those that encounter any number of the industry’s common obstacles.

Today, Aislinn is a project manager with nearly three million square feet of work credited to her name. She was recently named to Charlotte Agenda’s 30 under 30 Class of 2018. A relentlessly positive, calm under pressure, consummate team player, Aislinn’s glass is always half full. She’s spent the last several years managing a $14 million renovation to the Reynolds American, Inc. headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C., and in March 2019, transitioned to oversee a $30 million K-8 STEAM facility for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

Despite a demanding career that requires many early morning job site visits and late-night emails, Aislinn dedicates time to serving others through initiatives like the ACE Mentor Program. In December 2018, she led a project like no other—building a footbridge over a canyon in Bolivia’s Cochabamba River Valley. In partnership with Bridges to Prosperity, Balfour Beatty assembled a diverse team of construction experts to provide Bolivians a safer and faster route to access food, healthcare and other basic necessities.

“Leadership is hard to teach and a lot has to do with experiences and how a person can take those experiences and translate them into success,” says Jeff Sandeen, vice president and business unit leader in Charlotte. “I have witnessed Aislinn become a humble yet driven leader, and that is reflected in her daily operations as well as her community involvement.”

In many ways, Aislinn is fulfilling her destiny. Her father, who works for CBRE, often took his children around Charlotte, pointing out buildings he’d helped bring to life. Today, Aislinn can take the same personal pride in the Queen City, knowing she’s building foundations in more ways than one.

“I never want to be so comfortable that I’m not challenging myself. If I’m not aiming for something, then I’m settling,” affirms Aislinn with a wisdom that surpasses her age.

Ability, ambition, adventure. Aislinn Nagy is proving the future of construction belongs to anyone who devotes themselves to building it.

Almost every American can recall with remarkable clarity exactly where they were when two planes ripped through a brilliant September sky. Sixteen years later, Paul Studley’s memories are more vivid than most. The New York native was working in Midtown Manhattan on that fateful day and watched in horror as that same sky was engulfed by billowing black smoke and raging flames. 

But Paul also remembers the deep, abiding sense of community he felt once the skies fell silent. The way people banded together to become their brother’s keeper. 9/11 changed us all, and for Paul, that change manifested in a profound passion for safety. At the time, Paul had spent 20 years in the tradeshow industry, overseeing the erection of large-scale exhibits with a variety of equipment including mobile cranes. He was keenly aware of the dangers that can arise when men and machinery mix. Because of 9/11, Paul was even more keenly aware of the fragility of life. In the days forward, he renewed his resolve to protect those under his watch.

It was a passion that eventually followed Paul to Seattle, Washington, where he joined Balfour Beatty’s team in the Northwest, locally known as Howard S. Wright. Before the cross-country move, Paul had left the tradeshow business to follow in the footsteps of the Studley family profession: vertical construction. His father and older brother were electricians by trade, and a second older brother was an ironworker. But Paul, who’d always had an affinity for high-end finish work, pursued carpentry. It was with this diverse skillset that Paul was dispatched from Seattle’s Union Hall to Howard S. Wright on July 27, 2006—a day that he recalls as life-changing.

“It’s been 11 wonderful years,” beams Paul. “The people inspire me as much as the projects.” It wasn’t long before Paul was hired as a full-time employee in the company’s Special Projects Group, which focuses primarily on interior fit-outs and renovation services. Because these projects are often completed in occupied spaces and during off-peak hours, they present unique safety challenges.

But none Paul isn’t prepared to tackle. Paul’s projects—like the University of Washington Husky Stadium renovation—consistently achieve stellar safety records. In fact, his last two jobs didn’t record a single incident. When asked the secret to his teams’ successes, Paul is eager to discuss the details from pre-task planning to hazard analysis and housekeeping. But the more he speaks, it becomes apparent that this soft-spoken superintendent is able to win the hearts and minds of subcontractor partners because of his sincerity. It’s evident in his practice of introducing himself to each worker with a gloved handshake. It’s evident in the extra effort he takes to educate himself about safety, reading about incidents that occur on other contractors’ jobsites and sharing applicable lessons. It’s evident in the way he compassionately approaches workers who have fallen short of safety requirements.

“If people feel you’re invested in them, they’re more likely to be invested in themselves,” attests Paul, who never hesitates to voice concerns when he spots an unsafe action or behavior. “I don’t feel remorse for telling someone, ‘You’re not doing yourself any justice.’ Because I’d feel a million times worse if I didn’t.” Paul is particularly excited about Balfour Beatty’s newest Zero Harm campaign, “See Something, Say Something,” which aims to encourage open lines of communication about safety.

“Paul embodied ‘See Something, Say Something’ before it was launched,” praises Brian Sorensen, director of safety, health, and environment in Seattle. “He develops cohesive teams in which every person feels like he or she has the ultimate responsibility for safety.”

On 9/11, thousands of ordinary men and women became extraordinary heroes. The same transformation can happen every day on construction sites, where excavators and riggers, and electricians have the power to take bold and courageous actions to protect one another. Paul Studley didn’t become a champion for safety because he covets medals or recognition. Like he’s demonstrated throughout his entire career, Paul genuinely cares about people. Perhaps that’s one of the best legacies of 9/11 and the collective promise made to never forget.