What led you to your current role as National Director of the Asphalt Pavement Association?
After I graduated from college with a degree in environmental engineering, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. A friend worked at an engineering firm, and they were looking for people. I got an offer and did that long enough to be able to get the experience I needed for my PE (Professional Engineer) license.
After that, I worked for a company called W.R. Grace, which is a chemical admixture company. I worked in several roles within that company and got good exposure. This role was the parlay into the world of pavements, which led me to work for a large association. Then, that opportunity eventually opened the door to the asphalt industry. More than two years later, here I am at the Asphalt Pavement Alliance.
What does a typical day on the job look like?
Every day is atypical. It’s talking to contractors. Talking to State Asphalt Pavement Association executives. It’s working on reports. Working on our strategic plan. Traveling. Presenting the focus of the APA stakeholders. Focused on utilizing assets from the pavement economic committee (PEC) and making sure that those are deployed to the appropriate end-users.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
One of the things that attracted me to this job was the plan to unify NAPA, all of the State Asphalt Pavement Associations, and the Asphalt Institute. I enjoy the process of getting to work from a unified platform with these three large associations, face challenges in the asphalt industry together and create solutions that keep us on top of the market.
Where do you see the industry in 5 years, 10 years?
We’re seeing greater interest in environmental responsibility through products. The other big trend is going to be driverless cars, and how those decisions affect our roadway systems, as it pertains to construction of roadways.
How did the Women Of Asphalt Council Come to be?
While there is a large Women in Construction group, I felt we needed a women in asphalt organization—whether it’s for support or advocating for more women in the industry.
What do you see for the future of the Council?
We’ve had a lot of inquiries from women who want to have a local group. I would love to be able to be effective on a local basis, where it gives women the opportunity to come together, be supportive of each other and share ideas on ways to be more effective in the workplace or in their jobs and to encourage more women in our industry.
What advice do you have for women who may be interested in joining this field?
There are many opportunities within this industry that fit a variety of skill sets and offer long-term growth, both professionally and personally.