leaders council
TRANSCRIPT
STEVE MCGOUGH REFLECTS ON TWO-YEAR CHAIRMANSHIP | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021
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Dave Bauer: The Arena, p. 8
From the Foundation Chairman, p. 10
Eye on Economics, p. 34
AEM Corner, p. 37
TransOvation Tech, p. 38
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021 / VOLUME 33, ISSUE 5
An active Women Leaders Council is important and influential. It shows the next generation entering our industry a diverse group of professional women willing to mentor, coach, and show them a path to success.
- ARTBA Chairman Steve McGough
Featuring:
• Women Leaders Council 10th Anniversary
• Dr. Melissa Tooley • Lisa Robert • Dr. Karen Philbrick • Susan Martinovich • Paula Hammond• Women Leaders in
Transportation Design & Construction Award Winners
• Three U.S. DOT Secretaries • Kiewit Corp.• Granite
“
” ON THE COVER
13-33 Celebrating Women Leaders
Pictured Above: 2019 Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction Award Winners
Left to right: Aikaterini Deliali, University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Future Industry Spotlight), Sheida Khademi, University of Texas at Arlington (Future Industry Spotlight), Claudia Bilotto (accepting Glass Hammer for WSP USA), and Esther McGinnis, Gannett Fleming (Ethel Birchland Lifetime Achievement).
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 3
STAFF
PUBLISHER Dave Bauer
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Mark [email protected]
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGERCarrie [email protected]
ARTBA CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. Alison Premo BlackARTBA Chief Economist
Josh HurwitzARTBA Senior Economist
Allison KleinARTBA Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement
John SchneidawindARTBA Vice President of Public Affairs
“Transportation Builder”(TB) is the official publication of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). We bring together all facets of the transportation construction industry to responsibly advocate for infrastructure investment and policy that meet the nation’s need for safe and efficient travel. ARTBA also offers value-added programs and services providing its members with a competitive edge. TB is the primary source of business, legislative, regulatory, safety and economic news that matters most to transportation development professionals.
Transportation Builder® (ISSN 1043-4054) is published bi-monthly by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Postmaster: Send change of address to Transportation Builder®, c/o ARTBA, 250 E. Street, S.W., Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20024. Phone: 202.289.4434, Fax: 202.289.4435, artba.org; [email protected]. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C., and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions are $105/year for ARTBA members, which is included in the dues; $120/year for non-members; and $200/year non-U.S. mailing addresses. Copyright ©2021 ARTBA. All rights reserved. Material may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office.
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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman: Steve McGoughHCSS, Sugar Land, TexasSenior Vice Chairman: Ward NyeMartin Marietta, Raleigh, N.C.First Vice Chairman: Tim DuitDuit Construction Co., Inc., Edmond, Okla.Northeastern Region Vice Chair: David HarwoodTerracon, Olathe, Kan.Central Region Vice Chair: Jim FehsenfeldHeritage Construction & Materials, Indianapolis, Ind.Southern Region Vice Chair: Jeff NelsonDavid Nelson Construction Co., Palm Harbor, Fla.Western Region Vice Chair: Lisa RobertRS&H, Inc., Denver, Colo.Vice Chair At-Large: Kevin CornishOrlando, Fla.Vice Chair At-Large: Tony FassinoCaterpillar Inc., Deerfield, Ill.Vice Chair At-Large: Paula HammondWSP USA, Seattle, Wash.Vice Chair At-Large: Randy LakeCRH Americas Materials, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.Vice Chair At-Large: Tom O'GradyHNTB, Kansas City, Mo.Vice Chair At-Large: Michael VecellioVecellio Group, Inc., West Palm Beach, Fla.Vice Chair At-Large: Dave ZanetellKraemer North America, Castle Rock, Colo.Treasurer: Thomas W. HillJackson, Wyo.Secretary: David BauerARTBA, Washington, D.C.ARTBA Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman: Paul YarossiHNTB Corporation, New York, N.Y.ARTBA Foundation Board of Trustees Vice Chairman: David ZachryZachry Corporation & Zachry Construction Corporation, San Antonio, TexasJoint Committee Co-Chair: Tim CresonCoraopolis, Pa.Contractors Division President: Joe CutilloSterling Construction Company, The Woodlands, TexasContractors Division First Vice President: Michael GlezerWagman Heavy Civil, Inc., York, Pa.AEM Representative: Stephen RoyVolvo Construction Equipment, Greensboro, N.C.Research & Education Division President: Dr. Karen PhilbrickSan Jose State University, Mineta Transportation Institute, San Jose, Calif.M&S Division President: Ben RobuckCEMEX USA, Newnan, Ga.P&D Division President: Jihane FazioAECOM, Piscataway, N.J.P3 Division President: Charlie KilpatrickThe Lane Construction Corporation, Chantilly, Va.TSID President: Laura HuizingaLindsay Transportation Solutions, Omaha, Neb.TOD President: Brian NessIdaho Transportation Department, Boise, IdahoCouncil of State Executives Chairman: Tom LayfieldAlabama Road Builders Association, Montgomery, Ala.Immediate Past Chairman: Robert AlgerSNC-Lavalin, Avon, Conn.Past Chairman's Council Chairman: James R. MadaraGannett Fleming, Inc., Allentown, Pa.Industry Leader Development Council: Sofia BergerWSP USA, New York, N.Y.
Promote your company’s products and services in Transportation Builder. Contact Dave Weidner at 202.683.1026 or [email protected]. See our 2021 Media Kit under the “News” tab at artba.org.
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September-October 20214 | transportationbuilder.org
EDITOR’S NOTEMARK HOLAN | Editorial Director
This issue of Transportation Builder is dedicated to the 10th anniversary of ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council. By the time you read it, recent developments in the House could mean we are on the way to getting a $370 billion surface transportation reauthorization and $86 billion supplemental infrastructure package.
Let’s hope so. This represents historic investment in important work.
But whether the process is completed or pushed a little deeper into the fall, ARTBA offers the industry’s best legislative and regulatory analysis of the package. Visit the “Government Affairs” tab at artba.org to access our summary of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA). Check our Washington Newsline webpage for the latest developments.
Women & Work
Mark HolanEditorial [email protected]
The Senate-approved IIJA, which provides the investment cited earlier, also instructs the U.S. Department of Transportation to report to Congress on workforce diversity issues, including barriers to employment. It directs the agency to research workforce needs and develop a plan to address them. It provides $25 million for a public service announcement campaign.
Part of this effort surely will focus on bringing more women into the transportation design and construction industry.
We welcome this development. Let's share our lessons learned and successes and take advice or assistance when appropriate. As you’ll read in our comprehensive editorial, women have already contributed much to our industry. With a robustly funded law in place for the next five years, they can do even more.
AECOM congratulates all of the recipients of the ARTBA Women Leaders in Transportation Design and Construction Awards. As past recipients of the Glass Hammer Award, we recognize the importance of promoting women and diversity in our organizations and industry.
Honoring women in transportation
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 5
CHAIRMAN'S CORNERSTEVE MCGOUGH | President & CFO, HCSS
Steve McGough Reflects on Chairmanship During Pandemic
TB: What are a some highlights of your chairmanship?
SM: Testifying on Capitol Hill before a Senate committee about the need for a long-term transportation investment bill was clearly a highlight. It was a great opportunity to present our industry’s views before policymakers.
I also had the opportunity to represent our industry before two U.S. Department of Transportation secretaries from two different administrations. I shared ARTBA’s reauthorization and transportation investment priorities at a virtual meeting convened by Secretary Elaine Chao in April 2020. I also enjoyed conducting a one-on-one interview with Secretary Pete Buttigieg this past spring during the Transportation Construction Coalition virtual fly-in.
TB: What accomplishments make you most proud?
SM: Three things come to mind. First, after years of work by our association and its members, we are seeing a light at the end of the tunnel for a historic federal transportation and infrastructure investment bill. It is gratifying that the value of infrastructure investment has risen to the level of national prominence it deserves, but I also remember when our community was a lone voice on this topic. We demonstrated that persistence, perseverance, and pride remain a formula for success.
Second, the board’s approval of a three-year strategic plan and our success so far in its implementation also come to mind. The work we have done to date on all
five of our strategic objectives will help position our industry and this association for continued success. And I am proud to have helped put us on this trajectory.
Third, the level of engagement from the board and the membership has been unprecedented. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunities to visit with many of our state chapters virtually and in person. Our virtual board meetings and briefings have had record levels of participation.
I’m also proud of ARTBA’s continued focus on innovation. Our members remained engaged and contributed thoughtful editorials for our second annual Smart Design & Construction publication, which is helping us spotlight the innovations taking place in our industry.
TB: Your final thoughts?
SM: We were hit with a generational gut punch in March 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. I had a first-hand view of how our industry used innovation, collaboration, and grit to fight through that adversity to keep the public safe and deliver transportation improvements. I’ve always been proud to be part of this industry and association, but that experience underscores for me what makes us so special.
I want to thank Dave Bauer and his team for their excellent work during these extraordinary pandemic-induced times. I also want to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Executive Committee and the board for their support and counsel. Their continued leadership and involvement leave me feeling very good about the future of our industry... and this association.
Steve McGough, president and CFO of Texas-based HCSS, in September concluded two years as ARTBA chairman, a stretch that included the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Senate-passed surface transportation reauthorization and infrastructure bill was still being considered in the House during this Aug. 24 interview, which was edited to fit the space.
September-October 20216 | transportationbuilder.org
THE ARENADAVE BAUER | President & CEO, ARTBA
Relying on Data in an Age of Misinformation
Everybody is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.”
Former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.) made this observation 32 years ago and it remains poignantly true today—particularly when anyone with an internet connection has a public platform. Ubiquitous access to information has greatly enriched our society and quality of life. Unfortunately, it has also opened another door to those who seek to manipulate truth to generate clicks, improve ratings, influence elections, or block historic federal infrastructure legislation.
Empirical data and market intelligence have been a cornerstone of ARTBA’s advocacy efforts for over two decades. We continue to build on that foundation with new products and services because we know the strength of our policy objectives lies in demonstrating their tangible benefit to each state and community.
The recent Senate debate on a transportation and infrastructure investment bill underscores the threat of misinformation in the public policy arena and the unique value of ARTBA’s comprehensive approach to advocacy.
Critics of the measure distorted niche provisions to allege it would push a radical social agenda and create new user fees. Their campaign diverted senators from focusing on the bill’s unparalleled investment levels and smart policy updates to refute false claims and sensational headlines.
In the run-up to the crucial vote on the Senate’s infrastructure bill, ARTBA helped counter this disinformation by providing state-by-state charts detailing anticipated funding increases and routinely briefing our grassroots network and partners on what was and was not in the legislation.
Similarly, we used our market and policy expertise to successfully dispel false claims earlier in the year that federal highway funds were overwhelmingly used to expand highways. The charge was cited as a justification
to advance recommendations to restrict states from using resources from Congress for capacity-related projects. ARTBA informed policymakers that over the last 10 years nearly 50 percent of funds went to reconstruction and repair work, while only 6 percent was used for new construction.
While the Senate infrastructure plan earned support from more than two-thirds of the chamber, the episode reminds me that false narratives have power if left unchecked. It also reinforces the importance of one of ARTBA’s core programs—its economics and research team.
In addition to utilizing data to play defense against the forces of the status quo, ARTBA partnered with our state chapters to utilize information from our Highway Dashboard to demonstrate specifically how each state stands to benefit from increased highway investment. Together, we hosted 22 briefings for separate state House and Senate delegations attended by 175 congressional staff.
Relationships are currency in Washington, and the connections ARTBA builds with policy makers in Congress and the executive branch are made stronger by the resources and support we provide. The tools created by our economics team, such as the Highway Dashboard and the annual Bridge Report, are important for earning support of our policy priorities AND setting the record straight when misinformation arises.
Distortions and misinformation are now unfortunate fixtures of the American political and public policy arenas. The synergy from ARTBA’s economics and advocacy teams enables the transportation construction industry to promote outcome-based policy solutions while distinguishing fact from opinion.
“
September-October 20218 | transportationbuilder.org
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FROM THE FOUNDATION CHAIRMANPAUL YAROSSI | Director, HNTB
Build a Better Future: Support the ARTBA Foundation
Protecting the safety of transportation construction workers and the motoring public have been a key component of ARTBA’s mission since its 1902 establishment. Today, the Foundation is the “home” for a diverse suite of safety training aimed at helping workers recognize and mitigate hazards to reduce the number of project site incidents.
Here’s what Benjamin Colucci, director of the Puerto Rico Transportation Technology Transfer Center, has to say:
“The ARTBA technical presentation... resulted in tangible benefits for our stakeholders. The participants will certainly improve their knowledge about the safety measures and dangers of excavations and trenches in construction. Furthermore, offering the online trainings in our native Spanish language provided an added value to the participants in better understanding the topic.”
Over the last 20 years, we have trained more than 100,000 workers.
At the same time and as part of its comprehensive program of work, the Foundation has also provided 200 highway worker memorial scholarships to more than 100 students, totaling $700,000 in aid. The fund provides post high-school financial assistance to the children of highway workers killed or permanently disabled on the job.
The Foundation, through its recognition programs, has honored dozens of remarkable women leaders, scores of companies with outstanding safety and environmental accomplishments, and many individuals whose leadership and innovations positively changed the industry.
The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse (workzonesafety.org) remains the world’s largest online resource on the topic. And the Foundation has helped prepare nearly 800 promising leaders to become the next generation of advocates through the Industry Leader Development Program (ILDP).
Many of the Foundation’s initiatives are supported by the generosity of ARTBA members and their firms, industry foundations, our state chapter affiliates, and other transportation construction allies.
The Foundation’s Board of Trustees have already made financial commitments this year to support ongoing operations. On behalf of the trustees, we are asking you to also consider making a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year. You can do it easily on our new website: artbafoundation.org.
With your help, the Foundation will continue to help deliver a better—and safer—future for the transportation construction industry.
Check out the new website: artbafoundation.org
September-October 202110 | transportationbuilder.org
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Celebrating Women Leaders
This issue’s cover feature is inspired by the 10th anniversary of ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council (WLC), which I’ve been pleased to work with since its creation.
A peer support system such as the WLC is important for ARTBA and the transportation design and construction industry to thrive, says Dr. Melissa Tooley, the first chair. Current Chair Susan Martinovich urges all of us to engage our “superpowers” to help the WLC shape a brighter and more inclusive future.
On the following pages you’ll find editorial contributions from four WLC chairs, plus other established leaders and rising stars. Two national contractors discuss why they are focused on the recruitment and retention not only of women leaders, but also a more diverse workforce.
"The women in ARTBA's leadership ranks provide key insights and direction for the association, whether through the Executive Committee, as division presidents or in other roles,” says ARTBA President Dave Bauer. “They bring important public and private sector experiences to our organization, which benefits the entire membership and our industry."
ARTBA will continue to develop its role to increase the number of women involved as association leaders and grassroots advocates for our industry. Please contact me at [email protected] with any questions or suggestions. - Allison Klein, WLC Liaison
Standing (left to right): Cathy Connor, Dr. Melissa Tooley, Jo Ellen Sines, Nanci Nihan, Mary Beth Klein, Emily Cohen, Tracy Doyle, Allison Klein, Dr. Alison Premo Black, Yassmin Gramian and Hallie Schneir. Seated: Kathi Holst (left) and Greer Gillis.
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 13
ARTBA leaders recognized as the association entered its second century an opportunity to strengthen the future of the transportation construction industry. Specifically, there was a need to focus on involving more women leaders in the design and construction arena and highlight the roles many talented women were already fulfilling. And while some ARTBA member firms were recruiting and promoting women, others needed help.
Then-ARTBA Chairman Bill Cox, president of Maryland-based, Corman Construction (today Corman-Kokosing), in 2010 established the Women Leaders Council (WLC). Its core mission: to “promote leadership and career advancement for professional women through networking, mentoring, recognition, and educational activities” in partnership with the association and other industry and government stakeholders.
As ARTBA developed the WLC, the association also would benefit through more women on its executive committee, board, and other leadership positions.
“ARTBA should be very proud of the fact that it started this Council,” said Cox. “It’s a win-win for the industry and for the association.”
ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council @ 10 By Allison Klein John Schneidawind [email protected] [email protected]
With worker shortages throughout the transportation construction sector, “you’d be hurting your company if you didn’t include women as part of your workforce,” Cox added.
Getting Started After the WLC was formed, its first chair, Melissa Tooley, faced this challenge head on. Tooley, who is director of external initiatives at Texas A&M’s Transportation Institute (TTI), had served as president of ARTBA’s Research & Education Division and on the association’s board. Tooley had grown accustomed throughout her career to the lack of women in the transportation construction sector, except for at TTI, where women engineers are well-represented in research and leadership roles.
Tooley and the other WLC members realized they needed to establish a forum where ARTBA women members could meet and network, with the goal of facilitating active membership and leadership opportunities.
“We needed to provide a support structure for women in ARTBA,” she said, “I saw the Council as an opportunity to not only attract and retain more women within the organization, but also to address a critical need within our workforce.”
What followed was the development of a strategic plan with three specific goals:
• Raise the profile of professional women in transportation design and construction within ARTBA.
• Support professional women in transportation design and construction beyond the association.
• Attract more women and girls to transportation design and construction careers.
As a result of those initial efforts and structure, ARTBA has helped highlight the career possibilities for the next generation of women leaders.
Still Growing In the decade since its inception, WLC members developed a program of work to help implement this plan, and the influence of the Council has grown. Through a webinar series and panel sessions at ARTBA events, the association has heard from
ARTBA’s Women Leaders ARTBA has steadily increased the number of women in association leadership positions. For example:
Executive Committee 2010: 3 2021: 6
Board 2010: 8 of 168 = 5.3%
2021: 17 of 158 = 10.7%
Eight women have been division presidents since 2010. Division presidents automatically serve on the Executive Committee.
J
J
WOMEN LEADERS
September-October 202114 | transportationbuilder.org
WOMEN LEADERS
dynamic public and private sector leaders as they addressed topics of general interest in transportation design and construction as well as critical issues that impact women in the workforce.
Fulfilling its strategic plan, the WLC has also developed a widely recognized awards program that includes lifetime achievement, company, and student award categories. (Full list of award winners on the page 25.)
“The inclusion of women into every aspect and role in our industry is vital to our long-term success,” said multiyear awards program sponsor David Zachry, CEO of Zachry Corporation in San Antonio and the ARTBA Foundation’s vice chairman. “It will bring broader experiences and per-spectives that will make us all better.”
The WLC expanded its reach by collaborating with groups inside and outside the transportation construction profession. Its members met with the White House Council on Women and Girls in 2012, discussing challenges and opportunities for women in transportation construction. (Photo on page 13.)
ARTBA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) International in
October 2018. Under this agreement, the two organizations formed an alliance to further the participation, advancement, and recognition of women in the transportation infrastructure sector. (Story on page 29.)
“When we started the WLC, we did a great a job of elevating the profile of women in our industry to highlight their achievements," said Jihane Fazio, AECOM’s vice president of transportation and the second WLC chair. "Today, however, the conversation is shifting to how to retain talent, how to increase engagement, and how to improve work-life balance. We are even discussing what benefits companies should offer to attract and retain talent. Through collaboration with all ARTBA members, we hope to set a standard across the industry to aid in these causes.”
Much of the work of moving the WLC into networking with other groups took place under the leadership of Lisa Robert. “I’ve seen how the diversity within the entire ARTBA membership and leaders has evolved. I have also seen how that increased diversity has provided tremendous benefits to ARTBA,” said Robert, executive vice president of Denver-based RS&H. As WLC chair from 2016 through 2020, Robert was at the helm as women in the workplace issues drew increased national attention. She now serves as an ARTBA officer and is the association’s western region vice chair.
See Women, 16
ARTBA Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction Award winners (left to right): 2017 Ethel Birchland recipient Diane Woodend-Jones, Lea and Elliot; 2018 Ethel Birchland recipients Dr. Melissa Tooley, TTI, and Diana Mendes, HNTB Corp.; Judy Hricak, accepting the 2018 Glass Hammer Award for Gannett Fleming; 2018 Future Industry Spotlight winners Alexandra Boggs, University of Tennessee, and Meagan Brown, Grand Canyon University; and Lisa Robert, RS&H.
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 15
WOMEN LEADERS
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“I do think that national concerns opened an opportunity to move this conversation onto main events,” she said.
Going Forward What’s in store for the WLC going forward? For current Chair Susan Martinovich, HNTB’s vice president/DOT national practice consultant, the movements in the American workplace for more equity, diversity, and inclusion have positioned the WLC to “have a feel on the pulse of what’s changing.” That includes networking and partnering with even more women’s groups outside of the transportation construction sector.
“Why compete against each other when we can partner further?” she asked rhetorically.
During her tenure, Martinovich has three priorities:
• Address the issue of work-life balance;
• Participate in all the division meetings as a means of providing information and facilitating discussions to seek out ideas for bringing more women leaders within the transportation construction sector and more members to the WLC; and
Matt Jeanneret (ARTBA), Maggie Walsh (WTS), Paula Hammond (WSP), and Susan Martinovich (HNTB) during a WTS meeting.
• Collect data on the number of women who are ARTBA members and working in the transportation construction community at large.
And throughout ARTBA, Martinovich envisions making the WLC front and center. “The more visible that the Council can be helps all of us be better."
Allison Klein is ARTBA’s senior vice president of strategic engagement and Women Leaders Council liaison. John Schneidawind is ARTBA’s vice president of public affairs.
September-October 202116 | transportationbuilder.org
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WOMEN LEADERS
Growing up, my high school guidance counselors and many other adults insisted that engineering “wasn’t for girls.” They discouraged me and my female peers from taking Calculus because “why would a girl like you need to take a class like that?” On registration day my freshman year of college, I was even told in no uncertain terms by a member of the engineering faculty that I was in the wrong building and I might be happier “across campus.”
Fortunately, I knew to ignore such awful advice due to the influence of my father, a civil engineer who founded and ran a consulting firm for many years. I inherited his love of math and science and knew from growing up in the business that civil engineering was something I absolutely could do. I began my engineering career sweeping the floors of his office after school, and eventually graduated to draftsman (Before AutoCAD!) and engineering apprentice in the summers during college.
From the time I graduated with my bachelor of science in civil engineering in 1985 (one of two women in my class) and for the first two decades of my career, I rarely had the opportunity to work with female peers. There just were not that many of us.
However, when I joined the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) in 2006, I finally experienced what it was like to work with and be supported by other women. Truly, I did not know what I had been missing until I had it. But still, I was accustomed to being either the only woman or one of a very few women in the room at ARTBA and other professional meetings.
Council’s Beginnings Ten years ago, I was asked to lead the Women Leaders Council as its founding chair. I had just concluded a term as president of ARTBA’s Research & Education Division and on its board. It occurred to me that everyone deserves a peer support system like the one I had come to appreciate at TTI, and that for ARTBA and the transportation construction industry to thrive, we had to create that structure for women.
Adding to my resolve was the realization that the well-documented workforce challenges in our profession could only be addressed through tapping the abilities of more diverse personnel. Women are half of our population, but one only needs to look around at an engineering or construction conference to see that we are still significantly underrepresented in our profession.
I accepted the challenge of leading this new initiative, and the council, made up of a small but determined group of women, immediately began to work on a strategic plan. After much discussion, we decided to focus on raising the profile of women in ARTBA and within the transportation design and construction industry. We also wanted to provide a welcoming space and a path to active membership and leadership roles for women in ARTBA.
Our awards program has been a tremendous success. It has provided encouragement and recognition for companies providing a positive environment for women, for women who have made significant impacts over the course of their careers, and for up-and-coming young women in our profession. The path to ARTBA leadership through the council has also been effective. Women are now well-represented in leadership roles at all levels of ARTBA, from the Executive Committee to the Board of Directors to the working groups and divisions.
Ten years later, we are making a difference.
Seeing Further In 1675, Sir Isaac Newton said, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” In my case, any success I have enjoyed has been due to the guidance and direction of many “giants,” including my father, James C. Summerlin, Rear Adm (Ret.) Jack Buffington, Dr. Robert Elliott, Dr. Dennis Christiansen, Dr. Herb Richardson, Mr. Gene Griffith, and many others. I am forever grateful to all of them.
It is my hope that in the future, through the opportunities provided through ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council and other diversity-enhancing initiatives, women coming up through the ranks of the transportation design and construction industry will be able to see further with the support of female giants as well. The continued success of our profession depends on it.
Melissa Summerlin Tooley, Ph.D., P.E., is director of external initiatives at TTI. She is a former member of ARTBA’s Executive Committee and was honored with ARTBA’s Ethel Birchland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
In Her Own Words: Perspectives from a Past WLC Chair
From Misconceptions to Seeing Further By Dr. Melissa Tooley
September-October 202118 | transportationbuilder.org
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WOMEN LEADERS
As I reflect on my 29 years in the transportation industry, I can recall witnessing many changes. Some evolved quickly, others moved slower. One of the most important evolutions within our industry—and within myself—has been my experience with mentorship as a woman.
When I began my professional career in construction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, many of my role models were male colleagues who shared wisdom, showed patience, and truly understood that a female in a male-dominated field added value and a different—but equally important—perspective.
I also worked alongside two incredible women who have become longtime mentors and friends. While every mentor shared beneficial advice, I noticed that the women’s unique experiences and insights helped me grow as a professional differently than my male mentors.
I quickly learned one of the most essential aspects of professional growth: broad and diverse support networks. I encourage you to seek them out and build them wherever you are.
Along my career path, this theme continued to develop. In 2012, I attended my first ARTBA National Convention. It was refreshing to see the Women's Leaders Council charter so committed to promoting leadership and career advancement for women.
Instantly, I appreciated that ARTBA was well ahead of many peer organizations in this area. I knew I had to become more involved. From 2016 to 2020, I had the honor of serving as WLC chair, where we led general sessions to highlight best practices and spotlighted leaders to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Today, I work as the chief operating officer at RS&H, a company committed to strengthening these same efforts, recognizing that we are on an ongoing journey realized in our everyday actions and through a larger strategy.
In 2019, I worked with talented women to form RS&H’s first employee resource group. The Ignite Women’s Leadership Network creates opportunities for women across the company through connection—leveraging their talents to help us achieve our vision, business plan goals, and more. The opportunity to help form Ignite is a highlight of my career, and I’ve become a mentor for others, like so many have done for me.
As I contemplate the future, I hope that the changes I’ve seen and experienced as a woman in this industry continue to move forward—but now, at a faster pace.
Lisa Robert, P.E., is COO at RS&H.
In Her Own Words: Perspectives from a Past WLC Chair
Experiencing Evolution: A Reflection on Mentorship
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September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 21
WOMEN LEADERS
If you walked into a room full of 100 transportation workers, on average only 15 of them would be women, including transit, trucking, air, and freight rail workers. Females hold only 15 percent of these jobs despite women making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce. For contractor firms, the number is even lower—women accounted for 9.4 percent of the highway, street, and bridge construction workforce as of May.
Although the number of women in transportation has consistently increased since the 1950s, we still have a long way to go to achieve equitable representation. And this lack of gender parity is a global issue. Statistics from the European Union show that women account for only 17.5 percent of the urban public transport workforce and less than 10 percent of the technical and operational jobs.
Why aren’t there more women in transportation? Although motivations are undoubtedly complex, research has pinpointed a few recurring barriers keeping women from these roles. These include: • Safety concerns. • Challenges accommodating responsibilities outside of work. • Lack of outreach.
The industry needs a holistic approach to attract and retain talented women. This process begins in the classroom.
Changing Perception Students need to be shown that women are a crucial part of the workforce and can and do excel in transportation careers and leadership roles. Fortunately, there have been increased efforts through workforce development programs and classroom outreach to show young women that they are welcome in this traditionally male-dominated sector.
The Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI) at San Jose State University has developed various inclusive workforce development programs to attract students from all genders and backgrounds who may be interested in transportation. Notably, MTI has partnered with the U.S. Department of
Transportation (U.S. DOT) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to serve as a host site for one of the National Summer Transportation Institute programs. In 2019, more than 37 percent of the participants were female.
Another program sponsored by MTI, the Garrett Morgan Sustainable Transportation Competition, engages middle school students in the field of transportation through an exciting competition. Partnering with U.S. DOT and Caltrans, MTI invites students to create a poster focused on sustainable transportation with an annual theme, such as work zone safety. Students of all genders and backgrounds learn about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), which often sparks interest in future transportation careers.
Research from the MTI also found that mentoring can be an effective tool in attracting and retaining women in historically male-dominated industries. Data suggests that mentors, regardless of gender, can help attract women to engineering, and that female role models are especially effective in the retention of women in the field.
Reducing Barriers Efforts such as these three examples begin to reduce the significant barriers keeping talented women away from transportation. With these endeavors, we can alter the perception of the industry to match the reality: our industry needs women to succeed.
The importance of diverse representation, including the equitable representation of women, cannot be understated. Studies have indicated that gender-diverse and engaged business units outperform those that are less diverse and less engaged. Research shows that a company’s profits and share performance can be up to 50 percent higher when women are well represented.
Although each person’s experience is different, we must recognize that women contribute a unique viewpoint, including critical “soft” skills and creativity, necessary for the ultimate success of the industry. To make transportation accessible, safe, and sustainable, we continue to need women’s strength and the power of their voices.
Karen E. Philbrick, Ph.D., is executive director of MTI and president of ARTBA’s Research & Education Division.
In Her Own Words: Perspectives from a Division President
Workforce Development Begins in the Classroom By Dr. Karen E. Philbrick
Learn more at Mineta Transportation Institute: transweb.sjsu.edu
September-October 202122 | transportationbuilder.org
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WOMEN LEADERS
What an honor it is for me to chair ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council (WLC), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. I am thankful for all the previous chairs, who each brought their unique superpowers to the Council. Committed to the professional advancement of women in the transportation design and construction industries, the WLC continues to create opportunities for diverse perspectives to be shared, and for women to advance in leadership positions in transportation, while growing professionally.
I am excited to be part of this group of ARTBA members committed to diversity and supporting and mentoring women to leadership roles in transportation fields. Mentors take many forms, whether they are a family member, a teacher, a friend, or whoever helps shape who we are.
Early in my career, I saw how critical it was to open doors, demonstrate value, and bring forth a unique perspective to state DOTs and an industry where there were very few like me. I learned I wanted to ensure other women had a chance to bring ideas forward and to be supported as they advanced in their careers. Being part of the WLC provides this opportunity.
Transportation is an industry that strives to serve all, and women leaders bring value to making this possible. The Council is championing an inclusive culture and ensuring the industry is reflective of communities served, through
networking, educational panels, and the ARTBA Foundation Women Leaders awards.
I have witnessed the continuing evolution and influence of the WLC, in terms of increasing membership of both men and women, along with the development of strategic partnerships.
But we can’t go this alone. The industry is too vast to work in silos, and as we all know there is so much to be gained from a variety of viewpoints. Ongoing partnerships with other influential organizations such as ARTBA’s partnership with WTS International, will only increase the impact ARTBA and the WLC can make industrywide.
The WLC is eager to work with the newly-formed Council on Workforce Development, the Industry Leader Development Council, and all ARTBA divisions and committees to continue supporting and promoting the advancement of women as leaders in transportation.
It is now up to all of us to own our superpowers and engage with the Council to help shape the brighter and more inclusive future ahead.
Susan Martinovich is vice president, DOT national practice consultant-west at HNTB.
In Her Own Words: Perspectives from the Current WLC Chair
Engaging ‘Superpowers’ to Shape a Brighter, More Inclusive Future By Susan Martinovich
Visit ARTBA’s Interactive Dashboards:
• Deficient Bridges• Highway Investment• Freight Bottlenecks
artba.org/economics
September-October 202124 | transportationbuilder.org
WOMEN LEADERS
Launched in 2011, the ARTBA Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction Awards honor “extraordinary efforts of individuals, companies and public agencies that have demonstrated leadership and dedication to innovation in the transportation construction field as well as the promotion of women leaders within the industry.” Here is a full list of honorees:
Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction Awards
Ethel Birchland Lifetime Achievement Award
2011 Catherine Connor, Parsons Brinckerhoff Kathleen Buck Holst, RoadSafe Traffic Systems
2012 Karen Schurr, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Katie Turnbull, Texas Transportation Institute
2013 Anne Edwards-Cotter, Cotter Consulting, Inc. Susan Martinovich, CH2M HILL
2014 Linda Figg, FIGG Katherine Nees, Texas Department of Transportation
2015 Connie Crawford, Louis Berger Lily Elefteriadou, University of Florida
2016 Darlene Gee, HNTB Corp. Paula Hammond, WSP I Parsons Brinckerhoff
2017 Murphy Tuomey, A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc. Diane Woodend Jones, Lea & Elliot, Inc.
2018 Diana Mendes, HNTB Corp. Melissa Tooley, Texas A&M University, College Station
2019 Esther McGinnis, Gannett Fleming Laurie Berman, California Department of Transportation
2020 Meg Pirkle, Georgia Department of Transportation Mary Jane O’Meara, HNTB Corp.
2021 Deborah Brown, WSP Denise Cooper, Cooper Engineering, Inc.
Future Industry Spotlight Award
2011 Mary Robbins, Auburn University Dimitra Michalaka, University of Florida
2012 Danielle Soriano, University of Florida Carrie Mohlman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2013 Lisa Larsen, Texas A&M University - Texas Transportation Institute
2014 Eirini Kastrouni, University of Maryland, College Park Sadaf Khosravifar, University of Maryland, College Park
2015 Anusha Musunuru, University of Utah Ivana Tasic, University of Utah
2016 Meredith Gee, University of Denver Ria Kontou, University of Florida
2017 Deja Jackson, University of Florida Laura Parsons, University of Colorado
2018 Meagan Brown, Grand Canyon University Alexandra Boggs, University of Tennessee
2019 Aikaterini Deliali, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Sheida Khademi, University of Texas at Arlington
2020 Peyton Gibson, University of Colorado, Denver Smita Yamgar, Columbia University
2021 Victoria Farberov, University of Surrey
Glass Hammer Award
2011 AECOM Corman Construction Texas Transportation Institute
2014 CH2M HILL
2015 Louis Berger
2016 RK&K
2017 ITR Concession Company LLC
2018 Gannett Fleming, Inc.
2019 WSP USA
2020 A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc.
2021 T3 Design Corporation
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 25
WOMEN LEADERS
Smita Yamgar
I received ARTBA’s Future Industry Spotlight Award in 2020. I also have been recognized by Professional Women in Construction and received a “Next Generation Leader” award from the Women Builders Council.
This year, I presented a paper on “Challenges in Implementing New Technologies to Improve Existing Infrastructures” at ASCE’s annual Transportation & Development Conference.
In July, I earned my certified construction manager license. I now have over eight years of experience in construction and project management, contract administration, vendor management, and design coordination. I am preparing for my professional engineer license.
I am involved in community service and advocacy with America Needs You, a program that helps provide economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students. I am also mentoring young civil engineers through ASCE’s Construction Institute.
As a proud Columbia University alum, I am active in guiding civil engineering and construction management students.
I urge students and young professionals to get involved in organizations representing the construction industry. Broaden your knowledge as much as you can. We can support one another by providing resources and opportunities for professional and leadership development.
It helps us to have a vibrant, peer-to-peer network that supports early career growth and professional networking. Get a mentor! They will help you find diverse paths to become effective in the industry. While you are learning from the industry, try to repay as much as you can by helping others.
My favorite quote, which I always retell myself—Dream high and the sky is yours!
Smita Yamgar, CCM is a construction claims consultant at Capital Project Management, Inc. (CPMI) in New York City.
Eleftheria (Ria) Kontou
In 2016, I received ARTBA’s Future Industry Spotlight Award and earned my Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Florida. My research focuses on transportation planning for electric and emerging vehicle technologies.
My involvement as a young member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) has led to greater networking and leadership opportunities. For example, I serve as communications coordinator of the standing committee on alternative fuels and technologies and contribute to highlighting critical transportation issues in this field.
I led the development of a mentoring program for TRB’s young members and organized the first Energy Ideathon poster session at the 2020 annual meeting. The mentoring program matches students and young professionals with similar technical interests to expose them to transportation engineering scholarships, networks, and activities. The Energy Ideathon brought together students, scholars, and early-stage practitioners to showcase their solutions to critical problems and challenges in the transportation energy field.
These experiences have helped me gain insights into the technical interests and career development needs of young transportation engineers. They also fueled my passion to help young scholars and professionals widen their opportunities for career growth.
I now chair TRB's Young Members Coordinating Council. Working with our subcommittees, I have aimed to coordinate activities that give more opportunities to young professionals to present their scholarly work during workshops and technical sessions. The “Six Minute Pitch” gives young entrepreneurs and start-ups an opportunity to present their innovative, research-based concepts for a transportation product or service to a panel of transportation industry investors.
Our subcommittees also organize workshops, webinars, games, and networking activities that welcome young transportation professionals and provide educational, volunteering, and leadership opportunities.
Holding the chair position is very rewarding, since I get to interact with a diverse group of transportation colleagues. I am inspired by their ideas and learn from their experiences.
Eleftheria (Ria) Kontou is an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Two Future Industry Spotlight Award Winners Making Their Mark
September-October 202126 | transportationbuilder.org
WOMEN LEADERS
"My objective... is to look through the 'glass ceiling' to see who is on the other side, and to serve as a catalyst for change..."
Dole held two cabinet positions and worked for five presidents. She began her career as a staff assistant to the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare under President Lyndon B. Johnson. As U.S. DOT secretary, she championed safety, advocating for third rear brake lights, airbag technology, and an increased drinking age of 21. She was secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor from 1989 to 1990, president of the American Red Cross from 1991 to 1999, and won election to the U.S. Senate from North Carolina in 2002, serving until 2009.
In 2012, she established the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, which provides support for family members and caregivers of veterans injured in combat in honor of her husband, former U.S. Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kan.), who was wounded in World War II.
ELIZABETH DOLE
“Servant leadership opened the door to working together to accomplish objectives. You have to be a servant leader to do that. If you come in with command and control, you’re not going to get anything done.”
Peters brought more than 20 years of transportation experience to the cabinet post, including 16 years at the Arizona DOT, and leading the Federal Highway Administration. She advocated for increased transportation investment through public-private partnerships, technological innovation to save taxpayer money and expedite processes, and user fees. She consulted for ARTBA member firm HDR and remains on its board. She runs Mary Peters Consulting Group, LLC, which seeks innovative ways to address American infrastructure needs.
Peters received the ARTBA Award in 2005. She also has been honored by the Women’s Transportation Seminar, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, and National Council on Public Private Partnerships.
MARY PETERS
“The pursuit of excellence is a continuous process through life. Enjoy the pursuit.”
Chao was the first Asian-American appointed to the president’s cabinet. She immigrated from Taiwan with her family and was naturalized at age 19. Upon graduation from Mount Holyoke College, she worked in finance before enrolling in Harvard Business School’s MBA program. She served as deputy administrator of the Maritime Administration in U.S. DOT, chairwoman of the Federal Maritime Commission, and U.S. DOT deputy secretary. During her tenure as secretary, she focused on modernizing transportation through pilot programs, regulatory updates, and strengthening private sector relationships.
Chao also was director of the Peace Corps and a distinguished fellow at The Heritage Foundation. She holds 36 honorary degrees celebrating her accomplishments in public service.
Mary Beth Pittman interned at ARTBA this summer. She is an undergraduate at Washington & Lee University.
ELAINE CHAO
Three women have led the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) as secretary since its establishment in 1967:
• Elizabeth Dole, 1983-1987, nominated by President Ronald Reagan
• Mary Peters, 2006-2009, nominated by President George W. Bush
• Elaine Chao, 2017-2021, nominated by President Donald J. Trump
Each of these pioneering women displayed leadership, vision, and charisma—drawing on their extensive experience in public service and transportation issues.
Three Women Leaders at U.S. DOTBy Mary Beth Pittman [email protected]
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 27
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WOMEN LEADERS
A partnership between WTS International and ARTBA has been a significant driver in furthering the participation, opportunities, advancement, and recognition of women in the transportation design and construction industry.
This living and dynamic partnership affords opportunities to members of both organizations. Our goal is to ensure every woman in the industry has awareness of, and access, to these professional development and career opportunities.
With a motto of “advancing women in transportation,” WTS provides a tremendous support network. We have 8,500 members participating in 65 professional chapters. We add more chapters every year. We are committed to growing and
WTS International and ARTBA Are Making a Difference By Paula J. Hammond [email protected]
shaping future generations of transportation leaders by offering top quality monthly programs, training, and professional development opportunities for members and guests.
WTS is a big supporter of ARTBA’s Women Leaders Council. Under Chair Susan Martinovich’s (HNTB) leadership, the Council is actively seeking to elevate the benefits and opportunities of women’s contributions in the diverse and inclusive workforces of ARTBA member organizations. Together, we are working to close the growing workforce gap with attention to women—an instrumental force for the success of the industry.
Maggie Walsh (HDR) and Matt Cummings (T.Y. Lin), former chairs of WTS and ARTBA, respectively, signed the memorandum of understanding between the two organizations in October 2018.
“Diversity, inclusion and equity are not just goals to aspire to, they are essential elements for success in every part of our industry,” Walsh said. “We continue to see WTS and ARTBA intentionally reach out and connect to more women in the private and public sectors. Women really value the power of networking to gain the visibility of more opportunities.”
ARTBA and WTS are focused on creating opportunities for women to get professional development and experience at all levels of their career. For example, at WTS, each chapter has its own board of directors. This creates a platform for women to learn and develop skills they need for senior and executive leadership.
“Decision making produces the best results when there is diversity of thought,” Cummings said. “We need a balance in gender contribution to achieve this diversity and make a positive impact in the industry.”
To grow our transportation workforce to deliver future investments, our industry needs to develop high performing organizations that are representative of the communities we serve. By ensuring our organizations create diverse and inclusive teams, employees will deliver more effort and commitment, and stay longer with their agency or company.
ARTBA and WTS are committed to making this happen.
Paula J. Hammond is chair of WTS International Board of Directors and an ARTBA vice chair at-large. She is a senior vice president at WSP.
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 29
Our year-end issue includes the annual Leadership Directory & Buyers' Guide. It is designed as a year-long desk reference.
Features include:
2022 ARTBA Chairman Ward Nye
Inaugural Leadership Impact Award Winners
Contact information for ARTBA’s 2022 Executive Committee, Board, State Chapters, Councils, and Division Leaders
Reserve your space by Nov. 1
Please contact Dave Weidner: [email protected]
November-December Leadership Issue
®
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WOMEN LEADERS
Kiewit’s Kayleigh Weber has worked on some big construction projects in her career. Recent roles have presented new professional challenges and opportunities:
• Structural steel and precast pier superintendent on the “Raise the Roadway” project, which elevated the Bayonne Bridge between New York and New Jersey to make room for post-Panamax vessels.
• Project manager building a Texas wind farm.
• General superintendent overseeing two station rehabilitations for the Washington, D.C., transit system— her current assignment.
Self-described as quiet and reserved when she joined the company a dozen years ago, mentorship has helped Weber prepare for each milestone. Kiewit’s Pete Potvin, with double the company tenure, has guided her along the way.
“He was a huge advocate,” Weber said. “He’d say, ‘Show me your work so I can advertise the good things you are doing behind the scenes.’ He’s been great at making sure what’s on my mind is getting out to decision makers who need to know to help me grow and advance in my career.”
Potvin, a New York City-based project executive, said industry leaders need to advocate for their teams, showcase their people, and challenge them with new and exciting opportunities.
“Kayleigh is very driven and was always able to articulate what she wanted her career path to be,” he said. “We developed a plan together that would meet her career aspirations. As her career advanced, she took on more challenging roles and she ran with them.”
The Texas project manager job was an important opportunity, Weber says, because it pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
“Stretch roles are really important,” she said. “With good mentors in your corner and hard work you will come out of the experience stronger and ready for the next step up.”
How Mentorship Helps Kiewit Employees By Jessica Jensen [email protected]
Now Weber is experiencing the other side of mentorship, helping younger employees advance in their careers. Anabelle Matta, a field engineer on the D.C. transit project, recently received a company award recognizing great builders, which made Weber proud.
A key piece of advice Weber gives mentees is to get to know the crews on their projects. It’s especially important to Weber, whose father is a carpenter. She prioritizes getting to know people personally.
Mentorship is also a pillar of Women in Kiewit, a company initiative focused on attracting, developing, and retaining women who are passionate about the construction and engineering industry. It helps employees discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in the industry.
The initiative has led to changes such as improvements to Kiewit’s family leave policies.
“I think Women in Kiewit has had a great impact on the organization,” Potvin said. “It has encouraged a lot of people to become more engaged in both the company and in their careers. Whether it is asking to take on a new role or approaching someone to work with them as a mentor, or just speaking up when ordinarily they may have not had the confidence to do that in the past. I can see engagement has improved at all levels. It’s bringing out the best in everyone.”
Jessica Jensen is a senior communications specialist at Kiewit Corp.
Kiewit's Kayleigh Weber
Please contact Dave Weidner: [email protected] 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 31
Granite's keen focus on the recruitment and professional development of more women is part of its larger commitment to expand workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. The company started with two key strategic actions to move from intent to impact. It created the Granite Resources & Opportunities for Women (GROW) employee resource group and hired a vice president to lead the overall inclusive diversity effort among the employee population.
Simultaneously, Granite also indicated its commitment to enhancing the representation of women throughout the company, starting at the top. To date, four women report directly to President & CEO Kyle Larkin, and four women serve on the board of directors.
Launched company-wide in 2018, GROW's goal was to create a forum to advocate for and support women through mentoring, networking, and career development while establishing Granite as an employer of choice. The group has enhanced its original mission and programming by partnering with its Inclusive Diversity and Learning & Development departments. It also assists in the recruitment, coaching, and onboarding of women. GROW has become a model for future employee resource groups at the company.
Granite's Journey from Intent to ImpactBy Aby Combs [email protected]
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WOMEN LEADERS
In 2019, Granite hired a vice president to lead its belief that diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enhance creativity and innovation. This position helps support and implement a sense of inclusion and belonging through creating clarity, strengthening the talent pipeline, and building leadership capability. Granite is focused on these matters at the local office and national levels.
Granite has also developed new partnerships with organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, Handshake, BlueOceanBrain, CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, and Catalyst. These partnerships have enhanced the way we recruit and promote women.
Catalyst, a global nonprofit dedicated to "workplaces that work for women," not only has helped GROW and Granite's event programming but also introduced the CEO Champions for Change, a pledge to advance more women into all levels of leadership. The partnership also led to The Gender and Diversity KPI Alliance, which has assisted the company in adopting and using key performance indicators (KPI) to measure diversity, equity, and inclusion. By tracking these metrics, we can be more intentional about the positive impacts on our workforce and our company.
A diverse representation of employees allows Granite to hear different voices, see the work through different eyes, and provide new perspectives on the business. It is good for the bottom line, good for the overall transportation design and construction industry, and most of all, good for our people.
It is a journey from intent to impact.
Aby Combs is an inclusive diversity business partner at Granite.
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September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 33
More women are entering the transportation design and construction industry workforce and in a wider variety of positions. From the field to the front office, they are helping drive the industry’s strong labor market. Yet, there is a great deal of progress still to be made.
Related to the 10th anniversary of ARTBA's Women Leaders Council, we researched the highway, street, and bridge construction (HSBC) industry and discovered that employment growth has more than doubled that of the broad economy over the past 10 years, as work volume has increased. Women attracted to the industry are a key part of that growth.
Women employed by HSBC contractors increased by 21.1 percent to 32,200 in May, up from 26,600 workers in May 2011, according to our analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Statistics. This growth outpaced the 20.7 percent increase in overall industry employment, from 285,100 to 344,100 in the same period, and outperformed the 10.3 percent increase in total U.S. women’s employment.
Highway & Bridge Construction Attracts More Women to Diverse Roles, But Work Still Ahead By Dr. Alison Premo Black Dr. Josh [email protected] [email protected]
EYE ON ECONOMICS
Leading the COVID-19 Recovery Relative to the overall economy, HSBC employment has been less volatile throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. Industry employment declined 0.8 percent through May from May 2019, compared to 3.7 percent for the overall economy.
Similar to trends in the broader economy, women in the HSBC industry experienced a disproportionately large employment decline in 2020 compared to male employees. Some theories suggest that women were more likely to exit the labor force to care for children and families during the COVID disruption. However, the rate of female employment loss in general was more than three times higher than losses in HSBC, and our contractors are bringing those jobs back. Women’s employment has rebounded substantially since January and is helping propel overall worker growth in the industry.
Changing Roles The role women play in the industry has changed significantly over the last decade, as shown by our analysis of the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and the Current Population Survey. In
Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Employment Index Relative to Total Employment Index (May 2011-May 2021)
September-October 202134 | transportationbuilder.org
only account for 15 percent of the workforce, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Jodi Godfrey and Robert Bertini, in a 2019 paper for the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University, outlined several recommendations and best practices for attracting and retaining women to the transportation industry. These included:
• promoting the industry and potential careers to young women;
• encouraging leadership and networking in professional organizations;
• ensuring there is no bias in promotion decisions; and
• highlighting the common goals of the industry.
Many of these practices are highlighted through ARTBA’s annual Women Leaders in Transportation Design and Construction Awards. The Glass Hammer Award recognizes a company with innovative programs and activities directed at successfully promoting women leaders within their organization.
With greater awareness of the barriers women face to enter the transportation construction industry and ways to overcome these obstacles, companies can provide more opportunities to expand their workforce to support additional market activity and business growth over the next decade.
Dr. Alison Premo Black is ARTBA’s chief economist. Dr. Josh Hurwitz is ARTBA’s senior economist.
2010, nearly 60 percent of the positions held by women were administrative, including office clerks, assistants, bookkeepers, and auditing clerks. In 2020, those positions accounted for 40 percent of the female HSBC workforce.
Women are entering the industry in a variety of new positions at different stages of the construction process. Since 2010, nearly two-fifths of employment gains among women have been in construction and extraction roles. This includes positions such as construction supervisors, highway maintenance workers, iron and steel workers, construction laborers, carpenters, and paving equipment operators. These positions now account for nearly 25 percent of all women employed in the industry, up from 17 percent in 2010.
More women are also working in management and operational positions. About 35 percent of the industry employment increase for women over the last decade has been concentrated in managerial and financial positions, such as construction managers, accountants, auditors, and cost estimators. Based on national and industry trends, we estimate that women hold one in six executive positions in the HSBC industry.
Other occupation classes with significant growth include transportation and material moving, architecture and engineering, and protective services.
Opportunities for Growth Although we have seen significant progress, overall women still only account for 9.4 percent of the HSBC workforce, almost the same number as a decade ago. Considering all types of transportation workers, such as air and freight rail, transit, and trucking, the percentage is higher, but women still
Share of Women's Employment (2010) and Employment Gains (2010-2020) by Position in Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 35
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CORNER
The Association
of Equipment Manufacturers is
the North America-based international trade
group advancing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry
in the global marketplace.
We Build Momentum
To learn more, visit aem.org
FROM CRISIS RECRUITMENT TO “BUILDING THE BENCH”
By: Julie Davis, AEM senior director of workforce development
As the United States continues to open up, businesses across the country are having a hard time filling their workforce needs.
If you still believe that someone else is going to solve your talent problem, ask yourself how we got to this point. After all, we were in a talent crisis prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are some real actions that you can take right now to help with crisis recruitment? Brace yourself for the answer, because if you want to gain access to talent pools that everyone else isn’t already fighting over, you many need to expand your comfort zone and challenge your normal. TARGET EX-OFFENDERS
Consider fishing for talent in the largest under-utilized talent pool in the nation. It’s a talent pool that has been provided access to free skilled trades training, provides tax incentives to companies just for hiring them, is often very loyal once hired. If you aren’t willing to consider hiring from the ex-offender talent pool, you’re cutting out nearly 1 in 3 Americans who have some sort of record. RECRUIT WOMEN
When you’re fishing, do you use the same bait for every kind of fish? I certainly hope not!
Have you ever written a job posting that just targets women to apply? Let women know that your wage ranges are well above those of some typically female oriented careers, and they can support their families by working for you. Here’s a crazy idea, offer the opportunity to work on a predominately women’s work team. If you have language-based teams, appreciate that a female-based team wouldn’t require you to find a bi-lingual manager. This may also reduce some anxiety based on preconceptions about working in construction for women.ENGAGE DISPLACED, UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED WORKERS
Displaced, unemployed and underemployed workers make up the last targeted talent pool that you want to make sure you’re targeting for recruiting purposes. At the most foundational level, you must be posting your positions on your state job site. This exposes your posting to displaced workers who may have been retrained in a skill you want.
Next, you need to connect with your regional job center and workforce board to make sure they are aware of who you are and what you need. Let them know exactly what you’re looking for so they can train toward it. Consider posting signs in areas underemployed people work, which emphasizes the opportunity to move from a job to a career with you.
Finally, ask your current employees occupying positions
where you need additional workers where they hang out and see if you can post fliers or signs near those locations. People with like hobbies and interest may also share like skills. This works better if your employees like your company culture and would feel comfortable telling their friends about a job opening.BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Sadly, targeting under-recruited talent pools is a short-term fix that is not going to fill your talent gap.
Have you considered the value of reaching back to the high schools to get students interested at that level, having employees volunteer with FFA, SkillsUSA or other skilled trade centered groups? How about offering a summer teacher extern program to math, reading or social studies teachers who don’t know or understand the opportunities that exist in your company.
What about facility tours for the community, Manufacturing Day participation, internships or apprenticeships? All of these opportunities enhance both company and industry perception, give parents, students and community members the opportunity to see and learn about construction – and how it’s changed.BE STRATEGIC
Consider where you would be if you had built your brand awareness, worked to influence community perception about the jobs you have to offer, and addressed the misperceptions of parents and teachers when influencing youth (so those students would have felt great about registering for technical college). Then consider what will your talent position be in another 10 years if you don’t include this work into your business strategy now.
If you think that someone else is going to come along and fill that talent bench for you, think again. There are many businesses outside of our industry who do not need to be convinced to see the value of making these early community connections, and they are already competing with you for tomorrow’s workers.
Julie Davis, AEM
CORNER
The Association
of Equipment Manufacturers is
the North America-based international trade
group advancing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry
in the global marketplace.
We Build Momentum
To learn more, visit aem.org
HOW CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES CAN BEGIN CAPITALIZING ON INNOVATION
As technological innovations continue to surface and present new opportunities, some construction companies might not know where they should focus first. Perhaps that is why, generally speaking, the construction industry lags behind many others on the technology adoption curve.
However, with the right focus and strategic plan, even the smallest of construction companies can leverage some combination of today’s technologies to make impactful gains in their businesses.
“Venture capital is already investing nearly $1 billion in technologies related to project and task management, robotics, design, building/project information, data and analytics, inventory and supply chain, financial management and equipment share,” says Gregg Schoppman, a principal with FMI Corporation. “You can’t just stick your head in the sand and wait to see which ones will still be there a few months from now. Construction leaders have to challenge conventions themselves.”
Innovation is the Antidote to Workforce ChallengesIf leveraged correctly, several innovations could actually attract
better talent to the industry and help drive workforce performance:• Autonomous equipment and vehicles• Drones• Building Information Modeling (BIM)• Use of tablets for augmented reality• Real-time data to provide true analytics and decision-
making capability• Telemetry on wearable devices to improve productivity,
efficiency and safety• QR codes on equipment and helmets to retrieve data like
engine hours, when oil change is due, whether an employee went through certain safety training, etc.
• RFID tags welded into sections of steel to track material from fabricator to jobsite
• Non-traditional talent development like online learning and virtual reality
Overcoming a Culture of ComplacencyAs industries evolve, companies must evolve with them. The
biggest obstacle to embracing innovation is complacency.As Schoppman points out, evolution and innovation really come
down to a single word: accountability. When both leadership and employees are accountable for finding new, innovative ways to
conduct business, evolution can occur. At the same time, there needs to be accountability with the implementation.
“It’s not good enough to think you’ll just try it and see what happens,” Schoppman cautions. “It’s important to challenge people to come up with new ideas and approaches. But people need the right training on how to make the right decisions. Then you can hold them accountable.”
Innovation Doesn’t Have to be Huge and DisruptiveIn the quest to continue moving a construction business
forward, Schoppman talks about four key strategies:1. Executing the same way in the same market (this is
complacency)2. Executing the same way in a new market (likely requires
innovation)3. Executing a new way in the same market (requires
innovation)4. Executing a new way in a new market (requires lots of
innovation)For many construction companies, the innovative pursuit of
new approaches and markets must be preceded by something Schoppman refers to as “company hygiene.”
For example, Schoppman tells of a tilt contractor he once consulted with. After digging into the numbers, concrete snot on doorframes was costing the company several thousand dollars a year. After challenging employees to come up with an innovative solution, ideas were all over the board. A very simple, yet “innovative” idea was brought to the table: use blue painter’s tape and Visqueen to cover up the doorframes. That became standard work and went right into the company playbook.
Innovation, and that kind of innovation, puts a construction company on a path toward evolution and continued prosperity.
September-October 2021 transportationbuilder.org | 37
transovation Tech
Robot Drill Speeds Up Maintenance of New York Subway Tunnels By John Schneidawind [email protected]
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) faced two challenges installing cable trays for signals and train controls in the city subway: how to do it quickly, and how to do it safely.
The MTA looked for help and found a robot.
Workers typically would install the trays by drilling into the side concrete walls of the subway’s sprawling tunnel network, said Alaadien Waziry, MTA’s project chief executive officer. But that would expose workers to harmful silica dust and particulate—a known carcinogen.
The MTA turned to New Brunswick, N.J.-based Reliabotics, which specializes in robotics design and systems integration, to develop a solution.
Reliabotics and Bechtel teamed up after Bechtel won the MTA’s Genius Challenge contest in 2017 with a prototype design for a robotic drill that resembled a system it used on a project in the United Kingdom. The robot prototype then performed successfully in a March 2019 proof-of-concept to drill and anchor an ultra-wide band sensor in New York’s Grand Central Station.
That robot was subsequently repurposed to drill the holes for the snake trays at the subway’s Rutgers Tunnel. It consisted of a rig that featured an industrial robotic arm with two drills attached. The robot operated on its own, sensing the tunnel wall surface for the best places to drill anchor holes, avoiding any of the porous areas of the concrete tunnel.
The ultimate goal: to drill holes for tunnel cable racks and insert anchor bolts to hold the racks and the ultra-wide band communication system components in place.
A neighboring control car housed a 400VAC generator, air compressor, and a vacuum system, which collects the dust that spills out during the drilling. That step reduces the major safety hazard to workers on this type of job—inhaling harmful silica particulate.
Janno Lieber, the MTA acting board chairperson and CEO, was pleased with the results. The robot drill bored holes into tunnel walls at a rate of about 300-linear-feet per hour, three times faster than manual labor. Waziry says the MTA wants the next generation of robot drills to move at 500- to 800-feet per hour.
The MTA’s next step: issuing a request for proposal by the end of the year for vendors to further develop a robot drill rig for use throughout New York City’s subway tunnels. Waziry hopes the submissions will include a pair of robotic arms on a railcar, performing in conjunction with a total of 12 drills, achieving the desired speed of 800-linear-feet per hour.
Once awarded, the project will take from eight months to a year to finish, Waziry estimates.
Peter Toth, who specializes in robotics business and product development at Bechtel, notes urban subways and transit systems and tunnels are aging across the country, creating similar dangerous situations. Using robots is an effective way to avoid danger and speed construction.
“Anytime these agencies need to build in tunnels, an automation solution can be an attractive answer,” Toth says.
John Schneidawind is ARTBA’s vice president of public affairs.
Photo courtesy of MTA.
September-October 202138 | transportationbuilder.org
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