Top Women in Construction 2021: Outstanding Project Management

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WINNER: Lisa David, Senior estimator, Kraus Anderson

It took a few years for Lisa David to find her passion in the construction industry. First, she worked as an architectural intern and administrative assistant before later discovering a love for detail that comes with being an estimator.

After joining Kraus-Anderson in 2017, the Clemson University architecture graduate became a leader on its preconstruction team. David has estimated more than $100 million in projects in higher education, K-12, government, and multifamily housing.

As a woman in construction, David has focused on diversity and inclusion both within Kraus-Anderson and in several industry organizations. Kraus-Anderson’s senior management chose David to be a member of its Leadership Development Program, which targets promising employees with growth opportunities.

According to her nomination, employees chosen must have “a track record of results, ability to handle adversity or challenging business conditions, confidence, motivation, engagement within the company, and readiness to take on broader responsibilities.”

During her time in the Leadership Development Program, David spent a year studying how the company’s language affects diversity and inclusion efforts. The research led Kraus-Anderson to begin using more inclusive language for internal and external communication.

David also serves on the company’s Inclusion & Diversity Working Committee and Inclusion Task Force. In addition, after the death of George Floyd last year she served on several employee panels and in small-group discussions to address issues about race and racism. David’s nomination said that she “approaches these discussions with honesty and empathy, and has helped champion KA’s efforts to increase equity both within the company and in the communities we serve.”

Outside of Kraus-Anderson, the estimator has taken on several industry leadership roles. In 2021, the Association of Women Contractors (AWC) board of directors selected David as an “associate at large.” AWC’s overall function is to advocate for women business owners and service providers. David’s role allows her to help set a vision for the organization, emphasizing and promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry.

Assisting a younger generation in seeing itself in the construction field prompts her commitment to mentoring. David has been involved in the ACE Mentor program for the past three years. The program encourages high school students to pursue careers in architecture, construction and engineering. Within Kraus-Anderson she mentors students in the college internship program, especially those interested in estimating.

“Giving back to youth in the community has always been a priority for Lisa,” her nominators said.

Amanda Kelsey,

Project engineer, PCL Construction Services Inc.

After joining PCL Construction Services Inc. in 2017, Amanda Kelsey advanced to project engineer, recently working on O’Shaughnessy Distillery.

Her work at PCL often extends beyond her job title. She loves contributing to her community. “Amanda understands the importance of diversity and representation in a company and has taken the challenge of creating an accepting and diverse work environment,” her nomination said.

One of her early projects, for Second Harvest Heartland, led her to commit time and energy to the nonprofit’s mission of delivering food to people in need. She spends several hours every month helping Second Harvest Heartland package and ship meals.

In addition, Kelsey organizes volunteer days for PCL employees at the organization, serves as a swim coach at Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and assists in her company’s diversity and inclusion program.

Every month the program focuses on a topic such as Asian American Month or Disability Awareness Month. Kelsey creates a list of books, television shows and articles related to the month’s issue, along with a calendar of events employees can participate in involving the topic.

Amy Santerre

Project manager, Shaw-Lundquist Construction

A 14-year veteran of the industry, Amy Santerre has focused part of her work at Shaw-Lundquist Construction on creating a more sustainable workplace and a more diverse workforce of contractors.

She installed a dishwasher in the breakroom to replace plastic utensils and led the company’s “Go Paperless” initiative that instructed employees on replacing paper with digital tools. In addition, she transformed the company’s recycling practices and wrote an on-site job sustainability plan for workers in the field.

As a project manager, she led the production of the award-winning Frogtown Community Center, which has a state-of-the-art gym with a floor lined for different games and a central area with a terrazzo floor that celebrates the neighborhood’s diversity.

Santerre, who assists in her company’s outreach to minority and female contractors, is proud to be a role model. “More women in leadership positions in construction is only going to help grow females in the industry overall,” she said in an interview.

Genevieve McJilton

Senior project manager, new store construction, Target Corp.

After joining Target Corp. in 2010, Genevieve McJilton became instrumental in developing its small-store format after project managing the first one, the Target Express in the Dinkytown neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Over her career, she’s built more than 50 stores, focusing lately on the New York City market. Within Target she’s known for taking ownership of every aspect of projects and working with team members to help them succeed.

Outside of work, McJilton serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota’s Construction Management Program. As a 2001 graduate of the program, she gives back by serving as a judge in student competitions, inspiring young women seeking jobs in the field, and financially supporting the program.

“Gen is an inspiration for the university students she challenges, a valued industry adviser to the University Construction Management Program, all helping to lead the way for our future workforce,” her nomination said.

Tara Blotske

Senior Project Manager, Ryan Cos. US Inc.

Tara Blotske has a busy job at Ryan Cos. US, Inc. As a senior project manager, she coordinates with stakeholders from start to finish, from design development to construction management.

The 19-year veteran studies the strengths of each team member, leveraging their skills through coaching and mentoring before offering recognition for their contributions. Blotske enjoys leading teams through complex projects that often have a human dimension that improves people’s lives.

She’s completed 37 projects worth $437 million, including aquatic centers, ice rinks, manufacturing facilities, schools, veteran’s facilities, and parks. In addition, she serves as a board member of the Minnesota Construction Association, on Mankato State University’s Construction Management Advisory Board and as a volunteer with Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW).

Blotske does not want women in the field to be considered the “mom” on construction teams. and wants to see more diversity in the field. “We need all these personalities to make projects successful,” she said.

Michelle Lund

Senior estimator, McGough Construction Company

McGough Construction senior estimator Michelle Lund worked on Norway House in Minneapolis and left a lasting impression on the building’s architect, Dewey Thorbeck.

Lund uses “incredibly detailed” cost estimates, including a “value analysis log,” that gives everyone involved in the construction process a thorough understanding of projects, he said. But being an estimator involves not just being good with numbers but also communicating budgets with other team members.

“I found that Michelle is very personable, extremely detailed, and painstakingly accurate in her work, and she communicates very well with the full architect/engineering design team and the many suppliers and companies involved in determining the cost of the construction,” he said.

“Her work also included scheduling the construction sequence so that the sub-bidders all knew when their work must be done, equipment delivered, and coordinated with everything else going on during the construction of the $12.5 million project.”

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