Building what moves: My journey in roads, bridges & tolls - and why this work matters

When I first stepped into the world of roads, bridges, and tolling, I didn’t yet appreciate the sheer scale of opportunity, innovation, and impact this field holds. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this work can be, not only for communities across the country, but for the people who choose to build their careers here.

Today, I serve as the Growth Lead for our Roads, Bridges & Tolls business unit, and I also support several major clients and on-call programs. But at the heart of everything I do, one belief remains constant: this industry is filled with purpose, connection, and endless opportunity for growth.

If you’re considering a career in transportation or even if you’ve never thought about it before, I’d love to share what I’ve learned along the way.

Stay curious: This industry needs more than engineers

My biggest piece of advice is simple: stay curious and stay open.

So many people assume the transportation sector is only for engineers. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, engineering is essential, but our work spans an incredibly wide spectrum across finance, data analytics, environmental science, technology, operations, customer experience, planning, communications, and more.

This industry is evolving rapidly. We’re embracing smarter infrastructure, real-time data, new mobility technologies, and resilience strategies that look decades ahead. To unlock these opportunities, we need people with diverse backgrounds who bring fresh perspectives.

One of the most valuable things you can do is learn from the people around you. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible colleagues whose expertise comes from construction, policy, design, safety, and customer operations. Every time you tap into someone else’s knowledge, you expand your own ability to solve the complex challenges that shape our transportation systems.

And that’s where the growth happens, not just in your career, but within yourself.

What I do today: Aligning strategy, clients, and growth

In my current role, I lead growth for our Roads, Bridges & Tolls business unit. That means I work closely with our Sector Managers and subject matter experts to build and execute strategies that help us expand, evolve, and deliver exceptional value to our clients.

My work involves understanding market and client needs, developing market entry and expansion strategies, and integrating expertise from across business units to deliver comprehensive solutions. I focus on building long-term client relationships and play a key role in supporting major strategic projects that drive organizational growth.

I also serve as the Key Account Principal for Georgia DOT and support several on-call contracts. While my day-to-day project work is more focused on strategy than delivery, I remain involved in some of our large programs, including the I 285 Eastside Express Lanes GEC, a major effort to design 26 miles of express lanes along a critical urban interstate.

For me, this blend of strategy, client partnership, and cross-functional collaboration is energizing. It allows me to connect our brilliant teams with the opportunities where they can shine and where we can make the greatest impact.

How our work touches lives and strengthens communities

Transportation is so much more than pavement and structures. It’s about people.

Every project we deliver, large or small, contributes to improving someone’s daily life. Our work helps reduce congestion, enhance access for emergency response, improve safety, and strengthen the overall resilience of the systems communities rely on. These improvements ensure that families get home more safely, commuters face less frustration, businesses benefit from the efficient movement of goods, and communities remain connected to jobs, education, and essential services.

This is what purposeful impact looks like in action.

There is something deeply meaningful about knowing your work contributes to infrastructure that supports mobility, opportunity, and growth for millions of people. It’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed in this field: the work matters, and the legacy lasts.

Why this work is personally meaningful to me

At its core, roads and bridges are about safety. They’re about people getting where they need to go; without fear, without barriers, without uncertainty.

Every project we take on helps make travel safer for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and first responders. That responsibility carries weight, and to me, it gives our work purpose. No matter how big or small the assignment, it contributes to someone’s well-being.

There’s a profound sense of fulfilment in knowing the work we do makes lives better. That’s what keeps me motivated. That’s what keeps me grounded. And that’s what keeps me proud to be part of this industry.

The culture that makes our team exceptional

One of the things I value most about our business area is our culture. We work hard. We collaborate deeply. We support each other without hesitation. And we take pride in delivering results that genuinely matter.

We are united by shared values that guide everything we do—Collaboration, Safety, Integrity, Innovation, and Excellence.

When you combine those values with genuine teamwork and open communication, you get a culture where everyone feels included, supported, and empowered.

And that’s exactly what we have.

How my colleagues and leaders support my growth

I feel incredibly supported by both my colleagues and our leadership. That support is not passive; it’s active, consistent, and heartfelt.

Even when a task doesn’t fall under someone’s responsibilities, they jump in. They problem-solve. They roll up their sleeves. We move forward as one team.

That level of shared ownership creates trust. It makes challenges feel manageable. It makes successes feel even more meaningful.

Our leaders foster that environment. They’re approachable, invested, and deeply committed to helping us grow. I’ve always felt encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, and stretch into new areas. They listen. They coach. They celebrate our progress. And they help us see and seize new possibilities.

When you feel seen and valued, you thrive. And here, we truly thrive together.

Why this might be the right path for you

If you’re considering a career in transportation, here’s what I want you to know:

This field is full of opportunity.

It’s full of purpose.

It’s full of people who want to see you succeed.

You’ll be challenged. You’ll grow. You’ll learn from brilliant colleagues. And you’ll make an impact that lasts.

So stay curious. Ask questions. Explore the possibilities. Your background, your ideas, and your passion all have a place here.

Because in this industry, we’re not just building infrastructure.

We’re building what moves us today and for generations to come.

Join a team that supports you, challenges you, and celebrates your wins. Explore our open roles today.