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This article is part of a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
Chrissy Thom leads Jacobs’ East Americas region, but began her career as an environmental scientist focused on how restored ecosystems can build resilience in coastal communities.
This background served him well when he moved into engineering and construction. He has worked for CH2M and the Army Corps of Engineers, building his career leading all phases of interdisciplinary water resource infrastructure projects.
In her current role as senior vice president and general manager of the Dallas-based contractor, she draws on her scientific background to help her advocate for an integrated approach to projects like the complex interactions and patterns of an ecosystem, she said.
Here, Thom talks to Construction Dive about his favorite projects, the importance of technology, and encouraging underrepresented groups to work in construction.
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Immersion in CONSTRUCTION: What do you do in your current job?
Chrissy Thom: I am based in Washington, DC and lead Jacobs’ Americas East region, leading 5,300 industry professionals on infrastructure projects in the Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, as well as in Canada for a range of clients. Our project delivery portfolio is broad and diverse, ranging from strategic planning and design to construction, management and large-scale operations.
What are some of your favorite projects to work on and why?
Chrissy Thom
Permission granted by Jacobs
During my career, I have worked on projects in over 100 locations and enjoyed the diversity and challenge of each one.
I’ve also been inspired by the opportunity to take our hands-on experience with clients and apply it to Jacobs’ business strategy and how we innovate to stay ahead of a changing world. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to quickly scale up to our customers’ changing priorities.
I led our strategy to develop new solutions such as design automation, advanced AI products, digital twins, new business models, science-based scenario and contact modeling, construction work management applications and work, reuse and response frameworks, as well as resilience, decarbonisation. and climate response solutions. Taking on this challenge in the highly uncertain context of the COVID-19 pandemic was daunting but rewarding.
Another highlight for me was working with the New Orleans Water and Sewer Board to develop a resilient power and stormwater drainage network. The long-term goal of the program was to develop an energy transition plan that provides continuity of service, critical failure risks, multiple social and sustainability goals, and protects public safety during hurricanes and other disasters.
How can construction professionals like you help encourage underrepresented groups to consider careers in construction?
I have benefited from some very good role models throughout my career and recognize that I have a valuable contribution to make as a woman in a male-dominated industry. That’s why I’m so committed to STEM and community outreach and mentoring talent across a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, especially those from underrepresented and underrepresented backgrounds, to achieve the most innovative results.
We can foster dynamic collaboration and innovation by embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives and empowering colleagues at all levels to bring the best of their skills to the table. It’s about setting the right conditions for an agile culture, adopting an open mindset and being willing to accept new ways of working.
What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
My advice is to keep an open mind and see beyond the stereotypes. There are so many diverse opportunities in construction and ways to develop a career, it’s not just about farmhouses and big yellow rigs.
There are also many disciplines and skills applicable to construction, expanding entry routes into the industry. Leveraging these different skills can create a purpose-driven career in an exciting industry.
My career path has not been linear, I have made many stops, exits and pivots on the way to where I am today, and I hope this continues throughout my career. I tell young women to stay open to new opportunities and constantly expand your skill set to keep up with this rapidly evolving industry.
