Q&A with Sherri Jones

ACEC/CO's 2008 Outstanding Woman in Engineering

The American Council of Engineering Cos. of Colorado recently named Sherri Jones of Rothberg, Tamburini & Winsor Inc. as ACEC/CO’s 2008 Outstanding Woman in Engineering.

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Jones was among four engineers nominated the council. The award recognizes women who demonstrate exceptional technical, educational, community involvement and leadership competence in the engineering industry.

Jones, a vice president/senior project manager with RTW, joined the firm in 1993 and carries the distinction of being the firm's first female project manager, first female senior project manager and first female vice president.

She has devised new approaches to project management, which include providing sustainable design solutions within sensitive ecosystems, planning construction around 24/7 tourism and high-traffic areas and managing construction during winter weather.

“Women in engineering are making significant contributions to the engineering industry, and as an industry, we are committed to encouraging women to pursue this profession,” said Brien Gidlow, president of ACEC/CO. “In an industry which for many decades has been primarily a male-oriented profession, women like Sherri are great role models for young women. Their experiences are exhibiting the limitless opportunities available to women in the engineering profession. The council is honored to make the public aware of her achievements and celebrate her impressive contributions to this vital industry.”

Colorado Construction magazine talked with Jones about her career:

Colorado Construction magazine: How long have you been in the industry?

Sherri Jones: I have worked with RTW for 15 years, and before that I worked in operations at wastewater plants. This is a great industry to be involved in, and a good profession to have. In my time with RTW, I have led more than 12 national parks projects and over 10 Colorado water and wastewater projects in design, operations, training, startup, construction management and commissioning.

CCM: What projects are you most proud of?

SJ: In my 15 years at RTW I have worked in Yellowstone National Park. I would do designs in Denver during the winter and spend my summers at the park, continuing work with ongoing projects. I think a big highlight is that we have managed to keep that client happy for so many years; it is a significant accomplishment. My work on the Old Faithful Wastewater Treatment Facility is a project that really stands out to me.

CCM: What do you think needs to be done to attract more women into the engineering profession?

SJ: There are a lot more women studying to become engineers, as seen in the make-up of many graduate-level classes in universities across the nation. This has always been a good field to be in, and I have never understood why more women haven't pursued it as a career. I know publications and articles are helping it receive more recognition. It has so many great opportunities for women.

CCM: How do you see the future of the engineering industry?

SJ: I know there will always be a need for designers and engineers. There will always be work for us. One thing that has changed in my years as an engineer is the use of the Internet, e-mail and digital photography. This is a wonderful change that has made working remotely extremely easy. I am not sure what the future will bring, but it's a bright future.

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