industry colleagues outside of Granite. “Growing your network of people is


really important,” Lasiter said. “If you are going to be in this industry for the long haul, it is all about people, relationships and networking. It’s nice to have organiza- tions like AGC and the Emerging Leaders to help steer you in ways that otherwise you might not have the opportunity to do.”


Vanessa Tilley, senior project engineer at McCarthy Building Cos., is a mid-level professional in the ninth year of her career. After graduating from the University of California San Diego, she started out as a design engineer but realized after a few years that she was more drawn to construction. Tilley switched gears to work for an


exterior envelope subcontractor, where she ultimately became director of en- gineering. In November of 2021, she joined general contractor McCarthy and is currently working on the Irvine Valley College Fine Arts Buildings project. Encouraged by several highly respect-


ed McCarthy managers to become active in the Emerging Leaders group, Tilley joined the Steering Committee this spring. She was impressed with the caliber of people in the room from the very first meeting. “Tere is a lot of good energy,” she


commented. “I’m a big advocate for personal and professional development. Exposure to different environments and opportunities (like being on the commit- tee) is so important for entry to mid-level professionals.”


Ryan Ricard, project manager/estimator at Caliagua Inc., has worked in the indus- try for about three years. He started out working for the company while attending Cal State Long Beach, pursuing his degree in construction management.


Caliagua and its owner, Gus Bruner,


have a long history of active and engaged AGC membership. They encouraged Ricard to get involved in the Emerging Leaders group.


“I was looking to build more rela- tionships in the industry with people that are similar (career) stature and age,” Ricard said. “I felt that joining EL would help me develop better communication skills and leadership skills that ultimately


would make me a better manager, better employee, and better team player in my company. Those were all motivating factors.” Ricard hopes to help grow the Emerg-


ing Leaders and generate more involve- ment from others through his active participation. “I feel like we could grow a lot and get more of the younger gen- eration involved and excited to be in the construction industry,” he commented.


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR JULY-AUGUST 2022


13


“I’m a big advocate for personal and professional development. Exposure to different environments and opportunities (like being on the committee) is so important for entry to mid-level professionals.”


– Vanessa Tilley


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