Tina Nelson, Senior Program Manager with Kitsap County Public Works, was honored by the Washington State Association of County Engineers as 2020 Program Manager of the Year. In her role as Kitsap County Public Works’ Engineering Division Manager, Tina oversees engineering design, survey, real estate services, outreach and construction management activities. This award recognizes Tina for her outstanding leadership and commitment to her profession and the community. The award was presented on June 9th at the WSACE’s annual conference.
Tina began her career with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Washington State University and has over 30 years of experience as an engineer and project manager in the private and public sectors. Prior to joining Kitsap County Public Works in 2006, Tina worked for The City of Tacoma and a private sector engineering firm.
“Tina consistently delivers complex projects on time, safely and within budget. Her tireless efforts and attention to detail are critical factors in Kitsap County Public Works successful preparation and execution of the annual construction program and six-year transportation improvement programs” said Joe Rutan, Assistant Director of Public Works and County Engineer. “Tina has developed a team of managers and staff that support and encourage personal and professional excellence and growth.”, Rutan added.
The pandemic presented many unexpected challenges for those managing construction projects. The award recognizes Tina’s steady leadership that allowed 2020 to be a successful year of engineering design and field construction. Several major projects, including an emergency bridge construction when a culvert failed in South Kitsap, were completed while complying with the new work world within a pandemic.
“This award recognizes how Tina overcame these challenges using exceptional leadership strategies and effective in-person and electronic communication with her staff and the public to keep things moving” Rutan added.
“I’m certainly honored to be recognized but the award was earned by the entire team,” said Nelson. She credits her staff’s ability to respond to the changing work environment, and the cooperation and coordination with the contractors as the keys to a successful program. “It’s no different in a pandemic. Good work happens when teams work together and communicate effectively,” Nelson added.
“We are very proud of Tina’s accomplishments and thrilled that the Washington State Association of Engineers honored her for this prestigious award,” said Andrew Nelson, Director of Public Works. “Tina’s enthusiastic drive and unending commitment to improve our infrastructure in Kitsap County are evident in every project her team delivers.”
|
