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ON THE MOVE DEWBERRY WELCOMES TODD KILDUFF TO SUPPORT EXPANSION IN COMMERCIAL MARKET Dewberry , a privately held professional services firm, has announced that Todd Kilduff, PE, has joined the firm as an associate and senior project manager based in the firm’s Richmond, Virginia, office. Kilduff joins the firm to support its expansion in the commercial and economic development markets. He will aid in the alignment of the firm’s national strategies to local business development activities, and work to continue diversifying Dewberry’s portfolio across Virginia. Prior to joining Dewberry, Kilduff served as the deputy county administrator for community and economic development in Goochland County, Virginia, where he was responsible for the daily operations and staff in the planning, zoning, building inspections,
transportation, environmental, public utilities, customer service, and economic development departments. “Todd brings a dynamic background and unique skillset to our team” says Dewberry Associate Vice President Devin Keeler, PE, LEED AP. “With experience in the public, private, military, federal, and non-profit worlds, he is well-suited to help our firm grow in additional markets and serve our clients.” Kilduff earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental analysis and planning with a minor in biology from Frostburg State University (2002) and is a registered professional engineer in Virginia. He is a member of the Virginia Local Government Management Association, Virginia Rural Water Association, Virginia Association of Municipal Wastewater Agencies, International County/City
Management Association, and the American Water Works Association. In addition, Kilduff is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond, a 2018 graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Certified Planning Commissioner Program, and a member of the Bon Secours Community Advisory Council. Dewberry is a leading, market-facing firm with a proven history of providing professional services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients’ most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 50 locations and more than 2,000 professionals nationwide. a
EXTRAORDINARY , from page 7
been getting together for about 15 years and started meeting monthly as a “book club” back in 2006 before any of us had children. At its inception, we actually did read the same books, but the group quickly evolved into a support network of professionals, all of us working mothers meeting monthly; they’ve absolutely been my career guides. When I started working in Portland, there were very few females in leadership positions, and because we all know “you can’t be what you can’t see” I really looked to these women more than any traditional architect mentor. We’ve all since navigated tricky career dynamics and worked to move into leadership roles primarily in the architecture, planning, and construction industries. We’ve been advocates and inspiration for each other in an industry that is short on female role models. They have all given me some of the most valuable, and most honest advice over the years. TZL: How many years of experience – or large enough book of business – is enough to become a principal in your firm? Are you naming principals in their 20s or 30s? RS: I was in my 30s, so yes, it is definitely possible. TZL: In one word or phrase, what do you describe as your number one job responsibility? RS: Do good work. TZL: A firm’s longevity is valuable. What are you doing to encourage your staff to stick around? RS: In general, we focus on the long game – we listen to and invest in our employees. We have crafted a comprehensive paid family leave policy, dramatically opened up our design process and moved into a new studio space to better facilitate collaboration in the last few years. This past year, we’ve focused on learning what we’re all passionate about and using that lens for career support, empowerment, and business development. Transparency and willingness to evolve are also important, and in this last year compassion has been paramount.
As for our new generation of owners, Kevin was one of Holst’s first employees, and has spent the last 24 years honing skills that have made him our design director. Kim joined soon after Kevin in 1999, and quickly cemented herself as our technical master. She’s evolved into being both our quality director and the president of Holst. Dave joined in 2005 and as development director has helped to grow our markets and push our focus into the realm of design for social impact. Finally, I am the rookie, celebrating a decade at Holst this year. I’m managing director of our studio and principal-in-charge for a number of our larger projects. We each bring our own specific talents to the practice, which provides a balance that allows us to tackle our work holistically. “A commitment to social justice for our communities is intrinsic to our belief that everyone deserves good design. This belief guides the work we do and how we do it.” TZL: What benefits does your firm offer that your people get most excited about? RS: A commitment to social justice for our communities is intrinsic to our belief that everyone deserves good design. This belief guides the work we do and how we do it. We have a generous and community-minded group at Holst, and so I would say we all get most excited about benefits that allow us time to give back. Holst is committed to ongoing outreach programs throughout the region including the 1+ program, and we provide employees paid volunteer time as well as opportunities for pro bono work. TZL: Have you had a particular mentor who has guided you – in school, in your career, or in general? Who were they and how did they help? RS: I do. I have a circle of a dozen women in Portland who I consider to be the strongest guides in my career. We’ve
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THE ZWEIG LETTER JUNE 14, 2021, ISSUE 1396
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