2021 Women in Construction: Noreen O’Toole, Principal, Platinum Partners, LLC

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I collaborated with local officials, town departments and especially the planning department to permit a 28-unit condominium project in an Overlay Village Center District. As a former municipal planner with over 30 years of experience in the public sector, my focus is on all aspects of land use planning in the development of planning solutions with the collaboration and creation of partnerships between government, clients and the community. Through this process, my partner and I were able to achieve exceptional outcomes that enhanced the quality of life and the sustainability of the community. 

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic? After the pandemic, I am looking forward to communicating with people in person. I miss the eye contact, facial expressions and the body language when immersed in a conversation. But, at the same time, I think that the remote participation technology such as Zoom has had such an impact. These technologies have facilitated the economic cycle by providing a needed vehicle to conduct business on a daily basis. Therefore, these means which facilitate business operations will continue to be utilized when needed.

Why should women consider a career in construction? There are various opportunities for women when considering a career in the construction field. You may choose general construction, project management, engineering, surveying, real estate or planning, to name a few areas. Women bring new ideas, fresh perspectives and other considerations into the construction field. Through the successes of many women that have refined the “untraditional” roles, women have been encouraged to pursue their careers and at the same time meet the challenges.