2024 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Katherine Cruz, P.E., LEED AP, Hancock Associates

Three skills that you use every day in your position:

Problem solving, teamwork, and attention to detail

Best advice for new leaders in 10 words or less: Being open to ideas from others can achieve better results.

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? 

I’m proud of the series of redevelopment projects we’ve completed along Revere Beach. Our work included land survey, civil site design, and permitting for over 1,000 market rate and affordable housing units, retail spaces, a hotel, and a public beach amenity and maintenance facility within the coastal floodplain. We worked closely with the developers, municipal and state agencies, and other consultants for the success of these projects.

What makes this nominee an Industry Leader? 

“Katie has established herself with clients as a critical member of the team on their complex development projects. She gained this trust through her attention to detail, responsiveness and ability to communicate project details to permitting agencies and municipal governing bodies. She is now widely respected in many communities, making her the “go to” engineer.” - Joseph Peznola, P.E., vice president of engineering, Hancock Associates. 

What was one of your biggest challenges as a leader and how did you overcome it? 

I’ve been focusing on building enthusiasm and interest for our projects within our team and have found that having engineering staff involved with all aspects of our work, from proposal writing and coordination with other design professionals to public meetings through construction, keeps all of us more engaged and motivated. I’ve found that this involvement also helps engineers who are newer to our industry build confidence.