Valeria Wright
Hillside
Summary
Construction Project Director with 22 years of experience overseeing large-scale projects with budgets from $25K to $150M. Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives from budget planning to occupancy, ensuring quality, safety, and stakeholder satisfaction. Skilled in managing owner-directed work, securing necessary permits, and overseeing design and contractor selection. Notable projects include the $6.6B O'Hare Modernization Program and various facilities for United and Southwest Airlines.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Director
JA Watts
Chicago
08.2017 - Current
- Portfolio Management: Oversaw a comprehensive project portfolio at United Airlines' Arlington Heights facilities, from concept through construction completion, with budgets ranging from $70K to $15M, demonstrating expertise in managing multiple concurrent development initiatives.
- Large-Scale Project Leadership:Managed a $45M ORD Terminal 5 Passenger Boarding Bridge Replacement Project**, including 34 new bridges and 3 temporary walkway sections, coordinating bid processes, design, manufacture, construction, and commissioning phases.
- Directed $30M+ Southwest Airlines Nashville International Airport facilities, including a 30,000 sf Concourse D buildout, a 7,000 sf provisioning warehouse, and multiple terminal renovations.
- Oversaw United Airlines Clubs and Polaris Lounge Program with individual project budgets from $800K - $5.5M
- Owner-Directed Work & Strategic Initiatives:Source, vet, and manage vendor relationships to accomplish complex project goals
- Establish effective communication channels with corporate and community stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment.
- Gather project requirements through stakeholder interactions and site assessments to develop comprehensive construction plans.
- Monitor critical path schedules, material lead times, and resource allocation to ensure optimal performance
- Risk Management and Quality Assurance:Monitor project specifications for conformance to design standards and safety requirements
- Adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, devising creative solutions without compromising objectives
- Conduct post-project evaluations to identify improvement areas and implement corrective actions
- Leadership & Development: Mentor project managers and team members to enhance skills and career growth
- Present regular status reports to executive leadership with insights into key milestone progress
- Manage client relationships and drive business development initiatives
Resident Engineer
Brown And Momen
07.2006 - 08.2017
- Large Infrastructure Projects: Promoted to lead Construction Management team on $6.6 billion O'Hare Modernization Program, overseeing infrastructure project budgets exceeding $100 million across all construction phases.
- Project Leadership: Managed $6M ORD Airport Rescue and Firefighting Facility (ARFF) #1 from design through completion
- Supervised, trained, and mentored administrative and field personnel while managing contractor and designer relationships
- Maintained project budgets and schedules, negotiated project changes, and prepared monthly payment applications
- Stakeholder Management: Collaborated closely with project teams to identify and address problems proactively
- Directed project scope and cost changes while implementing appropriate change management processes
- Influenced positive outcomes for key stakeholders through effective communication and relationship building
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, ILOSHA 30 Hour Certification -
JA Watts
Chicago, ILSkills
- Construction Management Software: Procore
- Construction Management Software: Plan Plus
- Budget Development & Cost Control
- Project Documentation & Compliance
- Contract Negotiation & Administration
- Quality Assurance/Control
- Multi-site Project Portfolio Management
- Cross-functional Team Leadership
- Vendor & Contractor Relations
- Risk Management & Mitigation
- Safety Culture Development
Professional Speaking & Leadership
- President, National Association of Women in Construction Chicago Metro Chapter #325
- Speaker, Take Credit Thursday
Timeline
Project Director
JA Watts
08.2017 - Current
Resident Engineer
Brown And Momen
07.2006 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Architectural Studies
University of Illinois at Chicago
OSHA 30 Hour Certification -
JA Watts
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