Tiffany Harrison, ENV SP, PACP, LACP, MACP, ITCP
PROJECT MANAGER
LOCATION: BALTIMORE, MD.
Tiffany Harrison, ENV SP, PACP, LACP, MACP, ITCP
PROJECT MANAGER
LOCATION: BALTIMORE, MD.
“I truly enjoy showcasing the engineering industry’s most renowned projects in Maryland. It is an honor to recognize the deserving professionals who bring these projects to life.”
The U.S. and Canada celebrated Mother’s Day a few weeks ago, but at Gannett Fleming, we celebrate moms like Tiffany Harrison all year long. Known for being calm, cool, and collected, Tiffany juggles her many professional and personal responsibilities with great poise under stress.
Let’s learn more from and about Tiffany:
Tell us about your industry experience.
My career began about 13 years ago with a small Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) firm, where I worked for five years prior to joining Gannett Fleming. My path has been strongly focused on water and sewer pipeline design.
During my time in the industry, I’ve had the pleasure of leading a $20 million task for the City of Baltimore to reduce inflow and infiltration for one of its collection systems. I also had the opportunity to serve on the program management team for Miami-Dade County’s $2 billion consent decree program dedicated to improving the operational reliability of its wastewater system and minimizing sanitary sewer overflows.
Tell us about your role and responsibilities at Gannett Fleming.
I’m a part of the Water Business Line under our Earth Sciences Corporate Business Group. In my role, I manage and design water and wastewater projects all over the country, provide quality assurance and quality control, help with proposals, and conduct project interviews.
What brought you to Gannett Fleming, and what is it about the firm that makes you want to stay?
While working at the MBE firm as a subconsultant to Gannett Fleming, I was able to establish a great working relationship and gain insight into Gannett Fleming’s culture. I not only enjoyed working with the people, but I saw great opportunity within the company.
I owe a huge thank you to Dave Smyth and Steve Gerlach for accepting me into the Maryland Water team nine years ago. I’m still here today because of the positive culture and the many great relationships I’ve built. Gannett Fleming constantly strives to promote a healthy work-life balance, flexible career paths, and acquiring some of the best technical expertise in the industry!
How does Gannett Fleming support your professional development and career growth?
The firm sponsored my certifications with National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) and helped me become an Envision Sustainability Professional. Gannett Fleming has also supported my involvement with professional organizations, such as the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA), as well as my ambitions related to organizational membership and leadership classes.
Are you a member of any committees, employee resource groups, or other teams at Gannett Fleming?
I am currently a support lead for the Water Business Line operations team, allocating and diversifying resources for projects. I’m also on the social committee for the Baltimore office and a mentee in the firm’s Connected Relationships™ Mentoring Program. I enjoyed serving as a member of the Future Generations of Gannett Fleming(FuGen) Steering Committee, as well.
What’s the most interesting project you’re working on right now?
I am currently designing two parallel 42-inch raw water pipelines for a Pennsylvania American Water project in Pittsburgh. The mains are proposed to be located in a utility-congested road that’s heavily traveled with steep and narrow sections, so this project requires creativity in order to keep the road open and minimize impacts on the community.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Building relationships, helping others, and pleasing my clients.
What do you see for the next generation of engineers at Gannett Fleming and in the AEC industry?
I envision a group of well-rounded young professionals with unlimited resources.
How does your work contribute to Gannett Fleming’s vision of creating a better future, together?
The designs and solutions we offer our clients help them solve their challenges while also improving our world. We advise our clients of technology improvements that support their goals while increasing sustainable and resilient infrastructure in our communities.
What’s one professional achievement you’re especially proud of?
I completed ACEC Maryland’s 2021 Leadership Program, which was very enlightening and dynamic for individuals working in the consulting industry. It included interactive sessions centered around the importance of political activism, succession planning, risk management, finances, and leadership.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your professional success to?
I think my calm demeanor and willingness to help have gotten me to where I am today.
When did you realize you wanted to work in your industry?
In my senior year of college, I interned at the MBE firm in its water division. The exposure to water engineering and the excellent advice I received from various colleagues and mentors left me certain that this was the field for me.
Why is it important to have diversity around the table when working on projects?
The diversity of knowledge, experience, thinking, approaches to challenges, and resolutions are indispensable when it comes to working on projects. These different perspectives ultimately generate a more sustainable final product.
Which professional organizations are you a part of, and how are you involved?
I chair ACEC Maryland’s Awards and Recommendations Committee and have held this position for the past two years. I truly enjoy showcasing the engineering industry’s most renowned projects in Maryland. It is an honor to recognize the deserving professionals who bring these projects to life. I’m also a member of the Chesapeake Section of the AWWA, and I was recently accepted into Leadership Baltimore County’s Class of 2023.
We’d love to hear about your family. Will you please share a little?
I have one child who’s 14; Anthony is very smart, loves basketball, and enjoys playing the drums and piano. I’m also close with my mom; she’s recently retired and has been a huge help to both of us.
What’s the best piece of personal advice you’ve ever received?
Life is short; live it to the fullest!
What are your favorite hobbies?
Traveling, watching the NFL, playing fantasy football, and designing home improvement projects.
If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?
Elon Musk, so I could buy and do whatever I want!
If you could live in any city, where would it be and why?
Star Island in Miami, Florida. You can’t go wrong with beautiful beaches, warm weather, and lots of good food!
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