Serving Communities at Home and Abroad

Cheryl Jackson represents a unique and powerful perspective at HNTB—she is currently serving in the Army National Guard while building her civilian career as a field engineer. Commissioned through ROTC at Michigan Technological University in December 2022, Cheryl now serves with E Company, 3‑238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Grand Ledge, Michigan, where she has progressed through leadership roles including Platoon Leader, Battalion Logistics Officer (S4), and Company Commander.

Across each of these roles, Cheryl’s focus has been consistent: operational readiness, resource coordination, and leading teams in complex, fast‑moving environments. “While every role has different technical demands, the foundation is people leadership,” she shares. “My responsibility is always to ensure Soldiers are prepared to execute the mission.”

That leadership experience has translated seamlessly to her work at HNTB. As a field engineer in the CEI group, Cheryl applies the same adaptability, planning discipline, and accountability she relies on in uniform. “In both construction and the military, conditions change constantly,” she explains. “You have to stay goal‑oriented while collaborating with new teams, new clients, and new challenges.”

A pivotal moment in Cheryl’s leadership journey came during a recent mobilization overseas. There, she was responsible for logistics forecasting, personnel and equipment movement, and maintaining real‑time estimates for senior leaders—all in a rapidly shifting operational environment. “Two lessons really stayed with me,” she says. “First, no leader is an island. Relying on peers and mentors isn’t a weakness—it’s essential. Second, open communication at every level is the only way to navigate complexity.”

Those lessons guide how Cheryl approaches her work at HNTB today. Whether interpreting plans and specifications on a job site or tracking progress against future milestones, she sees strong parallels between military operations and infrastructure delivery. “The focus on standards, precision, and planning feels very familiar. Both roles are about getting the details right so the mission—or project—can succeed.”

Culturally, Cheryl found HNTB to be a natural fit. “The military is mission driven. At HNTB, the end state is delivering a successful project,” she explains. “Having that clear North Star made the transition feel natural.” She also sees alignment between the Army’s ‘Be, Know, Do’ leadership philosophy and HNTB’s Sophisticated Sales and 4for4 frameworks—both emphasizing integrity, technical excellence, and disciplined execution.

Now more than three years into her HNTB career—including three internships during college—Cheryl credits the firm’s commitment to development and quality as key reasons she’s stayed. “HNTB doesn’t just accommodate my National Guard service—they actively support it,” she shares. “My project assignments are aligned with my Guard responsibilities, and I’ve been given resources to pursue my PE license and professional growth.”

Her advice to fellow service members is clear: “Find a company that sees your military service as an asset and respects the commitment that comes with continued service. That mutual investment is what makes a civilian career truly sustainable.”

For Cheryl, serving in uniform and serving communities through infrastructure are not separate paths—they’re part of the same mission. “I wanted a career where leadership, accountability, and service mattered,” she says. “At HNTB, I found a place where I can do both.”

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From Command and Control to Client‑Focused Collaboration

At HNTB, Tiffany found a familiar rhythm in the firm’s Career Professional Development (CPD) process, which mirrors the military’s structured approach to feedback and growth. “What stood out to me is that the process isn’t one-sided, it encourages open dialogue and shared responsibility for development,” she explains. “That collaborative approach reminded me of the mentorship culture I valued in the military.”

Tiffany also found alignment in HNTB’s culture of communication and teamwork. “From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and respected. There’s a genuine appreciation for the different backgrounds and experiences each person brings,” she says. “It feels very similar to the military, where everyone works toward a shared mission.”

Now over a year into her HNTB journey, Tiffany is thriving. “I found the right fit right away,” she shares. “The work is meaningful, the team is supportive, and I’m constantly learning. I like being challenged and having a voice in creating solutions.”

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Two 20-Year Careers Built on Leadership, Purpose, and People

As an engineer officer, Scott rose from Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel, leading units of up to 1,000 soldiers in designing and constructing roads, bridges, airfields, and bases, often under combat conditions. “Leading soldiers in combat is an absolute privilege,” he says. “The responsibility is enormous, knowing that a single mistake could lead to casualties or mission failure.”

That sense of mission and accountability carried into his civilian career. Scott joined HNTB as a Task Leader in the Federal group and steadily advanced through roles as project manager, program manager, and leader of the Design Build Engineering Group. Today, as Central Division Delivery Officer, he continues to influence and mentor emerging leaders through Tiger Team engagements, project reviews, and daily collaboration.

“What’s kept me here for 20 years are great bosses, exciting projects, and incredibly talented people,” Scott says. “Working side-by-side with some of the best engineers, architects, and planners in the industry is inspiring and drives me to be better.”

Scott sees strong parallels between the Army and HNTB.

“Our Vision and Leadership Characteristics felt like home,” he explains. “Both organizations are mission-driven, focused on quality, timeliness, and client satisfaction. Whether it’s building a tactical runway or designing an interstate, the mindset is the same.”

His leadership philosophy, shaped by a pivotal moment early in his military career, centers on servant leadership.

“I learned that no leader is successful alone. Truly successful organizations are led by those who work for their staff, coaching, guiding, and making decisions that support the team.”

To veterans considering a civilian career, Scott offers this advice: “Understand that your new peers have been doing this from the start of their careers. You have a lot to learn, and they can learn a lot from you. Great leaders know which leadership style to use in each situation. Find an organization like HNTB that values your experience and gives you room to grow.”

Ready to continue your mission in a new way?

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Engineering Excellence Rooted in Naval Service

“The Navy taught me how to navigate both leadership and frontline operations,” John shares. “Understanding the chain of command and empowering people to make informed decisions are skills I use every day.”

John’s military experience instilled a systems-thinking mindset that aligns perfectly with his work in design and PMCM at HNTB. “In the nuclear power plant, every decision impacted multiple systems. That awareness helps me thrive in multi-disciplinary roles,” he explains.

What drew John to HNTB was the cultural alignment. “The Navy’s core values, Honor, Courage, Commitment, along with the Naval Nuclear Power Program’s emphasis on Knowledge, Integrity, and Excellence, seamlessly align with HNTB’s leadership characteristics,” he says. “Our sophisticated processes and commitment to continuous improvement felt familiar from day one.”

Now several years into his HNTB career, John continues to find purpose in the firm’s mission-driven work. “Our culture, people, clients, and projects keep me here,” he says. “HNTB offers structure, flexibility, and a strong support network. It’s a place where veterans can thrive.”

His advice to fellow veterans? “You may not have the exact technical skills at first, but your adaptability and initiative will carry you far. Find a mission-driven organization like HNTB, and you’ll feel right at home.”

Ready to continue your mission in a new way?

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From Recon Marine to Infrastructure Leader

Matthew’s transition into civilian life wasn’t immediate, but he found a natural fit at HNTB. His first role as a program management project manager aligned with his military experience in solving complex organizational challenges. “Leadership and backwards planning, starting with the end in mind, are second nature to me,” he says. “Those skills translate directly into project delivery and team management.”

What stood out most to Matthew was HNTB’s culture.

“Our Vision and Leadership Characteristics feel very natural to me,” he explains. “Collaboration, accountability, and mission accomplishment resonate strongly with my military values.” He also appreciates how HNTB supports personal growth while maintaining high expectations. “The company saw my drive and gave me opportunities to make a difference.”

Now over six years into his HNTB career, Matthew continues to find purpose in building American infrastructure and serving communities. His advice to fellow veterans? “The mental transition takes time, years even. Give yourself space to decompress and learn civilian expectations. Find a mission-driven organization like HNTB, and you’ll rediscover that sense of purpose.”

Ready to continue your mission in a new way?

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Leading with Purpose: From Army to HR Business Partner

“What guided me toward the HRBP role was the strong alignment between my military responsibilities and the work I do now,” Adrian shares. “In the Army, I was responsible for developing talent, managing performance, and building unit cohesion. At HNTB, I get to do that in a new environment, with a new set of tools.”

Adrian’s leadership style was shaped early in his military career. Promoted into a leadership role without formal training, he learned the hard way that influence matters more than authority. “I directed, but I didn’t influence,” he recalls. “Once I connected the mission to what my team valued, everything changed. That experience taught me that real leadership is about understanding people and meeting them where they are.”

That lesson continues to guide Adrian’s work at HNTB. “I help leaders build trust, listen deeply, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered,” he says. “It’s not about command, it’s about connection.”

Adrian’s military background in Signal, Medical, and Human Resources gave him a unique ability to unite diverse teams around a shared purpose. “Success depended on finding common ground and motivating people toward a goal,” he explains. “That’s exactly what I do now—helping teams thrive under pressure and stay focused on long-term success.”

He also found HNTB’s structure and values familiar. “Structured planning, performance reviews, and leadership development frameworks all mirror the Army’s approach to readiness and growth,” Adrian says. “HNTB understands the power of purpose-driven work and the value of people who’ve lived it.”

His advice to fellow veterans? “Lean into your strengths. Your leadership experience is unmatched. Leave imposter syndrome behind, find a mentor, and take up space. And remember—selfless service must be balanced with self-care. You can’t pour into others if your own well-being is running dry.”

For Adrian, the transition to HNTB was more than a career move—it was a continuation of his mission. “I found a place where my values, experience, and leadership style weren’t just accepted—they’re celebrated. For any veteran considering HNTB: you belong here, and your service has prepared you more than you know.”

Ready to continue your mission in a new way?

Discover opportunities at HNTB where your experience, leadership, and service matter.