Share a little about yourself. What area of the asphalt industry are you currently working in and how would you describe your daily work?
I am a wife, mother and Pippa (grandmother) and have been working in the asphalt industry for almost two decades. I currently serve in a dual role as Vice President of Mixing Engineering for Aztec Asphalt Technology and Vice President of the Southeast Region for Total Asphalt Rejuvenation. In these roles, I focus on innovation and sustainability, particularly the use of Veritas Green, a patented asphalt surface rejuvenator.
My work includes working with industry partners to optimize the use of regeneration agents, developing application strategies and building relationships with municipalities, transportation authorities and private contractors to ensure our solutions meet their specific road maintenance needs. I also spend time educating others through presentations and one-on-one consultations about the benefits of incorporating rejuvenation technology into their pavement maintenance strategies.
What role do you personally see in the industry?
I see my role as a mediator – bridging the gap between innovation and real-world application. I'm passionate about promoting sustainable practices and helping others understand how technologies like Veritas Green can transform road safety. By sharing knowledge, building relationships and fostering collaboration, I aim to empower others in the industry to utilize solutions that extend pavement life, improve recyclability and reduce environmental impact.
I also see my work as an opportunity to develop a broader vision of what the asphalt industry can achieve. By highlighting the importance of innovation and highlighting women's leadership in the field, I hope to foster a more inclusive, forward-thinking industry prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
How did you get into the asphalt industry in the first place?
My entry into the asphalt industry came not from what I knew, but from the person I knew. In 2006, I was a single mother looking for stable employment when I was introduced to East Alabama Paving through a family connection. I joined the company with no asphalt or construction knowledge, but was determined to succeed. What started as a job quickly turned into something much more – I decided to look at it as a career and not just a paycheck.
This attitude changed everything. I immerse myself in learning all aspects of asphalt production, testing and mix design. Over time, I realized that this industry offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation and I wanted to be a part of it. This decision to dedicate myself fully to my work laid the foundation for my career today and is a decision for which I am grateful every day.
At the beginning of your career, did you face any particular challenges or obstacles that you had to overcome in order to move forward?
When I started my career, one of the biggest challenges I faced was proving myself in a predominantly male industry. For women to be successful in this field, it is important to demonstrate early on that we can make our own contributions and win our own battles. I had to show my colleagues that I was just as capable, dedicated and resilient as they were. When I did that, everything changed.
What started as a challenge became one of my greatest blessings. I earned the respect of my peers and in return made some of the best friends and champions I could ever ask for. We built mutual respect and trust and I knew they were by my side, cheering me on.
Another key to overcoming challenges was finding a mentor. While it's wonderful to connect with another woman as a mentor, it doesn't have to be that way. Some of the most influential women I know in the industry were mentored by men who believed in their potential. For me, the mentorship was invaluable and I encourage everyone to take advantage of it as they shape their careers.
How would you describe the nature of your experiences over the years?
The challenges women face in construction are no secret, and my experience is no exception. There were moments when I had to work harder and push myself harder to show that I belonged and could contribute just as much as everyone else. Many of my colleagues, both men and women, have become my greatest advocates and lifelong friends.
What stands out most on my journey is the balance between challenges and opportunities. Yes, I have faced hurdles, but I have also been fortunate to work in a field that values results and innovation. The asphalt industry in particular is evolving and more doors are opening for women to take on leadership positions and have a lasting impact. I'm proud to be part of this progress and hope my story encourages other women to pursue a career in construction.
What do you think has helped or given you insight as a woman over the years?
Women often have a natural ability to focus on details while seeing the bigger picture, which is crucial in an industry that requires precision and long-term planning. I have found that this perspective allows me to approach challenges with creativity and balance – be it problem solving in the lab or strategizing for a large project.
Another aspect of my perspective as a woman is the emphasis on relationship building. I have always valued collaboration and clear communication, which has helped me connect on a deeper level with colleagues, customers and partners. These connections have been the foundation of my success and allowed me to foster teamwork and mutual respect in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Finally, I think women often bring resilience and adaptability. These qualities have been invaluable as I have navigated challenges and changes in my career. They have enabled me to turn obstacles into opportunities and to continually develop, not only professionally but also personally.
Everyone is looking for good workers and recruiting more women into the workforce is a possible solution. What hurdles do you think there are that sometimes get in the way and make recruiting difficult?
If you don’t know, you don’t know – and that’s one of the biggest barriers to recruiting women into the asphalt workforce. Many women are simply not aware of the opportunities this industry offers or that they can earn the same wages as the man working next to them. This lack of knowledge can lead to hesitation or prevent women from considering asphalt as a viable career path.
Organizations like Women of Asphalt are great tools for breaking down these barriers by offering mentorship, education and networking opportunities. But as an industry, we need to do more to actively reach out to women and spread the message that while asphalt construction jobs require hard work, they also offer incredible rewards – financial stability, career growth and the satisfaction of contributing to critical infrastructure.
I believe that starting recruitment efforts at high schools and technical colleges would be a game-changer. By involving young women early on, we can show them the opportunities that are possible in this field, whether in project management, technical roles or practical construction. With a targeted campaign, we can show that the asphalt industry is not only inclusive, but also offers meaningful, well-paying careers in which women can be successful.
How has the industry changed and improved the most from the start of your career to now?
I've noticed that there is an increasing focus on safety – not just physical safety on the construction site, but also mental health. Suicide rates in the construction industry are alarmingly high and it is encouraging to see our industry taking steps to address this issue through awareness and support initiatives.
Mental health is an essential part of safety, and as an industry we are beginning to realize that protecting workers goes beyond physical measures. This increased focus on physical and mental wellbeing ensures that everyone on the team receives more holistic care.
For me, safety is personal – it's about making sure everyone on the team goes home at the end of the day. This not only protects workers, but also reinforces the professionalism and care that characterize our industry.
While there is still progress to be made, I am proud of the steps we have taken as an industry over the years to evolve and improve.
What would you describe as your “passionate topic” in the industry? What is the topic you would like to talk about at any opportunity?
My passion in the asphalt industry is simple: making asphalt better. This includes improving the safety and longevity of our roads, particularly through innovations in materials and design. One area that is particularly close to my heart is OGFC (Open Graded Friction Course) pads. While OGFC does an excellent job of improving road safety by reducing hydroplaning and improving visibility in rainy conditions, it needs to be made more durable and long-lasting to justify the cost to state transportation agencies. This is where my work comes in – I strongly believe that products like Veritas Green can help extend the life of OGFC surfaces and make them more cost-effective and sustainable.
My passion for road safety became deeply personal when I watched my teenage son drive off alone for the first time. At that moment I realized how much trust we put in the roads we build. It's a responsibility I take to heart because I know our work has the potential to save lives. Whether by promoting innovative solutions, improving pavement designs or advocating for better maintenance practices, I look forward to contributing to safer, longer-lasting roads at every opportunity.
What would you like to share from your experience to other women who are new to the industry or thinking about entering the industry?
I want you to know that the sky really is the limit. This is an industry where your work ethic, determination and willingness to learn are more important than any stereotypes or preconceived notions. The work is undoubtedly hard, but also incredibly rewarding – both in terms of the sense of achievement and the opportunities for growth.
Don't let outdated stereotypes hold you back. This industry is suitable for anyone who is willing to put in the effort and takes pride in what they do. You will find that your contributions are valued and that there are countless opportunities to build a meaningful and successful career. With a good work ethic and willingness to learn, you can achieve more in the asphalt industry than you ever thought possible.