Visionaries: Women Leading the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Industry

These dynamic individuals will share their unique journeys, challenges, and triumphs in a male-dominated field. Learn their strategies for success and leadership, and gain inspiration for your own career in AEC.

While this is an all-female panel, we welcome and encourage everyone to attend and engage in this important conversation. Leadership knows no gender, and diverse perspectives are key to driving change.

Kelly Brewer | SVP, Network Strategy & Technology | CROWN CASTLE

Kelly Brewer serves as Senior Vice President, Network Strategy and Technology at Crown Castle, the nation’s largest provider of shared telecommunications infrastructure. In this role, she leads network engineering, sales engineering, innovation, product management and development, and external affairs. Kelly is responsible for enhancing strategic capital allocation and operating decisions through advancements in network technology, construction methods, and business models.

Prior to joining Crown Castle in 2021, Kelly served as Chief Operating Officer at Tilson, a nationwide telecommunications services firm focused on designing, building, and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure. Kelly led the company through significant and sustained growth, resulting in Tilson being named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies in America for 11 consecutive years of her tenure. She was a founding member of Tilson Infrastructure and successfully launched the startup of a rural internet service provider, now branded Boundless.

Kelly holds a BS in business administration from the University of Southern Maine, where she currently serves on the Foundation Board, and an MBA from Mississippi State University. Kelly serves on the board of Landry/French Construction.

Kelly Flagg | Executive Director | AGC MAINE

Kelly Flagg is the Executive Director for AGC Maine. AGC Maine is known for its legislative advocacy and also for providing safety education, management courses, technical training, and apprenticeship opportunities through the Maine Construction Academy. Kelly also holds a seat on the Career Management Associates roster as a Contract Speaker and Trainer and is a Member of the National Association of Women in Construction and the Maine State Transportation Innovation Council.

Throughout her career, she has become a trusted advisor to many in business leadership, human resources, and safety management.

She is particularly passionate about supporting the health of the construction industry and she believes in supporting the development of the individuals in order to enhance the team.

Tasha Gardner, CPA, CCIFP | VP-Finance/CFO | SARGENT

Tasha Gardner breathes life into the workplace. As Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Sargent Corporation, She values the work and the individuals who make it thrive. The heavy civil contractor with impressive projects throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic is 100% employee-owned by over 510 skilled workers. Tasha is proud to work with this collaborative team, overseeing finances for the literal movers and shakers of the dirt world. Prior to joining Sargent, Tasha was a partner at the regional accounting firm BBSC, CPAs for a decade. She has been married to the love of her life, Bill, for 29 years, and they have two wonderful children and two active grandchildren. She is the volunteer treasurer for Arise Addiction Recovery, a faith-based residential addiction recovery program. Tasha thoroughly enjoys finding purpose in every aspect of living, both in and outside the office.

Kylie Mason, RLA, LEED AP | Chief Operations Officer | SEBAGO TECHNICS

Kylie Mason, RLA, LEED AP, is the Chief Operations Officer at Sebago Technics, one of Maine's largest land development firms. A commitment to innovation and inclusive leadership has marked her journey.

At Sebago Technics, Kylie has led initiatives to restructure multidisciplinary teams and implement systems that maximize productivity while prioritzing work-life balance. Her approach, rooted in effective communication and project management experience, has fostered a more collaborative and efficient work environment.

A key focus of Kylie's leadership has been advancing women in the AEC industry. Under her guidance, Sebago Technics has seen a significant increase in female leadership, the highest in the company's history. She has cultivated an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes equal opportunities.

Kylie's work spans various sectors, including educational institutions and corporate campuses. Her ability to adapt to industry challenges has helped build a resilient team at Sebago Technics.

As she continues her career, Kylie remains dedicated to sustainable practices and pushing for positive change in the AEC field. Her story demonstrates how leadership can drive transformation in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Ellen Belknap, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP | Principal, Senior Architect | SMRT

Ellen is committed to working with clients to anticipate future state, encouraging them to innovate and position their organizations for success. Ellen is known for her collaborative leadership skills and fully engages in a change management mindset. She champions transparency and a strengths-based leadership philosophy. From 2004-2024 Ellen served as SMRT's president, ably leading the firm during a time of tremendous expansion, advancing the mission of sustainability and positive community impact. Her focus on strategic planning and bringing forward a new generation of firm leaders has positioned the firm for both stability and growth.

Ellen is active in the communities she lives and works in; she serves on the Maine Climate Council Buildings, Infrastructure and Housing Work Group, the University of Maine Board of Visitors, and the boards of Maine & Company and E2Tech.

Ellen earned her Master of Architecture at Columbia University and her undergraduate degree at Cornell University. She lives in Portland's Deering Center and enjoys exploring near and far.

Theresa Thompson | President | STANDARD WATERPROOFING

Theresa is President and an owner of Standard Waterproofing located in Winslow, Maine. A family owned commercial waterproofing business in the construction industry. The team at Standard Waterproofing is known throughout Maine and New Hampshire as the best of the best in commercial waterproofing, sealants, spray foam, and much more.

Theresa grew up in China, Maine. She graduated from Manhattanville College in New York with a degree in international management. Since returning to Maine and joining Standard Waterproofing, Theresa has focused on growing the business by providing the best products and services to customers through a very experienced and knowledgeable team. Additionally, because of the company’s people first approach it has created a workplace that is both stable and prosperous for all. Because of these efforts, in 2020 the company was recognized by the Mid-Miane Chamber of Commerce as the business of the year.

Outside of work, Theresa enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. They can usually be found spending time together boating, fishing, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Portland Sheraton at Sable Oaks, 200 Sable Oaks Drive, South Portland, United States