2023 Women in Construction: Lori Panessa, EW Howell Construction Group

What was a pivotal point in your career? I started my career working for the NYC District Council of Carpenters Benefit Funds as an auditor. After passing my NYS Certified Public Accountant exam I went to work in public accounting and later in the financial services industry. It wasn’t until I accepted a position as the controller for a general contractor that I realized that I was in the industry I loved the most, construction. I enjoy the financial details of the projects and seeing the job at completion. I also enjoy the complexity of the reporting. My husband also works in the construction industry, which makes conversations about work of mutual interest. 

What is your favorite building in New York? My favorite building in Manhattan is Grand Central Terminal. The architecture inside and outside the terminal is magnificent. It’s like a museum or even a Greek temple. There are so many great areas of Grand Central, but the main concourse is a must see. The huge windows, high ceiling with paintings of constellations and it even has fiber optic lighting for the twinkling stars. The theme of the entire terminal is travel, commerce and speed. The hustle and bustle make it an exciting place to visit or pass through on your way up north. 

Many movies and television shows have been filmed in Grand Central including Men in Black, Midnight Run and The Fisher King.