2023 Women in Construction: Megan Zahnow, EW Howell Construction Group

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? I led a team during construction of a $87 million core and shell office building through the well-known difficulties that COVID brought to our industry. The project achieved TCO/Substantial completion three weeks ahead of contractual schedule and was completed within budget. Throughout the project, the team became a family supporting and pushing each other to be the best we could be, which is an accomplishment in itself in such a high stress industry. I am incredibly proud to have helped facilitate such an environment and prouder to have done so while leading a successful project.

What was a pivotal point in your career? Transitioning from design consulting to general contracting. While two sides of the same coin, making the jump to a general contractor was the best decision I could have made for my own career goals and growth. It gave me the opportunity to work with and learn from incredibly knowledgeable colleagues and grow in an industry that brings excitement and challenging opportunities each day.