2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Jen Carney, CM&B

“Jen Carney is a respected industry leader with deep expertise in cost management and construction operations. She streamlined CM&B’s cost and project management structure, boosting team efficiency and strengthening the business. Jen is generous with her time, delivering hands-on training, disciplined budget oversight, and early risk identification that drives strong financial performance.” 

What recent accomplishment or initiative are you most proud of, and what impact did it have on your firm, clients, or community?

One initiative I am proud of was rolling out a standardized approach to cost forecasting and variance tracking across multiple projects. I worked closely with project management, finance, and operations to align everyone on a consistent method, tighten assumptions and benchmarks, and set up regular check-ins to stay ahead of issues. This led to more accurate forecasts, earlier visibility into cost risks, and clearer reporting. It also helped reduce avoidable overruns and established a best practice that the team is now using more widely.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

The CM&B team shapes my leadership in the best way, supporting, challenging, and inspiring me daily. 

How do you inspire, motivate, or mentor others within your organization?

When mentoring, I stay engaged and work side by side with the team, offering clear, practical feedback along the way. My goal is to help build confidence, strengthen performance, and create an environment where people feel supported while still being held to high standards. I want everyone to understand not just what we’re doing, but why it matters. I focus on connecting cost management to real business results by helping teams manage risk, weigh tradeoffs, and make smart, informed decisions. My role extends beyond the numbers, and we act as true business partners, shaping outcomes as a team.