Alyson M. Ward, PMP

I began working in the wireless industry in 2016. Prior to that time, I worked at an engineering firm that specialized in waterways, bridges, and tunnels. I had a small understanding of telecom, but my first day was an eye-opener (COWs, Colts, RFDS’, new site builds, generators, modifications, fiber, amendments, and so much more) – I was flying blind. Luckily, I love learning, and our team is fantastic at working cooperatively to share knowledge both collectively and with our partners. We spend the time and resources needed to create collaborative solutions, teach each other both new and old concepts, and discuss process improvements.

The ability to work together helps us help our clients (insert Jerry Maguire quote here!), as we did with a recent challenge involving designated “bird-sites” – cell towers with potential environmental impacts. Through close collaboration with tower companies, government agencies, carriers, contractors, and environmental specialists, we found a compliant and successful path forward for our customer. The lessons learned from each party will be carried forward to tackle future challenges. We have the same goal as our clients—to guide projects to completion correctly and within required guidelines. Knowing our goals are aligned makes it that much more satisfying when we collaboratively bring projects to fruition. Telecom is an industry that changes just when you begin to get comfortable, and the challenge of adjusting to new requirements and materials means constant learning, which is exactly where I want to be.