Theresa Smith, PE
|
| Engineering Roads Design Manager |
| Kitsap County Public Works |
| (360) 337-4556 |
| tsmith@kitsap.gov |
Since 2015, I have been an engaged member of the Chapter, and it would be a privilege to serve in this role.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington and have been a registered Professional Engineer since 2001. With 29 years of experience in transportation engineering across both the private sector and public agencies, I spent 8 years at the City of Seattle Department of Transportation and currently serve as the Public Works Engineering Roads Capital Improvements Manager at Kitsap County.
In my career, I have led infrastructure development projects aimed at enhancing capacity and maintenance, as well as promoting active transportation options like trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Additionally, I have worked on transportation system improvement projects focused on safety enhancements, including guardrails, improved sight distances, and collision reduction measures such as roundabouts and traffic calming devices. As a Design Manager, I also review the County’s Transportation Improvement Program, prioritize projects for funding, and support grant applications to secure state and federal funding.
As a member of APWA, I have actively participated in the Washington State Chapter through various roles. I have been involved with several committees, including Construction Management, Construction Standards Division 1, Transportation, and Emerging Professionals. I have also presented at multiple conferences, contributing to panels for Emerging Professionals sessions and delivering project presentations during technical sessions. For the past four years, I have volunteered as a reviewer for the Project of the Year nominations. Additionally, at PWX 2019 in Seattle, I assisted with technical sessions and supported the international delegation social event.
I am deeply committed to advocating for the engineering profession by educating the community and inspiring future generations to explore careers in this field. One of my primary objectives is to challenge stereotypes within our profession while promoting diversity and inclusion. To achieve this, I actively engage with my community in several ways, such as mentoring high school students, promoting engineering careers at career fairs for high school and college students, and highlighting the fun and creative aspects of engineering through STEM activities in elementary schools.
Since 2008, I have been involved with the Leadership Kitsap Foundation, serving six years as a board member. This non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering community leaders to be informed, prepared, and engaged. Leadership Kitsap focuses on nurturing emerging leaders in business, government, and the community by enhancing their skills and fostering a commitment to civic responsibility. The foundation also helps participants grasp key public policy issues affecting the Kitsap community, encourages communication among leaders from diverse backgrounds, and connects emerging leaders with established figures in the community.
Supporting the APWA Washington Chapter’s goal to serve its members by providing valuable educational and networking opportunities helps foster a friendly and collaborative environment. It’s essential to create a trusting organization that not only promotes its mission but also remains committed to it. We want to empower our members with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. I truly value and thank you for the many opportunities I've had through APWA membership so far. It would be both an honor and a privilege to serve as a board member.
