Jessica Therrien, Office Manager

My name is Jessica Therrien I’m an Office Manager for our Spokane and Boise offices. I have been with Swinerton for about two years.

Professional Journey

I am the Office Manager for our Spokane & Boise offices, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities that keep our operations running smoothly. My day-to-day tasks include a mix of administrative, operational, and HR-related duties, ensuring efficiency and support for both our teams and projects.

In addition to these core responsibilities, I play a key role in event planning throughout the year, organizing community, office, and business-related events that foster team engagement, client relationships, and local outreach. From coordinating company meetings / training sessions to spearheading foundation initiatives and industry networking events, I strive to create meaningful and well-executed experiences that align with our company culture and goals.

Pursuing Career in Construction

While in college, I never envisioned myself working in the construction industry. However, when the opportunity arose, I took a leap of faith from working in Healthcare—and I couldn’t be happier that I did.

Supporting Teams for Success

As an office manager in construction, what I love most is being the backbone to our operations—ensuring everything runs smoothly so our teams can focus on building. I enjoy the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the industry, where each day brings new challenges and opportunities to problem-solve.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

For young women considering a career in construction, my advice is don’t be intimidated—your perspective, skills, leadership, and confidence are valuable. Find mentors, build a strong network, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. The construction industry provides a wide range of opportunities, offering roles for diverse skill sets and career paths across various fields.

Professional Growth

Swinerton has been instrumental in my growth and career development, providing me with mentorship, learning opportunities, and a strong support system. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by leaders who encourage growth and challenge me to step outside my comfort zone. Most importantly, Swinerton fosters a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, creating an environment where I can grow and succeed both personally and professionally.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an amazing mentor throughout my time at Swinerton. Susan, the office manager in our Austin office, has been an invaluable resource—someone I can turn to for guidance, support, and insight. She truly understands the Swinerton way and is always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s navigating challenges, learning best practices, or simply having someone to bounce ideas off of, her mentorship has made a lasting impact on my growth and success in this role.

Empowering Women in Construction

Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate, empower, and inspire the incredible women who contribute to the construction industry. For me, it’s about recognizing the progress we’ve made, while also acknowledging the work still needed to create more opportunities and representation for women in the industry.