Founder Jackie Rowland Chosen For Young Professionals Group 2022 Chair

Russell Rowland’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jackie Rowland feels strongly about mentoring the next generation. Through her work with the NEFBA Emerging Leaders Program and the Young Professionals Group (YPG), the impact she’s had on young professionals in the construction industry is nothing short of extraordinary. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that Jackie has been chosen to be the YPG 2022 chair. We spoke to her about this momentous occasion and what she hopes to accomplish in this role.

What does it mean for you to be chosen as YPG’s Chair?

I am honored to take on this new challenging role and expand on the foundation that Tyler Fugitt built over the past couple of years. It is one of my passions to ensure the next generation embraces the construction industry. This is the reason why I got involved with the Young Professionals Group as well as with Creekside High School Engineering Academy, Pedro Menendez High School Academy of Architecture and Building Sciences, and the NEFBA Emerging Leaders Program.

How important is it for Young Professional Groups to be available to young adults?

It is very important for groups like YPG to be available for aspiring young professionals because it is easy to get siloed in your career and not understand how your profession fits in the larger industry. It is vital to learn what other professions bring to the table and how they fit in with the work that you do. Groups like YPG provide the venue to bring the individuals together earlier in their career so they can learn and create lasting relationships that will benefit them throughout their lifetime.

What do you hope to accomplish in this position?

I have three major goals for YPG in 2022. The first is to increase involvement and participation of young professionals in the construction industry by growing the membership of YPG. The second is to increase the value to council members by increasing the number of networking socials, mentoring sessions, and opportunities for career growth. The third is to make YPG the pool of candidates for the next generation of leaders in the construction industry.

How long have you been involved with YPG?

I’ve been on the YPG board for the past three years and was an inaugural member of the Steering Committee for the NEFBA Emerging Leaders Program. Every year our company sponsors the biggest YPG event of the year, the corn hole tournament which is coming up on March 22. This is a great event to meet other young professionals and show off your competitive spirit.

What would you say to young professionals?

Your personal reputation is one of the most important things for your career. Ensure your actions back up your reputation by getting involved with something that you are passionate about and continue to grow and learn from others.  

One of Russell Rowland’s main goals is to connect with young professionals and offer them opportunities to learn and grow. Jackie’s new role as the YPG chair ensures that we’re able to do so. We’re so proud of her accomplishment and look forward to seeing the positive impacts she brings with this role, both to Russell Rowland and young professionals in the construction industry.