Annette Devore
Annette Devore is a seasoned Senior Estimator at Thomas Construction Group in Wilmington, North Carolina, with 21 years of experience in commercial construction. She specializes in estimating potential costs for new buildings, including hospitals, medical offices, multi-family housing, retail, mixed-use developments, and religious facilities. A LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council, Annette is passionate about sustainable, high-performance building practices and has directed estimating and preconstruction efforts on projects exceeding $550 million. Her expertise spans military construction contracts, conceptual and budget estimating, design coordination, client relations, quality control, and job cost management. Annette’s career is distinguished by her remarkable ability to excel in construction without a formal degree in the field. She began as a receptionist and learned the industry entirely on the job, gaining hands-on experience in both field and office environments. In 2015, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on sustainable management, further complementing her practical construction knowledge. Her professional philosophy centers on dedication, passion, consistency, and accountability—taking ownership of both successes and mistakes while learning from every experience. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Annette is deeply committed to her community and guided by her core values of faith, family, and integrity. She is an alumna of WILMA’s Women to Watch Leadership Institute and the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, contributing her expertise and leadership to advance both her profession and her community.
• Certificate, Legal Assistant/Paralegal
• LEED Green Associate
• Mental Health First Aid
• LEED AP BD+C
• Bachelor's in Business Sustainability (2015)
• LEED AP
• USGBC
• Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity
• Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce
• USGBC NC
• Onslow County Women's Center
• Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say dedication, being passionate about what I do, and staying consistent. Those are the things that have really driven my success in this industry.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received, and something that has stuck with me that I use, is to take full ownership of the things that I get right and the things that I get wrong, and learn from them. That's been invaluable to me throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women not to be afraid to step into a profession unknown. You don't have to know everything, and don't be afraid to ask any questions. It's okay to not have all the answers when you're starting out.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I would say the biggest challenges are still trying to find your true value as a woman in a predominantly man's world, in a man's career or profession. As for opportunities, I think the biggest opportunity is just the continued drive to grow. In construction, growth is unlimited. You learn something new every day in this industry, and that's what makes it so exciting.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say faith is my number one value, and family, and integrity in general. Those three things guide everything I do, both professionally and personally.