Brianna Rotheram

I attribute my success to the incredible support, collaboration, and mentorship of the team around me. Early in my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside professionals with decades of experience who have generously shared their knowledge, challenged me to think critically, and encouraged me to take on new responsibilities. Their guidance has given me the confidence to grow within the Commission and contribute to complex transportation projects. While I am proud of my accomplishments and career progression, I believe they are a direct reflection of the trust, teamwork, and shared commitment of those I work with every day. Engineering is truly a collaborative profession, and I am grateful to be part of a team that continuously invests in one another’s success.

The best career advice I have received came from our Chief Engineer, Brad Heigel, who often says, “Treat every day like it’s an interview.” That advice has stayed with me because it serves as a reminder that our reputation is built through the way we show up every day, not just during major milestones. Whether I’m collaborating with my team, coordinating with consultants, or presenting ideas to leadership, I strive to approach every opportunity with professionalism, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Early in my career, this mindset helps me build meaningful relationships, earn the trust of those around me, and continue growing both personally and professionally. It’s a lesson I hope to carry throughout my career and one I believe can inspire anyone entering the engineering profession.

My advice to young women entering the engineering industry is to remember that your ideas and perspectives matter, regardless of your age or years of experience. Early in my career, one of my mentors in the Total Reconstruction Group encouraged me not to underestimate the value I bring to the table. That advice gave me the confidence to ask questions, share my ideas, and look at challenges from a different perspective. I have learned that some of the best solutions come from curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning. Don’t be afraid to speak up, stay engaged, and embrace opportunities that challenge you. Your voice has value, and you may be surprised by the positive impact you can make.

One of the biggest challenges I have seen facing the transportation industry today is modernizing our infrastructure while balancing limited resources, environmental stewardship, and the growing demands of the traveling public. However, I believe these challenges present some of our greatest opportunities for innovation. Advances in technology including digital delivery and our Open Road Tolling (ORT) are changing the way we plan, design, and deliver projects. I am excited to be part of an organization that continually looks for ways to improve processes, strengthen collaboration, and deliver safe, reliable infrastructure for the people of Pennsylvania. As our industry continues to evolve, I look forward to contributing to solutions that make project delivery more efficient, sustainable, and effective.

The values that guide me most are integrity, accountability, and continuous growth. They influence not only how I approach my work but also how I interact with my colleagues, partners, and the communities we serve. I strive to be someone others can depend on, someone who follows through on commitments, communicates honestly, and takes responsibility for both successes and challenges. I also believe that no matter where you are in your career, there is always something new to learn. Every project, every conversation, and every experience is an opportunity to grow. Working in transportation engineering has reinforced the importance of these values because the decisions we make today help shape safe, reliable infrastructure that millions of people rely on every year. Knowing that our work has such a meaningful impact motivates me to approach each day with purpose, humility, and a commitment to continuous improvement.