Carolyn Stegon, MSCE, PE, DBIA
Carolyn Stegon, MSCE, PE, DBIA, is a seasoned civil and structural engineering professional with more than 24 years of experience at AECOM, one of the world’s leading infrastructure and design firms. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Civil/Structural Engineering from California State University, Long Beach, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in California. Over the course of her career, she has built a strong foundation in structural engineering, having designed and stamped approximately 100 buildings early in her career while developing deep technical expertise in seismic and structural design.
As her career evolved, Carolyn transitioned from hands-on design work into program and project management, where she led multidisciplinary teams on large-scale public infrastructure programs, including a $2 billion initiative for the California Department of Corrections. She further expanded her leadership scope into design management and owner-advisory roles, working closely with public agencies such as the City of Anaheim and a community college district in Oakland. In these roles, she oversees design portfolios, manages architects and construction managers, and ensures quality, cost control, and constructability across complex capital programs.
A recognized leader in digital transformation within the built environment, Carolyn is widely known for developing innovative digital plan review systems using Bluebeam that modernized permitting and design review processes for numerous public agencies. Her most notable achievement includes leading the 2018 implementation of a digital plan review system for the California Division of the State Architect, a system still in use today for reviewing billions of dollars in school construction. Throughout her career, she has combined technical excellence with strategic leadership, helping transform traditional workflows while mentoring teams and advancing efficiency in public infrastructure delivery.
• California Professional Engineering License
• Designated Design-Build Professional Certification
• Civil PE
• California State University, Long Beach - MS
• AECOM Person of the Year
• Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA)
• SEAOSC
• CMAA
• Girl's Incorporated
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong foundation of technical expertise, supported by my design experience, master’s degree, and PE license, as well as my ability to deliver impactful digital solutions such as a Bluebeam-based plan review system. My growth across diverse roles within a large organization like AECOM has also strengthened my adaptability and broadened my professional capabilities.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to avoid coming across as abrasive and to prioritize strong communication, perception, listening, and people skills when leading teams. This approach has reinforced the importance of leading with empathy and being intentional about how I engage with others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be prepared to demonstrate your technical capability while also prioritizing the development of strong people skills, collaboration, and professional credibility. Equally important is the ability to persist, remain adaptable, and grow with evolving workplace cultures and expectations.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field have been navigating evolving workplace cultures and learning how to lead effectively in complex, high-pressure environments. Early in my career, I often had to prove myself, especially as one of the few women in the room, which shaped my awareness of different dynamics and the importance of resilience. Over time, I’ve learned that success is not only about technical expertise, but also about communication, perception, and strong people skills—knowing how to listen, collaborate, and manage team energy when situations become heated. As I’ve grown into leadership, I’ve become more intentional about how I present myself and support collaboration, and I’ve found this aspect of the role to be both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Locations
AECOM
Laguna Beach, Ca, CA 92651