Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Johnson, PMP, is a Senior Project Controls Analyst with more than 18 years of experience in cost management, forecasting, financial analysis, and project controls supporting large-scale industrial, mining, energy, and infrastructure projects. In her current role with Matrix Service, she provides project reporting, cost forecasting, earned value analysis, change management support, and financial performance monitoring, helping project teams make informed, data-driven decisions.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been recognized for her ability to bring clarity and structure to complex projects. She has successfully managed diverse project portfolios, developed and improved cost-control processes, and collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen project visibility, accountability, and performance.
Jennifer’s career path is a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to lifelong learning. She began her professional journey as an administrative secretary before discovering a passion for project controls and cost accounting at Kennecott Utah Copper, where she spent more than a decade building a strong foundation in project and financial management. While balancing the responsibilities of family and career, she returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
She later expanded her expertise through leadership roles at Savage and Rio Tinto, where she managed forecasting, budgeting, and financial oversight for projects valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. In 2019, she earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, further strengthening her ability to support complex project execution and strategic decision-making.
Known for her integrity, analytical mindset, and commitment to accurate reporting, Jennifer specializes in cost control, budgeting, financial forecasting, earned value management, SAP, Oracle, and project performance analysis. She is passionate about delivering transparent, objective insights that enable organizations to make sound decisions and achieve successful project outcomes.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jennifer is also a published children's book author. Writing under her maiden name, Jennifer C. Smith, she authored Stark House, reflecting her creativity and passion for storytelling. Whether in her professional or personal pursuits, Jennifer strives to inspire others through resilience, continuous learning, and a belief that meaningful growth comes from embracing new challenges and opportunities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my success comes from resilience and a willingness to keep learning. Every step in my career has been built on embracing opportunities, working hard, and not being afraid to start over or take on new challenges. Returning to school while raising a family taught me discipline and determination, and advancing from an administrative role to a senior project controls position taught me the value of persistence.
I've also learned that success isn't just about technical skills—it's about relationships, integrity, and helping others succeed. I try to approach every project with honesty, accountability, and a genuine desire to add value. Those principles have guided me throughout my career and continue to shape the way I work today.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I've ever received was to intentionally surround myself with people I admire and aspire to be more like. The advice was simple: identify the top three people whose character, work ethic, and leadership qualities you respect most, and spend time learning from them.
I've found that the people we surround ourselves with have a significant influence on how we think, grow, and approach challenges. By seeking out strong mentors and role models, I naturally began to adopt many of the qualities I admired in them—their professionalism, resilience, leadership, and perspective.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from some truly exceptional individuals. Their guidance not only helped me develop professionally but also positively impacted my personal growth. Looking back, I can see how much those relationships shaped my confidence, decision-making, and approach to both work and life.
That advice taught me that success is not just about what you know—it's also about who you choose to learn from and the people you allow to influence your growth along the way.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
One of the most important lessons I've learned is to never compromise your integrity. If something doesn't seem right, have the courage to speak up. It's easy to go along with what others want to hear, especially in challenging environments, but true professionalism requires honesty and accountability.
I've found that success is not just about technical expertise—it's also about having the character and courage to do what's right. Standing firm in your principles, remaining truthful, and earning the trust of others are values that have guided me throughout my career and will continue to do so.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Women in construction and project management continue to make a significant impact as the industry becomes more diverse and inclusive. While challenges still exist in some environments, women bring resilience, adaptability, and strong problem-solving skills to complex projects. I believe one of our greatest strengths is our ability to balance multiple responsibilities, embrace challenges, and consistently deliver results while bringing valuable perspectives to the table.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, family, resilience, and continuous learning are the values that guide me most. I strive to be honest, dependable, and respectful in every aspect of my life. Whether at work or at home, I believe in doing the right thing. Above all, I believe in treating others with respect, building trust through my actions, and approaching challenges with determination and a positive mindset.
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