Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Putnam-Petrone serves as a Safety Manager for a large commercial construction company, where she oversees worker safety throughout Washington State and supports project teams across Oregon, Arizona, Texas, and other regions. With more than 27 years of construction industry experience, Jennifer began her career in 1999 as a member of the Carpenter Apprenticeship Program and steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a carpenter, foreman, Safety Coordinator, and ultimately Safety Manager.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has helped lead safety efforts across a diverse portfolio of projects, including commercial, healthcare, higher education, residential, and advanced technology facilities throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is a Board Certified Safety Professional and holds three of the most respected professional certifications in the safety industry. In recognition of her leadership and contributions to worker safety, she was named the 2026 Washington State Safety Professional of the Year by the Associated General Contractors of Washington.
Jennifer's educational background reflects her passion for lifelong learning and professional growth. She holds a vocational certificate in Forestry and Forest Management, an Associate of Science degree, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience with an emphasis in Poultry Science and a minor in Music from Pennsylvania State University, an Advanced Certificate in Law and Paralegal Studies from Edmonds Community College, and a Journeyman Carpenter credential earned through the apprenticeship program at Renton Technical College.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Jennifer is committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. She actively participates in industry outreach programs such as the Build Her panel discussions, where she encourages young women in grades 7 through 12 to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Jennifer is passionate about creating opportunities for others and demonstrating that the construction industry offers meaningful, lifelong careers for people from all backgrounds.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I show up everyday, on time.... ready to work with a good attitude.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Show up everyday, on time, ready to work with a good attitude.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to follow your heart and pursue what excites you. The construction industry offers many different career paths, so take the time to explore the trades and discover what interests you most. Programs like Build Her provide a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, gain hands-on experience, and see what a career in the trades might look like.
My advice is to keep an open mind and give yourself permission to try something new. Find a career that challenges you, allows you to grow, and most importantly, brings you joy. When you find work you're passionate about, you'll wake up each morning looking forward to the day ahead.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Currently, the tariffs and economy have really hurt many construction companies, however through diversification our company continues to do well. Construction has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, but that is changing. Now more than ever, we need skilled tradespeople to meet the growing demand for our work. The trades offer women an excellent opportunity to build rewarding careers, earn six-figure incomes, receive outstanding benefits, and make a lasting impact on the communities they help create.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, Integrity, Quality, Reliability, Vulnerability, Kindness.
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