Her Story
About Kimberly
Kimberly Crotty, MBA
Cost Engineer | Advocate for Continuous Learning and Women in Leadership
Kimberly Crotty, MBA, is a Cost Engineer at Bechtel, where she brings together financial expertise, project management experience, and operational leadership to support major infrastructure projects. Through historical data analysis, forecasting, and financial reporting, she helps project teams make informed decisions, strengthen financial performance, and successfully deliver complex projects.
Kimberly's career is defined by growth, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new opportunities. Since joining Bechtel in 2023, she has transitioned from management information and administrative management support into cost engineering—demonstrating that professional reinvention can be a powerful pathway to continued growth. Her ability to build on decades of experience while developing new technical expertise reflects her commitment to lifelong learning.
Her professional journey began in banking, where she advanced from an entry-level teller to Banking Center Manager. She later transitioned into higher education while raising her son, seeking greater work-life balance without stepping away from her professional ambitions. Over the next 17 years, she held progressively responsible roles in budget management, financial management, and project management at Purdue University Northwest and Western Connecticut State University.
While working full time, Kimberly earned both her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Business Administration. One of her notable accomplishments at Purdue University Northwest was helping lead the implementation of a zero-based budgeting system that strengthened financial oversight and accountability across one of the university's largest divisions. The experience reinforced her belief that strong financial stewardship is about more than managing numbers—it is about creating transparency, accountability, and better opportunities for organizations and the people they serve.
Kimberly approaches her work through the principles of integrity, persistence, fiscal stewardship, servant leadership, and continuous improvement. She believes effective leaders should remain curious, be willing to learn from every stage of their careers, and use their experience to create opportunities for others.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Kimberly is committed to community service and giving back. She supports organizations including Junior Achievement, Boys & Girls Clubs, Ronald McDonald House, the American Cancer Society, and Habitat for Humanity. She also maintains professional affiliations with Women in Construction and leadership organizations, reflecting her interest in strengthening professional networks and encouraging greater opportunities for women.
What makes Kimberly's story particularly meaningful is not a single title or achievement, but the evolution of her career and the determination behind it. From banking to higher education, from business development and administration to cost engineering on major infrastructure projects, she has continually challenged herself to learn, adapt, and contribute at a higher level.
Today, Kimberly is focused on applying her financial and project expertise to help organizations perform more effectively. Her journey demonstrates that success does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes, the most influential careers are built through reinvention, resilience, lifelong learning, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kimberly
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, continuous learning, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. While raising my son, I continued my education and earned both my bachelor's degree and MBA, which opened new opportunities throughout my career. I am also grateful for the guidance of mentors in both banking and higher education, whose encouragement helped shape my path. Throughout every role, I have focused on solving problems, improving processes, and creating meaningful results.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from a mentor who encouraged me to return to school as an adult learner and complete my bachelor's degree. That decision transformed my career by creating opportunities that otherwise would not have been available. It reinforced the importance of investing in lifelong learning and continually expanding my knowledge and skills.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I believe advice should be tailored to each individual's background, experience, and goals rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach. I encourage young women to first understand their strengths, ask questions, remain open to learning, and develop a clear vision for their careers. Taking the time to understand your unique path allows you to make informed decisions and build a successful, meaningful career.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value work-life balance, lifelong learning, and continuous personal development. I believe in serving others through volunteerism, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and approaching every challenge with integrity and accountability. These values guide both my professional decisions and my personal life.
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