Her Story
About McKenzie
McKenzie Sullivan is a dedicated municipal development and design review professional with five years of experience in project coordination, plan review, and development services. She currently serves as Design Review Project Coordinator at the City of Surprise, where she leads project coordination and communication with external reviewers such as Maricopa Water District and Flood Control. Prior to this role, she served as Plan Review Specialist handling quality control for building permits and blueprints, Development Services Assistant or Permit Technician Assistant, and Administrative Technician, starting in March 2021. She holds an Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management earned in 2024, an Associate in Accounting and Finance from Gateway Community College with high distinction, and is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration of Accounting at Paradise Valley Community College as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources at Ottawa University. McKenzie attributes her success to embracing challenges, stepping out of her comfort zone, asking questions, learning from others, time management, resilience, and believing in her capability for growth even when the path is unclear. She values integrity, perseverance, compassion, and striving to be the best version of herself while encouraging others to grow.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with McKenzie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I am very big on challenges. I like to be challenged. It helps me grow, and throughout my career, I've never really been afraid to step out of my comfort zone or take on more responsibilities that were not in my job description. Success isn't always about knowing everything from the beginning. It's asking questions, it's learning from others, it's continuously improving. Staying committed, balancing my career with continuing my education, time management and resilience. Believing that I am capable of more even when the path isn't always clear.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never underestimate yourself for the value that you bring to the table. You don't have to know everything when you start, and it's okay to ask questions and learn from others. Everyone makes mistakes along the way. Speak up, share your ideas, ask for opportunities to enhance your knowledge. Don't be afraid to pursue positions that may feel like a stretch. Surround yourself with people who support your growth. Remember that you don't have to compete with other women to succeed.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never underestimate yourself or what you bring to the table. It's okay to ask questions and learn from whoever you need to learn from. Take it one day at a time.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Balancing the rapid growth with the need to maintain the efficient and well-planned communities, not to mention the sustainable communities. Increasing demand for housing and infrastructure, more commercial businesses, public services. Collaboration between all the different departments, agencies, all the developers. Finding ways to streamline the development processes, improving communication with everybody.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, perseverance, compassion, always striving to be the best version of myself. Doing what's right even when no one is looking, treating others with respect, being willing to help when anybody needs it. Challenging myself, expanding knowledge and growth, learning new things. Being someone that can be trusted who does the right thing and encourages others to challenge themselves and grow.
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