Sharon McGee Rusk

Credit to my success goes to my unwavering faith and to the strong foundation established by my parents and grandparents. Growing up in a close-knit family alongside my three siblings, I was immersed in an environment that valued hard work, curiosity, and perseverance—qualities that became integral to my character. The values instilled at home fostered my determination to continuously learn, grow, and strive for excellence. The examples set by my family taught me resilience, accountability, and the importance of taking initiative, principles that continue to guide me both personally and professionally.

"The best career advice I have received is to embrace continuous learning and remain adaptable. In an ever-changing professional landscape, staying curious and committed to personal growth allows you to seize new opportunities and overcome unexpected challenges. Embracing change with a positive attitude not only demonstrates resilience but also positions you as a valuable asset to any organization. Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—growth happens when you take risks and push beyond what you think is possible."

My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in your capabilities and never underestimate the value of your unique perspective. Seek out mentors—even informal ones—who inspire you and are willing to share their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your ideas; your input is valuable, and diversity drives innovation.

Learn continuously and embrace both successes and setbacks as part of your professional growth. Build a strong network of peers and advocates, and don’t shy away from opportunities or challenges that may seem daunting; often, those experiences are the most rewarding. Finally, support other women along the way—when one of us succeeds, we all move forward. Your ambition, resilience, and authenticity will be your greatest assets.

One of the most significant challenges in our industry right now is balancing rapid technological advancements—such as AI-driven automation, data analytics, and cloud computing—with the need for robust cybersecurity and operational resilience. As data centers become increasingly critical to global infrastructure, ensuring uptime, energy efficiency, and security has never been more important or more complex.

At the same time, this challenge presents tremendous opportunities. The drive toward sustainability and greener operations is leading to innovation in energy management, HVAC systems, and facility design. There is increasing demand for leaders who can guide organizations through digital transformation while maintaining safety, compliance, and operational excellence.

Additionally, the industry is facing a talent gap as experienced professionals retire and new technologies emerge. This creates a unique opportunity to invest in workforce development, diversity, and mentorship—empowering the next generation to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the field.

In summary, the convergence of technological growth, sustainability imperatives, and workforce development needs is shaping both the challenges and opportunities ahead. Those who can adapt, innovate, and lead through this change will drive the industry forward.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I believe in leading with honesty and transparency, building trust with colleagues, clients, and community partners. Accountability ensures that I take responsibility for my actions and outcomes, fostering a culture of reliability and respect. Additionally, I prioritize lifelong learning—embracing opportunities to grow, adapt, and innovate. Compassion and service to others are also central to who I am, both professionally and personally, as I strive to make a positive impact in every environment, I’m part of.