Her Story
About Tracy
Tracy Chianese serves as Senior Project Accountant at K2 Construction Consultants, Inc., where she brings extensive construction industry experience and a strong understanding of both project operations and financial management. With a career in construction dating back to 1996, Chianese has built her expertise through hands-on experience, continuous professional development, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Early in her career, she was given an opportunity to enter the industry with limited experience and embraced the chance to learn through on-the-job training. Over the years, she developed a comprehensive understanding of construction processes, working closely with subcontractors, general contractors, owner representatives, and project teams.
Chianese intentionally expanded her knowledge beyond accounting by completing electrical apprentice training, giving her a deeper understanding of the technical components that influence construction projects and their financial performance. Her career has included responsibilities in project accounting and assistant project management, including site work, plan takeoffs, subcontractor coordination, project documentation, budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting. She also has experience providing financial guidance and training to project teams. In her current role at K2, she uses this broad perspective to guide team members, support project financial oversight, and help ensure that projects remain accurately documented, properly costed, and financially controlled. As the company's responsible managing employee, she also oversees construction licensing examinations and requirements across multiple states.
Committed to continued growth, Chianese is currently preparing for the Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP) examination and is involved with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and the CCIFP professional community. She attributes her success to her determination to achieve her goals, overcome obstacles, and continually challenge herself to learn and improve. Her professional philosophy is grounded in integrity, loyalty, and teamwork, values she carries into both her career and personal life. Through decades of experience, technical development, and a collaborative leadership approach, Chianese has established herself as a knowledgeable construction finance professional who brings both financial discipline and practical construction insight to the teams and projects she supports.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tracy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my determination, my drive to achieve, and my ability to overcome major obstacles. I have always had a go-getter attitude and a desire to keep reaching for the next goal, continually asking myself what more I can accomplish and how I can continue to grow. I do not believe in allowing challenges or circumstances to define my future. Even when I have faced significant obstacles, I have continued moving forward with resilience and purpose. I was once told by a doctor that I would never walk again, and yet, here I am walking. That experience reinforced my belief that perseverance, determination, and refusing to give up can help you accomplish far more than you may initially believe is possible.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up on yourself or your goals. Push yourself to discover what you are capable of and strive to reach your full potential. It is important not to compare your journey to anyone else’s because your strengths, experiences, and definition of success are uniquely your own. Focus on where you want to be, set meaningful goals, and keep moving forward with confidence and determination. Your greatness is already within you; your responsibility is to believe in it, nurture it, and pursue it.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I have experienced throughout my career is working in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Construction has historically been a field where women have had to navigate unique expectations and prove themselves in ways that can require both confidence and resilience. As a woman in construction, I have learned that there can be a fine line between being confident and assertive while also maintaining strong professional relationships. For me, the opportunity lies in continuing to demonstrate that women can bring valuable expertise, leadership, and perspective to every level of the construction industry. I believe that by remaining knowledgeable, professional, and true to yourself, you can earn respect while helping create greater opportunities for the women who follow.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, loyalty, and teamwork are the values I consider most important in both my professional and personal life. I believe in being a true team player and contributing to an environment where people can work together, support one another, and achieve shared goals. Professionally, I value being loyal to my employer, committed to my responsibilities, and someone my colleagues can depend on. Those same principles extend into my personal relationships and friendships. I believe that trust is built through honesty, consistency, and genuine loyalty, and I strive to bring those qualities into every relationship and interaction.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.