For STV’s Project Delivery Director Brehan McBride, who was recently named the 2024 WTS Central Pennsylvania Woman of the Year, engineering runs deep.
“I come from a long line of civil engineers,” she said. “My great grandpa McBride assisted in the design and construction of the Titanic in Belfast, Northern Ireland.”
Growing up in Buffalo, NY, McBride was captivated by her grandfather’s steel factory and drafting tables. In high school, she became the first female to take the drafting elective, setting the stage for her career. She earned an academic scholarship to Bucknell University, where she balanced academics with athletics. She played rugby for three years and golf in her senior year, ultimately graduating and starting her career in the AEC industry. Within three years, she advanced to a project management role, working on diverse transportation projects.
McBride’s path was inspired by generations before her, bringing a rich engineering legacy and mentorship to her work at STV where she focuses on cultivating talent.
“I meet one-on-one with our teams in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, to make sure they have the resources to succeed and advance their careers.” Her recent work includes serving as deputy project manager for the $350 million I-95 Betsy Ross Interchange project in Philadelphia, where she needs to navigate complex urban infrastructure challenges including viaduct replacement with a column-supported embankment.
McBride’s approach to client relationships reflects years of industry experience. “Understanding each client’s communication method helps build trust and reinforce partnerships,” she said.
As programs chair for the WTS Central Pennsylvania Section for nearly four years, McBride has been instrumental in organizing the annual awards gala. Her dedication to the organization reflects her commitment to professional development and supporting women in transportation.
The WTS Central Pennsylvania Annual Awards & Scholarship Gala, set for March 19 in Camp Hill, PA, will feature keynote speaker Lynda Tran, former senior advisor to the US Secretary of Transportation and current STV Board of Directors member, with opening remarks by Christine Norris, PE, Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration at PennDOT. PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton will moderate.
The WTS Woman of the Year award celebrates McBride’s multifaceted approach to engineering: technical expertise, leadership and a commitment to continuous growth and community engagement.
McBride added, “I’m honored and humbled to join the past recipients of powerful women in transportation leadership. Time management is my superpower – balancing challenging STV projects with my daughters’ packed soccer schedules requires meticulous planning. There are days when I feel like I’ve dropped the ball, but I’ve learned that passion and grit can turn challenges into triumphs.”
