MEDA Members’ Corner: Jennifer Sproul
Jennifer Sproul, LEED AP, President, Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation (MCCEI)
Explain your background in economic development
I have been in the construction industry for over 20 years in various roles from project engineer to marketing to business development for construction management and engineering firms. A passion of mine has been creating opportunities for young people to join the industry. I am excited to be pursuing my passion full-time now at MCCEI.
What are your key priorities within your current position?
As president of MCCEI, I want to inspire the youth of the state of Maryland to seek careers in the built environment. I hope to partner with others in the industry so we can tackle the labor shortage and ensure that all Marylanders have access to the amazing lifestyle a career in the AEC industry affords.
Does one particular project spark your excitement? If so, describe it below.
I’m really excited about the Pimlico redevelopment. I think this project is going to inject life into a depressed area of Baltimore City and add grandeur to a time-honored tradition.
What professional pressures keep you up at night?
The switch from commercial construction to nonprofit life has been interesting! I’m pinching pennies constantly and I would love to have the financial freedom that comes with big corporate sponsors to not worry about how we will pay for our initiatives.
What attributes are unique to your community?
We represent the entire state of Maryland, so our community is as diverse and wonderful as every corner of our beautiful state!
If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want to work with MEDA on to move Maryland forward?
As a nation, we are on the precipice of job creation and infrastructure spending that we won’t see again in our lifetime. My dream is that all of the counties in Maryland not only get a piece of this pie, but that through the help of MEDA and MCCEI that we maximize the opportunities to Maryland residents and communities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with MEDA and your fellow members?
We need to invest in our future workforce! Support your local schools, get involved, volunteer to guest speak. Let our youth know about the amazing career you have and what opportunities are out there!
Please include any personal background information that you’d like to share (Alma mater, Military Service, hobbies, etc)
I’m a graduate of Loyola Maryland. I am actively involved in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and was most recently the director of the Northeast Region, representing all NAWIC chapters from Maine to DC on the national board. Other boards I sit on include Maryland Workforce Alliance, NAWIC Baltimore, ACE Mentor Baltimore, and the Morgan State University CM Advisory Board.
