One of Keller’s biggest keys to success is our people-first mindset. Brianna, based in our Beaverton office, is a Civil Engineer, Peer Mentor, and co-chair of our Women’s Forum who brings that spirit to life in her work and relationships. This month, we sat down with her to talk about what led her to engineering, the value of open communication, and how working directly for communities continues to guide her work.
What first got you interested in engineering, and what ultimately led you to Keller?
I initially started out as a business major but quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit. I’ve always liked puzzles and figuring things out, and a career aptitude test helped connect that interest to engineering. Before that, most of my work experience was in the food industry, and I often ended up being the go-to problem solver, which kind of confirmed I was on the right track.
My path to Keller began during my senior year when I interned with the City of Newberg. I had read a proposal and seen documents by Keller but didn’t work directly with the team then. After graduating, I moved to Idaho Falls to work in environmental compliance at Idaho National Laboratory. While I was there, I met a Keller employee (shoutout to Eric Roundy) at a conference. Our conversations made it clear Keller was a great next step—I appreciated that I could work for communities rather than just an industrial facility.
How do you explain what you do to friends or family outside the industry?
I tend to keep it simple and tell them that I do work for the community water and wastewater systems. I explain that there’s a process for projects and it can take years. It starts at the preplanning stage, ends after construction, and the work I do takes place anywhere in between.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the team at Keller?
The people—not just Keller employees, but our clients too—are what I enjoy most. Everyone is down to earth and feels like the kind of people you’d have as neighbors. I’ve worked in three different Keller offices, and each one has its own personality that I really enjoy. I wish I could combine all of them into one office—it would be a lot of fun. (Maybe a little too much fun!)
Who’s had the biggest impact on your career so far, and what have you learned from them?
I don’t think I could point to any one person as having the biggest impact, but the team I started with at Keller has been incredible. I’m surrounded by supportive, patient people who are always willing to teach, and I’ve learned almost everything from them, from regulations and supplier contacts to how different valves and fittings are used. No question is off limits, and our weekly meetings are always something I really enjoy.
What’s one thing people might not expect to learn about you?
I’m pretty introverted. However, when I was a kid, I was a bit of a class clown and at one point wanted to be a comedian.
In three words, how would you describe yourself?
- Transparent – I’m open about where I’m still learning. It helps set clear expectations and keeps everyone aligned.
- Resourceful – I refer back to textbooks, ask questions, and seek input. I value collaboration over going at it alone.
- Witty – Growing up in a sarcastic family gave me a quick sense of humor—it comes out most with people I’m comfortable with.
“Brianna has been a great addition to the Beaverton office, bringing people together through potlucks and informal gatherings. Her energy and engagement make a lasting impact.”
–Ryan Retzlaff, Branch Office Manager
What’s a piece of career advice that’s really stuck with you?
I think a couple things have really helped me.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions – It’s far more effective than struggling too long or making incorrect assumptions. While some struggle is valuable, asking questions speeds up learning and helps you move forward with confidence.
- Learn how to say “no” – Early in my career, I wanted to say yes to every opportunity. Over time, I realized that overcommitting can lead to missed expectations. Being mindful of your workload allows you to deliver higher-quality work and better support your team and clients
Is there anything else you’d like colleagues or clients to know about you?
I’m very family‑oriented and usually spend my weekends with the people closest to me. One of my favorite things to do is try new recipes with my sister. We both went to culinary school and have always loved cooking together. I’m grateful Keller opened an office in Beaverton, which allowed my partner and me to move back when we were expecting our first child. It’s been a real joy watching my son grow up surrounded by so many family members nearby.
Look out for more employee spotlights coming soon. In the meantime, see what Keller’s all about—explore our culture and values.
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