At Keller, people don’t just build careers—they thrive. Our team members are supported, empowered, and given opportunities to make a real difference in their careers, communities, and daily lives. The stories below exemplify what growth from within looks like at Keller.
Morgan Cushing: From Administrative Assistant to Manager
Morgan first joined Keller as an Administrative Assistant, working at the front desk and providing support to Accounting. At the time, she wasn’t looking for a specific career path; she was looking for a culture fit. Morgan knew early on that Keller was a welcoming environment and a place where her career could take shape.
She credits her first manager, Barb Ballantyne, with giving her the space to learn through mistakes and find her stride.
“Barb truly gave me the space to learn from my failures to become successful,” Morgan said. “She taught me more than just accounting—she built my confidence.”
Later, she was encouraged by Keller leaders like former President, Rod Linja and Water/Wastewater Manager, Jason King to step into project coordination, where she was trusted with responsibilities that helped develop her skills.
“He trusted me to take on tasks that I normally wouldn’t and again, gave me the space to learn and grow.”
In 2022, Morgan transitioned into recruitment and later into broader Human Resources (HR) roles under the guidance of HR Director Andrea Sams. Each new responsibility offered her a different perspective on how administration supports Keller’s business strategy.
After working in HR, Morgan transitioned to the Administrative Team and eventually into her current role as Administrative Manager. Her HR experience gave her a unique perspective, allowing her to understand both the business and project sides of Keller.
“Each task I did within HR gave me a different view of the company… and showed me how the Administrative Team could be strategic partners for the business side of Keller too.”
Looking back, Morgan values the opportunities she had to explore different roles in a growing company. She’s also appreciative of the support she received in building her career.
Morgan cushing, Administrative manager
“Starting in a smaller company can give you a taste of what the whole process is like. Keller loves to promote from within. They love to see their employees thrive and make their own paths for success.”
Jeff Sorenson: From Intern to Shareholder
Jeff Sorenson’s journey began as an intern helping with field work, fleet maintenance, and even setting up company events. At first, he admits he didn’t know much about Keller.
“To be honest, I had no idea what Keller was about and was just a poor college student looking for an ‘in’ with a local company,” Jeff said. “It was one of the most fortuitous opportunities of my life.”
As he took on new roles, from transportation planning to construction inspection and roadway design, Jeff learned how each experience prepared him for future challenges.
“Having a construction background makes me a better designer. Having design chops also makes me a better Construction Engineer.”
His willingness to accept new challenges eventually led him into project management, and ultimately into becoming a shareholder at Keller. Along the way, Jeff also discovered the importance of communication and persistence.
“You can’t sit on issues,” he explained. “You have to escalate or reach out for assistance and guidance. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask.”
In terms of Keller’s support for internal growth, Jeff explained that the civil engineering firm has been built around it.
“There are opportunities here, more than I think most young engineers are aware. Take some initiative, and you will be supported.”
Now, Jeff leads impactful transportation projects, improving safety and efficiency in communities across the region.
“Improving lives and all that—it’s good stuff.”
Brandon Keller: From Janitor to Structural Group Leader
Brandon’s journey at Keller started with humble beginnings—scrubbing toilets, dusting keyboards, and holding survey rods during summers in high school. As the founder’s son, he jokes that he may have been the best janitor Keller’s ever had. But those early years gave him a firsthand view of the company’s culture and the value of hard work.
After gaining experience outside the firm in the structural engineering field, Brandon returned to Keller with a new perspective. He had earned his Professional Engineer license, refined his technical skills, and developed a passion for structural design and leadership.
“What attracted me to Keller was the opportunity for growth, the culture, the desire to be better, and to start something and help it grow,” he shared. With encouragement from mentors like his father Jim Keller, Vice President Jim Mullen, and Chief Engineer David Kinzer, Brandon helped establish Keller’s Structural Group.
Brandon encountered many challenges along his career path. This included carving out Keller’s place in new markets, refining his own leadership style, and learning to delegate.
“Some lessons require the individual to learn on their own,” he reflected, noting how stepping back allowed his team to thrive.
Today, Brandon leads Keller’s Structural Group while mentoring younger engineers. He takes pride in seeing projects through “from cradle to grave” and in helping shape Keller’s Meridian office building, a place that reflects both the company’s growth and culture.
For Brandon, the most rewarding part of his career has been seeing the projects he’s worked on positively impact communities, and in helping younger staff succeed.
“I think the opportunity to pass on what I’ve learned, to support younger staff, and see them grow—that’s what excites me most about the future.”
Brandon Keller, STructural Group leader
The seasoned Structural Engineer also emphasized Keller’s focus on career growth.
“They said ‘go after it,’ and gave me leeway to find what I wanted to do and how it worked within Keller. They challenged me, supported me, and gave me opportunities.”
With decades of experience gained at Keller, Brandon is looking ahead at future endeavors for the firm and those working here.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Keller. We have challenges, but also incredible opportunities.”
A Culture of Growth
Morgan, Brandon, and Jeff’s journeys are just three examples of how careers take shape at Keller. Whether starting in the hallways or in the field, our people are supported, encouraged, and appreciated.
At Keller, we believe in promoting from within, giving team members the freedom to carve out their own career paths while knowing they are supported by mentors, leadership, and a positive culture.
Interested in learning more about our company’s culture? Check out our Core Values. And if you’re looking to join our growing team, see our available positions here!