After decades working in the trades, Project Engineer Kimm Naugle now helps coordinate complex construction projects at Shannon Construction. Her career journey highlights the value of field experience, adaptability, and lifelong learning in the construction industry.
A Foundation in the Trades
Construction has been part of Kimm’s life from the beginning. The daughter of a New Jersey residential contractor, she grew up around job sites, tools, and building projects. By age 18, her father handed her the responsibility of running a full gut renovation. It was a “sink or swim” moment that helped cement her path in the industry.
Kimm went on to build her career through the trades and spent years as a member of the Drywall Finishers and Allied Trades union. She later continued her work in Hawaii, where she spent nearly a decade refining her skills.
While working on a project at a VA hospital, a conversation with a project manager shifted her perspective. The manager encouraged her to consider project management and pointed out that her field experience could translate well into leadership roles.
Bridging the Gap Between Field and Management
Kimm decided to pursue that path and earned her degree in Project Management in 2017 while continuing to work full time. She later joined Shannon Construction in 2024.
Today she supports the Commonwealth Charter Academy (CCA) project in Moosic, Pennsylvania and also assists with several other CCA sites across the region.
As a Project Engineer, Kimm helps coordinate the many moving parts of a construction project. Her responsibilities include managing documentation, maintaining daily logs, tracking progress with a 360-degree site camera system, and helping resolve issues that arise during construction.
“Coming from the trades, I used to focus on the work right in front of me,” Kimm says. “Now I see the full picture. I understand how scheduling, documentation, and communication all impact the crews on the ground.”
Watching a Vision Take Shape
One of Kimm’s favorite parts of the Moosic project has been watching the building’s central atrium take shape.
During construction, crews removed sections of the existing floor slabs to create a dramatic three-story open space with communicating stairs, a skylight, and a chandelier centerpiece.
“You start with drawings, and then suddenly it’s real,” she says.
A Supportive Team Environment
Kimm says one of the things she values most about working at Shannon Construction is the team environment.
“They let you spread your wings and figure things out, but there’s always a safety net if you need help,” she explains.
She also credits the strong collaboration with the Commonwealth Charter Academy team for helping keep the project moving smoothly.
Looking Ahead
Kimm continues to build experience coordinating complex projects and learning more about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps construction projects moving forward.
Her goal is to continue growing in the industry as a Project Manager.
Outside of work, Kimm enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. In the summer she enjoys relaxing by the pool and playing recreational sports like horseshoes.