Fernanda Talley
San Diego,CA
Summary
Senior project controls leader with extensive experience managing utility-scale solar projects. Expertise in cost management, forecasting, and risk analysis, improving forecast accuracy and compliance. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to align financial strategies with project execution and drive business objectives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Cost Controls Manager
SOLV Energy
San Diego, CA
12.2023 - Current
- Lead monthly forecasting cycles and executive project performance reporting, aligning project financials with regional P&L and business plans.
- Provide enterprise-level cost, forecast, and performance oversight for multiple utility-scale solar EPC projects across the West Region.
- Advised Operations and Project Management leadership on cost trends, variances, and risks to facilitate timely business decisions.
- Developed and standardized project controls and cost governance processes to enhance compliance, consistency, and predictability.
- Partner with preconstruction and estimating teams to improve budget accuracy, forecast reliability, and long-range financial planning.
- Partnered with field and cross-functional teams to align financial strategy with project execution and resolve performance issues.
- Mentor and develop project controls analysts while strengthening regional analytics, reporting, and project-controls capabilities.
Senior Project Manager
SOLV Energy
01.2021 - 11.2023
- Led utility-scale solar EPC projects from preconstruction through commissioning, managing complex priorities, schedules, budgets, and project performance.
- Managed project budgets, contracts, change management, and client relationships, ensuring on-time delivery and adherence to financial targets.
- Coordinated engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning teams, aligning efforts to uphold safety, quality, and financial objectives.
Project Manager
Swinerton Builders
San Diego, CA
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Coordinated large-scale commercial and infrastructure construction projects, ensuring alignment among owners, contractors, and public agencies.
- Oversaw subcontractors, controlled costs, negotiated change orders, managed billing, and maintained schedules to ensure project delivery.
- Facilitated monthly cost forecasting, executive reporting, variance review, and risk management to guide project leadership decisions.
- Established change management procedures and presented cost-control best practices to stakeholders to improve governance and project predictability.
Construction Manager
Kimley-Horn & Associates
San Diego, CA
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Led multidisciplinary teams and coordinated project execution by facilitating stakeholder meetings and aligning diverse partners towards common goals.
- Managed contracts, payment applications, and contractor performance to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and project standards.
- Represented the owner for San Diego Airport Authority Quieter Home Program, overseeing $15M annual budget and ensuring program objectives were met.
Land Development Analyst
Kimley-Horn & Associates
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Conducted due diligence, site development design, and utility analysis to ensure feasibility of commercial and residential projects.
- Created scopes, budgets, and plans for grading, drainage, and erosion control using Civil 3D to support project execution.
- Analyzed project requirements to develop comprehensive development plans.
- Collaborated with teams to assess project feasibility and resource needs.
- Prepared detailed reports on project progress and stakeholder engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
San Diego State University
Skills
- Project controls
- Cost management
- Cost forecasting
- Forecasting
- Change management
- Financial reporting
- Project management
Certification
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) | Cal OSHA 10
Timeline
Senior Project Cost Controls Manager
SOLV Energy
12.2023 - Current
Senior Project Manager
SOLV Energy
01.2021 - 11.2023
Project Manager
Swinerton Builders
01.2016 - 01.2021
Construction Manager
Kimley-Horn & Associates
01.2013 - 01.2016
Land Development Analyst
Kimley-Horn & Associates
01.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
San Diego State University