Heather Fulghum
Clayton,NC
Summary
Accomplished Manager of Right of Way at North Carolina Department of Transportation, adept in team leadership and complex problem-solving. Spearheaded programs ensuring compliance and efficient property management, contributing to fiscal year spends of over $550M. Excelled in cross-functional teamwork and policy implementation, enhancing project delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Right of Way
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Raleigh, NC
02.2020 - Current
- Oversee the Right of Way Program for the North Carolina Department of Transportation including facets of acquisition, relocation, appraisal, and property management.
- Ensure compliance with all federal and state codes and regulations to maintain funding status with the Federal Highway Administration and North Carolina STI provisions.
- Provide guidance and information on Right of Way matters to the NCDOT Chief Engineer's Office and NCDOT Secretary of Transportation.
- Provide annual scopes, schedules, and spend plans on a programmatic level for fiscal year spend of 550M-600M.
- Authorize settlements and provide guidance on NCDOT eminent domain court cases and mediations.
State Acquisition Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Raleigh, NC
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Managed the Right of Way acquisition program for compliance with all federal and state regulations and codes.
- Served as Right of Way liaison with the Design Build Unit, voting member of the Right of Way Review Board, voting member of the Advance Acquisition Review Committee, member of the NCDOT Art in the ROW Committee, and advisory member of the Surplus Control Access Committee.
- Finalized right of way settlements up to $750,000 and authorized condemnations on behalf of NCDOT.
- Supervised all NCDOT Right of Way mediators and advanced acquisition staff.
Assistant State Acquisition Agent - West
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Greensboro, NC
04.2016 - 04.2019
- Managed high risk projects with NCDOT Right of Way staff, NCDOT Engineering staff, and NCDOT Right of Way consultants to ensure optimum project delivery results.
- Worked with property owners' counsel to settle hundreds of Map Act claims in Forsyth County and other non-Map Act condemnation claims in Western North Carolina.
- Collaborated with design, survey, engineering, environmental, construction, and project management units to produce scheduled right of way plans.
- Provided guidance to the Western Divisions of Highways on all right of way and eminent domain matters.
Division Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Greensboro, NC
07.2012 - 04.2016
- Evaluated existing rights-of-way to identify conflicts or gaps in coverage, leading to seamless project execution.
- Prepared comprehensive reports outlining acquisition results for management review, enabling informed decision-making regarding future projects.
- Searched public domain records and private databases to locate property ownership documentation.
- Collaborated with project engineering and facility construction personnel on transmission line routes to inform landowner negotiations.
- Procured Right of Way consultant services for acquisition, relocation, and property management needs of the Division.
Senior Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Greensboro, NC
09.2010 - 07.2012
- Supervised Right of Way agents and provided training in areas of acquisition, relocation, and property management.
- Managed the property management program for the Division that included asbestos inspection, asbestos removal, and structure demolition to ensure project delivery goals.
- Prepared de minimus land valuations for offers to property owners.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders, fostering a positive environment and expediting the negotiation process at public hearings and private meetings.
Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Winston-Salem, NC
04.1999 - 04.2010
- Evaluated existing rights-of-way to identify conflicts or gaps in coverage, leading to seamless project execution.
- Provided relocation assistance to all property owner and tenants affected on projects to ensure timely project schedule goals.
- Conducted comprehensive title research to determine ownership and encumbrances on properties, ensuring accurate negotiations.
- Supported project managers by providing accurate and timely information on right-of-way acquisitions, contributing to overall project success.
- Collaborated with project engineering and facility construction personnel on transmission line routes to inform landowner negotiations.
- Negotiated favorable land agreements by conducting research, utilizing industry knowledge, and maintaining effective communication with property owners.
- Mitigated risks associated with right-of-way acquisitions by adhering strictly to established laws, regulations, and best practices within the industry.
Relocation Specialist
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
Winston-Salem, NC
10.1996 - 04.1999
- Collaborated with real estate agents to find suitable housing options, matching property owners and tenants preferences and budget requirements.
- Coordinated the packing, transportation, and storage of household goods while maintaining open communication with clients throughout the entire process.
- Prepared relocation housing payment evaluations and provided benefits to displaced persons to meet project delivery needs.
- Worked with business relocations to find suitable replacement property to meet their tailored business needs.
- Completed relocation reports necessary for NEPA requirements and project design needs.
- Provided emotional support to clients during the relocation process, understanding the challenges they faced and offering practical solutions to ease their burden.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies And Political Science
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC08.1996
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Staff Management
- Project Management
- Cross-Functional Teamwork
- Policy Implementation
- Schedule Preparation
- Expense Tracking
Certification
Notary Public of North Carolina
Timeline
Manager of Right of Way
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
02.2020 - Current
State Acquisition Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
04.2019 - 01.2020
Assistant State Acquisition Agent - West
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
04.2016 - 04.2019
Division Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
07.2012 - 04.2016
Senior Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
09.2010 - 07.2012
Right of Way Agent
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
04.1999 - 04.2010
Relocation Specialist
North Carolina Department Of Transportation
10.1996 - 04.1999
Bachelor of Arts - International Studies And Political Science
University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill