Jessica Beswick-Honn
Oxford,IA
Summary
Dynamic engineering leader with extensive experience at the Department of Veterans Affairs, excelling in facility upgrades and project management. Proven track record in budget oversight and stakeholder coordination, driving successful capital projects. Adept at mentoring teams and ensuring compliance with safety standards, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Iowa City, IA
07.2023 - Current
- Developed strategic plans for facility upgrades and renovations.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to address engineering challenges effectively.
- Mentored junior engineers in technical skills and project management.
- Managed budgets for engineering projects while ensuring resource allocation efficiency.
- Oversaw maintenance and continuous operation of building systems, including mechanical (HVAC), electrical and safety.
- Managed capital improvement projects to keep expenses within operational budgets.
Deputy Chief Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Iowa City, IA
12.2016 - 07.2023
- Manage capital projects section of engineering including the strategic planning, architectural/engineering design, and construction of all new and remodel facility projects with budgets ranging from $900,000 - $45,000,000 total
- Supervise leased space program, developing and maintaining 12 leased properties throughout eastern Iowa and western Illinois including outpatient clinics, offices, and homeless outreach programs totaling over 200k SF.
- Prepare cost estimates and project coordination to develop and maintain 5 year strategic plan for hospital upgrades and non-recurring maintenance programs.
- Act as departmental service chief in absence of supervisor, collaborating with and responding to facility and Executive Leadership as engineering representative and SME on all matters regarding Maintenance/Operations, Design/Projects, and Biomedical Engineering.
Supervisory General Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
Iowa City, IA
10.2014 - 12.2016
- Manage all in-house maintenance and daily operations for Level 1A medical center and research facility, to include preventive and corrective maintenance and smaller scale remodel/renovation projects in facility totaling 600k SF.
- Directly responsible for ensuring Life Safety and Environment of Care standards are met in satisfaction of continued accreditation with the Joint Commission and internal VA requirements.
- Prepare cost estimates for use in obtaining maintenance funding and bid evaluation for contracted work and then supervise work to completion.
Industrial Hygienist
Department of Veterans Affairs
Iowa City, IA
06.2013 - 10.2014
- Advised medical center departments and assist with compliance with regulations related to OSHA, NFPA, EPA, and The Joint Commission accreditation.
- Chairperson of Accident Review Board, leading monthly committee meetings, setting agendas, and composing minutes for presentation to EOC Committee.
- Provided regular surveillance monitoring for occupational exposure to hazards such as nitrous oxide, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and excessive noise.
- Managed occupational safety and health programs including asbestos management, eyewash/safety showers, hazardous waste, and indoor air quality.
Occupational Safety & Health Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
Des Moines, IA
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Conducted comprehensive waste audit to reduce operating room waste and divert waste to more cost-effective and sustainable waste streams; assisted in development of contracts for hazardous waste management and disposal.
- Participated in OSHA compliance inspections, external environmental audits, and Annual Workplace Evaluations at multiple VISN 23 locations.
Education
Master of Science - Industrial Hygiene
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.2017
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05.2010
Bachelor of Science - Civil/Environmental Engineering
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA12.2008
Skills
- Facility upgrades and project management
- Budget oversight
- Stakeholder coordination
- Mechanical systems management
- Strategic planning and compliance
- Leadership development
- Conflict resolution
- Verbal and written communication
Certification
• Certified Healthcare Facility Manager (CHFM)
• Engineer In Training (EIT)
• Contracting Officer's Representative Level 2
• FAC-P/PM Entry Level
• Facilities Engineering/Construction (FE-C) Level 1
• FEMA Emergency Response - ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• FEMA Emergency Response - ICS Planning Section Chief
• FEMA - Healthcare Emergency Response
• Engineer In Training (EIT)
• Contracting Officer's Representative Level 2
• FAC-P/PM Entry Level
• Facilities Engineering/Construction (FE-C) Level 1
• FEMA Emergency Response - ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
• FEMA Emergency Response - ICS Planning Section Chief
• FEMA - Healthcare Emergency Response
Military Experience
Iowa Army National Guard, Staff Sergeant (E-6), Health Care Specialist (Medic)
- Supervised, trained, and evaluated up to 30 soldiers in medical disciplines including emergency medical treatment, radiology, laboratory, and mental health.
- Managed emergency care clinic, responsible for all supervisory and administrative tasks including scheduling, supply ordering, and patient tracking.
- Held numerous additional roles including Equal Opportunity Representative, Unit Public Affairs Representative, Battalion Public Affairs Officer, and Field Sanitation Officer.
- Deployments: Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005 - 06); State Active Duty for flood response (June 2008); Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom (2010 - 11).
- Honorably discharged July 2012.
Timeline
Chief Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2016 - 07.2023
Supervisory General Engineer
Department of Veterans Affairs
10.2014 - 12.2016
Industrial Hygienist
Department of Veterans Affairs
06.2013 - 10.2014
Occupational Safety & Health Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2012 - 05.2013
Master of Science - Industrial Hygiene
The University of Iowa
Master of Science - Environmental Engineering
The University of Iowa
Bachelor of Science - Civil/Environmental Engineering
The University of Iowa