Keith A. Royston
Smithfield,VA
Summary
Boasting 30+ years of experience, I am a dedicated project executive, with a passion for client satisfaction, engineering, construction, and problem-solving. I hold a PMP certification and a master's in civil engineering - construction engineering and management. My goal is to deliver top-notch projects that meet or exceed client needs, on schedule, on budget, with the high quality expected, while prioritizing safety, sustainability, and innovation. I value teamwork, diverse opinions, mentoring, and learning, and thrive in collaborating with professionals from various disciplines and fields to deliver a superior client experience. I manage complex projects across various sectors, overseeing the planning, execution, and control. I leverage my engineering, problem-solving, cross-functional team management skills, and experience to ensure project success. Seasoned project management specialist with comprehensive experience in leading projects from inception to completion. Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams, optimizing processes for efficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to complex challenges. Proven ability to deliver projects on time and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality. Demonstrated success in enhancing operational workflows and significantly improving project outcomes through strategic planning and effective communication. Talented professional brings proven abilities in end-to-end project management. Expert in identifying and mitigating risks, reaching milestones, and managing deliverables. Highly organized leader with great attention to detail.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Project Executive
P.G. Harris Construction Company
Chesapeake, Virginia
08.2024 - 01.2025
- As the Project Executive, I was responsible for the operations of the company during the ownership transition
- I managed all operational staff, including project management, project supervision, and support staff
- I was responsible for execution of all projects and during my time I implemented changes to keep projects on budget and on schedule, thereby improving profitability
- I also oversaw the complete overhaul of the safety culture within the company and implemented a new safety manual and safety program
- I initiated weekly project coordination meetings with all project managers and monthly project financial, status and risk discussions to further inform leadership of any issues and further improve company profitability
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Assisted in preparing cost estimates for new projects based on scope statements provided by clients.
- Coordinated resources across multiple departments to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Identified opportunities for process improvements related to scheduling and resource planning processes.
- Provided technical guidance as needed throughout all phases of the project life cycle.
- Organized regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss project progress and next steps.
- Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to secure resources needed for successful completion of projects.
- Reviewed team and project performance in order to make forward-thinking adjustments to schedule milestones and maintain quality.
- Developed and implemented project plans, strategies, objectives, and timelines.
- Prepared presentations summarizing key findings from various stages of the project lifecycle.
- Communicated effectively with team members and other stakeholders in order to keep them informed of project updates.
- Evaluated vendor performance against contracted agreements ensuring expectations are met or exceeded.
- Managed relationships between project stakeholders and internal departments.
- Conducted post-project reviews to assess success or failure of each initiative.
- Managed risk mitigation activities throughout the duration of the project.
- Led weekly operational meetings with management teams to communicate corporate initiatives and industry dynamics; utilized flow charts, data tables and trend diagrams to improve communication.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
Associate/Senior Project Manager
Burns & McDonnell
Chesapeake, Virginia
01.2013 - 01.2024
- As a 'seller-doer', I was responsible for new business development, customer relationship management (CRM), client development, project development, project execution, project closeout and management
- I also managed multi-disciplined design and construction teams across various business sectors
- I worked with clients to understand their business needs and processes as well as desired process improvements, and I led teams of stakeholders, engineers, architects, and construction professionals in consulting, designing, and constructing complex industrial, commercial and federal projects throughout the US and internationally
- Directed project execution strategies, contingency planning, and problem resolution.
- Visited locations to observe operations and determine opportunities to streamline processes and achieve cost reductions.
- Liaised between senior management, project team members and clients to ensure effective communication throughout the duration of the project.
- Ensured resource availability and allocation.
- Negotiated contracts with third-party vendors when necessary.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to be shared with stakeholders.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to develop realistic expectations for deliverables.
- Oversaw budgets for project, tracked expenses, and timelines and communicated with key stakeholders on milestones.
- Conferred with project personnel to identify and resolve problems.
- Evaluated performance metrics for ongoing projects in order to assess progress towards goals.
- Monitored internal financial budgets to measure against projections.
- Developed comprehensive project plans to be shared with clients and other staff members.
- Oversaw the achievement of all technical, financial, and scheduling goals.
- Identified potential risks associated with projects and developed mitigation strategies.
- Established and maintained relationships with third parties and vendors.
- Coordinated resources across multiple departments and teams to ensure successful completion of projects.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives and deliverables.
- Implemented project improvement strategies based on evaluation and feedback.
- Monitored progress of projects against established timelines and budgets.
- Measured project performance using appropriate tools and techniques.
- Reviewed final results of each project before delivery.
- Developed and updated project plans to document objectives, technologies, schedules, and funding.
- Evaluated, determined and delegated tasks to staff based on client needs, capacity planning and project-specific initiatives.
- Monitored design processes from conceptual phase through construction.
- Outlined work plans, assessed resources and determined timelines for projects.
- Maintained up-to-date records for all current and past projects.
- Created detailed reports on project status, issues, risks and opportunities.
- Provided training sessions to staff on new processes or systems related to projects.
- Enhanced development and drove continuous improvement of project delivery process by providing strong program leadership.
- Managed changes to project scope, project schedule, and project costs using appropriate verification techniques.
- Led cross-functional teams in planning, executing, and finalizing projects according to strict deadlines and within budget.
- Managed project scope, timeline and budget in alignment with company objectives.
- Oversaw quality control throughout the project life cycle to ensure deliverables met or exceeded expectations.
- Conducted project post-mortems and created a recommendations report to identify successful and unsuccessful project elements.
- Analyzed data from completed projects in order to identify areas for improvement.
- Brought in additional project personnel and resources to meet demands.
- Successfully managed relationships with all stakeholders.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations during all stages of a project's lifecycle.
- Coordinated internal resources and third parties and vendors for the flawless execution of projects.
- Resolved conflicts between team members in order to maintain productivity levels.
- Submitted budget estimates, progress reports and cost tracking reports.
- Identified project needs by reviewing project objectives and schedules.
- Managed submittals and processing of Requests for Information between general contractor, owner, and owner's consultants.
- Kept project teams on-task with proactive control of budgets, schedules and scopes.
- Delivered high level of service to clients to extend relationship and encourage further projects.
- Acted as a mentor to junior project managers and other staff.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and technologies.
- Assessed project risks and devised mitigation strategies to avoid potential roadblocks.
- Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to ensure the best terms.
- Created project status presentations for delivery to customers or project personnel.
- Monitored compliance with internal policies, contracts, and regulatory obligations.
- Submitted project deliverables to clients, consistently adhering to quality standards.
- Spearheaded key projects, resulting in high customer satisfaction and increased business revenues.
- Established best practices for managing complex projects successfully.
- Implemented change management processes when issues arose to keep project moving forward and adjust to shifted priorities.
- Provided guidance to team members on how to overcome obstacles during the course of a project.
- Completed thorough risk assessments and deployed management and response strategies to prevent roadblocks.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
TEDF Project Manager
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Newport News, Virginia
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Company Overview: Department of Energy (DOE) - Science Lab Infrastructure (SLI) program
- As part of the Department of Energy (DOE) - Science Lab Infrastructure (SLI) program, I successfully managed the expansion of Jefferson Lab's Technology & Engineering Development Facility (TEDF)
- My responsibilities included leading the design and construction of the TEDF project, collaborating with various stakeholders, providing timely communications to both lab leadership and the DOE SLI leadership team to ensure the delivery of a state-of-the-art facility
- All of this was achieved while ensuring the ongoing research operations of the lab remained uninterrupted
- The TEDF expansion project was the largest facility construction project undertaken at the Lab since its initial construction 25 years ago
- As the Project Manager, I was instrumental in ensuring the successful execution of the project from design to construction and delivery of the finished facility
- Department of Energy (DOE) - Science Lab Infrastructure (SLI) program
Civil Facility Construction and Maintenance Manager and Major Projects Manager
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
Newport News, Virginia
01.2005 - 01.2008
- Company Overview: National Accelerator Facility under the Department of Energy, Office of Science
- I oversaw the Facilities Maintenance and Construction group, and I served as the major projects manager at Jefferson Lab
- I managed a team of 11 people, including support contractors
- My responsibilities included managing all aspects of the Civil Construction and Maintenance section of the Facilities Management & Logistics Division
- I was also responsible for the annual budget and budget control for my group, and I successfully maintained facilities in a high working order during budget cuts of more than 50% for two consecutive years
- I oversaw and managed the daily activities of the architect, structural engineer, civil engineer, capital projects manager, CAD operator, and maintenance shop personnel
- Additionally, I was responsible for identifying and prioritizing construction project needs for the Laboratory, all new construction projects at the Laboratory, and all civil and architectural maintenance at the Laboratory
- I regularly reported the facility's condition to the Department of Energy and maintained current data in the DOE Facility Information Management System
- Moreover, I was responsible for the internal and contracted design of new construction projects
- Lastly, I performed annual employee evaluations
- National Accelerator Facility under the Department of Energy, Office of Science
Project Manager
Clancy & Theys Construction Company
Newport News, Virginia
01.1997 - 01.2005
- Company Overview: Regional construction company
- As a project manager at Clancy & Theys, I managed all aspects of new construction projects for various clients and industries
- These projects included industrial facilities, commercial buildings, hotels, and distribution centers, with values ranging from $7.5 million to $50 million
- My responsibilities included coordinating activities with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and field personnel
- Additionally, I performed project closeout maintained the project budget, forecasted costs, and reported all costs to leadership
- I also approved all project expenditures
- I conducted project buyout, which included bid solicitation, review, and subcontract award
- I negotiated and prepared contract and subcontractor agreements and managed all subcontractor accounts
- I reviewed submittals, maintained construction logs, and obtained all necessary permits
- I also prepared estimates, takeoffs, solicitations, and bid packages, as well as developing conceptual and construction schedules
- I assisted with proposal preparation, presented proposal presentations, and responded to client questions
- Lastly, I provided internal IT support, including software installation, troubleshooting, and coordination
- I was also instrumental in the development of an office-wide network at a time when many offices operated without a network
- Regional construction company
Field Engineer
PCL Civil Constructors
Virginia Beach, Virginia
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Assigned to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Expansion
- As a field engineer for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Expansion project, I oversaw daily activities associated with marine construction operations while aboard the IB909 barge platform
- I oversaw the barge field crew
- I used GPS system (Trimble) to position the barge and templates used for driving piles, setting bent caps and modular units and to obtain as-built information
- I was responsible for overseeing pile driving operations, placing bent caps and modular units
- I also compiled all necessary paperwork associated with the daily operations on board, including pile driving logs, daily reports, timecards and payroll
Office Engineer
Branch and Associates
Roanoke, Virginia
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Assigned to the Volvo-White expansion in Dublin, Virginia
- As the onsite office engineer, I was responsible for compiling all daily paperwork associated with running the on-site office, including equipment usage logs, change orders, payroll and daily and weekly progress reports
- Additionally, I performed site investigations and progress documentation
Education
M.S. - Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering & Management
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
01.1996
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Administration, Marketing & Business Information Systems
University of Natal, Durban, South Africa
01.1992
Skills
- Project management
- Budget management
- Risk management
- Stakeholder relationship management
- Process improvement
- Cost estimation
- Resource allocation
- Team leadership
- Contract negotiation
- Safety compliance
- Communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Quality control
- Multi-project management
- Project goals and milestones
- Client liaison
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Interpersonal communication
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Cross-functional team management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Project plan development
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Microsoft Project
- Active listening
- Goal setting
- Project planning
- Complex Problem-solving
- Risk assessment
- KPI tracking
- Client relationship management
- Budget control
- Customer relationship management
- Detail-oriented
Websites
Certification
Project Management Professional, Project Management Institute, #1263641
Additional Experience And Training
- Procore Construction Management Software - Procore
- R.S. Means Costworks – R.S. Means
- VFA Facility Condition Assessment software – VFA
- Primavera Expedition Project Control – Consultants in Data Processing Incorporated
- Primavera Suretrack Project Manager – Primavera
- The Dale Carnegie Course – Dale Carnegie Training
Timeline
Project Executive
P.G. Harris Construction Company
08.2024 - 01.2025
Associate/Senior Project Manager
Burns & McDonnell
01.2013 - 01.2024
TEDF Project Manager
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
01.2007 - 01.2013
Civil Facility Construction and Maintenance Manager and Major Projects Manager
Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility
01.2005 - 01.2008
Project Manager
Clancy & Theys Construction Company
01.1997 - 01.2005
Field Engineer
PCL Civil Constructors
01.1996 - 01.1997
Office Engineer
Branch and Associates
01.1994 - 01.1995
M.S. - Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering & Management
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Bachelor of Commerce - Business Administration, Marketing & Business Information Systems
University of Natal, Durban, South Africa
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