Michelle Petrushka
Moraga,CA
Summary
Dynamic construction and real estate professional with over two decades of experience in optimizing project feasibility, design development, and operational processes to deliver innovative solutions aligned with client goals. Proven track record of transforming underperforming project teams into high-performing units through effective leadership and collaboration. Strong operational acumen, combined with expertise in managing complex issues and budget expenditures, ensures alignment with business objectives. Committed to contributing to a forward-thinking organization dedicated to excellence, leveraging expertise to drive team success, enhance employee engagement, and support organizational growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Facilities Planning – Project Management/Real Estate
Judicial Council of California
San Francisco/Sacramento, CA
03.2025 - Current
- Constructed comprehensive project plans and funding requests totaling around $700 million for new courthouse development.
- Championed state project aimed at optimizing management of real estate portfolio.
- Engaged with HR, Security, IT, and Communications to establish workplace standards supporting hybrid work enablement and enhancing employee experience initiatives.
- Collaborated with internal and external partners to prepare comprehensive reports for Judicial Council presentations.
- Evaluated schematic designs and construction documents for compliance with judicial branch standards and budget validation.
- Prepared executive reports and recommended policies for courthouse project development.
- Developed strategic plans for site acquisitions and utilization to support the long-term real estate plan of the Judicial Council of California.
Senior Director Project Management
CBRE
San Francisco, CA
10.2017 - 06.2024
- Supervised cross-functional project teams handling project costs greater than $70 million and achieving revenue fees exceeding $4 million.
- Managed capital projects across diverse portfolios that include renovations, office expansions, workplace revitalizations, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Directed full project lifecycle—from planning and budgeting through design coordination, construction oversight, and project closeout.
- Held responsibility as executive liaison for managing project schedules, budgets, risks, and stakeholder communications.
- Supervised external project teams (architects, engineers, contractors, project managers) ensuring compliance with client expectations and workplace standards.
- Collaborated with Procurement on competitive bids, contract negotiations, renewals, and sourcing strategies to optimize cost and service quality.
- Engaged with HR, IT security, and workplace stakeholders to establish existing and future spatial needs facilitating hybrid work implementation.
- Established connections with external partners and customers to promote collaboration and achieve project objectives.
- Led business development efforts by submitting proposals to existing and potential clients.
- Instituted project management best practices and training programs for Northern California teams to elevate consistency and performance.
Director of Global Projects
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
San Francisco, CA
09.2015 - 10.2017
- Directed project management across 12 teams in EMEA and APEC areas.
- Directed strategic planning initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Established systems for monitoring advancement on initiatives and projects.
- Developed comprehensive project management playbook customized for regional adaptability.
- Identified effective strategies for global vendor and contractor engagement.
- Formulated SLAs and KPIs for management of global project development and delivery.
- Presented quarterly insights to executive leadership highlighting achievements of global team.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align business objectives with market trends and client needs.
- Facilitated training sessions to elevate team skills and boost overall performance standards.
Senior Project Manager
CBRE
San Francisco, CA
09.2006 - 09.2015
- Oversaw vendor procurement, bid processes, contract administration, and compliance with public procurement practices, and local regulations.
- Worked with both corporate and franchisee clients to enhance design and schedule needed upgrades and remodels.
- Successfully completed a 164-site energy sites rollout, which included interior upgrades and fuel delivery upgrades across Western States and Hawaii.
Director, Special Projects and Program
CALIFORNIA STATE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
San Francisco, CA
09.2005 - 06.2006
- Led the acquisition and development of new facilities, managing project administration, budgeting, and scheduling.
- Focused on the acquisition of a 275,000 sq. ft. site out of state, which included entitlements, design development, and construction management.
- Coordinated with executive teams and external vendors to establish workplace guidelines, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Oversaw contract negotiation and vendor management for design and construction services.
Operations Director, QSR (North American Region)
INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC
Milwaukee, WI
05.2004 - 05.2005
- Directed the project management and estimating team of nine for quick-serve restaurant construction, overseeing day-to-day operations, vendor procurement, and contract compliance.
- Developed operational policies and streamlined workflows to enhance productivity and ensure regulatory adherence.
- Managed cross-departmental teams from design and manufacturing for project execution and resource allocation.
- Implemented process improvements, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
Education
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZBachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture
California College of Arts At San Francisco
San Francisco, CASkills
- Project management
- Operational Excellence
- Contract negotiation
- Vendor management
- Relationship management with stakeholders
- Facilities operations & service delivery
- Capital planning & lifecycle delivery
- Portfolio optimization
- Operating & capital budget management
- KPI formulation and monitoring
Websites
Certification
- PMP via CBRE / University of North Texas
- California Real Estate License
Timeline
Senior Facilities Planning – Project Management/Real Estate
Judicial Council of California
03.2025 - Current
Senior Director Project Management
CBRE
10.2017 - 06.2024
Director of Global Projects
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
09.2015 - 10.2017
Senior Project Manager
CBRE
09.2006 - 09.2015
Director, Special Projects and Program
CALIFORNIA STATE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION
09.2005 - 06.2006
Operations Director, QSR (North American Region)
INTERIOR SYSTEMS, INC
05.2004 - 05.2005
Master of Arts - Organizational Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Interior Architecture
California College of Arts At San Francisco