Sierra Branch, PMP
Arden,NC
Summary
PMP-certified Project Manager with experience managing municipal capital improvement, construction, and renewable energy projects from project planning through execution. Skilled in project scope, scheduling, cost control, risk management, permitting, contractor oversight, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional coordination. Brings a combination of public-sector project leadership and commercial solar experience, with a strong foundation in construction management and a proven ability to coordinate complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory requirements.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
PROJECT MANAGER I
City of Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
07.2025 - Current
- Managed municipal capital improvement projects by coordinating schedules, documentation, and contractor communications.
- Oversaw project planning and risk identification while ensuring stakeholder engagement throughout execution phases.
- Directed cross-functional teams across city departments and vendors to maintain project alignment on objectives.
- Facilitated procurement processes including RFQs, RFPs, and bid evaluations in compliance with municipal guidelines.
- Monitored project progress to identify potential issues and communicated updates to stakeholders effectively.
- Administered construction contracts by managing documentation and overseeing change management procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulations through active management of permitting processes for construction projects.
Independent Solar Consultant
Self Employed
Remote, United States
04.2024 - 05.2026
- Managed utility interconnection applications for solar projects ranging from residential installations to utility-scale projects.
- Coordinated with utilities, AHJs, engineers, contractors, and project stakeholders to ensure timely permitting and interconnection approvals, facilitating project progression.
- Provided consulting support to solar contractors, developers, engineers, and project stakeholders on permitting, utility interconnection, and regulatory requirements for photovoltaic projects.
- Advised clients on permitting strategies and regulatory requirements, enhancing project coordination across multiple jurisdictions.
- Prepared and submitted regulatory documentation, including FERC Form 556 and Build America, Buy America waiver applications, streamlining compliance for qualifying projects.
- Supported project development activities by tracking requirements, managing documentation, and coordinating approvals among external
PROJECT MANAGER
Eagle Solar & Light, LLC
Asheville, North Carolina
04.2023 - 08.2024
- Managed a portfolio of 2040 concurrent solar projects across multiple states, ranging from residential installations and service projects to commercial systems up to 1 MW. Worked within a solar EPC environment to coordinate projects from proposal and permitting through installation and closeout.
- Managed the solar project lifecycle from proposal and preconstruction through permitting, installation coordination, and project closeout.
- Coordinated project schedules with operations leadership, field teams, subcontractors, vendors, and utilities to ensure milestone-driven execution.
- Managed comprehensive project documentation, including RFIs, change orders, tracking databases, financial updates, and records for effective project oversight.
- Led preconstruction meetings and project closeout reviews to align internal teams and subcontractors on project scope, schedule, responsibilities, risks, and deliverables.
- Coordinated permitting and utility interconnection requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
- Identified project risks, scheduling conflicts, and permitting issues, collaborating with stakeholders to implement timely resolutions.
- Served as a central point of coordination between project teams and supported clear communication throughout project execution.
PROJECT MANAGER
Rhino Renewables Solar and Electric
Asheville, North Carolina
09.2022 - 03.2023
- Managed operational coordination for solar PV and energy storage projects, supporting installation planning, procurement, inspections, service activities, quality control, and technical troubleshooting.
- Coordinated installation, service, inspection, and site assessments for multiple solar PV projects to ensure timely project delivery.
- Managed equipment procurement and inventory planning, aligning resources with project schedules for seamless field operations.
- Coordinated technical troubleshooting and support for solar PV and energy storage systems.
- Supported installation quality control and ensured work aligned with project specifications and requirements.
- Collaborated with operations and field teams to track project progress and resolve execution challenges effectively.
PROJECT COORDINATOR
A1A Solar Contracting
Jacksonville, Florida
04.2021 - 09.2022
- Coordinated project activities, solar service operations, quality assurance processes, inspections, and technical support for high-volume solar installation company, ensuring timely project delivery.
- Led coordination of solar installations, service work, inspections, and pre-site assessments, enhancing operational workflow.
- Facilitated technical support and operational coordination for solar PV systems, improving system reliability and performance.
- Worked with municipal inspectors and technical teams to verify solar and energy storage system performance and safety.
- Developed and implemented quality assurance and environmental compliance procedures.
- Supported field and service teams in resolving technical and project-related issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Management, Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida12-2021
Associates of Arts Degree -
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, Florida08-2015
Skills
Project & Program Management
Project Lifecycle Management Scope Management Schedule & Milestone Tracking Budget & Cost Tracking Risk Management Change Management Project Controls
Construction & Engineering Coordination
Contractor & Subcontractor Coordination Engineering Coordination RFIs Change Orders Procurement Material Management Preconstruction Project Closeout Quality Assurance
Stakeholder & Client Management
Client Relations Cross-Functional Team Leadership Utility & AHJ Coordination Vendor Management Meeting Facilitation Project Reporting Executive Communication
Systems & Tools
Smartsheet Mondaycom Bluebeam AutoCAD Google Workspace Microsoft Office
Certification
Project Management Professional (PMP) Project Management Institute, 2026, NABCEP Associate Certification, OSHA 10-Hour Certification
Timeline
PROJECT MANAGER I
City of Asheville
07.2025 - Current
Independent Solar Consultant
Self Employed
04.2024 - 05.2026
PROJECT MANAGER
Eagle Solar & Light, LLC
04.2023 - 08.2024
PROJECT MANAGER
Rhino Renewables Solar and Electric
09.2022 - 03.2023
PROJECT COORDINATOR
A1A Solar Contracting
04.2021 - 09.2022
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Management, Materials Science and Engineering
University of Florida
Associates of Arts Degree -
Santa Fe College