In 2007, Michelle Schiller joined the company as an IT specialist in California, supporting project teams in the field. She was focused on solving the technology problems in front of her, with no way of knowing where the opportunities ahead would take her.
Then came an opportunity to move to Colorado, and she took it.
"I took a chance, and doors really opened for me once I relocated to the corporate office," Schiller said.
That decision led to new roles and a broader understanding of how technology supports the business. She moved from field service to application administration, then into business analysis, where she learned to bridge the gap between IT and operations. Along the way, she took on project management, development and technical architecture responsibilities before becoming a technology leader.
Through it all, one thing stayed the same.
"I love solving problems and working through issues. I want to make people's jobs easier," Schiller said.
CIO Craig Oppermann said Schiller's willingness to keep learning has been key to her success.
"Michelle's success has come from her willingness to keep learning, take on new challenges and grow with the needs of the business," Oppermann said. "Her journey is a great example of how people can build a long-term career here by staying curious, embracing new opportunities and continuing to find new ways to support Operations."
Seeing the impact
An IT career in construction has also given Schiller something she values: the opportunity to see the results of the work she supports.
During her years in field services, Schiller visited jobsites to troubleshoot networks, computers and printers. At the Lenihan Dam Project in Los Gatos, California, a superintendent took her into a tunnel after she completed the required safety training.
Wearing oversized rubber boots, she spent about three hours underground meeting the crew and learning about the construction.
"It was then that I saw how much pride our people have about the work we build," Schiller said.
From bridges and roadway expansions to pedestrian bridges and water treatment projects, Schiller has seen firsthand how technology can support the people bringing major projects to life.
As Schiller retires after 19 years with the company, her journey is a reminder that careers are built one opportunity at a time, through curiosity, continuous learning and a willingness to grow.
Her career may have started with fixing the technology in front of her. It grew into helping shape the technology behind the work.
