Jennifer Luce’s motto – “to be, know and do” – seems fitting for her leadership role as an engineer with Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins Inc., where she was named partner in 2008.
“I feel it’s important to be committed always to showing professionalism and honesty; know myself, job, organization and others; and do by getting involved and motivating others to accomplish their goals,” Luce says.
Since joining the engineering firm in 1996, Luce has helped execute a number of notable local projects for the firm, including the Missouri Department of Transportation Management Center, a 450,000-square-foot warehouse for Kraft Foods Inc. at Springfield Underground, facilities for Prime Inc., and several projects for the Springfield R-XII School District, Missouri State University, CoxHealth and St. John’s.
Luce says it is her commitment to people and projects that have brought her professional success and helped Malone Finkle Eckhard & Collins navigate the uncertainties of the recent economic downturn, which hit the construction sector particularly hard.
“Through my commitment and passion for successful outcomes on all projects, I have been able to keep old clients happy and secure new clients, contributing to firm growth and success in the last 15 years,” Luce says. “Strong leadership along with a dedication to excellence and quality employees made 2010 a profitable year, and 2011 is forecasted to be another year of success and growth.”
Luce, who earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering at Kansas State University, is licensed in Missouri, Connecticut, Idaho, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. Professionally, she says she is most proud of being named a partner at Malone Finkle Eckhardt & Collins.
“Being a woman in the construction field presents additional challenges on top of the normal hurdles involved with being a good engineer and leader, but I have embraced and overcome each one,” Luce says.
She is responsible for project and staff management at her firm, which has allowed her to mentor other engineers.
“Each person I have had the privilege of mentoring has attained their professional license when eligible, and many have shifted into management positions with the courage and capability to become the next generation of leaders,” Luce says, noting that receiving her Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-accredited professional certification has helped her as a trainer and cemented the firm’s commitment to the development of green buildings.
Luce serves on the Gillioz Theatre’s real estate committee, and she has held leadership positions, including president, with the C-Street Farmers’ Market, working closely with Drury University’s design-build class as the professional engineer of record for the pavilion at the market in the historic Commercial Street district.
“It is very rewarding to see the C-street area getting refreshed and beginning to flourish,” Luce says.
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