KRISTEN KEIFER | 37

Project Manager

Hometown/Current City: Anchorage

Education: Graduate Certificate in project management, Boston University, 2020; Bachelor of Civil Engineering, University of Idaho, 2007; High school diploma, East High School, 2003 Community Work: CANstruction, Food Bank of Alaska ; Kids2College and I Know I Can ; co-chair, HDR Alaska’s Women’s ENG group; past president, Toastmasters chapter; ITE member; Girl Scouts Women of Science; Smart Girls Rock!

Family: I grew up in Anchorage, as the big sister to Bri and the daughter of Aileen and Darrell Keifer. My folks moved to Alaska in the 80s for my dad to manage a fish hatchery. Both sides of my family are wonderfully family-oriented and welcoming. I love that my extended family throws a huge family reunion bash every three years to reconnect.

I also have the joy of being married to Adam. I couldn't ask for a more perfect partner to grow with and take on new challenges. We have two fur-babies who let us live in their house. What is your favorite place in Alaska and why?: I have always loved the Kenai Peninsula. I was raised by a pair of anglers and spent many weekends growing up looking for reds in the Russian or Kenai River. I probably took the Russian River ferry more times than any child with no interest in fishing should have. I loved camping at Hidden Lake Campground - exploring the woods, climbing the “mountains” around the lake, wading in the cold water, playing “big bully” and eating s'mores by the campfire.

I have grown to enjoy fishing and love going out with my family. I love spending time at my parent’s cabin in Sterling and exploring the Kenai River. I believe Homer and Kachemak Bay are magical places. I have explored coves, trails, glaciers and many amazing restaurants.

Name the person you respect and why: My Granddad Keifer. Grandma and Granddad let us eat ice cream every night when we were kids. It was the best! But that's not why I think of Granddad when I look to someone I respect. He enlisted in the army - before he was technically old enough - and was a 20-year veteran of the United States Air Force. He flew on B-29s and B-36s for thousands of hours. He participated in Operation Ivy, which was the first H-bomb test at Eniwetok Atoll. He even survived a B-36 crash in Carswell when the plane landed short of the runway and exploded. After the Air Force, he served in the FAA.

Granddad Keifer instilled in me a love of fishing, country and family. He knew the value of working hard and always talked with me about staying challenged in my work. He never wanted me to be a bored clock watcher. Granddad kept his mind and body strong well into his 90s by working out, playing cards, completing the crossword puzzle and eating a peanut butter sandwich every day I have never seen such a compassionate human be so competitive at cards. My grandparents would have celebrated their 75th anniversary last fall. Their relationship has always been an example of how to have independence while giving the love and support your partner needs. It is inspiring.

What is your favorite pastime or hobby away from work?: I have really enjoyed participating in triathlons over the years. The Gold Nugget Triathlon was the first one I ever did, and I was totally hooked. That summer, I signed up for two more triathlons and bought a road bike.

What was your first job?: The first jobs I had in high school were babysitting and coaching and refereeing for soccer and volleyball. I also worked at a summer daycare where the kids taught me to play chess … I have since forgotten how. I always leaned towards jobs where I get to mentor and teach. My first job in the engineering field was an internship in Utilities and Construction for the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. I loved the willingness to teach in the Department. My first real big kid job was as an Engineer-InTraining. Alaska is still developing its transportation infrastructure and has huge challenges ahead. I am still devoted to being a part of the workforce improving our transportation infrastructure to connect people. What has been your most rewarding community service?: Over the years I have championed participation in the Food Bank of Alaska CANstruction fundraising effort by petitioning for money to make it happen, organizing volunteers, working with the sponsor and giving time to build a structure entirely out of cans. I always enjoyed brainstorming and selecting a structure based on the theme, then going out “shopping” to select which cans have the right colors and size to match the design and look at the 3D design to figure out the number of each type of can needed. The structures are incredible to look at and all the cans are donated to this amazing organization. In your professional life, what has been a project or achievement you have found to be the most fulfilling?: The work that I have had the opportunity to be involved with after the 2018 earthquake has probably been the most stressful, challenging and undoubtedly the most rewarding experience I have had. Our team has responded to and helped recover from disasters across Alaska. We have taken lessons learned from each project, written a guide and developed technology that streamlines response efforts, all allowing us to hit the ground running, prioritize critical sites and get faster funding approval from agencies. Cont. on Page 56