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| Spotlight on Kristy Kastner, PSP |
 When you think of Hawaii, what visions appear in your mind — maybe sun, beaches,
fun, relaxing vacation? Well for Kristy Kastner, it is visions of home
because she was born in Honolulu and grew up in Aiea, Hawaii.
In 1996, she left Hawaii to pursue her education at the University of Nevada,
Las Vegas, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration, Management Information System in 2000, and her Master of Public
Administration, in 2006.
Kristy started her career as a web programmer at Bechtel Nevada. In this IT
role, she provided support for the project controls database applications. As
she became familiar with the data and learned what the users needed, her role
expanded to systems support for the project controls department. She interfaced
with over 80 project controls professionals and found an excitement in
the new information she was learning from these professionals. She comments, “I
thoroughly enjoyed the variety of work and there is a great satisfaction in
working with many individuals companywide. My IT background definitely gave me a
great skill set to use in project controls.”
As her career developed and she grew in her knowledge and understanding of
project controls, many opportunities for advancement opened for her. She is
currently a senior project controls consultant for NV Energy, working on major
projects. In this role, she develops and updates schedules, provides cost
control and reporting, provides analysis for the project managers, and
coordinates IT solutions to improve her project controls department systems and
processes. Kristy likes project work and finds fulfillment in watching projects
develop from the planning
stage all the way through completion.
A good attitude, a high work ethic, and working (efficiently) hard have given
Kristy the honor of being recognized by her employers. In June 2005, she
received the “Project Controls and Management Employee of the Month” award from
Bechtel Nevada. In January 2007, and again in July 2008, NV Energy awarded her
with the Performance Recognition Silver Award. Good job, Kristy - keep up the
good work!!
She became a member of AACE International in September 2006, and immediately
became active in the Nevada Section, serving as Vice President from 2006-2007,
and President in 2007-2008. During her term as President, her active
participation on the board increased section meeting attendance by 70 percent
and generated interest in AACE International certifications. She also
coordinated two site tours with the local NAWIC Chapter. Kristy is also a
participating member of AACE International’s Women in Project Controls Task
Force, as well as, Pi Alpha Alpha, Public Administration Honor Society.
Her first experience at an AACE International Annual Meeting came in 2007, in
Nashville. She primarily attended the Skills and Knowledge Track to enhance her
understanding of the format and vocabulary used in AACE International. Inspired
by the presentations, activities, networking, and overall positive atmosphere of
the Annual Meeting, she determined to study and pass the Planning and Scheduling
Professional (PSP) certification exam. In January 2008, she was successful and
obtained the PSP certification.
Comments from Kristy about the Annual Meetings include, “The Annual Meetings
definitely allows you to network with other knowledgeable project controls
professionals. The cost of the Annual Meeting is a good value in comparison to
other technical conferences. I learned that our AACE International members are
very personable and are truly interested in helping me. Currently, I am
encouraging all of our local section members to plan for the next Annual Meeting
in Seattle.”
AACE International definitely adds value to her professional development. The
training courses hosted by the Nevada Section have been outstanding. AACE
International’s reference books and materials give her a strong foundation in
the industry standards. She comments, “With this knowledge, we become experts at
our everyday job duties. AACE International has given me the tools to improve my
work processes and knowledge.”
Through her association with AACE International, many opportunities have come
her way. She comments, “AACE International is a professional organization that
allows you to network with those in our field. My experience has been positive
throughout the organization. It is quite refreshing to meet in a relaxed
environment at our monthly meetings. At the local level, it has given me
leadership experience in holding board positions. In addition, I use the AACE
International online library to search for information and the skills and
knowledge textbooks to grasp a better understanding of project concerns and
issues. I have used my AACE International resources to explain concepts to my
project managers.”
Kristy believes continuing education is vital in career development. She says it
is important to be a lifelong learner if you want to advance and move forward in
your career. For Kristy, “training and learning always keeps me motivated and
excited about my job."
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