Fernando Villanueva
What are you passionate about and how do you pursue that passion at PMA?
I really enjoy my work for Orange County. Over the years, I have developed many professional working relationships there that have become long-lasting friendships. I feel like a welcomed member of their team, and they trust my guidance and advice.
What current project(s) are you working on?
I have been the project lead for PMA’s work for Orange County Utilities (OCU) for more than 20 years as an extension of OCU construction and engineering department staff. My roles over the years have included project controls, cost validating, cost estimating, value engineering, value analysis, scheduling, change management, claims avoidance, and claims resolution.
Currently, PMA is a subconsultant under a five-year program management contract. My main role is project controls manager. I have worked on all of the Orange County water supply facilities: the Southern Regional Water Supply Facility; Eastern Regional Water Supply Facility; Western Regional Water Supply Facility; Hidden Springs Water Supply Facility; Vistana Water Supply Facility; and the East Service Area Potable Water and Reclaimed Water Storage and Repump Facility; as well as all of the Orange County reclamation facilities: the South Water Reclamation Facility, Eastern Water Reclamation Facility; Northwest Water Reclamation Facility and the most recent grassroots plant Hamlin Water Reclamation Facility.
What is your career highlight so far?
My career highlight to date is advancing to Senior Director at PMA and having become a trusted advisor to OCU management.
Are you involved with any industry organizations?
I’m a member of the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineers, Project Management Institute, and the Construction Management Association of America. I have presented at my local chapter, North Florida AACE®. I also received the Canaveral Council of Technical Societies Technical Achievement and the North Florida AACE Star Awards for my role with these organizations.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you did at PMA?
Orange County Utilities’ South Water Reclamation Facility (SWRF) improvement project has been ongoing for over 20 years. OCU operates the SWRF, which has a treatment capacity of 43 million gallons per day, and provides water, wastewater, and solid waste services to unincorporated areas of Orange County. I have served as the OCU owner’s representative throughout multiple phases of transformation, including renovation, refurbishment, and new construction. Some of my duties have included assisting the county with contract development and price negotiations for major changer orders, and I have provided construction administration, cost estimating, schedule analysis, and pay request evaluation services. Today, SWRF is undergoing yet another major renovation that will continue into 2023.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
I always admired my father and as I grow older and I ponder on all I learned consciously or unconsciously from him, my admiration increases and I can safely say that much of what I am today was passed on to me by my father.
What are the most positive aspects of working at PMA? Or Share your impressions of PMA’s culture.
In my 30-year tenure with PMA, I quickly found out that PMA is supportive and cares about and values each of the people that make PMA what it is. PMA supports and mentors junior entrepreneurial spirits and is a great place to forge a career.
What is something innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
NetPoint is increasingly used for presentations to OCU management and as a practical tool to demonstrate a point to contractors. It is exciting that NetPoint continues to evolve and become a more robust tool for the company.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1987 with a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
My favorite establishment is a famous steakhouse called Linda’s La Cantina.
Provide a fun fact or secret talent about yourself?
I have learned to truly enjoy the symphony, ballet, and fine theater. I have recently viewed Amadeus at the Sydney Opera House in Australia, fantastic!