Joseph Ruskowski
What are you passionate about and how do you pursue that passion at PMA?
I have a passion for construction and also for making memories with my family, and PMA allows me to be in the construction industry while also having a great work-life balance.
What current project(s) are you working on?
I am currently working on an assignment for United Airlines at Newark Airport to manage upgrades to Terminal C including a new roof, a new curtainwall, drainage improvements, and electrical substation upgrades.
What is your career highlight so far? (at PMA?)
I have been fortunate to work on a variety of interesting projects across multiple industries and states. I started my career with the NHDOT working on the state’s first large design-build project which was a vertical lift bridge connecting New Hampshire to Maine. Since joining PMA, I have been fortunate to work in both the Boston and NYC offices. In Boston, I worked on bridge and highway projects for MASSDOT, construction projects at several universities, aviation, and pharmaceutical projects. In NYC, I worked on the Second Avenue Subway extension for the MTACC. For the past 7 years, I have been at Newark Airport for the construction of New Terminal A, and I am now on an assignment with United Airlines.
What was a transformative project or challenge that you’ve had at PMA?
Working for the PANYNJ on the New Terminal A at Newark Airport was an amazing experience where I learned a lot about the aviation industry and managing multiple types of contracts under one program that totaled over a billion dollars. I was fortunate to be on the program from the groundbreaking until just prior to substantial completion, including navigating through the COVID pandemic.
Do you get to do something at work every day that you love? If so, what is it?
I work with a great group of people that I am continually learning from.
Who/what inspires you to push yourself? (Personal heroes, family members, ideas)
My kids. I have a 4-year-old boy and 6-year-old girl and enjoy watching them grow and learn new things every day, which inspires me to always keep learning and growing too.
What are the most positive aspects of working at PMA? Or Share your impressions of PMA’s culture.
PMA has a great culture and leadership that encourages growth and entrepreneurial thinking. The flat management culture allows access to SMEs with decades of experience to learn from and an amazing in-house Leadership Development Program. Plus, the stability and 50+ year history of the company provide comfort even in tough economic times.
What is something innovative happening in your industry that makes you excited about the future?
I am excited to see how AI can become a useful tool for project controls and project management to reduce tedious tasks and allow for more forward thinking and innovative collaboration.
What university or college did you graduate from?
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor of science in civil engineering.
What is your favorite local establishment/feature (restaurant, museum, stadium, etc.)?
Year-round, we enjoy exploring local parks with our kids and trying out new restaurants in our community. In the summer we enjoy family vacations to Long Beach Island in New Jersey as well as trips up to Sebago Lake in Maine.
Provide a fun fact or secret talent about yourself?
I spent my summers growing up on an island in Maine with no electricity and had my first boat with a 4HP motor when I was about 13 years old.