The Build Smart team is Committed to Building the Foundation for Construction Professionals

Heather launched her career at Advance Auto Parts’ corporate office, starting in an entry-level position but quickly advancing to the role of Training Coordinator. In this capacity, she designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for new employees across eight departments and provided continuous professional development for existing staff. Her ability to create engaging, effective training content and her knack for understanding diverse learning needs laid a strong foundation for her expertise in instructional design.

Seeking new challenges, Heather joined a large general contractor as the Residential Construction Coordinator. There, she deepened her knowledge of residential construction by managing projects from conception to completion and collaborating closely with Project Managers to ensure quality and efficiency.

Leveraging her extensive experience in training and development, Heather began with Build Smart Institute, initially as the Administrative Coordinator. Her background in designing and implementing training programs became invaluable as she moved into her current role, where she develops eLearning
curricula for trainees worldwide. These programs, which are also eligible for college credit, reflect her commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education that meets diverse learning needs.

In her personal time, Heather enjoys training her puppy, Toby, hosting game nights with family and friends, and frequenting the beach. A graduate of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Roanoke Valley Program in 2023, she continued her engagement by serving as a Program Consultant for the 2024 class.

Barbara grew up in a military family, which instilled in her a strong sense of adaptability, discipline, and resilience. These qualities have been the foundation of her successful career journey, enabling her to excel in diverse roles and environments.

After earning a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting from Hawaii Pacific University, Barbara launched her career with Hilton Hotels Corporation. She began her career in Hawaii, before relocating to New Jersey as an Assistant Director of Finance. Her dedication and expertise led to a
promotion to Director of Finance just 18 months later, a position she held for 15 years in New Jersey and New York.

In August 2023, Barbara joined Build Smart Institute as a student in the CORE Fundamentals of Construction program, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in the construction industry. Her exceptional performance and commitment to learning caught the attention of Build Smart's leadership team. After completing the CORE program, Barbara was hired as the Administrative Assistant.

She now plays a vital role in supporting students as they embark on their construction careers, offering guidance, assistance, administrative support, and contributes to the financial operations of the organization. In her personal life, Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband, their twin teenage daughters, and the many furry friends that have become part of their family.