Tiffani Bryant, PE, PMP

I’ve been working in the engineering field since 2004 and have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience by being involved in a variety of industries, including oil refining, building engineering and construction, and security design and installation, which have all led to transportation. My experience in the transportation industry has included working on design and construction projects for rail, working in rail vehicle procurement, preparing studies for the future of rail vehicles, designing electrical systems for bus charging facilities, and managing rail maintenance programs.

I’m part of the Transit & Rail Corporate Business Group. As a client account manager for LA Metro and BART as well as a senior project manager, I’m responsible for leading multidisciplinary teams through the design engineering phases for projects at multiple facilities for a variety of transit clients.

I came to Gannett Fleming in March 2022 because of the great career growth opportunities and stay here because of the exciting projects and collaborative coworkers.

Gannett Fleming provides me with the resources, training, and development opportunities to continue to succeed in the long term, including the opportunity to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay up to date on the latest developments in the transit and rail industry. Gannett Fleming also offers mentorship and coaching opportunities, along with access to employee resource groups. Additionally, I have the opportunity to network and collaborate with peers involved with developing transportation projects, and the transit and rail industry more broadly, which helps me stay informed and connected.

I have managed and worked on several transportation projects with multiple agencies across California, including Los Angeles and the Bay Area. My project experience includes rail vehicle procurements, vehicle component overhauls, program management for rail maintenance support, electric bus charging station designs, rail vehicle next generation studies, and request for proposal development for a new rail line.

As our client account manager for BART, I’m responsible for continuously growing stronger client relationships and serving as a liaison to fully understand their needs and issues and to bring the full depth of Gannett Fleming’s expertise to successfully address those issues. I’m currently serving as program manager for the BART architectural and general engineering services on-call contract. My team and I are currently pursuing projects with a focus on maintenance facilities and system upgrades.

I’m a member of Gannett Fleming’s Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) committee, responsible for championing our company’s engagement with the COMTO Northern California Chapter.

Both WTS and COMTO are great organizations with impactful programs and amazing networking opportunities. I was a part of WTS in both Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and now I’m looking forward to getting more involved with the WTS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter.

While in Los Angeles, I participated in the WTS Mentoring Program, which I highly recommend. As for COMTO, this past July, I attended the 52nd Annual National Meeting and Training Conference in Los Angeles, where I connected with inspirational transportation leaders and professionals from across the country. Additionally, I have attended multiple industry tours, conferences, and networking events through both of these important organizations.

Equity in transportation is an important issue, and the Bay Area is no exception. I’m proud to work for a company that recognizes the challenge of ensuring greater equity in transportation and is committed to being part of the solution. Earlier this year, Gannett Fleming committed to the Equity in Infrastructure Project, a landmark initiative to improve public contracting practices and create more business opportunities for historically underutilized businesses. 

Additionally, lack of access to transportation can create major obstacles for disadvantaged communities, including preventing one from being able to access their basic needs and from improving one’s own socioeconomic status. Continuous investments in infrastructure, including active transportation (bike lanes) and programs that foster affordability are helping to close the gap, however, there’s more work ahead.

I’ve always had an interest in transportation, and being an engineer in this industry is a good place to put my skills to use. As an engineer, I’ve been able to help make transit systems safer, more efficient, and more reliable. I love the challenge of finding new solutions to complex problems, and the transportation industry provides an exciting environment to do just that.

My work managing a rail maintenance program contributes to Gannett Fleming’s vision of creating a better future, together, by helping improve the safety and reliability of transportation systems. Our designs are helping ensure the systems are not only safe and reliable, but also equitable, resilient, sustainable, and efficient.

Never tell yourself that you can’t.

Having diversity around the table when working on projects is important because it allows for a variety of perspectives to be heard. Different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives can contribute to the development of more creative, innovative, and effective solutions. Diversity can also help ensure that all stakeholders are represented and their needs are considered.

Internally, AEC firms can celebrate and create a stronger sense of belonging across diverse groups by implementing policies and practices that promote inclusivity and respect. This can include employee resource groups, diversity and inclusion training, and mentorship programs. Gannett Fleming is striving to create an environment where all employees feel comfortable expressing their unique perspectives and ideas and where diverse voices are heard and respected.

My favorite hobbies include going to the beach, watching the news, attending concerts and plays, and, of course, traveling. I’ve been to five European countries, including Italy, France, and Spain.

Most people don’t know that I love to paint, and I’ve even taken a class at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. My favorite medium is oil paint, and I gravitate toward still life paintings.

My favorite way to unwind after a busy day is to listen to jazz music, pick up a new TV series, or take a peaceful walk to clear my mind.