After graduating from Lousiana State University Shreveport with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Sydney started out as a Business Manager before moving into construction project management and eventually joining Barton Malow in 2022. Since then, Sydney has worked on projects in various markets, partnering with teams to keep construction on schedule. In addition to her work on site, Sydney also sits on the Industrial Development Board of Spring Hill, Tennessee, is a National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Nashville chapter member, and is part of the AGC Middle Tennesse Leadership program for 2025. Learn more about Sydney and her career path below.
What is your role at Barton Malow and what does your day-to-day look like?
I am a Construction Project Manager on the Vanderbilt Master Athletics Plan. I manage the Pressbox Renovation job and Broadcast Studio build-out. On a day-to-day basis I work with my Superintendent to make sure work is happening in the field on schedule, review RFI and submittal issues with my PE, handle change management, subcontractor issues, and interface with the client and architect. Every day is different.
How did you end up choosing a career in construction?
I started out as a business manager for a small electrical subcontractor in California. From there, I got involved with project management and haven’t looked back.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on and why?
The SoFi Stadium for the Rams and Chargers. It was amazing to see the Oculus get installed over time. It’s 120 yards long and 2.2 million pounds.
Just For Fun
What Are You Currently Reading?
Raising Mentally Strong Kids by Daniel Amen and Charles Fay
Salty, Sweet, or Sour
Salty
Early Bird or Night Owl?
Early Bird
Is your desk messy or clean?
Clean
Would you rather be able to read minds or be invisible
Read minds
What stood out to you the most about Barton Malow compared to other available opportunities?
Barton Malow stood out as a larger company that still had a small company feel. The prioritization of people and culture was important to me.
If you could pick any other team/project/department to be on at Barton Malow outside of your current team, what would you pick and why?
I would pick preconstruction. Experience in preconstruction would give me more insight into the full-cycle construction process and what it takes to be successful in our industry.
What is the most interesting part of your job as a Construction Project Manager at Barton Malow?
The people. I love working with and cultivating my project team, the challenge of developing trust with the client, and growing long-term partnerships with our subcontractors.
How would you describe your career path at Barton Malow?
I would describe it as diverse. Over the 2.5 years I have been at Barton Malow, I have been a part of the Spring Hill Ultium Cells project, and now I’m doing renovation jobs for Vanderbilt Athletics. It’s been helpful to get exposure to different types of construction, clients, subcontractors, project teams, and markets.
What is something you geek out about?
Distance running, training, hiking/mountaineering
Mission Critical Project Manager: Gordy McPhail
Gordy started his career working on the business side of a national homebuilder after graduating with a business management degree. Eventually, he moved into a Project Engineering and then Project Manager role before joining Barton Malow.
Construction Management Intern:
Joe Holland
One of the many interns Barton Malow welcomes each summer, Joe Holland was placed on the Football Operations Center project at the University of Virginia. As a student-athlete playing as an outside linebacker on UVA’s football team, Joe will use the end product bringing his internship full circle.
Sports + Entertainment PM: Zach Beiler
Zach Beiler brings his passion for sports and Florida’s vibrant culture to Barton Malow’s Sports + Entertainment market. As a UCF alumnus and Project Manager, Zach leads high-profile stadium and athletics projects in Orlando, building iconic venues that energize communities and inspire fans.
Superintendent: Octavous Crosby
Octavous has been with Barton Malow for over 20 years, starting his career as a Carpenter Journeyman before transitioning into a role as Construction Superintendent.
Safety Manager Steve Sisler
After working in residential construction an as an operator, Steve joined Barton Malow in 2020 as a Construction Safety Manager. With nearly a decade of experience, Steve helps provide guidance to make sure everyone makes it home safely.
Mission Critical Preconstruction Manager: Stephen Dixon
Stephen began his career in outside sales for an asphalt maintenance manufacturer, and later moved into construction as an Assistant Estimator. Eventually, he joined Barton Malow in 2025 to work on the general contracting side, specializing in the Mission Critical market.