Among SNA Displays’ core values is the concept of “people first.” Even though our tangible product offering is top-tier LED video display technology, our strongest collective asset is the people who work at SNA Displays day in and day out—the ones who make Dreams Live Digitally® a reality. With that in mind, our communications team is introducing a series of employee spotlight features to show our clients and partners who they’re working with (and yes, maybe a humble brag or two about our colleagues). To kick this series off, let’s learn little more about Anne St. Mauro, vice president of project management at SNA Displays.
Anne has spent 30 plus years in the construction industry, managing capital construction programs on three university campuses, including new building, renovation, adaptive reuse, sports venues, infrastructure, and historic preservation projects. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in business administration. Additionally, Anne is a registered professional engineer and LEED-accredited professional.
BACKGROUND
Where are you from?
I was born in the Pennsylvania coal region, but I grew up in the Poughkeepsie, New York, area.
Do you have a personal motto or mantra?
“Strive for excellence over perfection.” Excellence requires consistent effort and moves work forward.
How do you spend your free time?
I have several hobbies: cycling, gardening, and cooking. I also mentor young civil engineers on their career paths.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My three children refer to me as “Sergeant Mom” because I can get them motivated. They also think I’m really good at saying “no.”
What’s something you wish more people knew about you?
I don’t have much of a fear of heights. In fact, I love climbing buildings under construction. I worked on bridge inspections early in my career and wish I had more pictures. This was pre-digital cameras and mobile phones.
What non-work-related area or subject are you an expert in?
I don’t really ever think of myself as expert on anything. I’m in a constant state of learning.
Who’s had a significant influence on your life?
There have been so many. My parents taught me work ethic, integrity, and the importance of always showing up and doing my best. I’ve worked with and for many people who were tremendous leaders from all backgrounds – military, architects and engineers, scientists, business owners, and trades people, each with their own leadership style.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
From the best leaders – listen to others’ perspectives before forming an opinion. The situation may not be as it appears on the surface.
From my grandmother – decide to be positive no matter what the obstacle is in front of you or circumstance behind you. Every loss leads to an opportunity, and adversity leads to new possibilities.
Professional Background
What did you do before joining SNA Displays?
I had a 30-year career in higher education managing capital construction programs for three universities – Rutgers, Columbia, and Princeton. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration from Rutgers. I’ve spent more than half my life on college campuses.
How does your role in the LED industry differ from your role generally?
I came from a segment within the building industry where projects take a long time. They could sit in development for five years, and implementation takes another five years, from design-team assembly to turning the keys over to maintenance and operations. There are numerous stakeholders, and decisions take a long time because the buildings are going to be there a long time – 100 years or more.
The LED projects are different because they have to turn quickly, some in four to five months. Work needs to start, decisions need to get made, and they need to stick.
Experience at SNA Displays
What drew you to SNA Displays?
The talented and diverse people and the excitement about what they do.
In your own words, how would you describe your role at SNA Displays?
Getting the project team members all pulling in the same direction, dedicating resources to support the projects, controlling and monitoring cost and schedule, and communication amongst the project teams.
How has your past experience been similar to working at SNA Displays? Different?
It’s very similar in assembling a team and executing a project. The difference is scale and timeframe.
What is your typical workday like?
I am early morning person. I usually check my email around 6:00 A.M. looking for anything urgent from overnight and reviewing my schedule to make sure I have what I need for the next two days. At 9:00 A.M. I have a call with the Service, Installations, and Systems teams to review who’s working at what projects, what’s coming up, and who needs help. The balance of the day is made of up different types of meetings – department, project, and one-on-one with staff. At the end of the day, I reflect on what I need to take action on and who I owe responses or deliverables to.
What do you like most about your job?
Every project is unique, from the clients, the locations, the application of our product, and even SNA’s role.
Do you want to say anything about your team?
I have a diverse and talented team who all complement each other. Each member has a different background and personality that make it easy to bring the team together.
What has been your biggest accomplishment at SNA Displays?
Laying foundational work for the project management group, improving cost and schedule reporting, and working through the organization to find where better connections can be made in the business processes that span departments.
What’s your favorite memory since starting at SNA Displays?
I think it’s when we come together company wide – whether it’s a quarterly meeting, retreat, or social event.
How has SNA Displays helped you in your career development?
It’s given me a different perspective from being on the owner’s side and operating in the profit-making world.
If you could switch your job with anyone else within SNA Displays, whose job would you want?
No one – I love my job and don’t think I’d make a great sales, systems, or marketing person!
Looking to the Future
What is on your wish list for the next 10 years?
Having SNA’s Project Management seen as best-in-class in the LED and electronics industries.
Any advice for new project managers in the LED display space?
Be willing to jump in. Also, listen to yourself and if you think you need help, ask for it – everyone is always willing to help.