DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2018-2021
Managed the project handbook and monthly progress reports and coordinated and trained DBE subcontractors for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places.
Assistant Project Manager, July 2022 – present
Supporting TriMet staff to deliver capital and state of good repair programs. Providing project manager, construction manager, and assistant construction manager roles on civil and stations/guideways projects.
DBE Coordinator, Onboarding Manager, and Project Management Plan Manager, 2017-2021
Coordinating and training DBE subcontractors and managing the Project Management Plan for this comprehensive planning and design effort to help address the impacts of future growth while preserving neighborhoods and creating more great places.
DBE Consultant, 2013-11/2017
Provided outreach services for multiple projects on this all-DBE and all-Native-American-owned team as owner’s representative for TriMet on projects of various sizes and scopes. Served as community liaison to introduce opportunities and gain interest by certified firms. Prepared and distributed Notices of Invitations to Bid while directing bidders to TriMet’s Vendor Registration System. Identified real or perceived barriers in regard to bidding projects. Maintained transparent communication within the team.
“In our industry you meet and build relationships with a wide variety of companies and individuals, but none quite like Suzanne Donaldson. Suzanne is a unique individual who holds strong ethical values and understands the value of community and the strength of diversity. Suzanne has become a key component of our team at the Wenaha Group. She was a vital part of our team that was awarded the Facilities Group Project Management Services contract for TriMet. Over the past two years she has been instrumental in helping the Wenaha Group and TriMet achieve DMWESB participation goals on several projects. Her knowledge of construction and ability to outreach effectively in the community directly attributed to five certified firms submitting price proposals on a large multi-year contract for TriMet. These were the only firms to submit pricing, and four of them were awarded contracts. Her excellent communication and presentation skills have been paramount. Suzanne’s expertise, experience, and reputation would be a great asset to any team. We have truly have enjoyed working with her and look forward to our continued successful relationship.”
Jim Houchins, Senior Manager, Wenaha Group, Inc.
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Diversity and Small Business Consultant, 2012-2016
Identified local and nationwide resources to interview and created interview questions. Identified longevity of programs, level of commitment, and level of success of each technical assistance program. Researched and reviewed literature and disparity studies. Compiled all results and submitted a comprehensive report with recommendations. Conducted DBE site visits, reviewed documentation, and submitted reports. Interviewed DBE businesses on Portland to Milwaukee Light Rail Project. Conducted and facilitated focus groups of DBEs. Provided all necessary services to ensure comprehensive compliance with TriMet’s DBE program by professional services and construction contractors. Assisted TriMet in reviewing contractor’s documentation of their DBE utilization and workforce programs, and performed all required DBE monitoring activities. Provided all necessary reporting and documentation as required to comply with federal, local, and agency requirements.
“Donaldson Consulting LLC has been instrumental in providing services to contractors working on TriMet’s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project. Suzanne is knowledgeable and diligent in her approach to resolve complex issues. She is a pleasure to work with.”
Monika Johnson, Representative, Diversity & Transit Equity
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DBE Outreach Consultant, 2012
Reached out to over 500 DBE-certified firms, 100 of which responded. Coordinated an open house where interested subcontractors could review the project and meet key personnel. Documented all activities as appropriate. As a result, the team submitted a well-defined DBE Subcontracting Plan and met several DBE firms. Each member firm of the project team increased their knowledge of available certified firms with the data collected.
“Suzanne Donaldson has provided outreach for our team pursuing TriMet projects. Suzanne provided knowledgeable and energetic consulting into the Portland area DBE market by introducing our team to the DBE community through formal outreach meetings and introductions at monthly OAME and NAMCO meetings.”
Ron Dukeshier, Large Project Manager, Granite Construction
“Suzanne Donaldson has been instrumental in providing services to contractors working on TriMet’s Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project. Suzanne is knowledgeable and diligent in her approach to resolve complex issues. She is a pleasure to work with.”
Monika Johnson, Representative, Diversity & Transit Equity
Learn more about our Community Engagement and Diversity Consulting Services.
DBE Coordination Consultant, 4/2001-2012
Provided DBE consulting services on the final design engineering of the west segment of the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail Transit Project. Used a hands-on approach and worked closely with the project manager and DBE teaming partners. Conducted bi-monthly outreach with DBE partners to stay actively engaged, checked on status of work completion, and assisted in alleviating any concerns over work products or delivery schedules. Reviewed past utilization and risks/opportunities for enhanced future engagement with DBEs. Determined skill sets, capacity information, and deficiencies such as accounting, software knowledge, QA/QC practices, and project tracking systems. Assisted firms by providing hands-on Elations Training and by locating and suggesting programs to train small businesses. Attended monthly DBE meetings with TriMet’s Capital Projects, Diversity and Transit Equity representatives and project management staff to review and discuss progress or future deficiencies. Provided reports as applicable and assisted in advertisement and recruitment of students to the TriMet Internship Program by reaching out to local colleges and Universities. Coordinated internship candidate interviews, developed interview questions, attended interviews, and made recommendations.
“Suzanne’s innovative approach to the DBE coordination has included one-on-one meetings and hands-on support and mentoring for each of 10 DBE contractors on the project…Suzanne’s performance has also received positive attention from the owner, TriMet. She has been praised for her collaborative style and drive for constant improvement of the DBE program. Her approach has not only ensured quality delivery by our DBE contractors, but also has grown the capacity of the firms that she has mentored — a key goal of TriMet’s. Perhaps my highest praise for Suzanne is that I would not hesitate to work with her again on future projects.”
John Willis, former CH2M HILL Vice President, NW Transportation Manager
Learn more about our Community Engagement, Diversity Consulting and Training/Mentoring Services.