Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Rosenthal.
Hi Erin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story lies in my ascent to becoming the first female president of PMA Engineering, a structural consulting firm founded in 1976. PMA Engineering boasts an impressive portfolio of projects over its nearly 50-year history in Kansas City, including landmarks like One Kansas City Place, Oak Park Mall, Hollywood Casino, Boulevard Brewery, Plaza Colonnade, Cascade and Aloft Hotels, among others. The company has built a reputation for delivering exceptional service and performance.
My journey began during my time as a student at Kansas State University, where I pursued Architectural Engineering with a focus on structural engineering. I took the initiative to reach out to David McNaghten, then the vice president of PMA, seeking an internship opportunity. Despite the lack of a designated workspace, I eagerly embraced the chance to intern at PMA during summer and winter breaks, working from the company lunch table. This experience not only provided me with valuable exposure but also allowed me to forge connections with fellow employees.
Upon graduation, I received job offers from various companies across the country. However, I opted to join PMA full-time, starting as an Engineer in Training (E.I.T.). I approached my role with a thirst for knowledge, absorbing insights from colleagues across disciplines, including engineers, architects, and contractors, on projects of diverse sizes and types. I seized every opportunity to enhance both my technical expertise and client relationship skills.
In less than a decade, I rose through the ranks from intern to owner/vice president in 2016, marking a historic milestone as the first female owner in PMA’s nearly half-century history. After serving as Vice President for eight years, in which I was the highest-ranking female of the company, I assumed the role of President in 2024. This appointment marked another significant milestone as the first female president and majority owner in a male-dominated company.
PMA Engineering is now a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the male-dominated Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
I believe my career path stands out as an anomaly in today’s society, illustrating that hard work, determination, and loyalty ultimately lead to success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t say it was necessarily a smooth road but I was provided support and opportunities along the way. I feel in general with the AEC industry being male dominated historically it creates challenges for females to excel at the same pace as our male counterparts. However, I was provided opportunities to increase my responsibilities within PMA all while knowing I had the support of my managers and the company owners should I need them as I stumbled. It was really the confidence they had in me that allowed me to take on risks and grow not only as an engineer but also as a leader. I am proud to say that PMA Engineering is certified WBE, and thankful for the opportunity to mentor young women in the AEC industry,
As you know, we’re big fans of PMA Engineering. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
PMA Engineering is a WBE/DBE certified, privately owned structural consulting engineering company. Since 1976 we’ve delivered purposeful and practical solutions to complex structural challenges. Our team has a strong focus on customer service and attention to detail. Based on Kansas City metro, PMA serves public and private clients across the mid-west and beyond, wth professional registration in 47 states as well as the District of Columbia. Our reputation for quality, responsive engineering, and strong base of repeat clients reflects our commitment to excellence on all our projects, no matter the size or complexity.
PMA Engineering brings decades of experience in the commercial structural design of new and existing structures, including office buildings, medical facilities, schools, theatres, community centers, restaurants, retail developments, and parking garages. We have also provided structural engineering on various multifamily and senior living housing projects throughout the country. Notable projects include the Olathe Public Library, Cascades and Aloft Hotels, The Herzog Foundation, Hollywood Casino, Oak Park Mall, One Kansas City Place, Corrigan Station, and currently the Negro League Baseball Museum, Hotel and Parking Garage.
We have been working on a variety of project types and complexity since our founding in 1976. We work closely with all involved in the project to bring their needs and visions to life for these new and existing structures. PMA Engineering is skilled in the design of building structures comprised of steel, concrete, masonry and wood construction. Our focus on economical design, constructability, and team collaboration has earned us consistent project success.
At PMA Engineering, we build lasting partnerships grounded in trust, performance, and precision. With nearly 50 years of experience and a proven commitment to quality, we bring buildable solutions to every project. From complex commercial developments to key community spaces, we turn vision into reality, one structure at a time.
How do you think about happiness?
Personally what makes me happy is spending time with my family and friends, whether it’s cheering on my daughters from the sidelines, traveling or attending professional sporting events.
Professionally it’s the sense of accomplishment when a project is completed and the occupants are happy and enjoying their new space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pmaengineering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmaengineering
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PMA-Engineering-837533739694283/?fref=ts
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pma-engineering
