Erin Lambert

Vice President

Wilcox & Barton Inc.

After graduating in 1997 with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University, Erin Lambert worked as an engineering consultant in New York City, then moved back to Concord in 2000. After working at another local engineering company, Erin Lambert joined Wilcox & Barton in 2018, an environmental, civil and geotechnical consulting firm that emphasizes close collaboration with clients and community service.

Lambert now holds dual leadership roles there, as senior vice president of civil engineering and senior vice president of people and culture, and also serves on their executive committee. Lambert works closely with her team on projects under review or in construction, coordinating between Wilcox & Barton’s project engineers and technicians, local and state regulators and clients on projects like senior housing communities, helping with design, permitting and construction from the ground up.

Following in the footsteps of her relatives, Lambert is a trustee with and regularly volunteers for the nonprofit Capital Region Food Program, coordinating events like their Holiday Food Basket Program. Lambert was honored with the Volunteer Hero Award in 2017.

What has your career journey been like?

I graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Lehigh University. I worked in New York City for a few years doing consulting, and really wanted to find a different way to better use my engineering degree and make an impact on the community. A lot of my projects have been New Hampshire-based. Whether it’s a school, or senior living, or commercial residential developments, they all play a part in building a vibrant community. Working in our local communities is what I really love best.

I do a lot of work with a senior housing community.

They are in the process of updating their independent housing. They want new or current housing that meets all of our current standards, especially accessibility. So we work closely with them right from the beginning to master plan it, to assist them with the design and permitting, and then work through construction. Their primary concern is the health and well-being of their residents.

Did you have mentors as you began working in this field?

My aunt was a land-use attorney. My mom was a science teacher. My father was a builder. I drew a lot of inspiration from the work that he did. Both were involved in the community and took a lot of pride in teaching and mentoring. I take after both and walk in their footsteps.

How important is mentorship?

Mentorship is critical in my experience. I benefited tremendously from the mentors that I worked with and had access to. But it’s so critically important for up-and-coming professionals to have clear guidance and access to professionals to help them not only learn the technical aspects of their job, but to get advice on career trajectories, or networking opportunities, things that they’d really be interested in, as they navigate through their career.

How important is leadership?

Leadership is critical to an organization. Having a strong vision from the leaders and having leaders recognize the importance of fostering leaders throughout the company is so important. Having folks that understand the difference between leading and managing has been something that I’ve really picked up on and tried to emulate. Good leaders encourage their staff to take on new opportunities, stretch their wings. Good leaders mentor; they also listen. I am fortunate to have hired folks that share that common vision.

Do you have any industry advice for women in this field?

I would encourage them to identify things they’re passionate about. For example, I love that we’re building a sustainable community and having a positive impact on the built environment. I would suggest that they find something they’re passionate about, and also identify good leaders or mentors that can help them along in their career. I think as women, we have a unique ability to collaborate and coordinate.

I have a group of friends who are all super, just smart, articulate, thoughtful individuals. I think we support each other in a way that’s really uplifting and inspiring.

What are your passions outside of work?

I have been a runner for most of my life. I enjoy yoga.

We have a lake house, and during the summer months, I’m either kayaking or sitting on the deck reading.

I have volunteered for the Capital Region Food Program; it’s near and dear to my heart. I joined committees and boards and have stayed active. It’s so important for our community to have community-based programs.