As someone familiar with many diverse cultures and who has gotten to know people from all walks of life, it seems Andrew Li was built for the consultant world.
“I’ve spent most of my life living in major cities around the world and just enjoy meeting different people,” he added.
With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in computational and applied mathematics, Andrew brings a data-driven mindset and trusted expertise to his role in construction services at Gannett Fleming. He started as a contract manager, overseeing large, multi-million-dollar construction management and inspection contracts, and now works in business development, focusing on new markets, positioning for proposals, and partnering with state departments of transportation in Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
We asked Andrew a few questions to get to know him:
Could you share a bit about your background?
I was born in China and moved to Texas with my family when I was six years old. We spent a few years in Texas before moving to Montréal and eventually Boston during my teenage years. I then made my way back to Montréal to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Now my wife, 4-year-old daughter, and I live in Washington, D.C., in a very diverse and multicultural community. Due to living in so many different parts of the world during my life, I’m fluent in Mandarin, English, and French, but we only speak Mandarin at home.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your professional success to and why?
Because I was always the new kid at school since my family moved around so often while I was growing up, I quickly learned how to adapt and bond with people in a short amount of time. I knew I couldn’t afford to be shy, so I would just stand up and introduce myself. My social adaptability has helped me tremendously in our relationship-based industry. After all, we’re all just trying to connect with one another and be positive and productive members of society.
You’re a member of the Chinese American Civil Engineers Society (CACES) in the D.C. metro area. Tell us about that!
CACES encourages and assists Chinese civil engineers to enhance professional development and career adaptability, to build mutual trust and support, and to promote solidarity and cooperation for the common welfare. CACES provides a platform for fellow Chinese American civil engineers in the region to share common experiences, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
Why Gannett Fleming?
Gannett Fleming is a great firm that cares a lot about its employees, and you can tell. But, in my opinion, what keeps people at a company is not so much the company itself, but the leadership. Since I joined the firm about two years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to work with and report to Dave Ferrara, who’s an all-around great and positive guy. The relationship between an employee and supervisor is a two-way street, and Dave and I just click. He invests in my professional growth, and I produce my best work for him, the team, and our clients. This relationship is really what has made my experience at Gannett Fleming so enjoyable.
What are some of your hobbies?
Do parents with small children have time for hobbies?! When I’m not working or parenting, I enjoy playing sports, like soccer and basketball – I’m a competitive guy! I also like watching Marvel movies and TV shows, such as WandaVision.
“I’ve spent most of my life living in major cities around the world and just enjoy meeting different people,” he added.
With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in computational and applied mathematics, Andrew brings a data-driven mindset and trusted expertise to his role in construction services at Gannett Fleming. He started as a contract manager, overseeing large, multi-million-dollar construction management and inspection contracts, and now works in business development, focusing on new markets, positioning for proposals, and partnering with state departments of transportation in Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
We asked Andrew a few questions to get to know him:
Could you share a bit about your background?
I was born in China and moved to Texas with my family when I was six years old. We spent a few years in Texas before moving to Montréal and eventually Boston during my teenage years. I then made my way back to Montréal to pursue my bachelor’s degree. Now my wife, 4-year-old daughter, and I live in Washington, D.C., in a very diverse and multicultural community. Due to living in so many different parts of the world during my life, I’m fluent in Mandarin, English, and French, but we only speak Mandarin at home.
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your professional success to and why?
Because I was always the new kid at school since my family moved around so often while I was growing up, I quickly learned how to adapt and bond with people in a short amount of time. I knew I couldn’t afford to be shy, so I would just stand up and introduce myself. My social adaptability has helped me tremendously in our relationship-based industry. After all, we’re all just trying to connect with one another and be positive and productive members of society.
You’re a member of the Chinese American Civil Engineers Society (CACES) in the D.C. metro area. Tell us about that!
CACES encourages and assists Chinese civil engineers to enhance professional development and career adaptability, to build mutual trust and support, and to promote solidarity and cooperation for the common welfare. CACES provides a platform for fellow Chinese American civil engineers in the region to share common experiences, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
Why Gannett Fleming?
Gannett Fleming is a great firm that cares a lot about its employees, and you can tell. But, in my opinion, what keeps people at a company is not so much the company itself, but the leadership. Since I joined the firm about two years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to work with and report to Dave Ferrara, who’s an all-around great and positive guy. The relationship between an employee and supervisor is a two-way street, and Dave and I just click. He invests in my professional growth, and I produce my best work for him, the team, and our clients. This relationship is really what has made my experience at Gannett Fleming so enjoyable.
What are some of your hobbies?
Do parents with small children have time for hobbies?! When I’m not working or parenting, I enjoy playing sports, like soccer and basketball – I’m a competitive guy! I also like watching Marvel movies and TV shows, such as WandaVision.