Jennifer M. Beattie has found that communication is the key to success, and that success is empty unless shared. She recognizes the importance of employee development. As president of CIDA, she has placed an emphasis on continuing education, LEED accreditation, intern development and mentorships as integral parts of the firm’s operations. She started monthly employee-run lunches to foster collaboration and promote a familial environment for sharing experience and ideas. She enrolled CIDA into the U.S. Green Building Council and set up a reward system for employees who became certified in the LEED green building rating system.
She currently serves as a National Council of Architectural Recognition Board supervisor to several interns and established CIDA as an Intern-Friendly Firm through the American Institute of Architects.
In all of her working interactions, Beattie places a priority on building robust relationships. She joined CIDA 17 years ago, became a principal in 2007 and assumed management responsibilities in 2011. After shepherding CIDA through the doldrums of the recession, she was named to her current position in April 2013.
Beattie exhibits a similar passion and dedication to her work with nonprofit organizations. She donates both advisory time and service to the Salvation Army, CityTeam Portland, Morrison Child & Family Services, Grace Chapel and the Washington County Historical Society. She donates time to Children’s Hour Academy Portland and holds the position of treasurer on the group’s Executive Committee.
She also works with Sound Equine Options, a horse rescue operation that rehabilitates and facilitates adoption of horses in the region.