Front and center in every decision she makes, Project Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Hazzard, P.E. embodies the Aguirre & Fields guiding principle of Serve with Integrity, because she knows our ultimate responsibility is to our people and the communities we serve.
“The aspect that resonates most with me about our firm is the high value we place on teamwork,” explains Hazzard. “Because only through working together, hearing each other out, and valuing each and every person’s input on a project can we create the most innovative designs to best serve our communities.”
Good community relations require strong leadership skills, which is why Hazzard has served as club President for Toastmasters in Fort Worth and participated in Aguirre & Fields inaugural internal Leadership Academy. She was awarded our Commitment to Excellence award in 2019.
However, her focus on community impact and involvement began much earlier, being very involved in her church and youth group growing up and serving on multiple mission trips to Mexico and Honduras.
“Being involved is so important to me because it’s a way to stay connected with others, give back to the community, and be part of something bigger than myself,” says Hazzard.
Hazzard earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Oklahoma State University. While attending, she also worked for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT), gaining invaluable experience as the lead engineer on four rural highway projects.
“Working for ODOT at that time was incredible and gave me something that not all graduate engineers get to enjoy starting out: real-world experience,” says Hazzard. “These were actual roads we were working on!”
Having lived her entire life in Oklahoma, it was a big change for Hazzard to move to Dallas after her husband accepted a job offer there in 2014. However, she sees it as a significant moment in her life because it gave her the opportunity to work for Aguirre & Fields in our Fort Worth office.
“Accepting Aguirre & Fields’ offer afforded me with opportunities that I just don’t think I’d get working at other firms,” says Hazzard. “The projects are varied and our people are supportive. Whatever direction you want to grow professionally, they are there to help you do so.”
As much as she enjoyed her time and accomplishments in Fort Worth, Hazzard was happy to return to Oklahoma when the opportunity became available at the end of 2018.
“It was exciting to explore, live, and grow professionally in a new city, in a new state,” says Hazzard. “But Oklahoma has, and always will be my home.”
Hazzard is currently working on:
- The SH-28 Widen, Resurface, and Bridge Project (ODOT) through the City of Adair to widen and resurface a 5.7 mile long section of the road, update the city’s drainage system, improve mobility through safer and more accessible turn movements, and improve safety through wider shoulders in the rural section. The project includes the extension of five bridge-class culverts and ADA compliant sidewalks within the town section.
- The Keystone Road Bridge over US-64 Project (ODOT) where Hazzard is designing the roadway approaches to bridges being assessed and designed by Aguirre & Fields Project Manager Ute Ganjanathavat, P.E.
- The FM 664 Widening Project (TxDOT) from the City of Red Oak to the City of Ferris will convert the existing two-lane to six-lane divided arterial from I-35E to I-45. It will improve mobility in the area by including a new grade-separated interchange at I-45. The widening will also accommodate growth and development around the city of Red Oak and alleviate future traffic. Sidewalks and bike lanes will encourage pedestrian use throughout the corridor.
Although Hazzard and her husband enjoy skiing, camping, and traveling, they spend much of their time renovating their 1930’s home, located in Oklahoma City’s Putnam Heights Historic Preservation District.
“In many ways, our approach in renovating our home is similar to my approach in designing projects throughout our state,” explains Hazzard. “Oklahoma is rich with history. With these projects, I see it as my job to modernize the infrastructure as necessary, while maintaining its original charm, craftsmanship and historic authenticity.”
