10/05/2026
🏆 5-Year Milestone Spotlight: Linda Elben
September marked five years with Willow Construction for Project Manager Linda Elben!
Linda’s introduction to the construction industry began on the subcontractor side, working in the office of a drywall, metal framing, and acoustical ceiling contractor. That experience gave her an early understanding of the business behind construction and, just as importantly, introduced her to Willow Construction. Linda’s experience with Willow long before becoming an employee had already given her a strong impression of the company and its people. When the opportunity came to join Willow as a Project Engineer in August 2021, she already knew it was where she wanted to be.
In five years, Linda has advanced from Project Engineer to Assistant Project Manager and, most recently, Project Manager. Her experience on both the subcontractor and general contractor sides of the industry gives her valuable perspective when managing subcontractors, coordinating scopes, resolving conflicts, evaluating change orders, and understanding how decisions made by the project team affect everyone involved.
As a Project Manager, Linda is known for digging into the details and asking the questions necessary to understand not only what needs to be resolved, but why an issue occurred and how it may affect the project as a whole. Her approach combines field coordination with careful attention to contracts, project financials, scheduling, documentation, change management, and risk.
Linda has also demonstrated an ability to navigate challenging project conditions while balancing the interests of owners, design teams, subcontractors, and Willow. Whether working through an unforeseen field condition, resolving a scope discrepancy, evaluating a change order, or developing a path forward when the drawings and field conditions don't align, she brings persistence and a solutions-oriented approach to the process.
Linda’s portfolio at Willow has continued to grow in both size and complexity and includes The Narrows Restaurant, University of Maryland Shore Health projects, Tuckahoe Gardens, University Apartments, Piazza Expansion, and the YMCA. Currently, she is leading Willow’s work on the Medical Services Building associated with the new University of Maryland Shore Regional Medical Center, coordinating closely with Whiting-Turner Mahogany as part of the larger hospital development. The project represents another step in Linda’s progression as a Project Manager, requiring extensive subcontractor coordination, schedule management, financial oversight, and collaboration within a complex healthcare construction environment.
Linda’s dedication extends beyond her own projects and career. An Honoree of RedTeam’s inaugural Women in Construction program, she has volunteered at career fairs and served as an ACE Mentor, encouraging the next generation to explore opportunities in the construction industry.
Five years after joining Willow, what Linda values about the company has evolved as her career has. The relationships that initially drew her to Willow remain important, but so do the trust and opportunity she has been given to take ownership of increasingly complex projects. She values being part of a team where she can seek another perspective when needed, continue learning, challenge herself, and be challenged by others.
Linda’s progression at Willow reflects more than advancement through job titles. Over the past five years, she has grown from learning the general contractor side of the business to taking ownership of the full picture of a project—field ex*****on, contracts, financial performance, schedule, documentation, risk, and relationships. Her willingness to ask difficult questions, advocate for the project, work through complicated issues, and continually expand her understanding of the business of construction has become an important part of the value she brings to the Willow team.
Congratulations on five years, Linda, and thank you for the expertise, determination, and leadership you bring to Willow Construction.
