Tracy Jones

As a Divisional Director for ORC’s Public Sector operations, I provide leadership and strategic direction across multiple states, overseeing teams that deliver full-service, turnkey right-of-way programs for public agencies. My role is centered on ensuring that our people, projects, and client relationships are positioned for long-term success.

I have overall responsibility for the performance of my division, including project delivery, client relationships, staffing and resource allocation, financial performance, quality and compliance, and business development. I work closely with our project managers and regional leaders to ensure they have the people, tools, expertise, and support necessary to successfully deliver projects while meeting our clients’ contractual, regulatory, schedule, and budget expectations.

A significant part of my role is developing and supporting our people. I believe strong organizations are built by giving people opportunities to grow, challenging them to take on greater responsibilities, and providing the support they need along the way. I work with our leaders to identify and develop talent, strengthen our teams, plan for future staffing needs, and create opportunities for employees to advance their careers within ORC. I also value the knowledge and perspectives of our team members and encourage them to be actively involved in developing solutions and improving how we serve our clients.

From a client perspective, I work to build and maintain strong relationships with public agencies and ensure that ORC is viewed as more than a service provider. Our goal is to be a trusted partner that understands our client's challenges and can bring the right people, experience, and resources together to help solve them. When significant project challenges arise, I work alongside our leadership teams to resolve issues, manage risk, and keep projects moving forward.

I am also responsible for the strategic growth of the division. This includes identifying new opportunities and markets, strengthening relationships with existing clients, developing partnerships with other firms, supporting major pursuits, and positioning ORC for future opportunities. Growth is important, but I believe it needs to be responsible growth that aligns with our capabilities and allows us to continue delivering the level of service our clients expect.

Ultimately, I view my role as creating an environment where our people can succeed, our clients receive exceptional service, and our business continues to grow. I strive to maintain a culture of accountability, collaboration, open communication, and continuous development while making sure our teams have the resources and leadership support they need to perform at their best.

I recommend O.R. Colan Associates because we are a company that knows who we are and what we do well. Our focus on right of way has allowed us to build a strong reputation as experts in our field and gives our team members the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry.

What has kept me at ORC for nearly 18 years is the opportunity to continue growing. The company invests in its people and provides the tools, resources, leadership support, and opportunities needed to build a career, not simply fill a position. I am a great example of that commitment, having grown from an Assistant Project Manager into my current leadership role as Divisional Director.

I would recommend ORC to someone who wants to be challenged, continue learning, and have the opportunity to advance. If you are willing to invest in your own development and take advantage of the opportunities available, ORC provides an environment where you can build a rewarding, long-term career while working alongside people who are passionate about what they do.

I began my career with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) as a Right of Way Agent, where I spent 7.5 years progressing from an Agent 1 to an Agent 3. That experience provided me with a strong foundation in right-of-way services and, equally important, an understanding of the needs and expectations of public agencies.

I then joined an international engineering firm, where I spent a little over three years overseeing its right-of-way operations throughout Ohio. As my career developed, I knew I wanted to work for a company whose primary focus was right of way and that had the resources, expertise, and commitment to help its people grow and develop.

That goal led me to O.R. Colan Associates (ORC) nearly 18 years ago. I joined ORC as an Assistant Project Manager and have had the opportunity to progressively take on greater leadership responsibilities, ultimately advancing to my current role as Divisional Director.

My career has allowed me to experience the right-of-way industry from both the public-agency and consulting perspectives and at nearly every level from performing the work in the field to leading teams and multi-state operations. Those experiences have shaped my leadership philosophy. I believe strongly in developing people, giving teams opportunities to grow, listening to their expertise, and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Seeing people develop their careers and watching our teams successfully deliver for our clients continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.

My advice to candidates is to be yourself, be prepared, and be open to learning. We value experience, but we also look for people who are motivated, dependable, willing to grow, and genuinely interested in becoming part of a team.

Take the time to understand ORC and the right-of-way industry, and come prepared to talk about not only what you have accomplished, but what you want to accomplish next. We are looking for people who take ownership of their work, communicate well, support their teammates, and are willing to step outside their comfort zone to develop new skills.

Most importantly, approach the opportunity as more than your next job. If you are looking for a place where you can learn from experienced professionals, take on new challenges, and build a long-term career, come ready to take advantage of the opportunities ORC can provide.