(Harrisburg, Pa.) – Esther McGinnis is the epitome of excellence – she is a successful market executive and member of the Gannett Fleming board of directors, and an inspiring leader and role model. For these reasons, the YWCA Greater Harrisburg selected McGinnis to join this year’s class of Women of Excellence. Women who receive this honor are pillars of their communities, working to improve the lives of others.McGinnis’ leadership is currently on display as the chair of the Gannett Fleming COVID-19 Corporate Response Team. At first, the mission of the team was to prepare Gannett Fleming for COVID-19’s impact on the firm, its clients, and the community. After a seamless transition to the entire firm working remotely for the first time in its 105-year history, the team is now focusing on a recovery plan, and how Gannett Fleming will transition to working in its offices while ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all employees.

“For her entire career, Esther has been a trailblazer and an inspiration to many, not only at Gannett Fleming but across the entire engineering industry,” said Bob Scaer, Gannett Fleming chairman and CEO. “From putting herself through school, working in the oil and gas industry, and managing a portfolio of projects and initiatives that have influenced the engineering industry, Esther’s career is a tapestry of determination, achievement, mentorship, allyship, and unprecedented success. She is very deserving of this award.”

Last year, McGinnis received the Ethel S. Birchland Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association Transportation Development Foundation. She is a founding member of the firm’s Inclusion Steering Committee as well as the award-winning Connected Women at Gannett Fleming^™ employee resource group.