SYRACUSE, N.Y. — After serving in the role on an interim basis since November 2021, Christine Stevens was recently formally promoted to president of construction at VIP Structures. The role is a natural evolution for her, Stevens says. She joined VIP just over seven years ago after an eight-year career working for a real-estate developer. […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — After serving in the role on an interim basis since November 2021, Christine Stevens was recently formally promoted to president of construction at VIP Structures.
The role is a natural evolution for her, Stevens says. She joined VIP just over seven years ago after an eight-year career working for a real-estate developer. At that job, Stevens was well versed in the customer side of capital projects and gained experience working with the real estate, construction, and design sides of those projects.
“I really enjoyed the way all those things came together,” she says.
When she started at VIP, Stevens worked in construction leading projects and then spent several years on the development team before taking over as the interim general manager of construction last fall.
“I had earned a reputation for being a good person to have on a team,” she says when asked what set her apart for the role.
As president of construction, she works to turn clients’ visions into reality while also establishing schedules, managing budgets, and allocating resources, along with helping clients find and obtain economic-development incentives.
“Christine’s unwavering dedication to fostering an efficient and productive client and team experience is a key component of her success,” VIP Structures CEO Meg Tidd said in a release announcing Stevens’ promotion. “From the initial vision to the final delivery, her attention to detail ensures every moving part aligns perfectly.”
During her interim tenure, company officials credit Stevens for strengthening financial performance, operations, and morale; retaining and recruiting staff; and serving as a role model for client relations and teamwork.
“We take tremendous pride on those relationships we develop with clients,” Stevens says.
Through her years at VIP, Stevens has led several of the company’s largest and most-complex projects including Cryomech’s high-tech manufacturing facility in DeWitt and the redevelopment of the former Post-Standard building in downtown Syracuse.
The Cryomech project, along with the Food Bank of CNY warehouse renovation, and Kris-Tech Wire new manufacturing facility designed and built by VIP are all repeat customers, she notes. “We’re really proud to be doing work for repeat clients,” she says. In a market where clients could choose any construction company, it means something when they return to VIP for the next project.
“I just feel really fortunate to be here at this time when we’re poised for such growth,” she adds.
Stevens holds a master’s degree in international relations and economics from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Fordham University. Prior to her jobs in commercial real estate and joining VIP, Stevens spent 15 years working in international development and living overseas.
Founded in 1975, VIP is an integrated design-build company that offers architecture, engineering, construction, and development services. VIP employs about 130 people companywide.