Leadership Spotlight: 10 Questions for Carolyn Gumbel
1. Looking back at your early years at CMTA, is there a particular moment or milestone that felt like a turning point in your career?
I worked under my mentor for many years assisting with system design work for our local school district. When I was given the opportunity to be the lead mechanical engineer on one of the projects, it was a major accomplishment for me, and it really helped boost my confidence.
2. You’ve managed more than 20 projects for Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and even led renovations at your own high school. What does it mean to you, personally and professionally, to give back to the same district that shaped your early years?
I mentor at the same local school district in which I work, and I love getting to tell this story. I love getting to share my background and encourage kids that they can do the same.
I take pride in all my work, and it is especially meaningful to me when I can point out to my kids while driving around town, the local school buildings I have had the opportunities to work on.
3. You were one of the first female engineers to work in CMTA’s Louisville office. What does that milestone mean to you?
I was raised and surrounded by very strong women growing up that encouraged and supported me. I worked hard in school and was proud of myself for the position I earned. My very first hard hat was bright pink, and I wore that proudly!
And as much as I love my male coworkers, it has been great to see more of a female presence over the years—always fun to have girlfriends around!
4. What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way in your career and how has it helped you become a better project leader?
Making mistakes. The best lessons learned come from those mistakes that are bound to happen as you learn. We are responsible for every aspect of system design, and that is a lot to manage with great attention to detail. I ensure all my young engineers understand this, and the importance of quality checks.
5. You’ve dealt with everything from early 1900s school buildings to fast-paced summer renovations. What’s one design or project challenge you’re particularly proud of solving?
I was the lead engineer on a renovation project for a very old building that was never designed to have modern HVAC systems. I had to do extensive code research and come up with creative strategies to implement updated HVAC infrastructure. My approach included creating centralized mechanical rooms within existing classroom spaces and then reprogramming spaces in a way that improved both efficiency and functionality.
6. You’ve worked on some of the most energy-forward school designs in Kentucky. What do you see as the next big opportunity in high-performance school design that could have a long-term impact for students and communities ?
There is a big presence to encourage good health and wellness. MEP designs and systems within facilities can help promote these principles. An example is increasing ventilation for better air quality to create a better learning environment. We can use buildings and their creative system solutions as a teaching tool.
7. How has joining Legence helped accelerate CMTA’s growth—whether through expanding your customer base, securing new types of projects, or opening up new opportunities?
Joining Legence has allowed more visibility for CMTA nationwide. The teaming has allowed for more marketing and cross-networking throughout the industry.
8. How has integrating mentorship into your day-to-day projects changed the way you view your role as an engineer?
Opportunities to teach and mentor are always a good way to continue learning and challenging yourself to find new creative ways of doing things. It is important to be able to bounce ideas, brainstorm, collaborate and listen.
9. What advice do you give a young person who's just discovering engineering for the first time?
There are endless possibilities when it comes to having an engineering background. There are so many different fields, avenues, and opportunities available. It’s important for young people to understand these possibilities and find what piques their interest to continue to pursue that spark and creativity.
10. You’ve called music festivals “good for the soul.” What’s a concert or live music memory that has stuck with you the most and why?
My sister passed away a few years ago, and her favorite bands were playing at a local festival I attend every year. I was able to take her son, and my other sister with me to that festival to listen, dance, celebrate and remember. It was definitely good for the soul!
