Leanne Mason: Stories that Stick (and Flow)

We’re an interconnected nationwide team, but we each have our own reasons for being passionate about the work we do. This month, get to know Leanne Mason, senior marketing coordinator in our Orange office.

What’s your background and how did you get into marketing?

I’ve spent my entire professional life working for various firms in the AEC industry. I began as an administrative assistant at a geotechnical engineering firm while completing my degree, and transitioned into marketing shortly after graduation. When I first got started, I had no idea marketing for professional services was its own special niche (or what the job even was) but I quickly discovered my fascination with infrastructure. As my career progressed, I realized AEC marketing gives me the opportunity to engage with the built environment in my own way while continuing to learn from the real experts who design and build it.

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors hiking across SoCal’s varied terrain, especially wandering the Mojave in search of cool rocks, alien-like bugs, and starry skies. If you happen to hike with me, be prepared to hear all about California’s native fauna and flora, and don’t be surprised if I hand you random plants to smell (or eat)! I also knit scarves, create suncatchers, and generally enjoy getting crafty and making things, including all different types of food.

Tell us about marketing at Kittelson. What role do you play in transportation projects? 

Marketing at Kittelson is like no place else! The job description may read the same, but the environment is entirely unique. Our firm’s flat structure fosters a dynamic team of marketing coordinators who function almost like an interconnected group of independent consultants with a unique approach to accomplishing the same primary goal: winning new work!

Stormwater management is one of the disciplines you’re passionate about. How do you translate the technical side of stormwater projects into compelling storytelling that resonates with clients and community members?

For those of us who grew up in car-centric Southern California, we’re all too familiar with the drainage challenges that appear on our streets and freeways during rare rainfall, and every year, someone’s blufftop beachside mansion seems to slide into the sea. And don’t get me started on the importance of being a Steward of the Sea! In that way, the local community is already primed to understand the need for stormwater capture, conveyance, treatment, and reuse. They just need someone to tell the story in their language, and that’s where I come in. I love translating technical work into something people can connect to. It’s even better when I can tie in my love of cooking, like explaining infiltration through the layers of a lasagna or the brewing process of a pour-over coffee!

What about Kittelson inspires you?

It’s Kittelson’s people-focused approach to transportation that inspires me. I’ve worked in environments where the focus was on infrastructure for vehicles with a side of “all other users,” but here, it’s about people first and foremost.

Fast Lane Facts:

Favorite way to fuel for a proposal deadline?

Sugar! Currently Jolly Ranchers, Lemonheads, and Caramel Apple Pops.

Fastest NYT Crossword completion time?

I like doing them on paper, so I’m not sure the fastest. But I’m still working on one from 2022 during long car rides, so that’s definitely the longest!

Favorite California hike?

Three Sisters Falls, Cleveland National Forest or Pine Knot to Grand View Point, San Bernardino National Forest.

One app you can’t live without?

AllTrails or SkyPortal.