Cindy Paulson’s career and personal journey have left a remarkable impact on her community and the environmental sector. Known for her leadership as Brown and Caldwell’s former Chief Technical Officer (CTO) and her dedication to community service, Cindy has spent decades breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and contributing to innovative water management. Her story highlights the importance of authenticity and community involvement, from her professional accomplishments to her heartfelt volunteerism.
Cindy Paulson’s Career: From Chief Technical Officer to Community Icon
Cindy Paulson’s professional journey at Brown and Caldwell began over 30 years ago, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become the company’s CTO. In her role, Cindy was responsible for advancing the company’s technical strategy, focusing on innovation, talent development, and high-quality project delivery. She facilitated workshops, managed multi-faceted teams, and guided the Louisiana Coastal Restoration and Protection Master Plan.
Paulson’s leadership extended beyond her title, making her a vital force in shaping Brown and Caldwell’s Balance and Belonging initiative. This program aims to create an inclusive workplace where employees are encouraged to be their true selves. Her belief that authenticity drives creativity and fosters diverse thought has had a profound effect on the company’s culture.
Embracing Authenticity: Cindy Paulson’s Path to Self-Discovery
Early in her career, Cindy felt a divide between her personal life and professional persona. For over a decade, she kept her personal life private, hesitant to share her authentic self with colleagues. However, a move to California in 2001 marked a turning point.
The state’s open culture inspired Cindy to embrace her identity, and she began to share more about her life, including her marriage to her wife, who she described as an excellent cook and winemaker. This shift allowed Cindy to connect with clients and colleagues on a deeper level, building trust and creating a welcoming environment.
Reflecting on her journey, Cindy explained that being authentic was transformative for both her personal and professional life. She noted, “Being authentic creates the space for diversity of thought and means drawing on experiences that fall outside the box. That’s what it takes for teams to bring their best selves to work every day.” Her story resonates as an example of the power of authenticity in the workplace.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion in a Male-Dominated Field
As a woman in a historically male-dominated industry, Cindy’s journey was not without its challenges. She became a strong advocate for gender equality and diversity, working as the executive sponsor for Brown and Caldwell’s women’s employee network group. In this role, she sought to create a culture that amplified female voices and provided equal opportunities.
Cindy’s vision for inclusivity extended beyond Brown and Caldwell. She actively championed change within the environmental industry, promoting an inclusive framework where talent from all backgrounds could thrive. “One of my greatest aspirations is to change the entire industry,” she shared. Her work has set a precedent, inspiring other organizations to foster more inclusive work environments.
Leading Community Water Initiatives
Cindy’s dedication to environmental issues is evident in her work with water management agencies across the country. She has facilitated workshops for the Water Research Foundation on integrated water management and served as the executive director for California Urban Water Agencies (CUWA). Her role included addressing water funding, drought response, climate change, water supply planning, water reuse, and water quality.
Cindy is celebrated for her ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, enabling productive dialogue and finding common ground on complex issues. Her work in water management showcases her commitment to creating sustainable solutions for communities affected by climate change and water scarcity.
A New Chapter: Community Engagement and Volunteer Work
While Cindy’s professional achievements are extensive, her contributions to her local community are equally impressive. Now a retired professional, Cindy dedicates much of her time to volunteer work, including her role as a tram tour driver for the Mahaska County Recreation Foundation (MCRF). She is known for her enthusiasm, bringing smiles to passengers with homemade treats and even leading sing-alongs during the rides.
Beyond her work with MCRF, Cindy is actively involved in local organizations. She participates in Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), both of which support educational scholarships for young women. Additionally, she’s a member of the Mahaska Stitch and Quilt club, where she creates quilts, including those for veterans, and participates in church activities as a choir singer and cantor.
Cindy Paulson’s Family Life and Personal Interests
Born and raised in Sigourney, Cindy has a strong connection to her roots. She and her husband, Curt Paulson, have three children, each of whom has their own professional and personal pursuits. Her son Brett and his wife Dara live in Dubai, her daughter Angie resides in Oklahoma with her family, and her son Matt lives in Tama with his daughter. Cindy’s family and community connections remain an important part of her life.
Cindy’s hobbies reflect her passion for creativity and giving back. She enjoys quilting, gardening, singing, and, notably, horse racing. She and her family own and race quarter horses, participating in events at Prairie Meadows. Her active lifestyle and commitment to giving back exemplify her dedication to both her personal and professional communities.
Conclusion
Cindy Paulson’s journey reflects the impact of a life dedicated to authenticity, leadership, and community service. From her trailblazing work at Brown and Caldwell to her volunteer efforts in retirement, Cindy’s story is an inspiration. She has shown that embracing one’s true self not only fosters personal growth but can also create meaningful change in professional and community spheres.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cindy Paulson
1. What was Cindy Paulson’s role at Brown and Caldwell?
Cindy Paulson served as the Chief Technical Officer at Brown and Caldwell, where she was responsible for leading the company’s technical strategy, talent development, and project quality. She was instrumental in promoting an inclusive work culture through initiatives like the Balance and Belonging program.
2. How did Cindy Paulson influence the environmental industry?
Cindy worked on large-scale environmental projects, including water management and coastal restoration efforts. She also facilitated workshops with the Water Research Foundation and served as executive director for California Urban Water Agencies, addressing key issues in water sustainability and climate resilience.
3. How did Cindy embrace her authentic self at work?
Initially private about her personal life, Cindy became more open after moving to California in 2001. She began sharing her identity, including her marriage to her wife, which allowed her to foster deeper connections with colleagues and promote a culture of authenticity at Brown and Caldwell.
4. What volunteer work is Cindy Paulson involved in now?
Cindy currently volunteers as a tram tour driver for the Mahaska County Recreation Foundation, actively participates in local organizations supporting women’s education, and is involved in quilting for community causes, including making quilts for veterans.
5. Where is Cindy Paulson’s family located now?
Cindy and her husband Curt have three children: Brett, who lives in Dubai; Angie, who lives in Oklahoma; and Matt, who resides in Tama. The family remains close-knit, with Cindy often sharing in her community and family activities.