Board of Directors
Our Team
The NAWIC Granite State Chapter #218 is made of many amazing women!
Our chapter is part of a much larger organization that represents hard working women in many fields of construction from all across the country. NAWIC provides members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training, public service and more.
The Granite State Chapter is an amazing group of women who are all very passionate about our careers in construction. We are constantly looking for ways to grow as professionals by having technical or soft topic seminars specifically designed for our group or touring local construction sites. We feel strongly about reaching out to the younger generation and encouraging them to enter a construction related field, as you can see in our Community Involvement and Student sections. Above all, we support each other in every way possible and strive to have a laid back and fun approach to our meetings.
President
Sara A. Ihle
The H.L. Turner Group Inc.
"Some days will be more challenging than others. It’s during these tough times that you will discover your true strength. Believe in yourself, your abilities, and the positive impact you can make. Be an advocate for the intelligent and remarkable woman you are, as well as for those around you who are still finding their voice!"
Sara Ihle’s journey to the AEC industry was anything but expected. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in history, she began her professional life working in historical societies and museums. When the recession shifted the nonprofit sector, she found her way to The Turner Group in Concord, NH, a multi-disciplined architectural, engineering, and building science design firm. Starting in an administrative role, she worked her way up through nearly every position in project support. In 2023, she was promoted to Assistant Project Manager, a role that allows her to combine her organizational skills, technical knowledge, and love of learning. She enjoys working on a variety of projects including dam renovations, school additions, and cleanroom design-builds, just to name a few. After 22 years of service, she is excited at how far she has come and looks forward to the future of her career path and the industry!
Sara joined the NAWIC Granite State Chapter #218 in March 2021, seeking a network of women in the construction industry. Not only has NAWIC provided an opportunity to learn from strong and successful women, but it has also opened doors for Sara to engage in activities, site visits, meetings, and join the Board of Directors. Throughout her time on the Board, she has held positions including Director, Recording Secretary, and Vice President, as well as Chair of the Marketing Committee. In these roles, she has played a key part in welcoming new members, organizing events, and coordinating volunteer opportunities. Sara is currently serving as the 2025-2026 Chapter President and Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. She is excited to embrace this journey with her fellow NAWIC sisters and industry partners.
Vice President
Michelle E. Trodella
Methuen Construction Co., Inc.
“Do not hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance in areas you are not familiar with. Letting your voice be heard by offering a solution, making a statement, or asking a question ALL have the same value and impact as a contributing member.”
Michelle Trodella has over 20 years of experience in construction, with the last decade focused on process improvement, leadership, and strategic planning initiatives. She began her professional journey in a combination of residential home improvements, heating fuels, mechanical contracting, and in the legal field as a paralegal before joining Methuen in 2015 where she could bridge her legal knowledge and construction industry insight. She currently serves as the Vice President of Business Operations responsible for the contract management, project controls, and administration departments at Methuen Construction, along with supporting MWH’s corporate process improvement initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys her quality time spent with her husband, Joe, and two grown children, Angelo and Alyssa.
Michelle has been an active supporter of NAWIC since 2016 but joined NAWIC in 2023 as an individual member. She is passionate about growing women in construction, developing leadership skills, and supporting workforce development across the industry. She feels she can make a solid contribution to the continued progress and success of this NAWIC chapter and network. Michelle previously served as a Director for the Granite State Chapter and currently holds the position of Chapter Vice President.
Treasurer
Elizabeth A. Morse
Lewis Builders Development
"Ask questions, listen, and absorb all the experience around you. Coming into this industry there are people who have been doing this work for their entire career, and there is so much that we can learn from them. Our greatest resources in this industry are the people around us.”
Elizabeth Morse started working at Lewis Builders four years ago, the summer after college as an administrative assistant. Her first task was to work with a construction management company, a design team, and the Lewis Builders team to get a project started. It was a great learning experience! Elizabeth was thrown into learning as she went, as construction was not her focus in college. She has now been working on the same project, the Atkinson Heights Luxury Condominiums, for four years and has nearly 3.5 buildings under her belt. Though she is now a Project Manager and has more experience, she is still learning new things every day.
Elizabeth joined NAWIC in December 2019 at the holiday party. She received an email about the association, and being new to the industry, thought it would be a good way of meeting other women in the trades. Elizabeth is very happy she did and has served on the Board of Directors and is currently Chapter Treasurer.
Director
Lesa M. Courchaine
Neenah Foundry Company
“Do not give up! I cannot tell you how many times I questioned what I was doing and why. Not every day will go as planned. Be persistent, and do not let one challenging day discourage you from doing what you are meant to do.”
Lesa Courchaine has been in the Infrastructure industry for 27 years. She started out working for a Neenah consignment yard in Concord, NH and is currently managing a sales territory consisting of New England and New York, providing specifications and technical support to the Department of Transportation, municipalities and engineers.
Lesa joined NAWIC in the Spring of 2022. She was aware of the organization as she had been approached previously to join. NEI encouraged all of its female sales team to become members. In the summer of 2022, NEI was represented by seven women at the Annual Conference in Minnesota. Lesa’s only regret is that she had not become a member sooner as she has met so many wonderful women that inspire her every day. Lesa currently serves as a director on the Granite State Board.
Director
Katie D. Delay
Maine Drilling and Blasting
“Never doubt your importance in the construction industry. Whether you’re out in the field, working in an office setting, or a combination of both, your role is an important part of making it happen. Find what you’re passionate about and bring that into your work so you can truly love what you do!”
Katie Delay serves as an HR Generalist and Recruiter for Maine Drilling & Blasting in Auburn, NH where she celebrated her 11th anniversary in February of 2025. She has 20+ years of experience working on the people side of the construction industry.
Having begun her career in a flower shop, Katie started with zero industry knowledge and quickly learned that she loved everything she was being introduced to. From project set ups, site visits, working with customers, vendors, and supporting those working on site, all aspects of her job have been extremely rewarding. She is grateful for the opportunities MDB has provided her. Katie’s current role has distanced her from the operations side of the business but has allowed her to share her passion for construction, and specifically the drilling and blasting industry with young folks looking to start their careers.
Katie learned about NAWIC in April of 2015 when several members spoke at a meeting she was attending for another industry organization. She knew immediately NAWIC was something she wanted to be a part of and was drawn in by the energy of the members and the support they all showed one another. After becoming a member in May of 2016, she soon joined the board as a director within her first year. Katie has served in several roles on the board and most recently finished her tenure as the Immediate Past President for the Granite State Chapter #218, having served as President from 2021-2023. NAWIC opened many doors and introduced her to amazing people. In addition to the industry knowledge and contacts Katie has made, she has a lot of fun and has made lifelong connections. The board is fortunate to have Katie return as a director for our new term!
Director
Karen E. Long
Charter Contracting Company, LLC
“My advice is to learn something new every day. Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from trying something new. Failure is a teacher, not an ending.”
Karen Long serves as the Assistant Director of Safety & Health for Charter Contracting Co., LLC. She holds certifications as a Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP), Certified Instructional Trainer (CIT), and Construction Industry Technician.
With a career spanning back to 1985, Karen has held various roles in the construction industry, including tradeswoman, superintendent, and business owner. For the past decade, she has worked for Charter Contracting, a heavy civil and environmental remediation company.
Karen’s involvement with NAWIC began in 1999 when she learned about it from a fellow member of the Boston Chapter. She has served as a Past President of the Granite State Chapter and the NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF).
Director
Amber Thibault
Harvey Construction
"Don't let anyone say you - 'Can't do' something. There were so many times I was told I 'couldn't do it' or to 'keep dreaming.' But I stayed determined and kept pushing forward, and now I'm proud of what I've accomplished. Remember, you can do anything - you just have to be determined, set goals, put your mind to it, and never give up!"
Amber started working at Market Basket in Hooksett, NH as an assistant manager while she attended high school. Upon graduation, she went to Southern New Hampshire University for her bachelor’s in business administration with a minor in human resources. While in college, she decided to try out project management and never looked back.
Amber knew she wanted to get into the construction industry but didn’t know how to get her foot in the door until she interviewed at BODE for the Assistant Project Manager position. After six years of project management experience and managing two construction departments, Amber found an opportunity to continue her career journey at Harvey Construction as an Assistant Project Manager.
Initially introduced to NAWIC by one of her top clients at BODE, Amber was excited to join a women in construction association. Shortly after, she joined the Granite State Chapter #218 in the winter of 2023 and then attended her first event, the NAWIC 2023 Holiday Party. After the social, Amber noted…“There are so many amazing women in NAWIC!” Today, she serves as a chapter director for the Granite State board.
Immediate Past President
Trish Jeffrey
Waterline Industries Corp
“Go with your gut, your instincts are usually spot on. This quote conveyed to me by a beloved mentor has helped me not only within the industry but has served me well in my personal life.”
Trish Jeffrey is a Cost Control Manager with Waterline Industries. She has been involved in the construction industry for over 35 years. Her first exposure to this industry occurred within Civil Construction projects. The bridge projects that she was closely involved with in the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia are by far her most memorable and the most enjoyable she’s experienced. Most recently, Trish joined one of GSC members who serves as President of Waterline Industries, Alicia McLaughlin, to integrate her experience and knowledge to assist Waterline as one of the premier Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants in New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Trish joined NAWIC initially in the Baltimore Chapter. When her family moved to New Hampshire, she re-joined in 2018. Due to her initial experience with the Baltimore Chapter, she knew it would be a wonderful way to meet intelligent, passionate, and thoughtful women in the New England area construction industry. Trish has served in many roles on the board of directors and currently is the Granite State Chapter's Imediate Past President, serving 2023-2025 at which time ignitiing a firestorm of new membership increasing from 28 to 64 members. Trish was the recipient of the NAWIC Northeast Region's "Member of the Year" award in May, 2025.
Parliamentarian
Deborah Trottier
Southern New Hampshire University, College of Engineering, Technology ,and Aeronautics
“Look for opportunities to learn, be yourself and be engaged with those around you.”
Deb Trottier has been at Southern New Hampshire University for 12 years in a variety of administrative roles. She was heavily involved in standing up for the School of Engineering, Technology, and Aeronautics and the development of the Construction Management Program. Her civil engineering background is in environmental engineering, including wastewater treatment design, hazardous waste remediation at Pease Air Force Base, and land surveying. As an adjunct in Construction Management, Deb enjoys sharing her knowledge and mentoring the next generation entering the construction field.
Deb joined NAWIC in 2018 to connect with other women in construction and to network for SNHU’s Construction Management Program and students. She served on the Board of Directors as Recording Secretary from September 2022-2023, Treasurer from September 2023-2025, and currently holds the position of Chapter Parliamentarian.
