Catching Up with Kevin Easterday

Kevin Easterday has been with WestEast Design Group as a Federal Project Manager since the summer of 2018. We sat down with Kevin to discuss his work with WestEast, his experiences with the Military Working Dog Program, and the professional growth he has seen since joining our team.

Q: How would you summarize what you do at WestEast???

A: At WestEast Design, I am the Federal Program Manager.?I manage the specific contracts for JBSA and the USACE.?I also help support the VA work.?I develop the proposal and provide the project management for the individual projects within the JBSA and USCAE contracts.????

Q: What is the most significant project you’ve handled at WestEast and how has it impacted the company???

A: I have been involved in several projects with WestEast, so it is difficult to specify a single project.?I feel the management of the JBSA contract which has allowed me to work on numerous different projects has been a benefit to the company and my own personal satisfaction.????

Q: How did you get involved in the Military Working Dog program???

A: The news program showed the need for Military Working Dog (MWD) fosters to help the program develop the puppies.?I decided to get involved to support the military.?I had previously done a bit of dog training for hunting dogs and have had dogs for most of my life.?It was a natural fit for me and my family.???

Q: How many puppies have you fostered and where are they now???

A: Over the past 6 years, I have fostered 3 previous puppies and now this one is my 4th.?The previous three puppies have moved into their training and are stationed at various locations around the world.?There are other fosters who have fostered over 25+ puppies, so I am still early in the process.???

Q: What makes you want to continue returning as a participant in the MWD program???

A: I like the opportunity to support the military.?The dogs keep me energized and busy, and it is fun. I also know that I will not be keeping the dogs so there is a light at the end of the tunnel for me.???

Q: Which work benefit or perk is your favorite and why???

A: I enjoy the people I get to work with here at WestEast.??Since I work on numerous projects, I get to work with several different individuals daily.?This helps me to better understand the different design efforts and continuously learn in my career.?I also like the fact that I can work remotely, which allows me the flexibility to foster military working dogs.????

Q: Describe how you have grown professionally since joining WestEast.

A: I have been very fortunate to grow my knowledge of the design side of work at WestEast.?I have over 20 years of in-the-field construction experience but now I have been exposed to the design side in more depth.?This has helped me to be a better project manager and engineer.?

Q: What is the most exciting thing you are working on right now?

A: The most exciting thing I am working on right now is the JBSA program and the numerous projects involved in the program.?I get to work on a wide variety of projects including interior design, new construction, and remodeling of several buildings at all the bases in San Antonio.?The variety is wonderful and keeps me on my toes.?

To see more pictures of Kevin’s current foster puppy, FFarouk, and all the other dogs in the WestEast office, see our recent Instagram post.