Best and Brightest: Chelsey Williams

Chelsey Williams

Project Manager

Brasfield & Gorrie

Greenville

Age 33

I was born and raised in Greenville, and I've built my career on that same Upstate foundation. After earning my civil engineering degree from Clemson University, I joined Brasfield & Gorrie, where I've had the opportunity to learn, grow, and manage critical components of some of the company's largest and most complex health care projects, including the Lexington Medical Center expansion in Columbia, South Carolina, and the Arthur M. Blank Children's Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. Those projects challenged me to grow as a leader while delivering facilities that truly serve their communities. Looking ahead, my long-term goal is to strengthen relationships within the construction industry here in the Upstate, connecting people, teams, and companies in ways that make our work stronger and more collaborative. I'm just as passionate about life outside the jobsite. To me, giving back means making a real, tangible impact on smaller, local charities, the organizations that often go unnoticed but shape our community every day. Whether through mentorship or volunteering, I try to invest in people the same way I invest in the projects I build.

Favorite Quote and Why: "Life is far too important a thing ever to talk seriously about" by Oscar Wilde is one of my favorite quotes. A job in the construction industry is full of tough challenges, tight deadlines, and lots of stress, but I think it's important to not get so caught up in the stress that you miss the opportunity to enjoy the work and build meaningful professional relationships.

Definition of a Successful Leader: A successful leader is someone who can guide and develop a team toward a shared, successful outcome with clarity and efficiency, while cultivating the trust and respect of those they lead along the way.

Advice to 18-Year-Old Self: Don't be afraid to speak up and share your perspective, even when it differs from the majority. The idea you're hesitant to voice may well be the most valuable one in the room.