People Who Lead: Katie Fortson, Project Manager
We’re excited to introduce you to Katie Fortson, Project Manager at Rodgers, as part of our People Who Lead series. Rodgers is built by people with a wide range of experiences, passions, and perspectives—and we believe that diversity makes us stronger. This series celebrates the unique journeys of our team members and the incredible work they do to shape the communities we serve.
My name is Katie Fortson, and I’ve been a Project Manager at Rodgers for the past 9.5 years. I grew up in Charlotte, NC, with two younger brothers and attended a small private school where I stayed busy playing basketball and volleyball. My journey to a career in construction management wasn’t exactly traditional, but it’s a path that’s shaped who I am today.
When I graduated high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study in college, but I knew I wanted to stay close to my family. I attended UNC Charlotte during their inaugural football season and initially declared accounting as my major. However, a Myers-Briggs personality test in one of my first classes set me on a completely different course. Construction management appeared on my list of recommended careers, and that discovery changed everything. I’d always been interested in design and construction, but I’d never considered it as a career. Once I realized UNC Charlotte offered a construction management program, I switched majors that same semester.
During the summer of my sophomore year, I began looking for internships, which led me to Rodgers. That internship turned into a permanent position, and I’ve been part of the Rodgers family ever since. What I love most about the construction industry is that every day is different. The variety keeps me engaged and challenged—there’s always something new to learn or contribute to. Watching a project evolve from an idea to contracts, construction, and finally, a grand opening is still exciting. I’m definitely the person who drives around Charlotte, pointing out projects I’ve worked on or that Rodgers has built. It’s an incredible feeling to be part of something that contributes so much to our community.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are deeply important to me. To me, DEI means valuing a range of experiences and perspectives and creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and comfortable contributing. Everyone brings different knowledge and experiences to the job site, and when we foster an inclusive environment, we can strengthen the project and the team.
Mentorship has also been a significant part of my journey. For a long time, I thought of mentorship as something formal and rigid and didn’t think I’d had much experience with it. But recently, I’ve realized how many mentors I’ve had throughout my career—whether they’ve known it or not. People at Rodgers have encouraged me to better myself and grow in my career. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly knowledgeable superintendents who have shared their wisdom with me.
Now, I’ve found myself in a position to mentor others starting their careers, and I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me. Being a mentor has taught me so much about communication and leadership, and it’s rewarding to see others grow while contributing to their success.
Outside of work, I live outside of Charlotte with my husband, Dylan, our spoiled dog Josie, and a flock of 11 chickens. We love to travel, and most recently, we went on an Alaskan cruise in September. Whether building projects at work or exploring the world, I feel fortunate for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my life and career.
