Sarah Knehr, CHC, senior project manager with Harrisburg-based construction firm, Quandel Construction Group, was named Keystone Contractors Association’s Top Young Leader.

Knehr has served in the construction industry since 2010 and has been a valuable member of the Quandel team. She started as an assistant project manager with Quandel and worked diligently to advance her skillset through hard work and a commitment to succeed. In her current role as seniorproject manager, Knehr is responsible for the overall success of the project and is the point of contact for clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. As a Certified Healthcare Constructor (CHC), Knehr’s primary market sector focus is healthcare, where she has excelled with clients such as Geisinger Health System and UPMC.

“I am very excited to be recognized as one of the area’s top young leaders and to show case what women in construction can accomplish. It is my hope that more young people can be encouraged to pursue careers in construction and take on leadership roles,” stated Sarah.

One of the largest projects Sarah was a part of was the new $115 million UPMC Pinnacle – Memorial Hospital, in York, Pennsylvania, completed in 2019. She also managed the UPMC Children’s Hospital renovation at Harrisburg Campus, which received the Excellence in Construction award from Associated Builders and Contractor’s Keystone Chapter.

“Her skills in running efficient and timely projects have made her one of our top project managers, administering project management activities and working closely with our onsite staff specifically on our healthcare projects. Sarah’s leadership abilities have gained respect from many who she has interacted with over the years,” stated Eric Hellman, vice president of operations.

“Sarah’s technical competency and soft skills have made her a leader in our healthcare market. Her attention to detail, commitment to deadlines, and willingness to participate and contribute to project pursuits are commendable. Owners and team members alike know that when they ask something of her, it gets done. She embodies Quandel’s purpose to lead, make a difference, and build a better future,” added Mike Karcutskie, president of Quandel Construction Group, LLC.

Along with her project responsibility and client relationships, Knehr gives back to the construction industry and local community. She goes far beyond the performance of her project duties by remaining active in industry and community service efforts. Knehr participated in the ACE Mentor Program of America as a mentor and is now team leader because of the invaluable help and assistance she received from her own mentors while in high school. In addition to leading a team of students, she also helps organize the Dauphin County program of the ACE Mentor Program in Central PA. Continuing to excel as a woman in construction, Knehr was also one of the women spotlighted by the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania for National STEM Day where she was able to share first-hand her thoughts about her STEM Career.