Pennoni’s Employee Spotlight series gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the talented individuals who make our company thrive. Each month, we highlight a team member’s journey, passion for engineering and innovation, and unique impact at Pennoni.
This month we are featuring Cynthia Buchvalt, proposal manager in our Lehigh Valley, PA, office. Cynthia graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and has spent the past 24 years at Pennoni. She was hired as the front desk receptionist/administrative assistant. As a proposal manager and prior proposal specialist, Cynthia has developed experience leading the preparation and delivery of strategic, client-focused proposals for engineering, environmental, transportation and infrastructure projects across Pennoni’s diverse markets and geographic regions. She manages the full proposal lifecycle, from opportunity identification and pursuit strategy through content development, production, quality control and final submission. She works closely with technical staff, project managers, and executives to create compelling, compliant proposals that show Pennoni’s qualifications, technical expertise, and client success. Her marketing background helps her turn technical ideas into a clear message that meets each client’s needs and goals.
Over the years, Cynthia has gained an understanding of the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry, including qualifications-based selection processes, public sector procurement requirements, and proposal best practices. She has strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines at the same time. She strives to maintain the highest quality and professionalism in her work. She has worked at Pennoni for a long time, showing her commitment to the firm’s growth. She focuses on teamwork across different areas and helps secure projects that strengthen communities and improve our infrastructure.
Your background in marketing plays a key role in developing proposals for complex infrastructure and engineering projects. How do you translate technical information into compelling proposals that resonate with clients?
In my role, I don’t just gather information and prepare proposals. I focus on how Pennoni’s expertise, people and strategies align with what clients really need in order to choose a consultant. Instead of just listing our services, I point out the client’s goals and how we can help them achieve them. Marketing has taught me to answer key questions clients have when they release RFPs. Instead of just mentioning that we have civil engineers or environmental scientists, we explain what Pennoni does to help clients meet their goals on time. Our job is to tell a compelling story that addresses questions like: “What is the client’s main challenge?” “Why is it important?” “Why should they choose Pennoni?” and “What makes us a good fit for the job?” Our technical staff provides the expertise, and we highlight the benefits, reduced risks and advantages of choosing us. Working together creates a well-rounded proposal submittal that resonates with technical and non-technical reviewers.
Many of the projects you support involve collaboration across multiple disciplines and stakeholders. How important is teamwork when bringing together a successful proposal?
I believe successful proposals are built through collaboration. My role is to connect technical experts, leaders and client needs to successfully develop a compelling, strategic and compliant proposal. Collaborating effectively helps to maintain accuracy and quality. By coordinating regularly, conducting reviews and providing feedback, team members can confirm the technical content, identify any gaps, and make sure that the proposal shows our best qualifications. This process reduces risk and strengthens the submission. If we communicate to obtain information in a timely manner, allowing time for preparation, the overall outcome will provide a more compliant, persuasive and compelling response.
With 24 years at Pennoni, you’ve seen the firm grow and evolve over time. What changes have stood out to you most, and what has kept you engaged throughout your career?
Over the past 24 years, one of the most noticeable changes has been Pennoni’s tremendous growth. We’ve expanded our geographic footprint, increased the number of offices and significantly broadened the range of services and expertise we can offer our clients. It’s exciting to see how much the firm has evolved while maintaining collaboration. Also, our marketing materials have become much more professional, visually pleasing and strategic. At the same time, information about the firm, our experience and our technical expertise has become much more accessible, making it easier to connect the right resources and teams to opportunities and client needs. What has kept me engaged are the relationships built along the way. I’ve developed friendships and had the opportunity to work with incredibly talented people across the organization. I’ve felt valued for my contributions, and that sense of appreciation, combined with Pennoni collaboration, has made coming to work meaningful.
Your work contributes directly to helping Pennoni win projects that improve communities, from transportation infrastructure to environmental initiatives. What does it mean to you to play a role in that process?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is knowing that the work we do has a real impact on the communities. While I’m not the engineer designing a bridge or the environmental scientist leading a remediation effort, I play a part in helping those projects become a reality. When we win a proposal, it’s exciting to know that I’ve contributed to bringing a meaningful project to the firm and ultimately to the community. It’s especially rewarding to see a project move from a proposal on my computer to something tangible that improves people’s lives. Whether it’s a transportation improvement, a restoration, school facility upgrade or redevelopment, it’s really neat to be able to say, “I helped make that project happen,” or “Pennoni worked on that.” Seeing the impact of our work firsthand gives me a strong sense of pride and accomplishment. What makes it even more meaningful is that Pennoni’s services are focused on improving communities and solving real-world challenges. We help create safer roads, cleaner environments, stronger infrastructure and better places for people. Knowing that my efforts help develop these outcomes, even indirectly, makes the work incredibly fulfilling. I’m proud to be part of a firm whose mission is centered on making a positive difference. It’s great to know that the work I do helps position Pennoni to deliver projects that have a lasting impact for future generations.
What’s something your coworkers may not know about you?
I am the youngest of 14 children, 9 sisters and 4 brothers, and my parent’s names were Ken and Barbie (Kenneth and Barbara)!