Sandy Maus – VECA Electric & Technologies

Sandy Maus has spent nearly three decades proving that strong processes, trust in people, and a commitment to shared values can scale from small projects to some of the most complex builds in the Pacific Northwest, and her work today reflects a career defined less by titles and more by the teams she has developed.

At VECA Electric & Technologies, that philosophy is foundational. Started in 1946 and headquartered in Seattle, the company provides electrical construction and technology services across healthcare and life sciences, transportation infrastructure, education, mission-critical, government, industrial, and commercial sectors, with capabilities spanning low and medium-voltage systems, structured cabling, and 24-hour service support. Its growth has been anchored by a consistent adherence to core values centered on empowerment, customer value, and accountability.

Maus has become a direct reflection of those principles in practice.

Leading through complexity at scale

The Seattle Convention Center Summit Building Addition project is among the most visible examples of Maus’s leadership. With a total electrical scope approaching $143 million, the project represented a significant departure from her typical portfolio, which had largely been rooted in healthcare facilities. Despite having no prior experience building a convention center, Maus was entrusted with leading the effort, driven by her reputation for execution.

The project began in 2018 and extended through 2023, navigating one of the most disruptive periods the construction industry has faced. Located in downtown Seattle, the site required early demolition coordination, extensive preconstruction planning, and a level of logistical precision that only increased as COVID-19 introduced new constraints. Material delays, particularly around structural steel, created cascading schedule challenges across trades. In response, Maus and her team focused on rapid process adaptation, implementing new safety protocols, adjusting sequencing strategies, and maintaining clear communication with project partners.

“I learned a long time ago that if I was going to be effective, I had to let things go,” Maus says.

That mindset allowed her team to operate with autonomy while still meeting high expectations. Rather than micromanaging, she focused on establishing defined processes and ensuring accountability within them. The result was a project that maintained momentum despite external pressures and delivered on its objectives.

Building systems that outlast projects

A defining characteristic of Maus’s career is her focus on systems. For her, project success is not just about execution in the moment but about creating repeatable frameworks that improve outcomes over time. Throughout her tenure at VECA, she has contributed to the evolution of internal processes, including the development of tracking tools that have since been integrated into broader workflows.

“We like to have written processes so they can be tweaked and improved and people can learn from them,” Maus explains.

This systems-driven mindset extends into preconstruction, where she plays a significant role. Her work involves deep engagement with contract documents, specifications, and constructability reviews to align projects before breaking ground. The goal is to identify gaps early, align expectations, and create a plan that can be executed without unnecessary friction once construction begins. That level of rigor is particularly important in large-scale healthcare projects, which have formed the backbone of her portfolio.

Mentoring the next generation

While her project experience is extensive, Maus increasingly defines her success through the development of her team. She works closely with two co-managers and a broader group of project staff, emphasizing cross-training and collaborative problem-solving. Her leadership philosophy centers on creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to think independently rather than replicate a single approach.

“My way isn’t the highway,” she says. “Let’s figure out how to improve together.”

This approach has helped foster a culture where team members are comfortable taking ownership of their work while still benefiting from shared knowledge and support. It also aligns with VECA’s broader cultural framework, which prioritizes collective success over individual recognition.

“A team is a group of people who go out of their way to make each other look good,” Maus says.

That perspective influences how she structures meetings, delegates responsibilities, and evaluates performance. Rather than positioning herself as the central decision-maker, she serves as an orchestrator, ensuring the right people are aligned and that communication flows effectively.

“I can’t be anything without my team,” she adds.

Her role is to support the field and create conditions that allow crews to perform at their best. That includes maintaining strong relationships with field personnel, prioritizing safety, and ensuring that operational decisions are grounded in real-world conditions.

Continuing the work in healthcare & beyond

Following the completion of the Seattle Convention Center addition, Maus briefly considered stepping away from full-time work. After decades of managing large-scale projects, the idea of transitioning into consulting or retirement was a natural next step. However, the opportunity to lead another major project brought her back.

Today, she is overseeing roughly $145 million in electrical scope for a 350-bed forensic hospital project, a complex facility that reflects both her experience and the evolving demands of healthcare construction. The project includes specialized considerations such as secure courtyards, patient-focused living spaces, and operational areas designed to support long-term care. Her involvement begins well before construction starts, with a strong focus on preconstruction planning and team alignment.

Ensuring that the project is buildable, financially viable, and properly staffed from day one remains a top priority. The work is demanding but reinforces the aspects of the job she values most. Mentorship, collaboration, and solving complex problems alongside a capable team.

“If you knew VECA, you wouldn’t need to ask why I’ve stayed,” Maus says.

That loyalty is rooted not just in the projects themselves but in the consistency of the company’s values over time. From her early days with the organization to her current leadership role, she has seen those principles remain intact even as the company has grown.

Maus’s path into construction was not linear. She entered the industry directly out of high school and later moved to Japan, where she worked as a secretary for a ship repair contractor. That experience sparked her interest in construction and set the foundation for what would become a long career.

After returning to the United States, she held roles including receptionist and accounting positions before transitioning into project management. Early opportunities came through individuals who recognized her potential and gave her the chance to take on greater responsibility. She joined VECA nearly 30 years ago, initially bringing her accounting background into a field where she had limited technical experience.

Over time, she developed the skills, knowledge, and leadership approach that now define her work. Her career has been shaped by a willingness to learn, an ability to adapt, and a consistent focus on supporting those around her. That combination has allowed her to navigate projects of increasing complexity while also building a team capable of sustaining that success.

As she looks ahead, the focus remains clear. Continue delivering high-quality work, continue developing people, and continue refining the systems that make both possible. In an industry often defined by deadlines and deliverables, Maus has built something more durable. A framework for leadership that extends beyond any single project.