Lisa was first introduced to the idea of a career in engineering by her high school business teacher. While she was not yet familiar with what a profession in the engineering industry entailed, Lisa chose to apply to the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s College of Engineering. She ultimately gravitated toward the field of civil engineering based on her interest in being outside and observing the building process.
Lisa now has more than 30 years of experience in the design, construction, and management of roadway, site development, sustainable design, and infrastructure-related projects. As President and CEO of Nitsch Engineering since 2011, Lisa is responsible for the vision, growth strategy, strategic direction, and overall performance of the firm. She also serves as Principal-in-Charge for many of the firm’s design projects.
“The best part of my job is getting to work with an amazing group of people every day who continually inspire me, being able to help them develop, and providing opportunities for them to continue their professional growth. I am proud to be able to continue Nitsch Engineering’s legacy of providing ownership to key employees.”
Outside of Nitsch
Lisa’s love for the outdoors extends beyond just her work life. She enjoys staying active as much as possible through a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Lisa is also dedicated to supporting UMass Lowell; she recognizes that she would not be in the position she is today without the affordable, exemplary education she received and continues to give back to the University in any way she can. Lisa is also passionate about using any and all platforms to bring attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion into the AEC industry. She is especially passionate about closing the gender wage gap, including serving on the Boston Women’s Workforce Council.
- B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
- MBA, Northeastern University
- American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Senior Executives Institute
- Boston Chamber of Commerce, Transformational DEI Certificate
- Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Boston: Charitable Fund Director
- American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC): National DEI&B Committee Past Chair, Planning Cabinet, and Transportation Steering Committee Member
- American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA): National Director, PAC Committee Chair, and Government Affairs Committee Member
- University of Massachusetts Lowell: Chancellor’s Advisory Council Member, Center for Women and Work Advisory Board Member, and former College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board Member
- Environmental Business Council of New England: Board Member
- Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES)/American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE): Member
- Boston Women’s Workforce Council: Member
- Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions: Member
- Society of Women Engineers: Member
- WalkBoston: Member
- Chi Epsilon – National Civil Engineering Honor Society: Member
Lisa’s contributions to her community have been well recognized by a range of organizations, including:
- Boston Society of Architects (BSA), Honorary Member (2019)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, University Alumni Award (2018)
- WTS Boston, Leadership Award (2017)
- SmartCEO, Brava Award (2016)
- Boston Business Journal, Woman of Influence (2015)
- EY, Entrepreneur of the Year, New England Region (2014)
- American Council of Engineering Companies, College of Fellows (2011)
- WTS Boston, Woman of the Year (2008)
- Women’s Business Boston, List of Top 10 Bosses (2007)
- Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE, Citizen Engineer Award (2004)
- University of Massachusetts Lowell, College of Engineering, Francis Academy Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award (2003)
- Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Pinnacle Award for Emerging Executive (2002)
- Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section/ASCE, Lester Gaynor Award (2001)
