Meet Ellery Howard, PE, Senior Engineer

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born, raised, and currently live in North Idaho.

What do you do at MFA?

I am a senior engineer, so managing design projects is an integral part of what I do here at MFA. I also am heavily involved in MFA’s design-build and construction services sector.

What’s rewarding about your job?

I truly enjoy looking for unique and cost-effective ways to “solve” engineering design challenges for our clients. It’s even better when I get to be part of the team that also constructs the projects!

Why is what you do important?

The MFA projects that I have been a part of have addressed critical infrastructure needs, helping to improve communities in various ways.

What’s your favorite restaurant/place to go in your area?

I am a food lover! It is hard to choose a single restaurant, but I will always say yes to good sushi, Italian food, or any dish involving smoked meat.

What skills do you bring to your work?

I love to collaborate and build a team that is well-suited for the task at hand. I also enjoy looking forward—anticipating potential pitfalls to avoid during design or construction and solving the logistics of timely project delivery.

What do you like to do off the clock?

Ellery Howard with his mahi-mahi catch.

I spend as much time as possible outdoors with my family in all seasons—hiking, camping, riding motorcycles and UTVs, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, etc. I also love to travel and explore new areas of the world.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a work colleague?

“Seek first to understand.” I interpret that as being open-minded with clients and colleagues and encouraging them to share ideas, project needs, or goals without my letting bias or filters interfere with my appreciation of what they are sharing.

If you were not a senior engineer, what would you be?

Professional hunter, motocross racer, UFC fighter, chef, or travel blogger.

What’s on your bucket list?

I need to travel to New Zealand, Greece, Italy, and Thailand. I’m sure that I will add more to this list in the future.

What was your favorite childhood movie/TV show?

I grew up without a TV in my house, so my brothers and I read a lot of books and played outdoors, and I cultivated a vivid imagination along the way!