News Summary
Four influential women from Savannah have been recognized in Georgia Engineering Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering for their significant contributions to the field. The honorees are Faye DiMassimo, Cristy Lawrence, Julie McLean, and Jennifer Roach. This recognition highlights the critical role women play in the engineering sector and their impact on Georgia’s infrastructure development.
Savannah, Georgia – Four leaders from the City of Savannah have been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering for 2025 by Georgia Engineering Magazine. The honorees, who are acknowledged for their substantial contributions to engineering and infrastructure in the state, include Faye DiMassimo, Cristy Lawrence, Julie McLean, and Jennifer Roach.
This prestigious list highlights outstanding women from various sectors within the engineering industry across Georgia, demonstrating their leadership and innovative approaches to shaping the state’s infrastructure. The selection process for this annual recognition involves nominations by peers, followed by a selection by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia (ACEC).
City Manager Jay Melder expressed pride in the achievements of the honorees, noting that they are pivotal contributors, problem-solvers, mentors, and role models in their fields. Their ongoing efforts have significantly influenced the engineering landscape in Georgia.
Profiles of the Honorees
Faye DiMassimo
Faye DiMassimo has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year, reflecting her long-standing impact in the field. With over 40 years of experience, she has led important multimodal transportation systems and infrastructure programs in cities such as Atlanta, Cobb County, Nashville, and Savannah. Her expertise is critical in connecting transportation projects with economic development strategies.
Cristy Lawrence
Cristy Lawrence, a Senior Director of Capital Projects, has been a key player in the City’s engineering efforts for nearly seven years. She has an impressive background of over 30 years in civil engineering, during which she has overseen more than $300 million in completed projects. Lawrence has previously been recognized on this influential list in 2018 and 2024, underscoring her consistent performance and leadership within the industry.
Julie McLean
Julie McLean brings 23 years of service to the City and has managed public capital improvement projects worth over $150 million. In addition to her role as a Senior Director of Development Services, she has facilitated development projects totaling more than $7.5 billion throughout her career. A licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager, McLean has over 37 years of civil engineering experience.
Jennifer Roach
Joining the City in 2023, Jennifer Roach has quickly made her mark with 17 years of prior experience as a project manager at a local engineering firm. Her responsibilities focus on enforcing the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance and maintaining compliance with FEMA’s Community Rating System. Roach has also been recognized multiple times on the influential women list, reflecting her commitment to excellence in her engineering role.
Significance of the Recognition
The recognition of these four Savannah leaders emphasizes the vital role women play in engineering and infrastructure development. It serves not just as an acknowledgment of their individual achievements, but as a broader recognition of the increasing presence and influence of women in fields that have traditionally been male-dominated. Their work not only contributes to the enhancement of Savannah’s infrastructure but also sets a precedent for future generations of engineers.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Faye DiMassimo, Cristy Lawrence, Julie McLean, and Jennifer Roach in the list of the 100 Most Influential Women in Georgia Engineering demonstrates their commitment, leadership, and innovation in shaping Georgia’s infrastructure. Their collective achievements continue to inspire others in the engineering field.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Tribune
- Wikipedia: Engineering
- Savannah Business Journal
- Google Search: Women in Engineering
- Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women in STEM
- Tech Buzz News
- Google Scholar: Women in Engineering

Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.