Beth Seniw
39 | Director of Facilities Planning & Development, University of Vermont Medical Center
Residence: Jericho
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Being hired into my current position at UVM Medical Center to direct the planning and construction of future facilities as well as 
renovations and upgrades of current facilities. I began my career at the medical center 20 years ago as a construction management intern in the ambulatory care center, birthing center, parking garage and education center. That job instilled in me an early passion for health care construction, and I am thrilled to be back on campus living out my “dream job.” I am 
proud to be planning and managing the building of facilities that serve my family and community living and working in Vermont.
Your community involvement:
I serve as the chair of the board of trustees for the Jericho Town Library, a position I’ve held for six years. Part of my work at the library has been to advocate for a renovation of our historic building in Jericho Center to make the library fully accessible, energy efficient and better equipped to serve the community for the next 50-plus years. I am a member of the Advocacy Committee representing Vermont at Resolve New England, an organization that supports New England families struggling with fertility and family building. I also serve as a member of the Patient/Family Advisory Committee for UVM Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, part of UVM Children’s Hospital. In 2016, I spent four weeks in NICU after the birth of my twins. I joined this committee to give back to the organization and staff that cared for me and my babies, but also to support other families with similar NICU experiences.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
I was born a 10th-generation Vermonter and always wanted to live and work in my home state, as my family has done before me. After college, I moved to Boston for eight years but returned to Vermont to continue my career and raise my children here. I don’t think I’ll ever leave the Green Mountains again!
Favorite part of your job:
Every project I work on is unique. The team, scope, complexity and stakeholders involved are always different, which keeps me on my toes and learning something new every day.
Most inspiring mentor:
My first manager out of college, Joe Cullen. Joe always pushed me to learn the most from every situation, even if the outcome was not positive. He taught me how to problem solve and use common sense, and that the use of humor can ease tense situations. Joe was a great friend and mentor who continued to be in touch with me even after we both moved on to different organizations.
Best career advice you have received:
To approach every day with honesty and integrity; never pretend you know something that you don’t. As self-help author Spencer Johnson said, “Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I own a 1947 Farmall H tractor named Jezebel. This was purchased in 1947 by my great-grandfather for his farm in Morrisville, VT. It has been handed down through my family to me. I periodically drive Jezebel in the Cabot Fourth of July parade.
Three words that best describe you:
Strong, persevering and funny (mostly because I laugh at my own jokes).
Favorite Vermont escape:
My family cottage on Caspian Lake. I’ve been spending summers there since I was born; I love sharing that special spot with my kids.
Favorite Vermont season:
It’s a toss-up between summer and winter.
Favorite downtime activity:
As of this summer: golf! I played as a kid and a couple times a year as an adult. This last summer, I joined a women’s league and improved my game tremendously. I had a blast getting outside every week with a great bunch of ladies.
Favorite social media:
Instagram.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
I would love the opportunity to share a shot of freshly made maple syrup out of the pan with my grandparents, who I spent hours with in the sugar house as a child.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
UVM Children’s Hospital. A brand-new facility could expand specialty pediatric care to more Vermont families.
A song is on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
The entire soundtrack to “Frozen II.”
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I’d like to continue to be the director of my department, leading the team to plan and construct state-of-the-art medical facilities for our community.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
1) To become a mentor to other young Vermonters in the design/construction industry. 2) To establish a solid capital campaign for the full renovation of the historic Jericho Town Library.
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
Not much, other than attending more meetings virtually. However, the virtual participation option has allowed me to connect with Resolve New England as the Vermont counterpart with other members from the New England states. My community service radius now reaches all of New England instead of just northern Vermont.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
I have more flexibility with my work-life balance. Having the option to work remotely allows me to do my job and attend my children’s school activities or just be there to put them on the bus in the morning. Technology has improved tremendously over the past two years to better connect with colleagues and team members outside my organization. Working from home has also been a great opportunity for my children to see what mom actually does in her career as well as provide comedic relief on Zoom meetings.
