At Elevated Construction Services (ECS), we take pride in recognizing the talented people who drive our success. Our Employee Spotlight series highlights the individuals whose experience, dedication, and leadership help deliver outstanding results for our clients, partners, and project teams.
In our inaugural spotlight, we’re featuring Dalia Lillaheart, Project Operations Executive. Read on to learn more about her passion for the construction industry, the experiences that have shaped her career, and how she leverages her extensive expertise to support her team and contribute to successful project outcomes.
This interview has been edited for length.
Yes. While my background in architecture helped shape my path, my interest in construction started much earlier. I’ve always been curious about how things are built and enjoyed hands-on learning. A college internship as an assistant superintendent introduced me to the collaborative nature of our industry, and once I stepped onto my first job site, I knew construction was the right career for me.
Yes. I’ve always enjoyed project operations and management, and I’m passionate about developing people and teams. After learning more about Elevated’s culture and leadership, joining the company felt like a natural fit. Having conversations with Neil Netzer and Scott Bradley along with seeing the way they support and advocate for their teams really reinforced that this was an organization I wanted to be part of.
One of the biggest changes I’ve seen throughout my career has been the evolution of technology in construction. I entered the industry as tools like Revit and SketchUp were in early adoption, while many projects were still being drafted by hand. Having experience with both traditional and modern methods has been invaluable. I can pull out a notebook and sketch something on the go, while software solutions like Bluebeam, Procore, and Autodesk Construction Cloud have changed the game in terms of collaboration and efficiency.
Collaboration and the positive impact our buildings have on the community are what I enjoy most about construction. I love working with and learning from others, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the lasting effect our projects have on the people they serve. There’s a special sense of pride in visiting spaces I’ve helped build – such as Monterey International Airport in Mexico – or places like the schools we’ve built, where I’ve been able to see firsthand how people benefit from the work we do.
In my daily life I like to get outdoors and connect with nature. My wife and I are also season ticket holders for Bay FC, and I love hiking with my dog, camping, and playing video games in my spare time. One of my most memorable adventures was camping in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, where we spent the night inside a giant redwood tree and could actually hear it moving in the wind. As for a fun fact, I was born and raised in Mexico and have had the opportunity to help build projects in both Mexico and the United States throughout my career.
Scott is a seasoned cost management and industry expert, and leader of the preconstruction team. He is responsible for the department, project procurement, and business development efforts including contract negotiations and client satisfaction.
Paul is a seasoned executive in the mass timber industry with extensive experience across North America’s engineered wood sector. He has played a key role in expanding market presence in the United States and fostering collaborations with high-profile clients, bringing a strategic and growth-oriented approach to advancing mass timber adoption.
As Director of Field Operations, Tym leads Elevated Construction Services’ field operations nationwide, supporting project execution while maintaining the high standards of quality, service, and partnership clients expect. Passionate about developing people and strengthening teams, he focuses on empowering others, removing obstacles, and delivering exceptional experiences for clients and partners.
Dalia is a seasoned construction professional with over 2 decades of experience; she has built and lead complex projects and teams throughout the USA and Mexico. Dalia currently oversees all Elevated Construction Services project operations and leads the project management team, driving successful project delivery and operational excellence.
Bobby is responsible for managing all rough carpentry and mass timber projects. He oversees field operations, including scheduling and coordination of manpower, and tracks and reports production results. He has 28 years of trade and carpentry experience.
TJ works with Elevated’s preconstruction experts through the bidding process and strategizes with project managers to ensure project success and client satisfaction. Additionally, he works with Elevated’s president on business planning to set and execute company goals and initiatives. TJ has 19 years of experience in the construction industry.
Lon has 40 years of expertise in coordinating and managing successful teams of various sizes and complexities. He oversees client relationships and all field operations, so projects are executed safely, efficiently, and within schedule and budget requirements.
As President, Neil is responsible for strategic oversight and implementation of the company’s vision plan to achieve organizational success. He provides guidance to senior leaders regarding management of their teams and resources to achieve project success and high client satisfaction. Neil has more than 24 years of experience in the construction industry.