Sara Waisanen Serves on Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects Board
In January 2026, Sara Waisanen began serving as Membership Chair on the National Board of Directors for the Institute for Leadership in Capital Projects (I-LinCP). As a Program Manager with a career in engineering design and construction management, she is using her Board role to help advance the next generation of professionals serving capital improvement projects.
Sara first began attending I-LinCP events three years ago and was drawn to the way it brings representatives from architecture, engineering, construction and owner organizations together for opportunities to connect and learn from capital improvement project professionals. Recently, she attended the Board Retreat to help strategize on boosting the organization’s membership, and I-LinCP’s Sustainability Forum in San Antonio, highlighting emerging innovations, technologies and mindsets affecting the industry, including regenerative cities, carbon-storing materials, intelligent energy grids, human-centered data and cross-generational leadership.
“Large capital projects often face challenges related to cost overruns, schedule delays, resource constraints and stakeholder alignment,” Sara said. “I-LinCP addresses these issues by creating opportunities for industry professionals to learn from each other, collaborate on solutions and advance best practices that improve project performance and sustainability.”
Sara also serves on I-LinCP’s Invest in Women Forum Committee, supporting initiatives, including an annual full-day forum promoting the advancement and visibility of women in capital projects. As a committee member, Sara helps facilitate opportunities for mentorship, professional growth, networking and inclusive leadership with goals to strengthen the future talent pipeline and foster greater diversity across the industry.
At Freese and Nichols, Sara is currently leading Program Management services on the New Braunfels Utilities new headquarters facility and the Alamo Colleges District 2025 Bond Program, beginning with the School of Emerging Technologies at Port San Antonio and Center of Automotive Technology at St. Philips College. She is also supporting the Texas Facilities Commission’s new Department of Motor Vehicles campus in Austin.
