Get to know Niki Miller, PMP, GISP, Senior Director of Client Engagement at JMT Technology Group! Besides enjoying the outdoors and being an avid cyclist and dog lover, Niki has a long history of collaborating with clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast on software development, data development, GIS, document management, and asset management projects. She is about to celebrate her 14th year at JMT and is a dynamic leader within our group - it's always a pleasure to work with Niki! Get to know her below:

1. What do you do at JMT?

I am a Senior Director of Client Engagement. I manage client accounts, ensure client satisfaction, and drive business growth through strong relationships. I work closely with JMT project managers, business development and marking staff, and subject matter experts to deliver solutions to existing customers and expand our customer base. Another part of my job that I enjoy is being part of JMT’s Charitable Giving Committee and leading the Volunteer Subcommittee. I love having visibility into all the charitable activities that JMT employees participate in and raising awareness of our giving culture across the company and beyond.

2. What brought you to JMT?

Before joining JMT, I worked for the U.S. Army Environmental Command. When it was announced that the organization would relocate to San Antonio as part of the Base Realignment and Closure program, I started searching for a new job. I enjoyed working for the Army and wanted to continue my career in the Department of Defense. However, I found that options were limited in the Baltimore area. I expanded my search to the private sector and was hired by JMT Technology Group in 2011 as a project manager.

3. What do you like most about JMT?

I often get asked this question when we interview potential candidates, and my answer is always the same: the people. JMT Technology Group has many talented people, and we collaborate to get things done. Employees are encouraged to share their knowledge and aren’t afraid to ask for help when needed. We recognize one another for contributions to the team, celebrate our successes, and try to learn from our collective mistakes. It’s a great team to work with, and that shows in the longevity of our employees.

4. What type of projects do you like to work on most?

I like working on projects with engaged stakeholders, including a strong project champion, as this usually results in a successful project contributing to organizational goals. Having engaged stakeholders makes the project team’s job easier—they can get answers to questions in a timely fashion, brainstorm ideas with the client to overcome challenges, and get feedback on draft deliverables. When stakeholders are engaged, the implementation of a solution goes more smoothly, and end-user adoption is higher, which is a win for both the customer and JMT!

5. What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into this industry / career?

I strongly encourage people who want to get into IT or GIS to join a local industry group. It’s a great way to meet others in the industry, learn about different jobs and project work, and network with potential employees and employers. When I joined JMT Technology Group, I joined the Maryland Geographic Information Committee (MSGIC). I met lots of interesting people (many of whom are now friends), learned about the challenges facing local and state agencies, and gained insight into the initiatives and new technologies they were pursuing. It also allowed me to give back to the community—after several years as a member, I joined the Executive Committee as Private Industry Caucus Chair. I later served as Vice Chair, Chair, and Outreach Subcommittee Chair. I continue to be an active MSGIC member and encourage team members to get involved by presenting at quarterlies, leading training sessions, and attending and presenting at the annual TUgis Conference, for which MSGIC is a co-sponsor.

6. What is something new and exciting that you're working on?

For the past eight months, I’ve been working on a project to create Building Information Modelling (BIM) standards for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The Bristol District manages two mountain tunnels in southwestern Virginia—the East River Mountain Tunnel and Big Walker Mountain Tunnel. In 2022, the Bristol District commissioned Lidar scans of the tunnels and the development of building information models to support future upgrade and repair projects. In addition to modeling existing conditions using scan-to-BIM technology, engineering firms are using Revit to design new facilities. These data-rich models can serve as a valuable source of information that organizations like VDOT can use to manage their assets once construction is complete. Without standards, the quality and consistency of BIM deliverables will vary, and the data may not be reliable. BIM standards will ensure that VDOT obtains the information it needs to support asset and facility management.