2024 Women in Construction – Karen Newhouse – Miron Construction

A health care project in California about 12 years ago put Karen Newhouse on the path she is on today.

“I learned all about the lean philosophy and running lean projects,” said Newhouse, director of lean services with Miron Construction. “It set me on a path forward where I now travel to different project sites and teach lean constructions skills.”

Two and half years ago, Newhouse joined Miron to formally establish and grow the company’s lean program.

“It’s incredibly challenging to build a program from the ground up,” said Christine Bohl, Miron’s marketing lead. “Karen was not only up for the task, but has taken the time to observe, create a plan and gain buy-in, laying the groundwork for this program to be successful and take root within the organization.”

Lean training is a central focus of Newhouse’s role at Miron. She has taught and guided more than 100 team members in lean tools and developed 13 subject matter experts to help infuse lean throughout the company. Newhouse also created a cross-functional Lean Core Team that meets quarterly to discuss strategic planning initiatives along with implementation challenges and successes.

“Karen has brought lean to the forefront at Miron,” Bohl said. “No matter what challenge or issue she’s presented with, she always has a tool or idea to point the team in the right direction and help them find a solution.”

Newhouse also coaches subcontractors and suppliers on project sites about lean.

When Newhouse began her construction career as a project manager more than 30 years ago, she was often one of a few women working on a project.

“I learned to pave my way,” she said, adding she advises young women thinking of entering the field to “follow their passions and they’ll lead you to places that you never knew existed.”