Women who move the industry - Karen Boshear

A journeyman level electrician who came up through an apprenticeship in the late '90s, Karen Boshear has spent more than two decades translating field reality into dependable outcomes for one of Cochran’s most demanding portfolios. From WAMU Tower to the evolving security infrastructure of a tech giant, her north star is simple: tell the truth, staff with skill, and finish what you start.

At a Glance

– Role/Team: Senior Project Manager

– Tenure: Since 2002

– Background: Field electrician > general foreman/superintendent (multi-discipline high rise) > project manager

– Superpowers: Field to precon fluency, hybrid labor orchestration (01/06), honesty first client stewardship, schedule/cost trade offs under pressure

– Values in Action: Be Accountable, Be Proactive, Be Brilliant, Be Kind, Be Inspire

EXAMPLE LINK:

“If I can’t be honest with you, we probably shouldn’t be working together.”

Karen Boshear, Senior Project Manager, Cochran

Karen Boshear’s approach is simple, direct, and honed over decades in the field: tell the truth, build the right team, and deliver without compromise.

It is a mindset shaped not in an office, but in the work itself.

Built in the Field, at the Pace of Change

Karen came up through the apprenticeship in the late '90s, at a time when structured cabling standards were still taking shape and technology was evolving in real time.

“I was trained in real time. I could speak to the work without ‘let me get back to you."

That early foundation gave her something that still defines her leadership today: credibility. She understands the work at a technical level and can communicate it clearly, whether she is talking to the field or to a customer.

She also witnessed firsthand how quickly the industry changed.

“Early on, we had pagers and Nextel. By 2005, it was laptops, email, cell phones. Communication was moving faster than installs.”

Keeping up meant more than learning new tools. It meant adapting how teams worked, how they communicated, and how they delivered.

Changing the Model Before the Market Did

One of Karen’s most impactful contributions was helping Cochran evolve its security delivery model.

At a time when rising wages and shifting skill sets were putting pressure on traditional approaches, she helped lead the transition from an all 01 electrician model to a hybrid 01 and 06 technician structure.

“Wages were making us less competitive. Technician skill sets were growing. It was time.”

The shift was not without resistance.

“It wasn’t always friendly. I was a tech, and I was a female. But Cochran supported it. We kept our 01 experts, brought 06 technicians to the table, and learned to be a hybrid network.”

Today, that model is a strength. Veteran electricians and specialized technicians work side-by-side, creating teams that match the complexity and risk of each project without sacrificing quality.

Delivering with Skill, Not Shortcuts

Karen’s work is defined by one thing: consistency at a high level.

“We are the A Team. Our clients tell us that every chance they get.”

That reputation is backed by results. Cochran secured all LCR work after competitors struggled, not by lowering standards, but by standing behind them.

“We weren’t afraid to price a higher labor rate, because with it comes a skill set most vendors can’t match. That’s what sets us apart.”

As tools and workflows evolve, the team adapts.

“Teams kept us alive during COVID. We’ve been using it since 2018.”

But the core principle remains unchanged. Skill and preparation drive outcomes.

Trust Through Honesty

Karen sets expectations from the very first conversation.

“I start by saying I’m going to be honest. If you don’t like that, we probably shouldn’t be working together.”

That honesty extends to every part of the work, from status updates to trade offs to cost savings. There are no surprises, only clear communication and shared understanding.

“We train our people across the disciplines we sell. We’re well rounded. People here 30 years and people here three days. We will always deliver, because we can.”

When challenges arise, the focus is not on blame, but on solutions.

“Call it family or buy in, we’re all in it to win it. No pointing fingers. Everyone has a part.”

Leadership That Adapts

Even strong teams adjust as projects evolve. During a major campus project, leadership recognized an opportunity to better align roles with individual strengths.

Karen focused on lifecycle and infrastructure work, while a colleague stepped into a more customer facing role.

The result was simple: the work moved forward seamlessly, and the team stayed aligned.

It reflects a culture that prioritizes outcomes, trusts its people, and adapts to keep projects on track.

Moving the Industry Forward

Karen’s impact is not just in what she delivers, but in how she delivers it. She brings field credibility, clear communication, and a willingness to evolve before the industry demands it.

Her teams are built with intention. Her expectations are clear. And her results speak for themselves. Because in her world, honesty is not a risk.

It is the reason the work succeeds.

Straightforward and grounded, Karen brings honesty to everything she does—taking a moment in the office with Ryan’s dog, Steve, between getting the work done right.