HDR: Supporting utility projects for MMUA members

Jessilyn Marth’s transition from theater stages to the strategic world of marketing at HDR highlights the power of creative problem-solving. She has established herself as the external marketing leader for HDR’s Resources Business Group, which includes the power, waste, and industrial markets in Minnesota and Wisconsin and serves as the contact for MMUA members.

After attending St. Olaf College and studying management and marketing in the arts and theater, Jessilyn interned at theater companies in the Twin Cities and New York City. She was open to different experiences when she moved back to Minnesota, which led her to a company like HDR .

Transitioning from the arts to HDR has more overlap than one might expect. Jessilyn takes pride in the 100 percent employee-owned company, and she has found an amazing environment where her creativity can grow. She says, “The arts are such a community-oriented place, and it’s incredible to be at an organization that’s also so community-focused.”

HDR supports numerous utility projects for MMUA member utilities, offering services in electric, gas, wastewater, and water. Jessilyn facilitates connections, strengthening MMUA’s engagement with HDR. She connects members to HDR’s multidisciplinary teams, which are key in working with utilities. In addition to engineering, HDR provides project and program management, environmental compliance, procurement, construction, GIS, land rights, community outreach, data collection, and acoustics services.

Founded in 1917, HDR is the largest 100 percent employee-owned company based in the US. With more than 300 professionals in Minnesota, The Minnesota Star Tribune recently named them a Top Workplace, ranking 14^th in the state for midsized companies.

HDR works closely with MMUA and its members through customized instruction and educational programs. For instance, HDR hosts webinars like “Data Centers 101” and “Siting & Land Rights” to introduce current industry topics. The team also offers detailed training, such as providing experts to support MMUA’s substation school.

The team at HDR’s St. Louis Park office plays a vital role in creating a collaborative and productive work environment. Jessilyn, who has been with HDR for nearly ten years, credits her long tenure to both the people and the meaningful work they do. She shared, “The people and the work. That's the simplest, most true answer. I have incredible colleagues who I get to work with day to day in St. Louis Park and nationwide. It's a truly engaging environment, and I'm really proud of the impact we're able to make for communities and the environment.”

Jessilyn’s background in the arts inspires her work outside of HDR. She is currently writing a musical with her friends. When she’s not writing or marketing, Jessilyn loves to take long walks, get lost in the food culture of the Twin Cities, or play boardgames.

HDR and MMUA are fortunate to collaborate with a talented professional like Jessilyn. Her diverse background in marketing and theater brings a unique mix of creativity, strategic insight, and communication expertise that adds value to both members and clients. She offers a perspective and skill set that are hard to find elsewhere.