Groom Construction’s Senior Vice President Bernadette Butterfield remains on the forefront of her company’s drive towards community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
“Our commitment to non-profit development projects, specifically affordable housing, exemplifies our dedication to addressing societal needs,” says Ms. Butterfield. “Personally, my involvement in numerous organizations and boards, such as Harborlight Homes, Lifebridge North Shore, ROOT, the Plummer Youth Promise and The North Shore Chamber and Salem Chamber Initiatives reflects a commitment to driving positive change beyond the confines of our projects.”
Ms. Butterfield will be honored as the Outstanding Women of Commercial Real Estate 2024 by the Boston Real Estate Times on Feb. 22, 2024 at its Annual Awards gala at the Burlington Marriott Hotel in Burlington, MA. To register for the gala, please click here.
Ms. Butterfield serves as Senior Vice President of Business Strategy & Development at Groom Construction. In addition, she plays a pivotal role in the firm’s client and community relations while positioning the company for continued success and growth.
Groom Construction, founded in 1979, remains a family-owned, full-service general contracting firm, offering preconstruction, construction management, design-build and general construction services across the United States. What began as a residential firm has now evolved into a national general contracting business known throughout the Greater Boston area and now nationally. From high-profile university work to medical facilities, affordable housing to luxury condominiums, recreational facilities, banking, and national retail work, Groom Construction continues to align itself with customers who are looking for long-term relationships and future-forward partnerships.
Recent years have seen significant growth, leading to its inclusion on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies and the Inc. 2023 Regionals Fastest Growing U.S. Companies.
Ms. Butterfield manages Groom’s project pipeline, with a focus on supporting new business pursuits, increasing brand recognition, strengthening existing relationships and creating new partnerships.
Ms. Butterfield serves on the Board of Advisors for Harborlight Homes; the Managing Board of Directors and Governance Committee of The North Shore Chamber; the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for The Salem Chamber; the Development Committee for Lifebridge North Shore; and the Board of Directors of the Salem Partnership, and recently joined the Salem Rotary Club. She is a former Trustee for the Essex National Heritage Association and former Board member of the Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools.
Prior to joining Groom in 2012, Ms. Butterfield worked for the Massachusetts Attorney General, and State Street Bank. She graduated from The College of the Holy Cross with a BA, English and attended the Institute of Public Administration in Dublin, Ireland.
Ms. Butterfield is a current 2023 Fellow of the LEADS program (Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-Wide Change). Her industry organization memberships include NAIOP, RCA (Retail Contractor’s Association), NAWIC, ICSC, and CREW.
Here is a Q/A with Ms. Butterfield:
Boston Real Estate Times: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Bernadette Butterfield: The diversity of clients and projects spanning local commercial, national retail and private residential sectors is so interesting and allows me to contribute to the company’s success across divisions. Representing the company in the communities where we work, leading initiatives to support nonprofits, serving on multiple non-profit boards and committees and being actively engaged in the community is extremely gratifying.
BRET: What do success and failure mean to you?
BB: Success, to me, is about achieving goals while maintaining integrity and making a positive impact. It involves strategic growth for Groom Construction while simultaneously solidifying our position as a community leader. Success also encompasses fostering lasting relationships with clients and partners.
On the flip side, failure is an opportunity to learn and evolve. It’s not a setback, but a chance to reassess strategies, adapt, and improve. Failure, when handled constructively, contributes to our resilience and ability to navigate challenges, ultimately leading to long-term success.
BRET: What is the one thing you attribute your success to?
BB: The key to my success lies in a combination of strategic vision, a commitment to integrity, and a genuine passion for community engagement. Being authentic, building and nurturing relationships, both within the industry and the community, has played a crucial role in achieving our objectives.
BRET: In what way do you feel you have most positively influenced or served the local community, your company/organization or professional field?
BB: I believe my most significant positive influence lies in fostering a culture of community engagement and corporate social responsibility at. Groom.
Our commitment to non-profit development projects, specifically affordable housing, exemplifies our dedication to addressing societal needs. Personally, my involvement in numerous organizations and boards, such as Harborlight Homes, Lifebridge North Shore, ROOT, the Plummer Youth Promise and The North Shore Chamber and Salem Chamber Initiatives reflects a commitment to driving positive change beyond the confines of our projects.
By intertwining business success with community impact, we continue to contribute not only to the corporate success and growth of Groom Construction but also significantly to the well-being of the communities we serve.
BRET: Your favorite books?
BB: “Out of Africa” by Isak Dinsesen
BRET: Your favorite quotes?
BB: My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style. (Maya Angelou)
BRET: The one person you would like to meet and why?
BB: Michelle Obama. Her grace, strength, fearlessness, intellect, presence, humor and authenticity are all inspiring.
BRET: What are the core values you try to live by?
BB: Authenticity, Integrity, Empathy, and Commitment to myself, family, co-workers and community.
BRET: What inspires you?
BB: The positive impact our work at Groom Construction has on our local communities. Beyond the tangible structures we build, our projects contribute to the betterment of our community, creating beautiful spaces for people to thrive. Whether it’s affordable housing projects, retail or commercial developments, senior housing or medical facilities, the outcomes extend far beyond construction.
