Skanska USA has appointed Ivi Gabales as senior director-business development strategist for its Seattle operations, strengthening the company’s leadership team as competition intensifies for major projects across the Pacific Northwest.
Gabales joins the contractor and development firm with nearly 20 years of experience spanning architecture, engineering, marketing and business development within the architecture, engineering and construction sector. Her background includes previous roles at Rice Fergus Miller, Glumac and BCRA, along with leadership of her own AEC consulting practice.
In her new role, she will focus on strategic business development initiatives aimed at expanding client relationships, identifying market opportunities and supporting long-term regional growth.
Skanska said Gabales brings established industry relationships throughout Washington state, including connections within tribal communities and across the broader AEC market. Company leaders noted that her combined technical and business development background will support efforts to strengthen the firm’s positioning in key sectors throughout the Pacific Northwest.
The hiring reflects a broader trend across the construction and design industry in which contractors are investing more heavily in market strategy, client engagement and relationship-driven business development as competition grows for public, institutional and commercial projects.
Gabales began her career as an architect before transitioning into marketing and business development leadership roles, giving her experience working across both technical project teams and client-facing operations. She has also been active as a speaker and facilitator focused on leadership and strategic growth within the AEC industry.
Beyond her professional work, Gabales serves on the boards of the Seattle Architecture Foundation and the Filipino American Construction Professionals of the Northwest.
Originally reported by Skanska USA.
