April Spotlight: Conrad Gallagher – Enhancing Care Through Construction Excellence
At SteerBridge, we are proud to recognize the dedicated professionals who help us deliver innovative solutions to support our Veterans. This month, we’re excited to highlight Conrad Gallagher, a Construction Administrator whose meticulous work and leadership are making a tangible difference at the Northampton VA Medical Center.
Dedicated to Quality: A Day in the Life of a Construction Administrator
As a Construction Administrator on SteerBridge’s Construction Facilities and Management (CFM) Team, Conrad’s role centers on quality control and project coordination. Acting as a liaison between the project team, facility members, general contractors, and subcontractors, Conrad ensures that every aspect of construction aligns with design specifications and meets the highest standards.
“No two days are the same,” Conrad explains. “I start by granting contractors access to their work areas, reviewing drawings and specifications, and inspecting recently completed work to ensure it meets quality standards. Throughout the day, I coordinate with contractors and VA representatives to resolve issues and keep construction efforts moving forward.”
Supporting the VA’s Mission: Construction Meets Digital Modernization
Conrad’s work is closely tied to the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) initiative—a transformative effort to enhance patient care through upgraded digital systems. At the Northampton VA Medical Center, Conrad’s team is installing new data lines, building a data center, and replacing outdated telecommunications infrastructure.
His role involves coordinating contractors’ installations of the physical infrastructure needed to support the VA’s digital upgrades. “The physical work we’re doing will allow the VA to fully leverage their modernized electronic health record systems, ultimately improving the quality of care for Veterans,” Conrad says.
From navigating access to secure areas to ensuring work adheres to design specifications, Conrad’s attention to detail and proactive problem-solving have been essential to the project’s success.
Why EHRM Matters
For Conrad, the EHRM project is more than just construction—it’s about supporting a mission that improves the quality of care for Veterans.
“Professionally, EHRM represents a significant step forward in healthcare. The new system will streamline workflows, reduce errors, and provide healthcare professionals with better access to patient information. It’s all about achieving better patient outcomes and providing more personalized care for our Veterans,” he explains.
His passion for the project goes beyond the technical work—it’s about contributing to a mission that truly matters.
Thriving in the SteerBridge Culture
Conrad’s experience with the SteerBridge CFM Team has been defined by support, collaboration, and continuous learning.
“When I needed additional training for specific facility keys, the team responded quickly and even offered reimbursement for the necessary training. That kind of flexibility allowed me to effectively address the project’s requirements,” Conrad shares.
SteerBridge’s emphasis on innovation, integrity, and service has also influenced his approach. “There’s always space for innovative solutions to construction challenges. Creative problem-solving can make a real difference, whether it’s minimizing the impact on facility operations or controlling unforeseen costs.”
A Professional Journey Built on Resilience and Adaptability
Conrad’s background is rooted in industrial construction management, particularly in actively operating food manufacturing facilities. This experience gave him the skills to coordinate effectively between construction teams and facilities to maintain high-quality standards under tight deadlines.
In a previous role, Conrad was thrust into a leadership position when two site supervisors left the company just three months before a major project’s scheduled completion. As an inexperienced site supervisor, Conrad successfully managed subcontractors and maintained project quality and schedule—an experience he describes as being “thrown in the deep end.”
“Taking on that role was a defining moment. It taught me to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and find solutions to complex challenges. Those skills have proven invaluable at SteerBridge,” he reflects.
Since joining SteerBridge, Conrad has continued to grow, learning to be even more adaptable and proactive in addressing the complexities of projects like EHRM. “The focus on service here has reinforced my belief in the importance of having a meaningful purpose behind the work we do,” he adds.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025 and Beyond
Conrad has ambitious goals for 2025—both professionally and personally. He aims to hike every public trail in Western Massachusetts by the end of the year.
On the professional front, Conrad is excited to continue supporting the EHRM project and contributing to the VA’s mission of providing high-quality care for Veterans.
“Through my work at SteerBridge, I hope to ensure quality work is done on schedule with minimal impact to the facility or the Veterans they serve. It’s about making a positive impact where it matters most,” Conrad explains.
A Word from Leadership
Rob Schroder, SteerBridge’s Founder and Managing Partner, shared his thoughts on Conrad’s contributions:
“Conrad exemplifies the SteerBridge commitment to excellence and service. His ability to navigate complex projects, maintain quality standards, and keep a focus on the Veteran mission sets him apart. We’re proud to have him leading such critical work for the VA.”
Join Our Team
SteerBridge is dedicated to fostering the growth of talented professionals like Conrad, who embody integrity, innovation, and a drive for meaningful work.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced environment where your contributions make a difference, explore opportunities at SteerBridge today.