Prior to joining A&A, she worked for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. The combined city-county organizational structure that is implemented there conveniently streamlines and unites processes throughout the government. Seeing different ways to approach a governmental system, Emily is very interested in becoming involved and playing an active role as a citizen of the New River Valley.

Emily, who earned a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Kansas, enjoys the variety of issues to which engineering can contribute and never feels locked into a particular field. "Civil engineering is a true professional security," she comments, "giving you a broader view of the world and the skills and knowledge to do most anything." She also recognizes the positive impacts that engineering has on society as well as the environment. "By providing maintenance of existing infrastructure, you are 'invisibly' protecting the quality of life."

Emily, husband Scott, and Norwegian Elkhound mix Zelda, moved to Blacksburg just three months ago and are excited to become active citizens of this area. " Working at A&A gives me a place to belong and a connection to the community; I am proud when people ask what I do and where I work." She is also active in the New River Valley Leadership program and is enjoying her involvement in the local Chamber events and government meetings.

When A&A's Survey Manager, Eric Gentry, was elected to the ESOP Advisory Committee in July 2002, he immediately recognized an opportunity to become more involved in the company. His involvement in the committee has given him a better understanding of the business, as well as the challenges involved with transitioning to 100 percent employee ownership.

In addition to his service with the ESOP committee, Eric is a member of the Transition Committee. This group focuses on what will happen after the transition to 100 percent employee ownership occurs, shaping the future and structure of the company.

Eric also serves on the Giles County, Va. Board of Supervisors. "I enjoy being involved and finding ways to help others at work and in my home town. My service on the ESOP committee and the Board of Supervisors is similar; you need to have a future view in mind. You need to look to the future to make people happy."

He lives in Giles County with wife, Jeanine, their 2 children, Jared and Shared, and the family’s golden retrievers Nick and Cleo. "My family is my greatest success and love. A&A was a family oriented place to work 10 years ago when I started, and I hope it will be 20 years from now."