A Career Built on Trust, Growth, and People

In an industry where careers can take many different paths, Business Unit Director Tracy Longo’s story is defined by one constant: a commitment to people. 

Tracy joined Shive-Hattery in 1996 in the Iowa City office, beginning a journey that has now spanned over three decades. Today, she serves as the Business Unit Director for Higher Education and Healthcare and as a member of the Board of Directors. 

Her path to Shive-Hattery wasn’t necessarily part of a long-term plan. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Tracy had opportunities with both Shive-Hattery and another firm in Madison. At the time, her future husband was living in Iowa, which played an important role in her decision. 

“It was a very different time back then,” Tracy says. “The internet wasn’t what it is today, so learning about a company was mostly based on word of mouth. I honestly didn’t know much about Shive-Hattery when I applied. I interviewed, liked what I saw, and accepted the opportunity.” 

Over 30 years later, that decision has shaped a career filled with leadership, mentorship, growth, and meaningful relationships. 

For Tracy, the reason she stayed comes down to three things: support, opportunity, and a culture that believes in its people. 

A Career Built on Support

When asked what has kept her at Shive-Hattery for over three decades, Tracy doesn’t point to a specific project or title. She points to the people who supported her along the way. 

“The work has never been easy. Engineering is challenging, and everyone makes mistakes,” she says. “What made the difference for me was always having leaders and teammates who trusted me, supported me, and helped me through difficult situations.” 

Early in her career, Tracy experienced firsthand what it meant to have leaders who were willing to stand beside their employees. 

There were moments when she faced difficult client situations or questioned her own confidence. Leaders like Phil Larson and Doug were there to provide guidance, support, and perspective. 

“Knowing you have a team behind you makes all the difference,” Tracy says. 

That support became the foundation for how she approached leadership throughout her own career—creating an environment where others know they don’t have to navigate challenges alone.  

Recognizing Potential and Creating Opportunities

Tracy’s connection to Shive-Hattery became clear early in her career. 

Shortly after joining the firm, she was invited to participate in the Leadership Development Program. To Tracy, that opportunity represented more than professional development—it showed that someone believed in her potential. 

“It made me feel valued,” she says. “It showed me that someone saw potential in me and believed I could contribute to the firm’s future.” 

At the same time, her supervisor, Phil Larson, continued to challenge her with meaningful work while providing the coaching and support she needed to grow. 

He introduced her to clients early, trusted her with responsibility, and encouraged her ideas—even when she was still developing her confidence. 

“That support made me realize I was in the right place,” Tracy says. 

Throughout her career, that same mindset has continued. She has embraced change, taken on new responsibilities, and pursued opportunities that allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. 

“I’ve never wanted to do the same thing every day,” she says. “Shive-Hattery has consistently provided opportunities to take on new responsibilities, develop new skills, and contribute in different ways.” 

The Accomplishment That Matters Most

When asked about the accomplishment she is most proud of, Tracy doesn’t talk about projects or awards. 

She talks about people. 

“One of the most rewarding experiences is seeing someone who joined the firm right out of college grow into a successful project manager, managing director, or trusted client leader,” she says. 

For Tracy, leadership is measured by the success of those around her. 

Knowing she played a role in coaching, mentoring, and creating opportunities for others has been one of the most fulfilling parts of her career. 

“The best feeling is seeing those individuals succeed independently and confidently handle challenges on their own.” 

A Career Built on Trust and Empowerment

Ask Tracy how she would describe Shive-Hattery’s culture, and she highlights four words: kindness, support, empowerment, and trust. 

“I’ve always felt that my ideas were heard and considered,” she says. “When I’ve suggested improvements or advocated for change, people listened.” 

Over the years, Tracy has watched the firm continue to evolve while maintaining its focus on people. 

What stands out most to her is that leaders genuinely strive to live the firm’s values—not only when things are going well, but especially when challenges arise. 

“Our culture isn’t something we take for granted—it’s something we actively work to strengthen every day.” 

That commitment extends beyond internal relationships. Tracy believes Shive-Hattery’s focus on people is what ultimately strengthens the firm’s relationships with clients. 

“Many organizations focus on financial results first and assume everything else will follow,” she says. “At Shive-Hattery, we believe that if we take care of our employees, our employees will take care of our clients, and our clients will take care of the business.”

Why People Stay

After over 30 years, Tracy believes people stay at Shive-Hattery because they feel valued and empowered to make a difference. 

“We’re a growth-oriented company,” she says. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, evolve, and create new opportunities.” 

She believes the firm’s size creates a unique advantage—large enough to provide meaningful opportunities, but small enough that individuals can still influence decisions and see the impact of their work. 

That same philosophy extends to how Shive-Hattery invests in employees through professional development, technology, benefits, compensation, profit sharing, and emerging opportunities. 

“Ultimately, I think people stay because they feel valued, supported, and empowered.”

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