In today’s fast-paced professional careers, we rarely come across individuals who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to one organization for two decades. Next week, we celebrate Erin Curry’s 20th anniversary at Sain – or, as we like to call it, her “Sainiversary.” As a witness to her growth over the years, I am pleased to share the impact she has made at Sain, the Pulaski office, and within our local community.
Our paths first crossed many years ago in our tight-knit community of Cedar Grove and Bethel. Erin was a youngster working at Johnson’s Food-Town and Heritage House Restaurant. Growing up in close proximity, our families were familiar with one another. Little did we know then that this encounter would lay the foundation for a fruitful professional relationship in the years to come.
After college, Erin ventured out to Nashville, seeking new opportunities. Despite the distance, we managed to stay connected. It was clear to me that her small-town roots had shaped her into someone with an exceptional work ethic. When the opportunity arose for Erin to join Sain, I knew she would be a valuable addition to our team. As the saying goes, “You can take folks out of the small town, but you can’t take the small town out of the folks.”
From the moment Erin joined our team, it was evident that she possessed remarkable traits that would greatly benefit Sain and our Pulaski office. Coming from a working family, she understood the importance of hard work and the benefit one reaps from it. This translated into her work, where she displayed dedication, perseverance, and meticulous attention to detail.
Early in her career at Sain, Erin inherited one of our most high-profile projects: Mack Hatcher Parkway in Franklin, Tennessee. This undertaking involved designing a boulevard-style road with curbs and gutters, lighting, landscaping, bridges, multi-use paths, scenic overlooks, and retaining walls. Erin rose to the challenge and delivered exceptional results. Since then, she has swapped her emphasis area from design to safety and has grown into one of our lead safety professionals. Today, she actively collaborates with TDOT’s Strategic Transportation Investments Division and Freight and Logistics Division.
Throughout the years, Erin has proven herself to be a thorough manager. She approaches each project with a well-thought-out plan, ensuring its successful execution both in terms of schedule and budget. Her exceptional leadership skills have not only helped our team achieve our goals but have also inspired her colleagues to reach their full potential.
Outside of work, she loves to read, travel, site see, bird watch, spend time outdoors, and cook. I always enjoy it when she shares a new recipe or brings leftovers from a dish she has prepared. She has discovered a balance that allows her to nurture her passions and stay connected with nature. Erin has also made an impact on our community by serving on various boards and associations. However, her biggest impact has been serving as a young, energetic Giles County Commissioner bringing new insight to our County Commission while encouraging forward thinkers to run for open positions.
As Erin celebrates this milestone, I can’t help but express my immense gratitude for the past 20 years of collaboration. Witnessing her professional growth in a small community while accomplishing remarkable feats has been truly inspiring. I am confident that Erin’s dedication, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to excellence will continue to drive her toward new milestones and achievements in the years to come.