I AM BKF showcases our business development manager in Portland, who serves the greater Pacific Northwest area, Kaitlin Virding. Kaitlin is one of the many individuals who make BKF great!
I am a Mom
I am a Local Sports Fan
I am a Beach Lover
I am a Theme Park Fan
I am a Business Development Manager – Portland
When Kaitlin started college at the University of Oregon, she wasn’t entirely sure where her path would lead. She had a passion for writing and communication, so she pursued a degree in Journalism and Public Relations, with a minor in Communication. At the time, the AEC industry wasn’t on her radar. But everything changed with one internship at a civil engineering and surveying firm — a move that quietly set the foundation for a long and successful career.
Kaitlin now has more than 15 years of experience in the industry, constantly learning and evolving along the way. A few years into her career, she took on the challenge of earning her CPSM credential, driven by a desire to deepen her understanding of industry standards and sharpen her marketing and business development skills.
Over time, her interest began to shift from traditional marketing to business development, she discovered a love for strategy, relationship-building, and helping teams figure out how to move from point A to point B. Collaborating with technical staff, digging into client needs, and crafting plans that align with long-term goals has become the work she truly enjoys.
Kaitlin is constantly learning, asking questions, and relying on collaboration to ensure accuracy and alignment. Finding her lane in business development helped her zero in on where she could make the biggest impact. Work-life balance is a continuous effort, especially in a demanding field. But Kaitlin credits BKF Engineers for creating a culture that values both professional growth and personal well-being. With the support of her company and her family, she’s been able to stay fully present for her children’s milestones while also advancing in her career.
For Kaitlin, the most rewarding part of the job is meeting with clients — especially those the company hasn’t worked with before. There’s excitement in starting from scratch, identifying what matters most to clients, and figuring out how to build meaningful, long-term relationships.
At the heart of it all is a strong support system — her husband, kids, and parents — who help her keep everything moving. Their encouragement fuels her drive to succeed, not just as a professional, but as a parent and partner too.
Looking ahead, Kaitlin is excited about the continued evolution of the industry and her role within it. For her, business development is where strategy and people meet — and that’s exactly where she wants to be.
