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  • Nora Swanson, PE, AKF Group

40 Under 40: “Embrace all that you are, all that you give and all that you can do”


How do you contribute to your company and / or the industry?

I spent the first 10 years of my career exclusively in a project engineering role – working on many amazing projects as an HVAC Engineer and Project Manager. These experiences sparked a desire within me to actively vision and collaborate with others on what the Industry’s future could be. Several years ago I was able to create an opportunity for myself within AKF to help maximize our design technology processes. Since embarking down this path, I have been entrusted with the development and management of AKF’s Strategic Technology Plan and with Chairing our Virtual Design Committee. My goal is to help others achieve success as efficiently and effectively as possible. I love thinking creatively, I love encouraging others to innovate and I’m thrilled that I am able to integrate those passions into my life at AKF! Who or what has been the strongest influence in your career?

In realizing my purpose and passions, my most recent career influencer has been Jake Lawrence – the Partner in Charge of AKF’s Technical Core. Jake has embraced and encouraged my inner rebel, which has been paramount to my success. To quote Francesca Gino on NPR’s Hidden Brain Podcast – You 2.0: Rebel with a Cause: “I think we really need to shift our thinking. Rebels are not troublemakers. They’re not outcasts. Rebels are people who break rules that should be broken. They break rules that hold them and others back, and their way of rule-breaking is constructive rather than destructive. It creates positive change.”


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