Donna Dennis is a seasoned professional in the construction industry, currently serving as the Director of Construction Services at Microsoft. With over 30 years of experience, she has successfully managed and procured projects totaling more than $5.5 billion, covering an impressive 17 million square feet....
Donna Dennis is a seasoned professional in the construction industry, currently serving as the Director of Construction Services at Microsoft. With over 30 years of experience, she has successfully managed and procured projects totaling more than $5.5 billion, covering an impressive 17 million square feet. Her journey began as a college intern, where she honed her skills on fast-track industrial-process construction projects in Georgia and Florida. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her extensive career, which has been marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation in construction management.
In her current role at Microsoft, Donna is responsible for defining, maintaining, and executing procurement contracting strategies for large-scale data center construction projects. Her expertise in contract management and negotiation encompasses various mechanisms, including firm-fixed price, Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), and cost-reimbursable contracts, all tailored to meet the unique demands of mega-projects. Donna's ability to collaborate cross-functionally is crucial in ensuring that procurement strategies align with the company's broader operational goals, thereby optimizing costs and ensuring a seamless supply chain.
Her skill set is comprehensive, encompassing pre-construction planning, project estimation, and change order management, with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices such as LEED certification. Donna is adept at utilizing advanced tools like On Screen Takeoff and Suretrack, which enhance project efficiency and accuracy. As a leader in the construction domain, she is dedicated to driving innovation and fostering collaboration, ensuring that Microsoft continues to set the standard for excellence in data center construction.