Deana Ruud Director, Marketing - Shafer, Kline & Warren, Inc.

Years in A/E/C industry: 9

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Spending time with my husband Brandon and 4-year-old twins Tyson and Sydney, playing and watching sporting events, and traveling.

Any nicknames? None I care to acknowledge.

Hometown? Mayetta, Kansas

Do you have a little known talent? I can wiggle my chin.

If I could live anywhere, I’d live in: Maui, Hawaii

If I could do anything, I would:  Take over Samantha Brown’s job at the Travel Channel – reviewing hotels and vacation destinations seems like a good living.

A personally rewarding career or professional accomplishment? Finishing my MBA with two infants.

Favorite movie or book? I love the Bourne movie and book series.

Favorite band or musician? I like a really wide range of music, and couldn’t possibly come up with a favorite.

Favorite food? Anything Mexican.

A personal motto or motivating quote? “It’s a great day to be alive!” a phrase repeated by one of my college basketball coaches.  He often used the phase during tough workouts to remind us that that there were many, many people in the world who would gladly trade places with us at any given moment,  and to remind us to be grateful for all the challenges and opportunities that we had been given.   

Added April 2010