LAURA PORTER - OPERATIONS MANAGER/OWNER

Founder and President, Laura Porter has led Florida Drawbridge since its beginning in 1997. She has ultimately been responsibility for the concurrent safe operation and maintenance of fifty-five moveable bridges. Her professional background includes Experimental Microchip Technician for Intel, Service Technician for TRW, Field Service Technician for General Electric, and Environmental Health and Safety Manager for Industrial Resource Group.

Laura's background education and professional work experience make her uniquely qualified to provide leadership to Florida Drawbridge, particularly in regards to contract management and administration and policy development. Her technical knowledge, field service experience, OSHA compliance training and risk management are all effectively disseminated to employees by utilizing her formal training in education.

Laura's duties include recruiting, training, and supervision of drawbridge operators and bridge tender supervisors. This includes personally conducting Annual Department of Transportation and U.S. Coast Guard regulatory Bridge Tending training and the development and implementation of additional safe operating procedures.

The same attention is given to the recruitment and training of qualified bridge mechanics, electricians and welders. Maintenance training and inspections were developed using the FDOT Bridge Operations Maintenance Manual.