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Topic: Planning for Success: The Evolution of the Georgia Aquarium
Presenter: Heather McKeen
Abstract:
The planning, design and construction of the Georgia Aquarium was a highly successful undertaking, which led to its being named one of area’s top projects for 2006 by numerous industry organizations. Fresh from delivering the Georgia Aquarium in record time, the same Heery project team was asked to oversee a $110 million expansion that will add a crowd-pleasing dolphin exhibit. Heery Senior Project Manager Heather McKeen will discuss the management tools and process the team followed for the original aquarium project, as well as how the team adapted its systems and processes to accommodate the different conditions involved in developing the dolphin expansion. Now working adjacent to a busy existing aquarium with millions of visitors every year, a wide array of animal sensitivities and very limited site access, McKeen will share how she and her team have developed strategies and techniques for working cooperatively with government officials, neighbors and the existing residents—fish included.
Bio:
Heather McKeen is Heery’s senior project manager in charge of the day-to-day management of the Georgia Aquarium’s $110 million expansion, which will include a world-class dolphin exhibit. McKeen must balance all of the issues associated with accommodating existing aquarium inhabitants and visitors, as well as the design and construction of a highly complex addition. With more than 300 workers at its peak and limited access to and from the site, McKeen daily juggles the numerous demands of accomplishing the work to achieve the fall 2010 opening date. Because the project is occurring directly adjacent to the existing aquarium, one particular area of responsibility involves coordination with the marine life experts to minimize the impact of construction noise on the fish and mammals in the existing aquarium.
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