Kevin Berry recently stepped into the role of Regional Office Manager for ESA’s Pacific Northwest region, where he focuses on business operations, team support, and the region’s continued growth. He works closely with staff and leadership to strengthen internal processes, support project delivery, and maintain strong client relationships across the region. In this role, he’s focused on building on the Pacific Northwest’s strong foundation and supporting the people and projects that drive its success.
What is your favorite ESA moment/memory so far?
Honestly, some of my favorite moments have just been the events where people come together and work isn’t the main focus. Whether it’s in the office or offsite, it’s those times where everyone can relax, be themselves, and just connect. Being able to see people face-to-face, build relationships, and enjoy each other’s company makes a big difference. Those moments really stand out to me.
What does it mean to you to be part of an employee-owned company?
To me, being part of an employee-owned company makes the work feel more personal. It’s not just a job—you actually feel connected to what you’re building and where the company is going. There’s a sense that your voice matters and that the effort you put in has a real impact, not just on projects, but on your coworkers too. It also creates a different kind of culture—people tend to show up for each other more, share knowledge, and take pride in doing things the right way. That shared ownership makes the wins feel bigger and the work more meaningful overall.
What keeps you coming to work here at ESA every day?
They keep sending me these bills every month, so I usually decide just to keep coming…I’m only slightly kidding! What really keeps me here is the people and the purpose behind the work. I get to work alongside a team that’s supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about doing things the right way. That kind of environment makes it easy to stay motivated and keep growing. I’m also driven by the impact of what we do. Knowing our work contributes to communities and the environment gives it a deeper meaning beyond the day-to-day. That mix of great people, meaningful work, and continuous learning is what keeps me showing up.
What is your hidden or special talent(s)?
I wouldn’t say my talents are hidden—you just have to be present to witness them. But if I had to pick one, it’s definitely being able to adapt to anything. Being in administration, you learn real quick how to stay patient, switch gears, and figure things out on the fly. At this point, not much surprises me anymore.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you are out of the office?
Outside of work, I’m mostly just spending time with my kids—that’s my favorite thing, for sure. I like getting out and playing basketball when I can, and I’m always down for a good comedy show. And honestly, if there’s water involved—lake, river, beach—I’m there. That’s my happy place. Just being able to relax, have fun, and enjoy the moment.
If you had one free hour each day, how would you use it?
Sleep, I can always use a nap.
What are three skills that you bring to the ESA team? In other words, what should colleagues know to reach out to you about?
- Adaptability
- Patience
- Problem-solving
In a nutshell, what kind of work does your team do?
Honestly, we wear a lot of hats on the admin team. We’re kind of the go-to support for a little bit of everything, just helping keep things moving and making sure people have what they need. A lot of what we do is behind the scenes, but it all plays a part in keeping projects on track and supporting the team however we can.
Describe your role at ESA and the type of work you do.
As a Regional Office Manager, I’m really just focused on making sure the office runs smoothly and that people have what they need to do their best work. A lot of it is staying ahead of things, handling issues before they turn into bigger problems, and being someone the team can count on. I’m involved in a little bit of everything, but at the end of the day, it’s about keeping things organized, steady, and moving in the right direction while supporting the people behind the work.
What’s been your favorite project to work on here at ESA and what impact did it have on the community and/or environment?
One of my favorite moments so far was volunteering with an organization called Taking Ownership PDX. We had the chance to help clean up an elderly woman’s home—working on her front and back yard, clearing out things she no longer needed, and fixing up what we could. She wasn’t able to keep up with it anymore, so being able to step in and help make her space feel cared for again meant a lot. Seeing the impact in real time—and how much it meant to her—made it a really fulfilling experience.
Have you had the opportunity to work on any career-defining projects?
I wouldn’t point to a single career-defining project, but I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of meaningful work and experiences that have helped me grow in my role.
