2012 Denver Go Red For Women Chair
Taryn Edwards, Senior Vice President at Saunders Construction
Taryn Edwards grew up in a large, traditional Finnish family in the Longview/Kelso area of Washington, about 30 miles north of Portland, OR. Her first job was with her father’s logging business, Christison & Family. She went on to study at the University of Washington, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the Structural Engineering program. Taryn immediately went to work for Hensel Phelps and stayed with the firm for nearly 23 years.
Early in Governor Ritter’s administration Taryn was named Executive Director of the Job’s Cabinet designed to integrate and strengthen state departments, businesses and educational programs with one unified voice. She ranks among the state’s most accomplished women in public service as an active member of the Assoc. of General Contractors, Women’s Forum of Colorado, the Denver Metro Chamber and named to the list of Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of America. In her professional role, Taryn fills the position of Senior Vice President of Saunders Construction Company Inc. overseeing project development and procurement including the management of marketing and business development efforts. She also works closely with the Preconstruction, Operations, Field Services, and Concrete divisions on integration and process improvements for the growth of the company.
For more than 20 years Taryn has been a close colleague and work associate of Saunders Construction and its leadership Dick Saunders and John Beeble. She was automatically drawn to the company by its culture, commitment, and dedication to the 2R’s and 4C’s – “At Saunders, our reputation and relationships are based on: Care, Collaboration, Commitment, and Community.” She decided to join the firm because the Saunders principles are so closely aligned with and compliment her own personal philosophy
Throughout Taryn’s professional career she has been known as an invested philanthropist responding without hesitation and in a strategic manner in support of numerous charitable causes with a passion for those efforts directly benefiting disadvantaged children. As one of the most accomplished people in the construction industry Taryn also represents the distinct minority of women wearing hard hats on the job. Due to her innovative and insightful approach to her work, Taryn has been instrumental in bringing young and energetic engineers and industry professionals to the forefront of the Colorado construction scene.
Message From Nancy Brown
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the Denver Go Red website! We’re delighted you are here and appreciate your interest in learning how you can advance health, stop heart disease and save women’s lives. That’s what the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women® movement is all about.
Heart disease isn’t just a man’s problem. It’s a woman’s problem, too. In fact, it’s the No. 1 killer of women. And, tragically, far too few women realize their risk from this preventable disease. We need to raise women’s awareness of their risk and protect our mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and ourselves.
You can help, starting today. Here’s how:
First, take charge of your own heart health. Visit your doctor. Know your numbers (learn more at www.GoRedForWomen.org). You can improve your blood pressure, cholesterol and other numbers by making lifestyle changes. You’ll be healthier and look and feel better, too.
Second, join the American Heart Association in making it your mission to fight heart disease in women. Help spread the word that heart disease is women’s No. 1 killer. Share what you learn today with your family and members of your community. Tell five women you want them to live and we can help stop heart disease in our lifetime.
Third and last, consider making a contribution. Your donation today will make a difference in the lives of women here and across the country. You can help fund local and national Go Red activities that support awareness, research, education and community programs that benefit women.
Thank you again for being here. My hope is that you won’t leave today without committing to making a difference by joining the Go Red For Women movement — women everywhere need your help. Only one in five women believes that heart disease is her greatest health threat. We believe reducing risk and preventing heart disease starts with education — and you. There’s so much to do, and so much at stake.
With your commitment, we can help women and their families live longer, stronger lives. Thank you for your generous support.
Warm regards,
Nancy Brown
Chief Executive Officer
American Heart Association
Make it Your Mission to help in the fight against heart disease in women.
