From the Tempe office, LaBuff spearheads efforts to enhance data security and quality while improving data literacy across the firm. She was recognized as Sundt’s Support MVP of the Year with an award in 2023.

LaBuff says her ability to bridge the gap between construction operations and IT has been key to her success. “Too often, IT is seen solely as the team that ensures emails go through and computers stay up and running,” she says. “But in reality, IT can be a strategic partner in driving efficiency, automation, data insights and productivity improvements. IT can collaborate on solutions that have a real impact—whether it's streamlining workflows, improving decisionmaking or automating repetitive tasks.”

Dan Howard, Sundt vice president of information technology, calls LaBuff a unicorn. “She has a unique capability that allows her to be very technical, but she also understands the business side and is able to translate technology for end-users,” he says.

LaBuff is credited with successfully managing Sundt's migration of its ERP and human resources systems and development of internal company applications such as monthly progress reports, project management and go/no-go apps. She also established a data warehouse and data strategy team that has grown from two members to nine during the past three years. “She got a lot of people involved early on so she could fully understand what the end result of the data warehouse could look like,” Howard contends.

LaBuff established and leads Sundt’s Data and Information Governance Council, which supports the contractor’s commitment to becoming a more data-driven organization. “Data security, quality, accessibility and compliance are critical—but so is maintaining the flexibility to drive innovation and deliver value to our clients,” she says. “For data to be truly useful, it must be accurate, reliable and trusted."

Looking ahead, this work is key to future AI initiatives, LaBuff says. “It’s not just about having data—it’s about ensuring we have the right definitions, context and structure so our teams can understand and use it effectively.”

LaBuff also works with a team that is improving work-life balance of Sundt’s traveling construction employees, “We are committed to helping find some solution to provide better support and measuring the impact of these efforts through surveys and in person connectionsm" she says. "This initiative is about more than just data—it’s about making real changes that improve the well-being of our workforce.”

Outside the office, LaBuff stays busy keeping up with her young twin sons, volunteering for several food banks and helping the Sundt Foundation organize community events. In addition, she and her husband have sponsored a charity ride for Patriots of the Pines, an organization that provides outdoor and therapeutic activities for veterans.

“She is one of the most humble human beings I’ve met in my career,” Howard adds. “She’s blossomed over the last few years and her future is limitless … I’m honored to be a part of her mission and leadership journey.”