Rusty Ward serves as Controller for GDA Contractors. Rusty began his career in the homebuilding sector, specifically urban infill townhomes, in early 2000. In 2009, he joined the team at GDA, where he leads a diverse team of support personnel. Rusty holds a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University.
Throughout his career, Rusty has valued the opportunity to work alongside talented people with varied and thorough skill sets. He believes in creating an environment where experienced and new employees alike can continue to learn, grow, and improve each day. As a leader, Rusty focuses on providing his team with the tools and context they need to better understand the causes they serve, while leading by example, digging into challenges, and encouraging others to do the same.
What’s one accomplishment in your career that you’re most proud of? I am proud to work with such great people. Each day I look around, and I am thankful for our team. Having a place among such talented people with such varied and thorough skill sets is an awesome experience. Experienced or new, everyone is looking to learn and get better each day. I definitely learn something new every day.
What motivates you in your work or leadership role? Leadership to me is providing tools and context to fellow employees so they can develop a deeper understanding of the causes we serve. Leading by example, digging into problems, and motivating others to do the same. Watching younger people take charge and exercise their knowledge and mastery of an area is truly fulfilling.
What’s one surprising experience or moment in your life that has stuck with you? While not exactly surprising, becoming a parent later in life is a moment that sticks with me and, of course, changed my entire outlook.