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Episode 2 – Leading Louisiana

Managing the Mission: Bradford Millett on Survey Leadership

Surveyors are the first on the ground—they set the foundation for every project. Bradford Millett shares the challenges of coordinating multiple crews across remote terrain and turning field data into actionable models that protect communities and landscapes.

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Episode Summary

In this episode of FUELED, host Kathryn Fenstermaker talks with Bradford Millett, Fenstermaker’s lead surveyor for LWI Region 4. Bradford shares how she discovered surveying through civil engineering studies and internships and why she loves being “the first one on the ground” for major projects.

 

She explains the challenge of coordinating ten field crews across some of Louisiana’s most remote areas, collecting topographic and bathymetric cross-sections, structure inventories, and water-level data—all while balancing landowner access, crew safety, and project timelines. Bradford also details the massive data-processing effort that turns raw field measurements into deliverables and how collaboration with partners like HDR and Michael Baker accelerates statewide watershed modeling.

 

The conversation highlights leadership lessons, the importance of mentorship, and the satisfaction of seeing field data drive meaningful decisions for flood risk reduction and watershed management.

“Surveyors are the first ones on the ground—we set the foundation for every project.”

“Managing ten crews in such a remote area means access and communication are everything.”

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

Bradford Millett is a licensed professional land surveyor and professional engineer with over a decade of experience at Fenstermaker. She leads the survey phase for LWI Region 4, managing field crews, processing data, and coordinating with engineers and subconsultants. A Louisiana native, Bradford discovered surveying while studying civil engineering and is a passionate advocate for mentorship and professional development in land surveying.

“Internships are the best way to discover what you enjoy; they turned me from a civil engineer into a land surveyor.”

Surveyors are the first on the ground—they set the foundation for every project. Bradford Millett shares the challenges of coordinating multiple crews across remote terrain and turning field data into actionable models that protect communities and landscapes.

Join Kathryn Fenstermaker and Bradford Millett, lead surveyor for Fenstermaker’s LWI Region 4, as they discover what it takes to lead field crews, process massive datasets, and support Louisiana’s statewide infrastructure projects.

Episode Highlights

  • The path from civil engineering student to licensed surveyor, and how internships helped her find her niche.
  • Coordinating ten survey crews across a remote, 7-parish region, including landowner communication and access issues.
  • Collecting and processing massive datasets: cross-sections, bathymetry, and structure inventories for hydrologic and hydraulic models.
  • Alternative survey technologies like single-beam sonar and mobile LiDAR for challenging terrain and water depths.
  • Leadership lessons: trust your team, communicate clearly, and seek guidance when needed.

More from FUELED

Conversations across seasons—on infrastructure, leadership, and public impact.

Established in 1950, C. H. Fenstermaker & Associates, L.L.C. is a highly diversified, multi-disciplinary consulting firm. With a commitment to help our clients succeed, we specialize in surveying and mapping, engineering and environmental consulting.

Click here for complete information about the licensing boards governing our Survey and Engineering professionals.

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