Navisun Narratives: Madison Alcorn, Sr. Project Manager
At Navisun, our team is at the core of who we are. We created the Navisun Narratives to highlight the individuals that make our company what it is and lead us toward a cleaner energy future.
We recently chatted with project manager Madison Alcorn, whose unique background in finance, paired with her hands-on experience in construction, allows her to bridge the gap between the technical and business sides of renewable energy projects. Here’s a deeper dive into her journey, insights, and experiences.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself to get started?
I’m originally from Lowell, Massachusetts, where I grew up in a blue-collar family with four siblings, all of whom work in various union trades. I went to the University of Massachusetts, where I studied business accounting and played Division 1 softball. My whole life has been team-driven, and after college, I started working as an accountant. But I quickly realized that the accounting world wasn’t for me. I wanted to be part of a team and have more hands-on involvement in projects.
While working for a client in the coal industry, I started asking myself, "How do I get to the tangible side of things?" I was also always interested in sustainability and during my time at PwC, that interest grew. While there, I helped form and lead the office sustainability group, organizing town cleanups and working on initiatives to help lead more sustainable lives.
After leaving the world of Big 4 accounting, I landed a job at Vanguard Renewables, where I was able to apply my accounting skills in more of a construction-focused role, creating budget forecasts and working on overall project controls of renewable energy projects. From there, I stepped into a full construction-based project management position at Shawmut Design and Construction, where I was able to engage in the true fundamentals of project and construction management.
During my time at Shawmut I realized I was missing the renewable energy aspect, and that’s when I started looking into project management jobs in this field. Navisun came onto my radar, and the opportunity to work for a smaller startup that was growing was very exciting to me. Now, I’m the only project manager at Navisun, which is pretty cool. It’s empowering to be a woman in the construction space, and I get to work alongside blue-collar professionals, which I absolutely love.
What brought you to Navisun and the renewable energy industry?
Even when I was at PwC, I was drawn to sustainability, and I knew I wanted to be more involved in projects that were focused on creating positive environmental impact. When I worked at Shawmut on a LEED-certified building, I really got into the nuances of sustainability and what it takes to hit those requirements. But I realized I wanted to work for a company with a mission focused on renewables, while also embracing the hands-on, mission-driven aspect of construction.
Navisun caught my attention because it gave me the chance to combine my background in accounting and project management with a meaningful role in renewable energy. What’s unique about Navisun is that we oversee projects from start to finish, which gives us a lot of pride and responsibility. I love the idea of starting with an in-house development team and seeing a project all the way through to operations and maintenance. Navisun is unique in that we’re not just a developer or an EPC; we don’t simply complete projects and walk away. Unlike other EPC firms that design and deliver projects, we stay involved to operate and ensure long-term success, making us more invested in the ongoing operation.
You’ve been in your current role for a year and a half now. What are you most proud of accomplishing during this time?
I’m most proud of the fact that, since I’ve been here, we’ve turned on four projects, with three more slated to be turned on in the first half of 2025. On top of that, we haven’t had any OSHA reportable safety incidents since I have been here. Keeping our team safe and ensuring projects run smoothly from start to finish is a huge accomplishment.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role?
There’s no such thing as a standard day! As a project manager, my job involves constant communication. About 50% of what I do is talking to people—whether it’s checking emails, talking to subcontractors and vendors, or addressing any issues on-site. I’m always making sure that things are progressing on schedule and meeting deliverables. One day, I might be coordinating drone shots for a solar array at an active airport, and the next, I’m ensuring that contractors and stakeholders are on the same page.
I also have to manage the coordination between multiple parties—engineers, contractors, and vendors. For example, if an issue comes up in the field, I’m the one who helps facilitate the communication between everyone to find a solution. The goal is to keep everything moving forward without compromising quality, safety, or schedule.
Can you explain how a project comes together from start to finish?
It begins with securing the land and submitting the interconnection application to ensure grid access. From there, we work on finalizing design packages before receiving bids from subcontractors and vendors, which are then reviewed and selected. Once contracts are finalized, we schedule kick-off calls with the subs to ensure alignment before mobilization.
The fieldwork begins with clearing the land, followed by grading to plan specifications and ensuring any necessary tolerances are met. Underground work is completed before the racking system is built. Once the racking is in place, we move on to module installation, wire management, and pouring equipment pads. After setting all the necessary equipment, the team conducts testing and commissioning, ensuring everything runs smoothly. We then get the electrical inspector's sign-off and submit the documentation needed to schedule a witness test with the utility. Once the site is powered on, we turn our focus to addressing any outstanding punch list items and ensuring all project requirements are met for close out. Finally, we hand the project over to our internal O&M team for ongoing maintenance and operation.
You’re also a LEED Green Associate. How has that certification influenced your role at Navisun?
Having the LEED certification has definitely given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of sustainable construction practices. Although some of the specific LEED requirements don't apply to every aspect of renewable energy projects, the awareness it brings about sourcing, sustainability, and the environmental impact is invaluable. When I worked at Shawmut, we focused on LEED building certifications, and that experience has helped me bring a more holistic perspective to the projects I work on at Navisun.
What inspires you to come to work every day?
Honestly, the team. We have an incredible group of people at Navisun, and the project level team is the closest I’ve ever worked with. There’s a great sense of self-motivation and accountability. Everyone here takes pride in the work they do and wants the projects to succeed. When all parties are aligned on design, schedule, and process, it makes my job as a project manager much easier.
We’re all working toward the same goal, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see a project come to life from start to finish.
Outside of work, how would you spend your ideal day?
I’m always outside. Hiking is my main thing—I love exploring national parks and spending time in nature. Golf is another passion of mine, and I try to play as much as I can. My ideal day would be spent outside, enjoying the fresh air and disconnecting from work for a bit.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Navisun is at an exciting point in its growth. We have a strong pipeline of projects, and it will be exciting to see where we expand next. We're already breaking into Illinois and the Mid-Atlantic region, and it’ll be fun to work with new utilities and contractors across the country.
Are you a landowner or developer interested in learning more about working with Navisun? Contact us here.