Staff Spotlight – Anita Hayes

Anita joined the Murraysmith + Quincy team five years ago as a payroll specialist, utilizing her knowledge of California prevailing wage and certified payroll requirements. In addition to payroll, she tackled an array of accounting duties, including assisting the controller with accounts payable, accounts receivable, project invoicing, and more. Anita even played a key role in developing company prevailing wage procedures and policies. Over the years, she has shifted her focus fully to project accounting and moved into a team lead position, taking on new challenges and responsibilities. More than anything, we’re grateful to have her detailed-oriented eye and unstoppable drive handling these important accounting responsibilities.

I met Anita when I began my career with Quincy Engineering more than five years ago. I was told she was the go-to for anything accounting. Boy was that an understatement. I know when she is working on a project, payroll, or benefits, it’s going to be right. She is tenacious, detailed, and has a real desire to make sure our clients and staff are taken care of. She is an asset to the team. She works hard and always makes herself available. During these five years, I’ve come to realize that Anita is more than a great employee. She is honest, dependable, and someone I can count on. She is always willing to help, with anything, at any moment. Anita, we are lucky to have you as a staff member, and I am honored to call you my friend.”

– Bobbi Gallagher, Administrative Supervisor

When I was 19, I decided to join the United States Marine Corps (USMC). Everyone told me that it was extremely difficult and that I would never make it through training. This was the first time in my life that I had been away from my family and friends. You get off a bus and have people screaming in your face, and that screaming doesn’t stop for three long months. You run and train all day until you feel like you just can’t take anymore, but then you do it all again the next day. Not only was it a physical challenge, but it was one of the biggest mental challenges I have ever faced. My training and time spent in the Marine Corps taught me discipline, courage, commitment, and teamwork, which has been an asset to my life. These values have carried over into my work and helped me achieve my goals.

I am motivated by so many things in life. Family would be the biggest motivator. I have a very supportive husband, two young adult daughters, and a granddaughter who I hope will look up to me. I want them to know that it is possible to have a good work and home life balance. I want them to know that it is okay to go after what you want, and there should never be a reason that they give up on their dreams. I want them to know that if I can do it, they can do it too.

In the future, I would like to go back to school. I have always wanted to continue my education and obtain my bachelor’s degree, but life always got in the way. My daughters are both adults now, and I feel that I am at the point where I have time to invest in myself. I look forward to growing in this field that I enjoy.

I hope to visit Europe. There is so much to see—beautiful architecture, castles, the Amalfi Coast, the Eiffel Tower, etc. My husband and I have been looking forward to a European vacation for several years. We had planned to go this year for our 25^th wedding anniversary but had to cancel due to COVID. It’s still high up on our list, and now we get a bit of extra planning time.