Evolving as an Executive Leader

The homes Brianna Tovsen (EMDC ‘25) helps build aren’t cookie-cutter subdivision homes.  

These homes are architecturally unique, and they come to life in some of the most desirable cities with the most expensive property values in the country, such as San Francisco, California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Maui, Hawaii.  

“I’m energized by the projects themselves. The design, creativity, and ideas that come through the door are a big part of what I enjoy,” she said. “I value being able to support the idealistic, complex visions and figure out how we can make them work in a real, buildable way.”  

Brianna is director of preconstruction at Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders, an upscale custom residential builder focused on architecturally complex, design-driven homes. It's a role she's held since 2014.  

She turned to Northwestern Engineering’s Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program to help her grow in the position.  

“I didn’t go into EMDC to change roles,” Brianna said. “I pursued it because my role had already changed, and I needed to be better prepared for it.” 

Brianna explored graduate programs for nearly a decade. She did not want to pursue an MBA that wasn’t hyper-relevant to her career goals, so she waited until she found a better option. 

She found what she wanted in EMDC. 

Brianna appreciated the program's balance of in-person and online learning. She valued the credibility that comes with a Northwestern degree and was excited to discover the program's focus on leaders in the built environment sector. 

“The EMDC program gave me a stronger understanding of how a business operates beyond my immediate, daily responsibilities. It has enabled me to think more broadly about leadership, decision-making, and organizational dynamics,” she said. “Additionally, the program expanded my vocabulary and gave me the confidence to participate more meaningfully in executive-level conversations. I am very proud of my advanced degree from Northwestern.” 

The lessons Brianna learned helped her evolve as her role shifted toward more executive leadership.  

Many of those lessons came from Brianna's professors, but a large number came from her classmates, she said. 

“One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the cohort. The willingness to share real experiences made the learning more practical and relevant,” Brianna said. “It added a depth to the learning that you don’t typically get in a classroom setting.”  

Brianna turns to those lessons daily—from initial pursuits through contract negotiations—guiding projects through early planning, budgeting, coordination, and overall strategy. She recently worked on a Frank Lloyd Wright home, allowing her to engage with a historically significant design.  

She is also on the company’s executive committee, contributing to company-wide decisions about operations, team structure, and long-term direction.  

“My role has evolved to bridge both project-level strategy and broader leadership within the business,” she said. “EMDC pushed me to be more intentional about how I communicate. I am more concise and straightforward, and ultimately, more confident in leadership settings.”  

[Text Wrapping Break]Brianna also spreads what she learned in EMDC outside her company. As director of preconstruction, she works with architects who are new to the areas where her company builds to better understand local building practices, site conditions, and construction strategies.  

The constant variety serves as inspiration—and maintains her connection to the EMDC program.  

“My experience with EMDC is ever-present in how I engage as a leader. With the executive committee, I’m more proactive in contributing to discussions and very intentional about how we shape and support our firm culture,” she said. “My EMDC degree has also influenced how I lead my team. I’m spending more time helping my colleagues to understand the bigger picture and how their work directly impacts the success of their projects and, in turn, the company overall.”