Hillary Aton, PE, is a principal and project manager at Thomas & Hutton specializing in stormwater and flood mitigation solutions across South Carolina. With 14 years of experience, she leads complex infrastructure projects that protect communities from flooding and improve resilience. A recognized industry leader and APWA Lowcountry Branch president, Aton has earned multiple Project of the Year awards and is known for her collaborative, community-focused approach to engineering.
My greatest strength as a leader is my ability to listen and communicate clearly, especially in high-pressure situations where communities are dealing with real impacts like flooding. I focus on understanding concerns, explaining complex issues in practical terms, and building trust through consistency. I am always working to improve how I delegate and create space for others to lead, ensuring my team continues to grow in confidence and capability.
I have learned that technical solutions are only successful when people understand and trust them. Early in my career, I focused primarily on getting the design right. Over time, I realized that listening, communicating clearly, and building relationships are just as important. That mindset has helped me deliver better outcomes for communities and work more effectively with clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
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