Here at The Bedford Mom we believe that moms deserve to be recognized and celebrated! This month we are so excited to shine a light on one who truly goes above and beyond. Meet Jillian Shedd: a dedicated mom of two, a full-time construction project manager, and someone who is always willing to volunteer and lend a helping hand to the community. Whether she’s managing large-scale building projects, leading a Cub Scout den, or cheering from the sidelines at her kids’ sporting events, Jillian brings energy, heart, and purpose to everything she does. Read on to learn more about Jillian, her journey, and her favorite things about life in Bedford.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Jillian Shedd and I live in Bedford with my husband Donnie, 10 year old son Bryson and 7-1/2 year old son Liam and our 12 -1/2 year old Australian Shepard mutt pup named Filbert.
I am a Construction Project Manager for a Design build firm called NorthPoint Construction Management out of Hudson. I have had an awesome side job at Canvas Roadshow here in Bedford as well for the past 6 years. I am a Cub scout den leader for Pack 5 here in town and a member of NH NAWIC (National Association for Women in Construction).
We moved to Bedford in 2019 right before the pandemic hit. I am originally from Salem, New Hampshire. I have my master’s degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Tell us about your work!
I started my career as an architectural design intern for Procon in Hooksett during and right after college. I’ve dabbled in different areas of design from Architectural millwork, to more code based career growth when I worked for the Governor Commission on Disability as Accessibility Specialist. I worked with a diverse group of NH residents to ensure publicly owned and leased properties met architectural standards to enhance everyone’s experiences and access.
This experience working for the Governors Commission lead me to review a project for my current boss and I moved on to work for NorthPoint as an architectural designer. I grew into the assistant project managers role and for the last 3 years I have been running projects as a Construction project manager.
I love being able to see an architectural project go from a napkin sketch all the way to the built form and in my current company I get to see that happen everyday. I love being a part of organizing all of it with all our great partners. My team and I recently finished a large addition to the Hudson Police Department and I have been working away on a new Porsche dealership coming to Nashua for the summer of 2025!
What are your favorite local restaurants?
My favorite local spots are T-Bones and the 1750 Taphouse is a family favorite!
What is your favorite way to practice self-care?
Self care for me is reading and going to Orange Theory here in Bedord! I recently added in talking with a therapist and it has been a great way to practice some me time too.
What brought you to Bedford?
We moved here for the school district, once our oldest got about school age we made the leap from the West side of Manchester. It also helps that I have a lifelong friend (Stefanie Fournier) that lived about two miles from where we landed.
What is your favorite thing about Bedford?
I like that we can recognize faces and build community quite easily here. From Scouting, to kids sporting activities, the school system and the gym it feels like we are always seeing friendly faces we recognize and it makes you feel connected to something larger than just your family.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
The Shedds are busy people! We are bouncing from basketball, baseball, scouting, the library, OTF and Riddle Brook school on the regular. A quiet day for us would be the library where all four of us can be happy and content!
What is your best piece of advice for moms who are new in town?
PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!
It is scary meeting new friends as an adult and sometimes we just have to put ourselves out there. I am an extrovert at heart so this is fine by me, but I’ve seen my introverted husband really expand his social circle here in town by just trying a new club (Bedford dads) or greeting a familiar face whose name you just don’t know at one of the sporting events.
What is your best piece of advice for expecting moms or new moms?
Expecting moms, find a mom group- again my extroverted self-wanted connection to the outside world in those early days and the New Moms group through the Elliot was amazing.
Also, just don’t blink- we are still in the thick of it but man does it go fast.
In closing, we hope you enjoyed reading this article about Jill! If you’d like to nominate a Bedford mom to be spotlighted, please submit your nomination via email to info@thebedfordmom.com. Thanks so much!