We’re continuing our employee-owner spotlight series with someone who’s always looking ahead and helping shape Providence’s future. Meet Jonathan U. Dougherty, PhD—better known around here as Dr. J.—our Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. He’s focused on big-picture efforts like recruiting, marketing, professional development, and our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). And if you ever catch Providence at a career fair, there’s a good chance you’ll see Dr. J. there, ready to chat.
Question 1: What does being an employee-owner mean to you?
Before joining Providence, I spent 17 years at an employee-owned firm, and I saw not only the potential financial benefits but also the firm culture that emerges when we all have an impact on the firm’s success. Joining an employee-owned company was something I definitely sought out as I was looking for a new professional opportunity.
Question 2: If you weren’t an engineer, what profession would you be in?
Probably not much of a surprise, but I would probably be a professor or higher education academic administrator. I spent six years teaching at Penn State and one and a half years as an Adjunct Professor at Virginia Tech, while working full-time. I enjoy being in the classroom, interacting with students, and teaching the future of our profession.
Question 3: What’s the most unusual job or task you’ve ever had?
In high school I was a janitor’s assistant at a county housing authority apartment building for the elderly. It taught me a lot about hard work and appreciating everyone’s role.
Question 4: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My Dad would often remind me that it is human nature to believe we need to be great at something. But instead of trying to be great, he encouraged me to be a part of something greater than myself.
Question 5: Who is your biggest role model?
My Dad, Marty. He was my go-to guy. He was my professional role model, as he was also an architectural engineer, and I spent all my summer internships and winter breaks working at his AE firm. My Dad was killed in a car accident, while our family was on summer vacation, in August 2004. I learned so much in our 28 years as father and son, and despite him no longer being with us, I learn from him every day.
Question 6: What’s one movie, book, or TV show you never get tired of?
“Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach. I first read it in fifth grade for a book report, then in seventh grade and again in ninth grade. I’ve actually read Jonathan Livingston Seagull every 2 years to this very day, and it has shaped my view on life, service, and impact.
Question 7: What’s your hidden talent or hobby most people don’t know about?
I love to cook, and I am a foodie. In addition to cooking, I am a Certified BBQ Judge and judge BBQ competitions…my favorite to judge is brisket!
Question 8: What’s a fun fact about you that always surprises people?
I have an alter ego: The Button Man. Since 2005, I have been The Button Man, wearing a coat consisting of 1,000 bank football buttons during the annual Penn State Homecoming parade and at various campus events, including an invitation to the Penn State President’s tailgate. The Button Man has been featured in The Daily Collegian, Onward State, the WTAJ 2025 Orange Bowl Special, and a video produced by the College of Engineering.
Question 9: What’s your all-time favorite guilty pleasure snack or treat?
Peanut M&Ms.
Question 10: What’s your go-to karaoke song or pump-up anthem?
It’s probably best that I don’t sing karaoke or sing in public, in general. But I love music! Funny story, when I was President of the Penn State Engineering Alumni Society and would be the master of ceremony for various events, I always joked with the college staff that I needed walk-up music. Well for my last MC event, as I walked on the stage, they played “Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G. Everyone had a good laugh, and I finally got my walk-up music!
Stay tuned each month as we continue to highlight more of our employee-owners and share their unique stories. We’re excited to showcase the people who make Providence a great place to work!
