‘Pushing boundaries’ Denver Quarry plant manager talks about her new role

Anabelle Pillar, the recently appointed plant manager at Denver Quarry, isn’t afraid of a challenge.

Anabelle Pillar, the recently appointed plant manager at Denver Quarry, isn’t afraid of a challenge. In fact, when new situations arise, that is when she truly thrives most.

A drive to push both herself and those around her to reach their full potential has propelled Pillar’s rapid rise within Martin Marietta’s East Division from management associate to plant manager in just five years.

“Martin Marietta has always been very good about facilitating growth,” Pillar said.
“I’ve never felt stuck here. I’ve always felt supported in pursuing that next step and that next opportunity.”

After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Pillar joined Martin Marietta as a management associate, a role designed to give young professionals exposure to multiple career paths within the company. During her time in the program, she immersed herself in all aspects of the mining industry, including drilling, blasting, plant flow and quality control, while also developing key administrative skills.

“I spent time managing the night shift for our second-shift maintenance crew, learning hands-on maintenance tasks,” Pillar explained.
“That experience helped me build leadership skills like time management and prioritization. It was a great learning process.”

Following the completion of the program, Pillar sought out her next challenge and joined the Carolina Region as a maintenance system specialist. From there, she made a major leap: becoming plant manager at Denver Quarry.

While the transition may seem swift, Pillar credits her success to the support and guidance she’s received along the way. To those who have worked closely with her during her tenure, her promotion was not surprising.

Crane and Backhoe Operator Billy Huffman, who previously reported to Pillar when she served as a foreman, spoke highly of her leadership.

“We all loved her. She quickly gained our respect,” Huffman said.
“We supported her in pursuing that next step and that next opportunity. She’s a good person who will help you out with anything. I hated to see her go, but we were proud to see her advance.”

Pillar officially stepped into her role as plant manager on April 1 and said she’s just as energized about the future as she was on her first day with the company.

One aspect she’s particularly passionate about is setting a good example for future female leaders. As the only female plant manager in the Carolina Region and one of just three women in her graduating class to earn a degree in mining and mineral engineering, she’s no stranger to standing out.

“I’m not afraid to push boundaries and break through ceilings,” she said.
“Hopefully, more women will enter the field and take on leadership roles in the future.”

Despite her impressive resume, Pillar remains focused on growth. She envisions a long-term career with Martin Marietta and is eager to continue learning.

“There’s always something new to do, something new to learn,” she said.
“You know, they say when you stop learning, that’s when you need to check yourself and reevaluate. I’ve learned something new every day during my five years here, and I’m ready to continue that journey.”