Chad Laucamp is a dedicated professional at 91影视 with 26 years of experience in the Chicago office, specializing in potable water, wastewater and conveyance projects. His expertise spans planning studies, hydraulic modeling, water and wastewater treatment plant design, risk and resilience assessments, and program management. Beyond his impressive career, Chad is a vibrant individual who thrives on staying active and exploring the world. He is a former triathlete, prioritizing fitness and adventure in his daily life. Being an avid traveler, he has visited captivating places like South Africa, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, where he immersed himself in diverse cuisines and cultures. He resides in Chicago, enjoys spending time at the lake and cheering for his favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs. Chad has a zest for life and adventure and embraces every opportunity to connect with nature and experience new cultures.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up in rural Iowa, I always had an aptitude for science, math and problem solving. My connection to the environment and desire to be part of the solution inspired me to pursue a career in engineering. It was during my time in graduate school that I encountered a professor who became a pivotal mentor in my life. His guidance helped me navigate my path and solidify my understanding of where I wanted to go in my career. This combination of my early interests and the influence of an inspiring mentor truly shaped my journey into the industry. I am excited to continue my professional journey in leading technical teams to solve complex challenges for our clients in the water industry.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

I鈥檝e been with 91影视 for almost 26 years now. Over the years, I often say it feels like working for three or four different companies because of how much 91影视 has evolved since I started. One of my favorite projects during this time was managing a 30-million-gallon-per-day water treatment plant as part of a Greenfield project. It was fascinating to work on a blank slate, designing and laying out the plant without the constraints of existing infrastructure. The project presented unique challenges, particularly due to the poor soil conditions at the site, requiring innovative design provisions like pile-supported structures and piping. What made this project truly memorable was the exceptional team I had the privilege to lead. Together, we overcame difficult design and construction conditions and delivered to the client within a tight timeframe 鈥� a remarkable achievement that stands out in my career.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

A couple of the most rewarding projects I鈥檝e worked on in the Chicago area are stormwater management projects to help mitigate flooding for nearby homeowners. The first was an opportunity to contribute to planning, design and permitting efforts for stormwater landscapes on vacant parcels of land across the city. The project focused on implementing green infrastructure strategies to divert stormwater and mitigate flooding in vulnerable neighborhoods. It was incredibly fulfilling to evaluate and develop solutions that not only addressed stormwater management but also provided tangible community benefits. These strategies helped improve the quality of life for residents, particularly those who had been disproportionately affected by flooding. What made this project truly special was seeing the direct impact of our work 鈥� watching the solutions come to life and knowing they were making a difference in the lives of people in the community. It鈥檚 projects like these that remind me of the power of engineering to create meaningful change and improve resilience in urban environments.

The second project was a stormwater storage project that provided compensatory storage for the Corps of Engineers (COE) / Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Levee 37 project on the Des Plaines River. The project is in a large existing recreational park, and balancing the needs of the park with the needs for flood control was a critical aspect for project success. Recreational elements included four artificial turf baseball fields, concession building, bandshell, picnic pavilion, soccer fields located at the base of one of the shallow detention basins, approximately two miles of multi-use paths, two parking lots and extensive landscaping throughout the 100-acre park.

Share a piece of career advice.

In our fast-paced work environment, it’s crucial to set aside time each day for meaningful conversations with clients, colleagues or junior staff. Focus on sharing insights and learning something new about those you work with. These connections enhance professional relationships and foster personal growth.

No two career paths look the same. At 91影视, we have four main career paths for our people to explore. An employee鈥檚 unique career journey can cross paths at different points depending on what inspires them.

Check out how Chad Laucamp chose the path he鈥檚 on today.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Chad Laucamp appeared first on Blog.

With nearly one-third of operators expected to retire within the next five years, the sector faces a significant workforce transition just as aging infrastructure, regulatory complexity and public expectations continue to intensify. The challenge is no longer simply modernization 鈥� it is preserving the institutional knowledge that keeps essential systems operating safely and reliably.

For Cynthia Chemello, associate principal at 91影视, this convergence represents both risk and opportunity.

Her work focuses on helping utilities shift from siloed knowledge practices to an integrated, technology-enabled approach 鈥� reframing knowledge transfer as a strategic imperative that strengthens workforce continuity while advancing operational excellence.

A system under strain

The water sector operates within what Cynthia describes as a fragile knowledge ecosystem. For decades, utilities have depended on tenured professionals whose expertise lives in experience 鈥� troubleshooting equipment failures, navigating complex compliance requirements and responding to emergencies based on years of field insight.

As retirements accelerate, that expertise risks leaving with them.

At the same time, utilities function within fragmented digital environments. Systems such as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), geographic information systems (GIS) and workforce platforms often operate independently, limiting their collective value. The result is a widening gap between institutional knowledge and the real-time demands placed on operations and engineering teams.

From documentation to transformation

Cynthia鈥檚 approach centers on a structured transformation framework that moves utilities beyond static documentation toward a living, integrated knowledge model.

The process begins with leadership articulating a clear vision tied to workforce sustainability and operational performance. Rather than reacting to retirements, utilities must define what knowledge continuity looks like in the future.

Next comes a realistic assessment of existing systems, workflows and organizational capabilities. By mapping current processes against future objectives, utilities can prioritize investments, mitigate risk and design modernization pathways grounded in operational reality. Importantly, frontline staff are engaged as essential contributors in shaping those pathways.

Digitization then becomes an enabler 鈥� not an added burden. Knowledge capture must be embedded directly into daily workflows to minimize disruption. Traditionally, gathering and integrating data from structured and unstructured sources has been prohibitively time-intensive and costly. AI now has the ability to significantly accelerate this process, synthesizing historical work orders, field notes and system data into usable intelligence at scale. When supported by intelligent integration, a centralized knowledge environment allows staff to retrieve relevant insights intuitively, without altering how they perform their work.

This shifts knowledge transfer from a one-time documentation effort to a governed, strategic capability.

The role of human-centered AI

A defining theme of Cynthia鈥檚 work is the responsible use of artificial intelligence in water utilities.

Emerging technologies such as predictive analytics, digital twins and machine learning are transforming how water systems are monitored and maintained. Yet success depends on aligning innovation with real-world workstreams and operational needs.

By unifying fragmented systems through a governed, explainable AI framework, utilities can integrate SCADA alarms, CMMS histories, GIS layers, inspection findings and workforce data into a cohesive knowledge structure. This enables teams to surface lessons learned, identify patterns and receive contextual guidance in real time.

The impact is organizationally significant. Utilities can accelerate onboarding and training, reduce dependency on individual experts, improve predictive operations and maintenance planning, strengthen compliance reporting and support smarter capital decisions. Rather than replacing expertise, AI amplifies it 鈥� allowing seasoned professionals to transfer knowledge to the next generation through intelligent systems that preserve and contextualize experience.

A practical roadmap for implementation

Recognizing the operational sensitivity of public utilities, Cynthia outlines a phased transformation approach designed to minimize disruption while advancing modernization responsibly.

The roadmap prioritizes human-in-the-loop governance, transparent decision trails and alignment with regulatory requirements. It ensures modernization respects safety boundaries and public-sector accountability while still enabling innovation.

Through collaboration with utility partners and technology providers, 91影视 is exploring scalable, human-centered solutions that modernize operations while safeguarding institutional knowledge.

Strengthening the future of water

Water utilities stand at a critical juncture. Workforce transitions, infrastructure demands and regulatory pressures require a more intentional approach to knowledge continuity.

Cynthia Chemello鈥檚 leadership reframes knowledge transfer as a strategic asset 鈥� one that bridges generations of expertise and integrates technology responsibly into the operational fabric of utilities.

AI鈥檚 adaptive learning capability adds another dimension: it enables increasingly personalized knowledge exchange. By tailoring insights, recommendations and learning pathways to individual roles and experience levels, AI has the potential to transform employee engagement and elevate human capital development across organizations. Knowledge becomes not only preserved, but continuously evolving 鈥� strengthening both people and performance.

The path forward is clear. By institutionalizing knowledge capture, unifying fragmented systems and empowering staff with governed, AI-enabled tools, utilities can enhance resilience, safeguard service reliability and prepare confidently for the future.

The post Building resilient utilities through human-centered AI appeared first on Blog.

Mario Turgeon is a mechanical engineer specializing in hydraulic turbines and generators. With more than 32 years of experience 鈥� including over 18 at 91影视 鈥� he has contributed to a wide range of hydropower projects, including new developments and rehabilitation programs. His experience spans multiple turbine types and configurations, from small to large鈥憇cale hydroelectric and pumped鈥憇torage facilities, across projects in Canada, the United States, South America and Africa.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

My first meaningful exposure to the hydropower industry came during a summer job after my first year at university. I worked as a tour guide at the Shawinigan 2 generating station, which was built in the early 20th century. At the time, it was the largest hydroelectric site in Quebec, earning it the nickname 鈥淣iagara of the East鈥�. This summer job was a dream opportunity. It not only satisfied my curiosity about how turbine-generator units convert the potential energy of water into electricity but also sparked a lasting interest in the rich history of hydropower.

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to join GE Hydro, one of the leading hydraulic turbine manufacturers, marking the beginning of what has become a lifelong career in hydropower. After working as a turbine design engineer and later as the turbine department technical lead, I joined RSW, an 91影视 legacy company. This move allowed me to remain in the hydropower sector while gaining exposure to a broader range of project activities, developing a more holistic project perspective and collaborating more closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams.

One thing I quickly realized is that every hydropower project is unique, not only shaped by its river hydrology and site conditions but also by the people involved. This is what makes the field so engaging: no matter how experienced you are, there is always something new to learn.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

One of my favourite projects I鈥檝e worked on at 91影视 is the Rusumo Hydropower Project, an 80-megawatt power station jointly owned by Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi. I became involved in the project in 2014, beginning with the preparation of the design report and bidding documents. Over the following years, I contributed to all major phases of the project, including bid evaluation, turbine model testing, design reviews, follow-up on manufacturing, installation and ultimately unit commissioning. Being involved from early concept through commissioning made this a uniquely rewarding experience.

The project also has strong personal significance for me. While studying mechanical engineering, I first came to Rwanda in the early 1990s as an intern, teaching computer science at the National University of Rwanda. During that time, frequent power outages were a constant challenge. I never would have imagined that more than 20 years later, I would play a direct role in developing a project that strengthens Rwanda鈥檚 electricity supply and supports regional development. That full鈥慶ircle connection makes the Rusumo project especially meaningful to me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

We recently completed the Jiji鈥揗ulembwe Hydropower Project in Burundi. The project consists of two run鈥憃f鈥憆iver hydropower plants, inaugurated in 2025, with a combined installed capacity of 49.5 megawatts. This single project increased Burundi鈥檚 national electricity capacity by approximately 25 percent, significantly reducing the country鈥檚 reliance on imported fossil fuels for power generation. The two plants play a critical role in improving grid reliability by delivering clean, renewable energy to communities, businesses and essential services. I was proud to participate in a project that directly supports Burundi鈥檚 energy security and long鈥憈erm development.

One of the aspects I valued most was collaborating with professionals from diverse cultural and technical backgrounds, all working toward the shared goal of delivering a key piece of infrastructure with lasting benefits for the population.

Share a piece of career advice. No hydropower project can be delivered by one person alone. Success depends on people with different skills working together toward a shared goal. Throughout my career, I鈥檝e learned that listening to others, sharing credit and supporting colleagues leads to better outcomes not only for the project but for everyone involved. When a team is aligned and working collaboratively, individual contributions have far greater impact, and it is this collective success that truly drives meaningful projects forward.

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Leah Daniel, based in our Winnipeg, Manitoba office, has 12 years of experience focusing on collaborative delivery of large wastewater treatment projects. She holds a master鈥檚 degree in civil engineering from the University of Manitoba, which included completing her thesis in partnership with 91影视 on chemical phosphorus removal on an active wastewater treatment plant during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up on a lake that served as a drinking water source made me deeply aware of how essential clean, safe water is to everyday life 鈥� and how easily it can be impacted by human activity. That awareness led me to study water and wastewater treatment in university, with the goal of improving quality of life by expanding access to safe drinking water, particularly in underserved communities.

My shift into wastewater treatment was less intentional and more driven by practicality. When senior design projects were assigned, I was the only student in my class who could stomach handling cadaver waste, making me the lucky one chosen to design and operate a benchscale bioreactor to treat waste generated by the university鈥檚 cadaver lab. I quickly found myself loving the process 鈥� watching the biomass 鈥渂ugs鈥� grow, finetuning micronutrients to keep them healthy and seeing tangible treatment results. Once I joined 91影视, I was drawn to the field鈥檚 complex challenges and constant innovation, solidifying my passion for the wastewater industry.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

A career-defining project for me has been working on Winnipeg鈥檚 North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC) upgrade project. A real highlight for me has been being part of this project since day one and having the chance to watch it evolve over the past 10 years. When the project kicked off in 2016, I was early in my career and incredibly fortunate to work with many 91影视 colleagues with technical expertise across North America and build my network across the company.

Now, a decade later, both my role and the project itself have evolved significantly. Looking back at what we envisioned for the project 10 years ago really highlights how much it has changed, from originally being planned as a single large design-build project to now being delivered as three major ones, using a delivery method tailored to best serve each of them. It鈥檚 been incredibly rewarding to grow alongside this project, and to contribute to something that will serve the city, which I call home, well into the future.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I have had the opportunity to serve as project manager on water and wastewater treatment projects for a remote community in northern Manitoba, an experience that brought me back to why I became a water and wastewater engineer in the first place. The community is accessible only by small plane, or for a few months each year by an ice road, creating unique logistical and operational challenges. Through upgrades to the community鈥檚 water treatment plant, including new ultrafiltration membranes and expansion to the treated water reservoirs, a long-term drinking water advisory was successfully lifted. Improvements to the wastewater treatment plant are ensuring all wastewater is treated to provincial and federal standards before being returned to the water body that serves as the community鈥檚 drinking water intake and is critical to its fish supply.

Share a piece of career advice.

Get out of the office whenever you can, especially early in your career. Spending time in the field lets you see how engineering designs are built, operated and maintained, which deepens your understanding far beyond drawings and calculations. Hearing firsthand about operational challenges helps identify small design changes that can make a meaningful impact over the lifecycle of a project. Those real-world lessons make you a better designer and help you connect your work to the people who use and rely on it.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Leah Daniel appeared first on Blog.

Rich Millet is a seasoned water resources and dam engineering leader with six decades of experience guiding major infrastructure projects across the United States. Early in his career, he played a central role in dam, surface water and reservoir development along the East Coast before becoming one of the principal design engineers for Metropolitan Water District鈥檚 Diamond Valley Reservoir. This is a landmark $2-billion off-stream storage project that transformed an empty valley into a fully operational reservoir in under five years and established critical water supply redundancy for Southern California.

Rich later led the California Department of Water Resources鈥� Urban and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation Program, a nine-year forensic assessment of roughly 1,300 miles of levees throughout Central Valley, California. The effort produced a comprehensive risk categorization system and helped spur nearly $4 billion in subsequent levee improvements, significantly reducing statewide flood risk to population and infrastructure. Over his long tenure with 91影视 and its legacy firms, Rich has also held senior leadership roles, including principal, Bay Area office manager, Denver office manager, Board of Directors member, and Chief Practice Officer before transitioning into his current role as a senior consultant. Today he mentors and advises staff across multiple active water and dam related projects, providing senior technical review, guidance and support. This February, he celebrated an extraordinary milestone: 60 years with 91影视.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was always good at math and science, and as I was finishing high school, I found myself torn between two very different paths. I had a physical education teacher in grammar school who made a great impression on me, and for a while I thought becoming a gym teacher would be a meaningful and rewarding career. I鈥檝e always been athletic, so the idea of working with kids and staying active really appealed to me.

At the same time, my brother-in-law was a civil engineer, and I was drawn to the idea of working outdoors and not being tied to a desk. I ended up choosing engineering, probably with a little encouragement from my parents, and went to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, which is a strong engineering school in Troy, New York. During my time there, I joined ROTC, was commissioned in the Corps of Engineers and spent two years at the Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir teaching basic engineering courses.

After completing my service, I knew I wanted to focus on geotechnical engineering rather than structural or transportation work. That led me to Woodward Clyde, which was one of the top geotechnical firms in the country at the time. I applied and was hired into the New York鈥揘ew Jersey operations. From there, my water resources career really took off.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

My favorite 91影视 project is definitely Urban Levee Evaluation (ULE) and Non-Urban Levee Evaluation (NULE). The project was a nine-year effort, and the sheer scale was incredible. At any given time, we had about twenty to twenty-five inhouse staff working on the project, supported by four or five primary consulting firms and another twenty or so secondary firms, including environmental support teams, surveyors, labs and drilling companies. It really had everything in it, and it was extremely rewarding. One of the biggest accomplishments on this project was developing resources and databases that are still used today. We prepared a handbook for the state that continues to guide consultants working on levee projects in California and beyond. We also created a cost estimating tool, a simplified design flow chart for remediation, and a suite of technical and resource documents that have had long-lasting value. Knowing that these tools are still in use is something I鈥檓 very proud of.

Over 60 years, I鈥檝e had the chance to work on a lot of great projects, but this one stands out not just because it was recent, but because of how immersive and complex it was. Nine years is a long time to be involved in a single effort. At times, it felt like a complex balancing act, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

Tell us about your work with cutoff walls and how that became your area of expertise.

I first became involved with cutoff walls in the early 1970s when the technology was still very new. A former Woodward Clyde principal introduced the concept to me. At the time, we had a client building a series of reservoirs that needed a reliable way to control seepage beneath their dams. The idea of creating a vertical, low permeability barrier in the ground to block water flow was innovative for that period, and I was immediately intrigued. We designed and constructed our first cutoff wall for one of their smaller dams, and its success led to several more dams and cutoff wall systems being constructed for that same client. That early exposure put me at the forefront of the technology long before it became commonplace. Over the years, I have authored award-winning technical papers and helped shape technical specifications that are still referenced now. To date, I have participated in over 50 cutoff wall projects with depths reaching 145 feet.

Since then, cutoff walls have remained a consistent and specialized part of my career, particularly for dams and levees where seepage control is critical to public safety. I often get called to support teams across 91影视 on technical decisions, design approaches and constructability questions. I also serve on two national technical panels through the Deep Foundations Institute and the United States Committee on Large Dams, helping advance best practices for soil bentonite and related wall systems. Today, I continue to work on major cutoff wall projects, including deep installations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the Natomas Basin near Sacramento. After more than fifty years in this field, cutoff walls have become one of the areas where I bring deep, practical experience 鈥� especially valuable for complex dam projects where seepage control is fundamental to performance and long-term resilience.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

When I think about how my work has positively impacted the community, I go back to the ULE and NULE programs. The work we did there significantly enhanced public safety and the protection of critical infrastructure in Northern California. Since we completed our evaluations and the resulting remedial construction work, the region has experienced several major storm events, and those levees have performed well. In many ways, the biggest success is that nothing happened. The improvements held, and communities were protected. That is extremely rewarding.

Another major project that stands out is the Diamond Valley Reservoir for the Metropolitan Water District. That reservoir provides almost a year鈥檚 water supply for Southern California and was designed with the recognition that much of the region鈥檚 water comes from Northern California. If an earthquake disrupted that flow, Southern California could have been in a very difficult position. By creating this massive off-stream storage system, supported by three major dams, the Diamond Valley project helped ensure a more secure and resilient water supply for millions of people. All the water in that reservoir is pumped in from the California and Colorado River Aqueducts, so it serves as a critical buffer for the entire region.

There often isn鈥檛 recognition for this type of work because the best outcome is when the public doesn鈥檛 notice anything at all, and the systems perform exactly the way they鈥檙e supposed to. That’s certainly true for both the levee program and the Diamond Valley Reservoir. The results speak for themselves: communities are safer, flooding risks have been reduced and Southern California now has a far more reliable water supply. Knowing that these efforts have strengthened resilience and protected people鈥檚 lives and infrastructure is the real reward.

Share a piece of career advice.

I鈥檝e always believed that communication is the key to being a successful consulting engineer. Our work depends on explaining technical recommendations clearly so clients understand what needs to be done and why. If you can鈥檛 communicate 鈥� whether in writing or in person 鈥� it鈥檚 very hard to be effective because even the best technical work won鈥檛 go anywhere if others can鈥檛 follow it.

Today, with so much analysis done on computers and with AI, strong communication skills are more valuable than ever. When engineers learn to speak and write clearly, they can share their ideas with confidence, build trust with clients and take on greater responsibility. Being able to stand in front of a client or community group and explain your work opens doors, and it鈥檚 one of the most important capabilities you can develop for a successful and rewarding career.

Header image photo credit: Central Valley Flood Protection Board

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Natalie is a project manager, and process engineer based in the Winnipeg, Manitoba office. As the Area Market Sector Leader for Western Canada, her focus is mainly on wastewater treatment. Natalie completed her master鈥檚 thesis in civil engineering on deammonification in 2017 while on maternity leave. She and her family are avid camping enthusiasts.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I fell into the water industry by accident. I had originally entered engineering thinking that I would be mitigating environmental degradation through Environmental Impact Assessments, following my mother鈥檚 footsteps as a soil conservationist. In 2016, a co-op position within 91影视鈥檚 Winnipeg water department changed my mind, when I was able to work alongside inspiring people on a few interesting projects.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

I鈥檝e been lucky and very grateful to work on many projects where I鈥檝e been challenged with stretch goals, and worked with interesting clients on diverse infrastructure concepts. I enjoy alternative delivery projects that allow for extensive collaboration with owners and the construction team. This collaboration allows for 鈥榩roject-best鈥� decisions, with the entire team prioritizing the project’s best interests. The upgrades at the North End Wastewater Treatment Plant for the City of Winnipeg have enabled our team to deliver each phase in the most effective way for the project. 91影视 is the Owner Engineer, and we help the City determine the delivery method first before moving forward. As the program manager, I enjoy building an 91影视 team from around the globe; being able to reach out and bring expert support for this upgrade is very rewarding. Recently, we鈥檝e been deploying over 100 91影视 staff per month to support our 8 active projects within the program. From designers and managers to wastewater operators, quality reviewers, DB advisors, cost estimators, and project controls, we leverage a wide range of expertise within 91影视. Having such a diverse team allows us to approach problems from different angles and develop solutions that mitigate risks. This project has made me very proud to work for a company that truly values our various levels of technical expertise.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

When I started working full-time after graduation, I was given the opportunity to relocate to Trinidad to help a team on the design of two new wastewater treatment facilities and collection systems that 91影视 had been awarded. I was able to help but also learn on every project aspect. In addition to the facilities’ design, we encountered challenges that are likely unique to developing countries. For example, there were no proper as-builts on some of the sewered portions so we had to build our own – popping manholes and measuring. It was personally eye-opening to see how wastewater collection and treatment had been previously handled. Almost every community had potable water, but wastewater was either overflowing into drainage ditches or running through abandoned or neglected treatment facilities. Although it took a while for construction to begin, the impact that 91影视鈥檚 team has made on improving the wastewater infrastructure and overall environment in Trinidad cannot be overstated.  

Share a piece of career advice.

Never stop asking questions, and don鈥檛 be afraid to ask for help. It鈥檚 through setting those stretch goals for yourself and figuring out how to achieve them that you can meet some incredible people within 91影视 and our industry.

You should also try to get involved in a professional organization outside of work. Help organize an event, meet up with the local young professional (or old professional!) group, provide mentoring, and just get out there and meet your peers from other companies. Share your passion for doing what you love.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Natalie Wilson appeared first on Blog.

This time, we caught up with Jennifer Williams, Vice President, Civil Engineering, Water, in the U.S. West region to discover how she chose the path she鈥檚 on today.   

Hi Jennifer. What do you do for 91影视? 

I鈥檝e been with 91影视 and legacy companies for almost 30 years. I contribute to both business development and project delivery by representing 91影视 on a variety of professional societies, managing client relationships and programs, and serving technical roles on dam inspection, analysis, risk assessments, design and construction projects. After raising two daughters, I enjoy spending time in the outdoors of Colorado.

Tell us about your career journey.

I didn鈥檛 know what an engineer was until I was about 16. Back then, we didn鈥檛 have STEM classes like students do now. My older sister went to the Colorado School of Mines, an all-engineering school, and that was the first time I really learned what engineering was all about. I was inspired by what she was doing and decided to follow in her footsteps.

I began my career out of college as a staff engineer with legacy company Woodward-Clyde in Omaha, Nebraska, specializing in soft soil characterization and mitigation. Much of my early experience was hands-on 鈥� working behind a cone penetration test (CPT) or drill rig logging soils or performing construction oversight on civil earthwork projects. I also supported the senior principal, Steve Saye, on design of embankments on soft soils and research into settlement mitigation techniques. He became an early mentor, and after about three years, when I was ready to return home to Denver, he helped make that move possible.

After transferring to the Denver office (then URS), I worked as a project engineer on a broad range of geotechnical projects, including landslide mitigation, landfill design, mine tailings dams, and deep foundations. I eventually asked to be paired with John France, a senior practitioner specializing in dams, and soon joined my first dam project. From that experience, I was immediately drawn to dam engineering 鈥� the multidisciplinary nature of the work, the teamwork required to solve complex problems, and the depth of expertise within the office. I was motivated by the variety and technical challenge of each project, the range of geotechnical analyses involved, and the opportunity to collaborate closely with multiple disciplines.

After about 10 years, I transitioned into project management and business development, preparing proposals, engaging with clients and presenting at technical conferences 鈥� while continuing to contribute technically. These experiences improved my connection to clients and the broader industry, paving the way for managing larger and more complex programs.

Today, as a vice president at 91影视, I enjoy a dynamic balance between technical work, project management and business development. I currently serve as the technical lead and project manager for the design of a new 300-foot-tall embankment dam here in Colorado. Additionally, I鈥檓 the program manager for technical engineering services for a large hydroelectric company in the Northwest, contributing to a broad range of dam-related work. Beyond that, I assist state dam safety programs in advancing their use of risk-informed decision making, including Colorado, Hawaii and New Mexico.

I鈥檓 also actively engaged with the broader dam safety community through various roles 鈥� serving on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Society on Dams, chairing the Technical Advisory Committee for the Association of Dam Safety Officials, and being the U.S. representative on the Embankment Dam Committee for the International Commission on Large Dams.

How has mentorship helped you on your path?

Your career path is often shaped, if not defined, by the strengths of the teams and individuals you work with. I鈥檝e had the great fortune to work with a few very impactful mentors 鈥� John France, Dick Davidson, and Steve Saye to name a few 鈥� who played crucial roles in my career. Their openness in sharing knowledge and their passion for excellence really inspired me and helped me grow. What stood out most was their direct candor; they gave me honest feedback that accelerated my learning curve. They also trusted me by giving responsibility while always having my back 鈥� checking my work and redirecting me when needed. That balance of support and challenge really helped propel my career forward and taught me the value of strong mentorship.

What鈥檚 something you wish someone told you years ago?

Something I wish I鈥檇 learned earlier in my career is the value of seeking out diverse perspectives and learning from peers and senior practitioners alike. Never hesitate to ask questions or seek advice 鈥� no matter your level of experience. Collaboration and curiosity lead to better solutions, and there鈥檚 no shame in not having all the answers; in fact, some of the best ideas come from simply asking for input.

What advice do you have for women who want to get into dams or another traditionally male-dominated industry?

My advice to women interested in entering the dam industry, or any traditionally male-dominated field, is to not define yourself by the gender balance around you. Seek out mentors, both male and female, who support your growth and push you to take on challenges. Be confident in your skills, stay curious and keep learning. Earn respect through a strong work ethic, technical excellence, and an open, collaborative attitude. The industry needs diverse voices and approaches, especially in engineering fields where collaboration, innovation and problem solving are essential.

If not this path, what would have been your career plan B?

If I hadn鈥檛 pursued engineering, I think I would have explored a career in the medical field. I鈥檝e always been drawn to problem solving and helping people, and medicine offers a unique way to do both in a very direct and meaningful way. Whether it was becoming a nurse, a physical therapist, or working in medical research, the idea of contributing to people鈥檚 health and wellbeing really appealed to me.

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Ken Myers has built a nearly five-decade career dedicated to federal water infrastructure, dam safety and flood risk management 鈥� spending more than 20 years with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Sacramento District and over 30 years supporting major civil works programs in the private sector. After graduating from Chico State University in 1978, he joined USACE through its two-year Junior Engineer Training rotational program. His early assignment as a construction inspector on the New Melones Dam 鈥� completed while he was onsite 鈥� sparked a long-term commitment to complex dam and flood control projects. Upon completing his rotations, Ken landed in the District鈥檚 Levees and Channels Section, where he spent many years advancing urban flood protection work and gaining deep knowledge of the federal project development and delivery process.

After more than two decades of federal service, Ken transitioned to the private sector, where he continued to support USACE and its non-federal partners across California. Over the past 14 years with 91影视, he has remained closely aligned with the USACE Sacramento District, working with regional flood agencies and joint power authorities to deliver major dam, levee and flood system improvements. In his current role, Ken helps guide 91影视鈥檚 partnership with USACE and advance critical water infrastructure programs that protect communities and support long-term resilience.

Tell us about what inspired your career in dams.

I attribute my interest in dams and flood control to my dad during my childhood, even though he likely had no idea he was influencing my future career path. When I was growing up in the 60s, a large dam was being built on the Feather River, not far from the small agricultural town where I was raised. My dad used to take us up to the overlook where you could see the dam under construction. It seemed like we went there every single weekend, and I remember seeing it slowly rise and take shape, bit by bit.

That river had flooded the year I was born, in 1955, and the Oroville Dam eventually alleviated a lot of that threat. Before the dam was fully completed in 1970, there were still moments when high river stages created real concern. I remember one Christmas when I was about seven or eight, the Feather River was running so high it was almost up to a bridge crossing in town. Even though the Oroville Dam wasn鈥檛 fully functional yet, there was enough of the embankment built to help buffer that flood risk. Our family left home for a few days because of the threat, and when we returned, we discovered that my dad and grandfather had moved things up off the floor 鈥� including the big console TV 鈥� to try to floodproof the house. Looking back, I had no idea how much all of that was sinking in. When you are a kid, it is not a conscious thought that you are going to become a civil engineer because of dams and flood control projects. But looking back, I鈥檓 sure those experiences shaped me 鈥� even if I didn鈥檛 realize it at the time.

What is your favorite 91影视 project that you鈥檝e worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects at 91影视 has been the Folsom Dam Raise. The goal is to raise the perimeter of the reservoir by six and a half feet. Folsom has the main concrete dam with the spillways and tainter gates, but then around the perimeter there are these low spots, including embankment wing dams, eight earthen saddle dams, and the mile-long Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam (MIAD). 91影视 was awarded the work on Dikes 7 and 8 and MIAD, and we have been working on this project for about seven years now.

At the project kickoff, USACE let us know they wanted Dike 8 completed on an accelerated schedule, and we worked closely with them to make that happen. As we continued with the designs for Dike 7 and MIAD, project priorities evolved, and we supported USACE through an alternatives analysis to determine the best approach moving forward. Originally everything was going to be a full earthen raise, but through that process the decision was made to go with parapet walls on top of several of the embankments instead. That meant reworking some of the designs, including Dike 7 from final design and MIAD from about 65 percent, but it was the right solution for the project.

Construction of the MIAD raise has just been completed, with Dike 7 construction planned to follow. It has been a complex, multi-year effort with changing needs and fast-track milestones, but it has been incredibly rewarding. Working side by side with USACE, adapting as the project developed, and helping move a major flood risk management project forward has made this one especially meaningful for me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the communities in California.

A lot of the work I am most proud of has been in the Sacramento region and up through the Yuba City/Marysville area. These are places where communities were directly affected by flood risk, to the point where flood moratoriums were put in place. One example is the Natomas area, just north of downtown Sacramento. At one point, no new development was allowed, and it was very difficult for people to get flood insurance. Through the flood improvement work in Natomas, and in the Yuba River Basin as well, we were able to help demonstrate adequate progress to FEMA. There is a whole process behind that, but once the region met those requirements, the moratorium was lifted and you could start to see infill development return.

This flood protection development made a real difference for people living there. I live in a floodplain myself, and because of the work that local flood agencies have done in partnership with USACE, I believe the risk of flooding has been reduced. I still carry flood insurance, but at a much more affordable, preferred risk rate. Without these improvements, my insurance bill would be sky high. Knowing that our work has helped lower that burden for entire communities 鈥� and reduced their flood risk at the same time 鈥� is something I feel really good about.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to make sure you become technically proficient in your field. A strong technical foundation really does carry you through your career. When I first started doing design work, I was drawing on mylar with a T-square and calculating quantities with a planimeter. Now technology is completely different, from digital design tools to modern surveying equipment, and it continues to evolve. It has been remarkable to see how much things have changed and how much more precise the work has become. Building solid technical skills early on will help you adapt to those changes and set you up for long-term success.

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Environmental Business Journal Awards

Strategic undergrounding program
Won by: San Diego Gas & Electric
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Strategic Undergrounding Program

The team delivered industry-leading results on a Southern California utility鈥檚 Strategic Undergrounding Program, addressing escalating wildfire risks driven by drought, extreme heat and high winds. By placing the environmental team at the center of delivery alongside engineering and construction, 91影视 cut cost per mile, accelerated permitting and significantly increased the pace of undergrounding. The program managed 18 service categories, maintained strong safety and quality, and enabled 112 miles of powerline undergrounding 鈥� a 53 percent annual increase and 23 percent cost per mile reduction. Sustainability and equity were embedded throughout, achieving 38 percent Diverse Business Enterprise participation, minimizing environmental impacts, engaging nine Tribes through 37 meetings, and securing more than 500 permits and easements. This integrated model sets a new benchmark for wildfire mitigation and resilient infrastructure.

Realigning the Lower San Acacia Reach: A model for sustainable river management in the Rio Grande watershed
Won by: 91影视
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Sustainability Model for Rio Grande Watershed

The Rio Grande watershed is critical for water users, ecosystems, and recreation, but its highly dynamic channel has shifted significantly over the past century. To address challenges in the Lower San Acacia Reach 鈥� such as channel perching, conveyance losses, and declining habitat 鈥� the Bureau of Reclamation is planning a 20鈥憁ile river realignment south of Socorro, NM that works with natural geomorphic trends to improve water delivery, enhance ecosystem health, and reduce long鈥憈erm maintenance. 91影视 is supporting a four鈥憏ear environmental program with robust stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance, producing key analyses including a 2024 geomorphology and alternatives report and a 2025 Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This forward鈥憀ooking effort integrates engineering, science, and collaboration to strengthen river resilience.

Closing the loop on PFAS: Advanced technology for ARFF vehicle decontamination
Won by: 91影视, TRS Group, Inc., Denver International Airport
Award: EBJ Technology Merit Awards – PFAS Decontamination

Airports face growing PFAS contamination challenges from decades of AFFF use, intensified by the EPA鈥檚 2024 designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances. Denver International Airport, with 91影视 and TRS Group, implemented a groundbreaking closed-loop cleaning system to decontaminate ARFF vehicles, circulating heated water and cleaning agents through foam systems on each vehicle. After three to five cycles, PFAS levels dropped an average of 98.72 percent, enabling safe conversion to fluorine-free foam without replacing vehicles and saving millions in equipment costs. A total of 20 firefighting vehicles were cleaned, supported by SOP development, rigorous sampling, and validation of analytical results. This innovative, repeatable approach sets a national precedent for cost-effective PFAS remediation and regulatory compliance.

Leading the charge in post-wildfire environmental recovery
Won by: 91影视 and ECC for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Award: EBJ Industry Leadership – Post-Wildfire Rapid Environmental Recovery

After the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers led a six-month recovery effort that cleared more than 12,000 parcels, enabling communities to rebuild while safely managing hazards such as asbestos, lead and lithium batteries without harming wildlife or cultural resources. The team鈥檚 custom mobile and GIS-enabled apps streamlined more than 27,000 biological and archaeological monitoring forms, reducing errors and accelerating clearance through real-time digital reporting. Working long hours, crews recovered artifacts and documented historic structures, preserving cultural heritage, while the program also provided hands-on training for recent graduates through mentorship with senior experts. This effort set a national standard for innovative, coordinated and resilience-focused disaster recovery.

Klamath Dam removal project
Won by: RES
Award: EBJ Project Merit – Large-Scale River Restoration

When four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River were deemed environmentally and economically unsustainable, a diverse coalition 鈥� led by Tribes 鈥� advanced the landmark 2016 Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, creating the Klamath River Renewal Corporation to deliver the largest dam removal project in history. The final dam came down in October 2024, and by fall 2025 over 10,000 Chinook salmon had returned to the upper basin. The project restored habitat, reconnected floodplains, improved tribal subsistence resources, created public access to world鈥慶lass whitewater, and will return 2,000 acres to the Shasta Indian Nation. 91影视 facilitated federal cultural resource compliance, protected cultural sites, and supported listing part of Kikac茅ki on the National Register.

Climate Change Business Journal awards

Innovating energy and carbon management for the world鈥檚 largest chemical company
Won by: 91影视 and BASF
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Sustainability Target Architecture Solution Implementation

91影视 partnered with BASF to deliver a global energy and carbon management solution that provides transparent, asset鈥憁anagement GHG estimation to support Product Carbon Footprints. Using BASF鈥檚 STArS architecture for data collection on Enablon, 91影视 created a scalable, assurance-ready approach to automize data collection for CO2 emissions that can be rapidly deployed plant by plant. Three proof-of鈥慶oncept sites validated the method, enabling expansion across 550 plants worldwide, including Ludwigshafen, Germany. The solution automates significant parts of the data collection for GHG reporting, supports sustainable product design, reduces energy use and lowers operating costs. By combining advanced technology with strategic consulting, 91影视 helped BASF to significantly increase efficiency in the processes and transform complex environmental data into actionable insights.

Building Brazil鈥檚 carbon future: A transformative national carbon certification program
Won by: 91影视, BNDES, Bradesco Bank and Ecogreen Fund
Award: CCBJ Consulting & Engineering – Carbon Certification Program for Brazil

ECORA is a national carbon credit certification program positioned to become a reference for Brazil and the Global South, strengthening trust and transparency while enabling market-wide growth. Structured through 91影视鈥檚 advisory program and formally launched in partnership with BNDES, Bradesco and the Ecogreen Fund at COP30, it enhances security and scalability in a sector that must grow 400 percent by 2030. Integrated with the Conservare Digital Platform, ECORA digitizes the full credit generation lifecycle 鈥� from feasibility to retirement 鈥� using geospatial analytics, predictive modeling and automated traceability. The solution reduces transaction costs, accelerates certification, and aligns methodologies and safeguards with Brazil鈥檚 diverse biomes, regulatory frameworks and socioenvironmental realities. By delivering high-integrity, locally tailored certification and expanding market access, ECORA attracts global investment and supports Brazil鈥檚 low carbon transition, demonstrating 91影视鈥檚 leadership in scaling climate solutions.

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By immersing participants in United States Coast Guard operations through hands-on demonstrations and focused discussions, the program creates an unmatched opportunity to understand the Service鈥檚 11 statutory missions and explore new ways to support them. For 91影视, participating is both an honor and a responsibility: a chance to listen, learn, and apply decades of expertise to help the Coast Guard execute its mission with agility and confidence.

Immersive learning: Experiencing the United States Coast Guard mission up close

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is designed to embed industry leaders with the Coast Guard across multiple missions and locations. Through interactive sessions and site visits, participants gain firsthand insight into the Coast Guard鈥檚 operational challenges and priorities. Now on its fourth cohort, we have participated in the Industry Academy since the program鈥檚 inception, sending one representative annually.

Beth Kalapos, 91影视 vice president and federal program leader, who has managed DHS鈥檚 Nationwide A/E Services IDIQ for 20 years and led numerous Coast Guard projects, shared her perspective:

Each cohort experiences a series of visits to Coast Guard facilities across the country. During his participation in the third cohort, Nathan Carte, environmental scientist, traveled to multiple locations, including Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC, TRACEN Cape May, Coast Guard Yard, Station South Padre Island, Base San Juan, Base Kodiak in Alaska and Base Seattle. These visits offered a firsthand look at the Coast Guard鈥檚 diverse missions 鈥� from drug interdiction and ports, waterways, and coastal security to search and rescue and protection of living marine resources.

Brendan Grady, project manager and a participant in the Industry Academy鈥檚 second cohort, experienced that same mission diversity firsthand. From donning a Gumby suit and jumping into the water at Base Seattle, to observing a helicopter-based search and rescue exercise in Miami, to tactical water training aboard an 87-foot patrol boat, the program offered immersive exposure to the breadth of Coast Guard operations.

A gathering of industry leaders

A hallmark of the Industry Academy is the diverse mix of participating organizations. Leaders from technology, engineering and security sectors work side by side, sharing perspectives and identifying ways to support the Coast Guard more effectively.

Beth reflected on the value of these interactions:

Brendan echoed this sentiment, noting the unusually broad range of industries and people represented 鈥� from A/E firms and wireless technology providers to retired military personnel and even public relations professionals.

Looking ahead: Shared commitment to mission readiness

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is more than a training program. It is a forum for shared commitment, where industry partners learn directly from the Coast Guard and identify new ways to contribute meaningful solutions.

For our participants, it deepens our understanding of Coast Guard operations, strengthens relationships and supports our mission to help federal partners operate with confidence.

We are proud to stand with the Coast Guard and fellow partners, bringing the curiosity to learn and the capability to integrate solutions that strengthen security, resilience and mission success.

Header image photo credit: Nathan Carte

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