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Michael Baker International Names Steven Yoshizumi Transportation Practice Executive for California

PITTSBURGH (October 3, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Steven Yoshizumi has joined the firm as Transportation Practice Executive for California. In this newly created role, Mr. Yoshizumi will partner with Michael Baker’s Western Region transportation professionals to develop and implement an innovative business strategy that focuses on regional transportation planning agencies in California. He will cross-market the firm’s services and solutions for growth opportunities; develop and maintain client, stakeholder and teaming partner relationships; and collaborate with the firm’s Western Region leaders on staff assignments, workshare, mentorship, business pursuits and quality of project deliverables.

“We created the new role of Transportation Practice Executive for California to support our Western Region’s continued growth and client engagement as we Reimagine Michael Baker as a full-service engineering and consulting firm,” said Trudi Lim, P.E., LEED AP, Western Regional Director, at Michael Baker International. “Steven is an experienced leader with a focus on the intersection of transportation, engineering and land development, and I look forward to the knowledge and expertise he will bring to our transportation projects.”

Mr. Yoshizumi brings nearly 35 years of project management and leadership experience to his role as Transportation Practice Executive for California, and his career includes leading design teams, project management and delivery of projects across the transportation infrastructure spectrum. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Yoshizumi served as WSP’s Civil Team Leader/Local Business Lead for Orange County Operations. Earlier in his career, he also held positions with URS Corporation (now part of AECOM), Huitt-Zollars, Inc. and Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc.

Mr. Yoshizumi earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning five distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). The firm’s Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For more than 80 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The firm’s 3,900 employees across more than 85 office locations are committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while Reimagining Michael Baker to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm over the next five years.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Names Michael Borzok Western Region Operations Manager – Bridge

PITTSBURGH (October 2, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Michael Borzok has joined the firm as Western Region Operations Manager – Bridge. In this role, Mr. Borzok will further strengthen the firm’s best practices and performance in the operations and execution of bridge services throughout the 24 office locations across nine states that make up the company’s Western Region. Mr. Borzok will collaborate across the region to contribute to operational excellence by working directly with staff from project pursuit efforts and development phases through final delivery. Additionally, he will support strategic growth through the development of new client relationships, enriching existing client relationships, and business development in traditional and alternative delivery projects.

“For more than 80 years, Michael Baker has addressed bridge design, construction and preservation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions, and was recently named the #4 bridge firm in the country by Engineering News-Record (ENR),” said Trudi Lim, P.E., LEED AP, Western Regional Director, at Michael Baker International. “Mike will play a critical role in continuing our legacy of providing innovative and effective solutions for bridges across the Western Region, and his experience in long-span suspension and cable-stay bridges greatly enhances our capabilities and qualifications in the pursuit of signature bridge opportunities around the country.”  

Mr. Borzok has nearly 30 years of experience in complex bridge design and rehabilitation projects serving as engineer, lead engineer and project manager with consistent achievements in project schedule delivery and profitability. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Borzok held roles of increasing responsibility at WSP USA, most recently serving as Senior Vice President and Structural Engineer. Earlier in his career, Mr. Borzok spent 20 years at Modjeski and Masters, where he rose to the level of Senior Project Manager.

Mr. Borzok earned a Master of Engineering degree in Engineering Science from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University. He is also certified by the Project Management Institute.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Hires Ed Newman as Vice President of Cost Management

PITTSBURGH (September 29, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Ed Newman has joined the firm as Vice President of Cost Management. In this role, Mr. Newman will work collaboratively across the firm to foster growth and expand Cost Management service offerings. Additionally, he will provide day-to-day oversight of Michael Baker’s companywide Cost Management team, which supports the planning, design and development of domestic and international construction and environmental projects for Federal clients, state and local municipalities and other entities.

“Michael Baker’s Cost Management team routinely partners with clients on project planning and design to ensure that realistic budgets and schedules are in place prior to construction start. During the project, the team assists with project controls, schedule updates, cost analysis and risk management/mitigation,” said John Walsh, P.E., Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at Michael Baker International. “Under Ed’s leadership, I am confident that our team will grow new service offerings and continue to provide high-quality services related to scheduling, risk management, earned value management, Value Engineering and estimating for our clients.”

Mr. Newman has 35 years of industry experience leading projects and teams. Most recently, he served as Federal Sector Leader at Hill International, where he was responsible for business development, technical oversight, quality assurance and contract administration for the firm’s federal business. Prior to his construction career, he served as an officer in the U.S. Army with several combat engineer units, stationed across the U.S. and overseas.

Mr. Newman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the U.S. Military Academy West Point. He is a member of the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) and the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME).

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Names Chris Blaze, P.L.S., National Practice Lead for LiDAR Services

PITTSBURGH (September 18, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Chris Blaze, P.L.S., has joined the firm as the National Practice Lead for LiDAR Services. In this role, Mr. Blaze will collaborate across the organization to identify and secure opportunities where Michael Baker can provide advanced LiDAR services to federal, state and municipal clients, cataloging immense amounts of detailed information about critical infrastructure.

“Michael Baker has been a recognized leader in the LiDAR profession since performing the nation’s first commercial aerial LiDAR project in 1997, and our firm currently operates the nation’s largest fleet of engineering-grade Mobile LiDAR systems,” said Dan Kieny, President, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS), at Michael Baker International. “With Chris’ extensive experience and expertise, I am confident that Michael Baker’s position as the recognized leader in the LiDAR profession will remain strong and the innovative solutions we offer our clients will continue to grow and expand.”

Mr. Blaze brings more than 20 years of experience in surveying work that supported land development, civil engineering, and real estate industries, including as a military construction and geodetic surveyor, to his role as National Practice Lead – LiDAR Services. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Blaze served as Director of Land Surveying for Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc., and earlier in his career, served as an Operations Chief/Military Surveyor with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. Blaze is a graduate of the Department of Defense Survey School, Pennsylvania West University, and is currently enrolled with the University of Wyoming’s Cadastral Land Surveying Program. He is a Professional Licensed Surveyor in the state of Connecticut and is an active member of the CT Association and PA Society of Land Surveyors.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Selected as Program Manager for Pennsylvania Safety Transportation and Research Track

PITTSBURGH (September 15, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has been selected as the program manager for the Pennsylvania Safety Transportation and Research Track (PennSTART) by the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC). PennSTART will be a comprehensive test track and research facility for traffic incident management training and for the research and testing of emerging transportation technology, such as automated vehicles. As the program manager, Michael Baker will develop a master plan for the facility, determine a project phasing and implementation strategy, prepare procurement documents for each of the project phases and provide design and construction oversight services.

PennSTART is a unique partnership that was created among the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), Carnegie Mellon University, Westmoreland County and RIDC. The program management project team led by Michael Baker also includes engineering consultants HDR, Inc. and BRPH, aviation specialist uAvionix, and mobility testing service provider Transportation Research Center, Inc.

“Michael Baker is a leader in advanced transportation technology solutions, and our firm knows that new technologies are evolutionary solutions to improve safety, mobility and sustainability. PennSTART will be a state-of-the-art facility to explore these new technologies,” said Jim Katsafanas, P.E., PTOE, National Connected & Automated Vehicle Technology Director, at Michael Baker International. “After partnering with PennDOT and PTC to perform aspects of the initial feasibility work for the PennSTART concept, our entire team looks forward to the next step in addressing the transportation safety and operational needs of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic Region and bringing the vision of the facility to fruition.”

PennSTART will be located at RIDC’s Westmoreland Innovation Center in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, and will feature a high-speed track, in-field testing and several proving ground areas for testing and training under various scenarios. The facility will address safety training and research needs in several key areas: traffic incident management; tolling and intelligent transportation systems technology; work zones; commercial vehicles; transit vehicles; advanced air mobility; and connected and automated vehicles. PennSTART will benefit emergency and first responders, technology developers, public agencies and research institutions.

The firm’s 3,900 employees more than 85 office locations are committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while Reimagining Michael Baker to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm over the next five years.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Names Karen White National Broadband Practice Executive

PITTSBURGH (September 13, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Karen White has joined the firm as National Broadband Practice Executive. In this role, Ms. White will lead Michael Baker’s Broadband Practice to ensure the high-quality execution of broadband projects for clients, as well as be responsible for business development and the identification, pursuit and winning of broadband projects across the U.S. with states, territories, Tribal governments and other public sector entities.

“Broadband technology has revolutionized the very way we live and communicate, including how services are provided and business is conducted. Michael Baker believes in closing the digital divide and ensuring reliable, high-speed internet for all,” said Dan Kieny, President, Consulting and Technology Solutions, at Michael Baker International. “Karen has served in key roles for many high-profile, multi-million-dollar communications systems projects for clients across states, municipalities and transit organizations. I am confident that under Karen’s leadership, Michael Baker’s Broadband Practice will continue to grow and enable broadband access and digital inclusivity across the nation.”

Ms. White brings 25 years of leadership experience in municipal, commercial and public safety telecommunications, including the planning, design, procurement and implementation of wireless broadband systems and communications software, to her new role. Prior to joining Michael Baker, she served as Vice President, Client Solutions for CTC Technology & Energy, where she oversaw state and local engagements with clients spanning the U.S. Earlier in her career, Ms. White held roles with Federal Engineering, Inc. and Motorola Solutions. Her professional appointments and memberships include the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) SAFECOM Committee, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) and the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council, where she is Chair of the Technology & Broadband Committee and Vice-Chair of the Broadband Emerging Technology Working Group.

Ms. White earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Music degree in Music Engineering Technology from the University of Miami.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Promotes Christopher Alberts, P.L.S., to Office Executive for Riverside/San Bernardino, California, Locations

PITTSBURGH (August 30, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Christopher Alberts, P.L.S., has been promoted to Office Executive for the firm’s Riverside/San Bernardino, California, locations. In this role, Mr. Alberts will lead the Ontario, Palm Desert, Temecula offices’ diverse portfolio of services and bring the full range of the firm’s expertise to the region in support of various infrastructure projects. Additionally, he will oversee office personnel and manage the day-to-day operations.

“Over the past two decades at Michael Baker, Chris has demonstrated exceptional leadership and notable skills in land development, public works, entitlements, surveying and construction,” said Trudi Lim, P.E., LEED AP, Western Regional Director at Michael Baker International. “Chris will be instrumental in partnering with clients to solve complex infrastructure challenges, building strong teams and continuing growth across the region.”

Mr. Alberts has 27 years of industry experience, including 21 years with Michael Baker. Prior to expanding his role, he served as the Office Executive for Michael Baker’s Palm Desert office. Mr. Alberts is a Member of the California Land Surveyors Association, Governor for Southern California Association of Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, Executive Committee Member of ACEC-COPS, Trustee of the Joint Apprenticeship and Trust and Chairman of the Joint Professional Practices Committee for Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Hires Scot Becker, P.E., as Director of Asset Management and Bridge Technologies

PITTSBURGH (August 24, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Scot Becker, P.E., has joined the firm as Director of Asset Management and Bridge Technologies. In this newly created role, Mr. Becker will expand and grow the firm’s asset management and bridge technology services to better serve its clients.

“For more than 80 years, Michael Baker has addressed bridge preservation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions. In keeping with this legacy, our firm recently moved up to become the #4 Bridge firm in the country in the latest Engineering News-Record (ENR) rankings,” said Kent Zinn, P.E., S.E., President, Infrastructure, at Michael Baker International. “As we continue to Reimagine Michael Baker, Scot will be instrumental in leveraging the latest technology and asset management techniques as we partner with clients to extend the lifecycles and manage maintenance costs, preservation treatments and digital information for their structures.”

Mr. Becker has more than 30 years of industry experience, including 29 with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), where he led the creation of a next generation web-based inspection and asset management system, implemented a new Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) bridge manual and provided leadership in the Leo Frigo and Zoo Interchange emergency bridge projects.

He most recently served as WisDOT’s Deputy Administrator of the Division of Transportation System Development, providing planning, development and operation of safe, reliable and efficient multimodal transportation systems. Additional roles with WisDOT include Director, Bureau of Structures; Structural Development Chief; and Structural Development Engineer.

Mr. Becker earned a Master of Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as the Vice Chair, AASHTO Committee on Bridges and Structures (COBS).

The firm’s 3,900 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while Reimagining Michael Baker to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm over the next five years.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Acquires Tidal Basin

PITTSBURGH (August 22, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has acquired Tidal Basin, a leading comprehensive emergency and disaster management consulting firm. Tidal Basin will continue to operate as a stand-alone entity and will complement Michael Baker’s efforts to support the nation’s recovery efforts and rebuild infrastructure to be safer and more resilient.

“We are excited to welcome Tidal Basin as a sister company to Michael Baker. This relationship is a tremendous opportunity for the two firms to work closely together to drive more value for a shared client base that encompasses more than 90 locations across the country,” said Thomas J. Campbell, Chairman of Michael Baker International and Founder and Managing Partner of DC Capital Partners. “Both firms bring added strength to the market with complementary resources and capabilities to take on larger resiliency projects while delivering the exceptional client service for which they are known.”

This new relationship pairs the depth and breadth of Michael Baker’s engineering and consulting expertise with Tidal Basin’s extensive experience and comprehensive suite of services relative to preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and program management – which are increasingly important as public and private entities contend with volatile climate activity and man-made emergencies. Tidal Basin has served as a vital resource during times of crisis, including public health emergencies and other unforeseen events. Working more closely together will allow both firms to provide even stronger program and technical management expertise and resources to clients, including governments, businesses and communities.

Michael Baker and Tidal Basin have a history of working together on projects throughout the country, including planning projects targeting wildfires in California and infrastructure projects in Colorado and New York. The new relationship between the firms creates many avenues to leverage synergies and growth opportunities across Michael Baker’s five distinct verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) and Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS). Growth opportunities exist through the strong relationship both organizations have with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), while pursuing additional business across all Federal agencies. This includes expanding relationships with federal civilian agencies, state and local entities, departments of transportation nationwide as well as projects in the broadband services, light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) sectors, among others.

Tidal Basin is led by founder and CEO Daniel A. Craig, a leader with extensive experience with FEMA and the disaster consulting and post-disaster recovery industries. He has advised the White House and more than a dozen governors and state administrations on recovery, housing, and long-term economic recovery strategies. Mr. Craig also served as a presidentially appointed Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Recovery Division where he was responsible for overseeing the federal government’s recovery efforts on all presidentially declared events including the Space Shuttle Columbia crash, the wildfires of 2003, and the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. Mr. Craig is supported by a deep team of industry experts and experienced professionals including Amy K. Baker, Executive Vice President, Government Consulting; Melissa J. Gordon, Executive Vice President, Enterprise Solutions and Stephen T. Surace, President and Chief Financial Officer. Currently, the Tidal Basin team is leveraging its technology enabled solutions to expedite recovery efforts related to the tragic Maui wildfires.

The McLean Group acted as financial advisor and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP acted as legal advisor to Tidal Basin in connection with the transaction. Arnold & Porter, LLP acted as transaction counsel and White & Case, LLP acted as debt counsel to DC Capital.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Names Dewey Jones, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, National Market Lead – Federal Civilian Programs

PITTSBURGH (August 17, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that Dewey Jones, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, has joined the firm as National Market Lead – Federal Civilian Programs. In this role, Mr. Jones will grow and manage client relationships with federal non-defense civilian agencies and partner across the organization to position Michael Baker for key federal opportunities and continued growth.

“Dewey has a strong track record of successfully growing business lines and client relationships, including securing and managing projects with more than a dozen federal civilian agencies, as well as Department of Defense and military affiliation contracts,” said Brian May, President, Federal Programs and Services at Michael Baker International. “As we continue to Reimagine Michael Baker by expanding our client portfolio and services provided, I am pleased to welcome Dewey and look forward to him contributing to our more than 80-year legacy of service to the federal government.”

Mr. Jones brings more than 30 years of experience to his role at Michael Baker. Most recently, he served as Vice President and Federal Market Leader, Civilian Agencies for AECOM. He also held positions of increasing responsibility with Mason & Hanger, Pond & Company, Clark Nexsen and HBA Architecture & Interior Design. He holds a Professional Bachelor of Architecture degree with a Construction Management minor from Virginia Tech.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]