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Michael Baker International Announces Broadband Webinar Series

Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced the launch of the firm’s Connecting Communities Playbook monthly webinar series. Each of the series’ seven sessions is designed to assist broadband leaders at the local, state and federal level, as well as telecommunications organizations, with navigating the emerging digital equity landscape. The series will provide an interactive approach to broadband education and resources, encouraging audience participation and providing answers to frequently asked questions in real time.

“The future will continue to be driven by connectivity, and broadband will play a critical role in the infrastructure of our connectedness – as a community, region, country and the global economy. Our mission is to enable broadband access and digital inclusivity across the nation,” said Jeremy Jurick, GISP, Vice President and National Broadband Services Director at Michael Baker International. “A big part of accomplishing our mission is to ensure that all stakeholders have access to valuable information that can have an impact on their programs and understand how best to position their organizations for success. With this webinar series, we’ll deliver insights about the topics that matter most to the broadband community and ultimately, facilitate internet for all.”

The Connecting Communities Playbook webinar series will be presented by Michael Baker’s diverse group of experts and discuss topics related to broadband funding, national programs such as Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, Digital Equity Act, and Capital Project Funds, Digital Navigator programs, program management and more. The one-hour sessions will take place monthly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

The full schedule and topics are as follows:

Michael Baker supports government organizations in planning for and managing the rollout of equitable broadband projects and programs for its clients’ unserved and underserved constituencies. The firm supports all levels of government and community organizations through broadband project identification, access to funding, and initiatives designed to provide affordable and equitable access to broadband and related digital devices. Michael Baker supports the entire broadband life cycle — from developing a five-year roadmap to managing broadband public-private partnership buildouts to completion.

Additional information on the webinar series can be found at https://broadbandapps.com/webinars/.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services spanning four distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Design-Build Services, Federal Programs and Services and Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS). 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 more than 3,500 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/.

Michael Baker International Names HoJin Lim, P.E., CFM, as Office Manager – Houston

PITTSBURGH (February 1, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that HoJin Lim, P.E., CFM, has joined the firm as Office Manager of its Houston, Texas, office. In this role, Mr. Lim will lead the office by managing and overseeing all office personnel and business activities provided by Michael Baker in the Houston area, including office administration, business planning, financial management, technical oversight, staff development, business development, quality assurance and client management.

“HoJin brings nearly 30 years of industry experience to his new role at Michael Baker,” said Tommy Montgomery, P.E., Southern Regional Director at Michael Baker International. “He brings an extensive understanding of the Houston market to Michael Baker as he has spent his entire career in and around the greater Houston area. I am thrilled to welcome HoJin to the team and look forward to his leadership as our staff undertakes impactful infrastructure projects in the Houston area.”

Prior to joining Michael Baker, Mr. Lim most recently oversaw the City of Houston’s Special Projects group within Capital Projects, where he led workload planning and project delivery, working across the city’s departments and outside agencies. Earlier in his career, he served as City Engineer for Houston, Principal Project Manager for the University of Houston, Municipal Services Department Manager for Klotz Associates and Senior Project Manager for HNTB Corporation.

Mr. Lim is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

Michael Baker International Names Tony Hunley, P.E., S.E., Ph.D., Senior Vice President and National Director, Bridge Services

PITTSBURGH (January 24, 2023) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Tony Hunley, P.E., S.E., Ph.D., has joined the firm as Senior Vice President and National Director, Bridge Services. In this newly created role, Mr. Hunley will focus on business development, client engagement and the firm’s long-term growth strategy for its award-winning Bridge Practice. He will be responsible for growing Michael Baker’s highly diversified bridge portfolio, which includes Long-Span Bridges, Bridge Inspection, Load Rating, Asset Management, Emergency Responses, Bridge Technology, 3D Digital Delivery and UAS Imagery. The firm also announced that Brian Kozy, P.E., Ph.D., has been named Senior Vice President and National Technical Director, Bridge Services. In this role, Mr. Kozy will primarily focus on how the firm delivers the most innovative and effective solutions as it partners with Departments of Transportation (DOT) nationwide on major complex bridge initiatives.

“For more than 80 years, Michael Baker has provided innovative and effective solutions for our bridge clients across the country. This expertise has garnered numerous accolades, including our position as the #5 Bridge firm in Engineering News-Record’s (ENR) latest industry rankings,” said Kent Zinn, President – Infrastructure, at Michael Baker International. “As we Reimagine Michael Baker, Tony’s track record of successfully leading expansion into new markets and diversifying service offerings aligns with our vision for growing our Bridge practice.”

Mr. Hunley joins Michael Baker with more than 25 years of experience, including the last 11 years at Stantec, where he most recently served as Vice President, Bridge Sector Leader, directing efforts to drive growth, diversify services, cultivate innovation and deliver technical excellence across their North American Bridge practice. Earlier in his career, Mr. Hunley developed a diversified complex Bridge practice as an Owner and Principal at ENTRAN (formerly American Consulting Engineers), which was then acquired by Stantec in 2011.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

SAN DIEGO (December 8, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Trudi Lim, P.E., LEED AP, has been named Vice President and Western Regional Director. In this role, Ms. Lim will lead more than 800 employees and oversee all growth efforts, as well as engineering, business and financial operations for 21 offices across eight states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Washington.

“Trudi brings 30 years of industry experience, including 18 with Michael Baker, to her new role as Western Regional Director. She is a recognized leader throughout the region and the industry at-large for her expertise, mentorship and ability to solve complex infrastructure challenges for our clients,” said Kent Zinn, P.E. President – Infrastructure, at Michael Baker International. “As we Reimagine Michael Baker, I am excited about Trudi’s ability to present our clients with the full breadth of our firm’s expanded capabilities and services.”

Ms. Lim most recently served as the Office Executive for Michael Baker’s San Diego Office, one of the firm’s eight Federal Centers of Excellence. In this role, she was pivotal to the firm’s Federal work, including for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest (NAVFAC SW). She also has extensive civil engineering and land development project experience from serving clients across Southern California and Nevada. Prior to joining Michael Baker in 2004, Ms. Lim held positions with VPOINT Engineering, SEA Engineers and PCL Construction.

Ms. Lim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is also a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and Society of American Military Engineers (SAME).

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (December 7, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Timothy Armbrecht, P.E., S.E., has joined the firm as Sr. Bridge Technical Manager – Load Rating Specialty Practice Lead and Joseph Smith, P.E., S.E., has joined as Technical Director – Major Bridges. In these roles, Mr. Armbrecht and Mr. Smith will engage with key Departments of Transportation (DOT), municipal and non-DOT stakeholders and other existing and potential clients to elevate the company’s standing as a top bridge engineering firm, expand its business and deliver excellence.

“Michael Baker is consistently ranked as a Top Five bridge engineering firm by Engineering News Record (ENR), which is a testament to our company’s more than 80-year history of addressing bridge design, construction and preservation challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions,” said Brian Kozy, Ph.D., P.E. National Practice Lead, Bridge, at Michael Baker International. “Tim and Joseph bring tremendous experience to their new roles, and I am confident that the addition of these experts to our Bridge Practice will continue our firm’s legacy of delivering technical services and signature bridge projects.”

Timothy Armbrecht, P.E., S.E., Sr. Bridge Technical Manager – Load Rating Specialty Practice Lead

Mr. Armbrecht joins Michael Baker following more than 30 years with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). In addition to being available to assist clients with a variety of bridge maintenance issues like bridge inspection and management, Mr. Armbrecht will lead the firm’s work to provide timely and accurate load ratings, which are essential to preserving the safety of the nation’s road network and helping agencies ensure bridge performance and reliability.

Mr. Armbrecht most recently served as the Chief, Structural Services Section at IDOT, where he directed and managed four units within the Bureau of Bridges and Structures: the Bridge Ratings and Permits Unit, Local Bridge Unit, Investigations and Repairs Unit and Bridge Management and Inspection Unit. He also served in a variety of leadership and engineering positions responsible for ratings and permits, local bridges, structural design and computer services, as well as heading IDOT’s Maintenance Operations Section in the Bureau of Operations. Mr. Armbrecht holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and Math from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Master of Science degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering/Structures from the University of Iowa.

Joseph Smith, P.E., S.E., Technical Director – Major Bridges

Joseph Smith comes to Michael Baker with 17 years of progressive bridge industry experience. As Technical Manager – Major Bridges, Mr. Smith will ensure excellence in the firm’s execution of work and deliverables, and support client engagement to capture new major bridge projects.

He has effectively led design, construction engineering and inspection teams, coordinated between designer/contractor/owner and performed advanced analysis of complex structural systems, including key roles on several major segmental and cable-stayed bridge Design-Build projects.

Most recently, Mr. Smith was a Senior Resident Engineer at Jacobs, and was previously Director, Structural Engineering at WSP and Senior Bridge Engineer with International Bridge Technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering – Structural from San Diego State University and a Master of Science degree in Structural Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (December 2, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Chad Menge, AIA, has joined the firm as Mid-Atlantic Regional Practice Lead – Aviation. In this role, Mr. Menge will be responsible for leading the growth of the firm’s Aviation practice within the Mid-Atlantic Region and ensuring that its technical capabilities and processes fulfill client commitments. Michael Baker’s Mid-Atlantic Region includes 12 offices throughout Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

“At Michael Baker, we partner with airports including the smallest general aviation facilities to the busiest international airports in the world to solve complex infrastructure challenges and ultimately, move people and goods to their destinations swiftly and safely,” said John Walsh, P.E., Mid-Atlantic Regional Director at Michael Baker International. “I welcome Chad to our Aviation Practice and look forward to his leadership throughout the Mid-Atlantic region as we take on projects that enhance the passenger experience and upgrade air travel.”

Mr. Menge is a licensed architect with more than 20 years of international and domestic experience. He joins Michael Baker from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, where he most recently served as Principal Architect and was the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) for the Secure National Hall project for Reagan National Airport (DCA), a part of DCA’s Project Journey, a $1 billion capital construction project. Earlier in his career, he was a Project Manager and Designer with several firms including HOK and RTKL, where he managed planning, architectural and engineering teams on projects in Doha, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Mr. Menge holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Utah. He is also a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (November 30, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Rich Driggs has joined the firm as Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, Mr. Driggs will focus on driving operational excellence, implementing processes and systems to optimize efficiency and maximize the firm’s potential, while ensuring discipline in the company’s approach as it continues to grow. Mr. Driggs joins Michael Baker’s Executive Committee and will oversee the Presidents of each of Michael Baker’s four verticals: Consulting and Technology Solutions, Design-Build, Federal Programs and Services, and Infrastructure.

“Reimagining Michael Baker is key to our future as a company and as we accelerate our growth and innovation, I am pleased to welcome Rich to Michael Baker,” said Brian A. Lutes, Chief Executive Officer at Michael Baker International. “Rich brings nearly 30 years of experience to his role as COO, and I am confident that his deep experience and expertise will enhance our operational efficiency and drive us forward in our mission to broaden our capabilities, services and solutions to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm.”

Mr. Driggs joins Michael Baker after serving as COO – Americas at WSP, where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of eight national business lines and 13,000 personnel, successfully growing the firm’s net revenue and backlog. Previously, he was President of WSP’s Property and Buildings Group and Program Management. Earlier in his career, Mr. Driggs served as President of Heery International and Executive Vice President, Head of Operations – Greater U.S. for Lend Lease Corporation.

Mr. Driggs earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Purdue University and has completed Executive Education Programs at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University and the University of Cambridge. He is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers and the Construction Industry Roundtable.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (November 17, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has been selected by CSX Transportation (CSXT) to lead program and construction management for significant rail enhancement projects as part the Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. The TRV program represents an innovative public/private partnership, which also includes the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter rail operator as key stakeholders. This work is being completed in conjunction with the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), the lead state agency for TRV, and encompasses the design and construction of multiple projects between Washington, DC, and Richmond, Virginia, totaling $3.7 billion.

“Michael Baker has a history of overseeing rail and transit projects for more than 40 rail carriers throughout the country, providing innovative solutions that enable our clients to achieve their goals and ultimately, enhance the transportation of freight,“ said Kirsten Bowen, National Director, Freight Rail at Michael Baker International. “I am thrilled that the Michael Baker team, supported by Patrick Engineering, is servicing CSXT on this exciting infrastructure project that will transform rail in Virginia, as well as the Rail and Transit Practice at Michael Baker. “

Michael Baker will provide program management and construction management services for TRV project delivery over the next 10 years. The firm will serve as owner-representative, collaborating with various design consultants to provide pre-construction and construction phase services including design reviews, project controls and construction management/ inspection for multiple bridges, walls, track and associated infrastructure.

A leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation, CSXT operates more than 2,000 miles of track throughout the state of Virginia. VPRA, created in 2020, will gain control of 350 miles of railroad right-of-way and 225 miles of existing track from CSXT as TRV capital investments are completed, enabling expanded passenger rail services. Once Virginia completes construction of a separate passenger rail corridor along this section of track, Virginia and CSXT will benefit from freight-dedicated tracks free of passenger rail traffic. This will lead to enhanced passenger rail service, such as more frequent Amtrak state-supported trains and a near doubling of VRE Fredericksburg Line commuter service to include new late-night and weekend service.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (October 31, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Nathan Kebede, P.E., has joined the firm as National Practice Lead of National Pavement Services. Michael Baker provides a full range of pavement engineering and management services using technology-based approaches for complete pavement data collection, assessment, design and implementation of pavement management systems. In the newly created position of National Practice Lead of National Pavement Services, Mr. Kebede will collaborate across the organization to identify opportunities where the firm can provide pavement data collection and pavement management consulting services to local, regional, state and federal agencies, and lead the team’s work to deliver for clients.

“Nathan is passionate about advancements in pavement inspection technologies and the utilization of pavement management systems for increasingly optimized and informed decision-making,” said Dan Kieny, President, Consulting and Technology Solutions (CTS) at Michael Baker International. “As we continue to Reimagine Michael Baker by expanding our services and capabilities, Nathan will draw on his experience, expertise and passion to lead our Pavement Services team, serving as a trusted partner and adviser to our clients making pavement maintenance decisions.”

Most recently, Mr. Kebede served as Chief Operating Officer for ARRB Systems America, where he played a critical role in introducing advanced pavement evaluation systems to the U.S. market. Earlier in his career, he was a Pavement Engineer and Data Services Manager in the pavement industry. His experience spans more than a decade of leading manual and automated pavement condition surveys and providing pavement management consulting to airport and roadway authorities at all levels of government.

Mr. Kebede was recently appointed as a voting member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Highway Pavements Committee within the Transportation and Development Institute. He is also an active participant in the Transportation Research Board’s annual meeting and a number of associated committees.

Mr. Kebede holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Jackson State University.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]

PITTSBURGH (September 21, 2022) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, announced today that the firm has been selected by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to provide construction management and construction engineering and inspection (CEI) services for the widening of Interstate 95 (I-95) in Robeson County, North Carolina. The five-year project will widen 16 miles of I-95 between Fayetteville and Lumberton, North Carolina, and is intended to reduce congestion, plan for traffic growth, improve safety, enhance regional mobility and make the infrastructure more resilient against future flooding.

“At Michael Baker, our Construction Services team is focused on safely delivering construction projects of the highest quality through innovative and cost-effective solutions,” said Chadwick D. Huffines, P.E., Associate Vice President and Office Executive – Greensboro at Michael Baker International. “I-95 is a vital part of North Carolina’s transportation system, and our team is proud to partner with NCDOT on the modernization of this important freight and travel corridor.”

The I-95 widening project will add two additional travel lanes in each direction, bringing the total number of lanes from four to eight. The project will also include grading, utility relocations, several miles of drainage, roundabouts, several bores and jacks, asphalt and concrete paving, complex traffic phasing, shoring, 10 bridges, 11 box culverts, retaining walls, signing and ITS/signals.

Michael Baker will be responsible for performing contract administration, inspection, erosion control inspection, materials sampling and testing, surveying grade verification, documentation of pay quantities and claims avoidance. The firm opened a field office in Lumberton, North Carolina, in support of this project.

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

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Contact: Julia Covelli

Email: [email protected]