PITTSBURGH (June 10, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, has been named the 2020 Employer of the Year by WTS International. The Employer of the Year is awarded to organizations for their commitment to strengthening the transportation industry through recruiting, retaining and advancing women within the industry, providing career development and opportunities for professional growth within their organization and supporting WTS at local and national levels.
WTS recognized Michael Baker for encouraging and participating in the advancement of women in transportation through student internship and shadowing opportunities, project management and leadership training programs and career development including financial assistance for license registrations, professional certifications, conference participation and tuition reimbursement. The firm was acknowledged for understanding the importance of having a diverse and innovative workforce at all employment levels comprised of diverse backgrounds, passions, experiences and capabilities and has partnered with organizations such as WTS to attract outstanding talent through meaningful performance-based rewards and exceptional development and growth opportunities. Additionally, women serve in all levels of leadership at Michael Baker, including the firm’s Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Team and Regional Management.
“Michael Baker International is honored to receive this prestigious recognition from WTS and is extremely proud of all our employees who made this award possible,” said Brian A. Lutes, Chief Executive Officer at Michael Baker. “We remain committed to supporting WTS’ mission of advancing both the transportation industry and the professional women who are an integral part of it.”
“Michael Baker was nominated by the Northeast Chapter of Ohio for being a strong partner of WTS in many local chapters across North America and as an Advocate Corporate Partner at the International level,” said Sara Stickler, WTS International Executive Director. “The firm supports many of its employees to take leadership roles within WTS. Congratulations for the recognition of a firm that wholeheartedly supports the vision and mission of WTS.”
With more than 100 active WTS members across the organization, Michael Baker is a strong supporter of WTS at the national and local levels and encourages its employees to host and attend WTS events that add value to the transportation industry. Throughout the country, Michael Baker has also been recognized as the Employer of the Year by WTS Chapters including Greater New York (2006), Atlanta (2007), Colorado (2010), Central PA (2012), Wisconsin (2016) and Northeast Ohio (2020). Michael Baker was previously recognized as the WTS International Employer of the Year in 2012.
Kimberly Guice, P.E., Project Manager – Bridge, in Michael Baker’s Cleveland Office was also named the 2020 WTS Member of the Year for her involvement in the organization’s Northeast Ohio Chapter and her dedication to fostering the future of the industry through her participation in the Transportation YOU program, an interactive mentoring program that offers young girls an introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers. Ms. Guice has developed several mentoring opportunities over her eight years as Transportation YOU Committee Chair, including partnering with the Cleveland Engineering Society to assist with the Engineering Roadshow program, mentoring students through the Cleveland Metropolitan School District Bridge Building Initiative and helping mentees find funding to support their attendance at the Transportation YOU DC Youth Summit for two consecutive years.
“Kim’s commitment to the mission of WTS and the Transportation YOU program is evident by the many mentoring opportunities she has developed over the years,” said Malcolm Dougherty, National Practice Executive, Transportation. “I cannot think of a more deserving person for this distinction.”
“WTS has been instrumental in growing my career and providing me with multiple opportunities for leadership training, mentorship and growth,” said Ms. Guice. “I am truly honored by this recognition and look forward continuing the great work of WTS for generations to come.”
Kirsten Bowen, P.E., Regional Transportation Lead, Great Lakes, was previously named the 2016 WTS Member of the Year.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
SEATTLE (June 8, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, has joined the team that will complete the widening and express toll lane project between Renton and Bellevue, Washington, for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The project will utilize innovative design-build project delivery and includes constructing one new lane in each direction of I-405. This new lane, along with the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, will be operated as a dual-lane express toll lane system. Michael Baker’s role in the project includes providing maintenance of traffic for the entire 11-mile project, roadway design for a three-mile segment, drainage design for a three-mile segment and one bridge widening. The firm will serve as a subconsultant to Wood in the Flatiron West, Inc.-The Lane Construction Corporation Joint Venture.
“Our team regularly combines passion with technical and design-build know-how to create transportation systems that provide access and connection for people and goods, ultimately spurring economic growth and improving quality of life for commuters,” said Malcolm Dougherty, National Practice Executive – Transportation at Michael Baker International. “For the I-405 project, our expert knowledge of maintenance of traffic will ensure the safety of drivers and workers alike, while keeping traffic moving as work progresses. The final product will give drivers a choice to use the express toll lanes when they need it, allowing travelers to have a safer, more reliable trip and helping WSDOT achieve their long-standing vision for I-405.”
The $705 million design-build project will help reduce congestion and improve safety along one of Washington’s most congested sections of highway. The project will increase roadway capacity, enhance mobility, provide environmental enhancements and improve traffic operations and public safety. Construction is expected to commence this year and the project will be completed and open to traffic in 2024.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
PITTSBURGH (May 21, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, announced today that Mark Pitchford, PSM, has joined the firm as Vice President and Office Executive in central Florida, overseeing the Orlando and Tampa offices. In his new role, Mr. Pitchford will be responsible for client care and overseeing the growth of the company’s portfolio of business in Central Florida, while broadening outreach to new markets and clients. Additionally, he will provide operational and staff management and production and project oversight for the offices. He will be based in Michael Baker’s Tampa location.
“Mark has an impressive background with more than 25 years of operations management experience within the survey and geospatial industries, managing teams across the United States, United Kingdom and Canada,” said Tommy Montgomery, Senior Vice President and Regional Director of the Southeast Region at Michael Baker. “Under Mark’s leadership, our team will continue to be a trusted adviser for the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.”
Mr. Pitchford most recently served as Regional Manager, Strategic Development, at WGI, Inc. (Wantman Group, Inc), where he oversaw the growth and expansion of survey and subsurface utility engineering services offered by the geospatial division in the United States. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pitchford spent 17 years in the Clearwater area with Cardno as Southern Business Unit Manager and later the Area Manager, where he led the company’s organic revenue growth and geographic expansion across the United States.
Mr. Pitchford earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying and Mapping from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
HOUSTON, TX. (May 20, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, was selected for a $5M contract with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, drainage design services and stream bank stabilization/restoration design services across the Houston District. Work is expected to begin in June 2020 and continue for a period of five years, with specific tasks assigned throughout the contract duration.
“Houston experiences multiple flood events nearly every year, with examples as severe as 2017’s Hurricane Harvey,” said Suad Cisic, National Practice Lead, Water at Michael Baker. “Our firm has the proven experience and local knowledge to successfully assist TxDOT in mitigating the impacts of these potentially-devastating events. Our selection for this important work illustrates the strength of the team and its dedication to solving these complex challenges through innovation and collaboration.”
Michael Baker’s work in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, drainage design will be critical in providing safer roadways and limiting hydraulic impacts of roadway reconstruction across the Houston District. With this knowledge, the team will provide drainage design, impact mitigation and stream bank stabilization/restorative design services that enable safer roadways and evacuation routes in the area.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
Pittsburgh (April 30, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, announced today that Caroline Brabrook, P.E., has joined the firm as the Office Manager for the growing Seattle Office. In her new role, Ms. Brabrook will lead the office by managing and overseeing all office personnel and business activities, supporting local projects and unifying local leadership for Michael Baker International within the office.
“Caroline is a proven leader with diverse experience in operations, regional management, business development, project management and financial analysis and risk management,” said Mike Conaboy, Regional Director of the West Region at Michael Baker. “Our Seattle office is expanding and we are thrilled to have Caroline lead this team of talented professionals who are undertaking large and impactful infrastructure projects in the Seattle area and the Pacific Northwest.”
Ms. Brabrook brings 20 years of leadership on multi-disciplinary transportation projects in the Puget Sound, including SDOT, WSDOT, City of Bellevue, Sound Transit, King County, Snohomish County and City of Tukwila, to her position as Seattle Office Manager. Prior to joining Michael Baker, Ms. Brabrook served as Vice President, Seattle Area Manager for Kleinfelder. In addition to past leadership positions in the Puget Sound, Caroline was also the Office Engineering Manager for the Dragados CP 2-3 team on California High Speed Rail.
Ms. Brabrook holds a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Civil Engineering with First Class Honors from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. She is also a member of the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers, currently sitting on the Safety Committee.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
Pittsburgh (March 12, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, has been selected by Port Authority of Allegheny County to assist the agency in developing a 25-year vision plan. The long-range transportation plan will provide a customer-focused, action-oriented strategy for major transit investments and sustainable funding through 2045. The project aims to create a plan for an improved transit system, which will attract more riders, enhance mobility for the County’s residents and support community development and redevelopment initiatives throughout Allegheny County while promoting regional equity and sustainability.
“As a firm established and headquartered in Western Pennsylvania, Michael Baker has fostered a commitment to the region’s economic growth and residents’ quality of life for eight decades,“ said Beth Larkin, P.E., Senior Vice President and Moon Township Office Executive at Michael Baker International. “We have deep roots in this region and are committed to helping the Port Authority create a successful plan that puts people and communities first.”
“The plan will set a high bar for a reliable, seamless and efficient transportation network, informed by diverse public input. We’re excited to be working with great partners like E. Holdings, Campos, Drive Engineering and Infrastrategies, who bring energy and expertise into this project. Michael Baker is proud to share the Port Authority’s goal of supporting diverse local businesses,” added Justin Miller, AICP, Project Manager – Planning, at Michael Baker International.
The 25-year vision plan will have a strong and intentional approach to reaching those in local communities who are under-resourced and under-served. A major component of the plan development is public outreach and stakeholder coordination and Michael Baker has proposed a creative approach to public and stakeholder outreach that is a balance between understanding the community’s needs and interactively educating stakeholders on the benefits of transit-oriented communities. Additional tasks will include conducting a thorough review of existing systems and plans; completing a market/travel analysis; identifying and prioritizing new investment opportunities; recommending a financial plan and producing the final report and action plan. Once complete, the plan will recommend actions that will ultimately improve the rider experience for those who make up the more than 63 million rides annually in the region.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
White Plains, N.Y. (March 11, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is pleased to share that Shravya Markandeya, P.E., PTOE, P.T.P., has been named “Young Engineer of the Year” by the Westchester/Putnam Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers. This award is given annually to a local engineer under the age of 35 who has made significant contributions to the engineering profession. Ms. Markandeya, a Senior Engineer – Traffic in Michael Baker’s White Plains office, was honored at the annual Engineer’s Week Awards Dinner, where she also received a proclamation from Westchester County.
“Shravya exemplifies the Michael Baker credo of ‘We Make a Difference’,“ said Bill Marman, Office Executive – White Plains at Michael Baker International. “Every day, her passion for improving quality of life in the communities she serves shines through. We are proud to have her as a member of the Michael Baker team and look forward to her continued successes at the Company and in the community.”
Ms. Markandeya has more than 11 years of experience designing and leading traffic engineering and transportation planning projects in the Northeast Region (New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey). Her projects include arterial and intersection traffic analyses, feasibility studies, traffic signal design, traffic impact studies, Work Zone Traffic Control design, transportation management plans, traffic control devices and accident and safety analyses. She has worked on numerous regionally significant projects including the $8 billion LaGuardia redevelopment program and has served as a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Engineer and reviewed projects as a consultant to various municipalities in New York State. Prior to joining Michael Baker in 2017, Ms. Markandeya held roles as a Senior Transportation Engineer/Project Manager at VHB and a Design Engineer at WSP USA.
Ms. Markandeya received her B.Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, and her M.Eng in Civil Engineering (Transportation Systems) from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. She is a member of the Work Zone Simulation Subcommittee of the Transportation Research Board’s Standing Committee on Work Zone Traffic Control. She serves as an ambassador for the Harvard Business Analytics Program and as a Women in Construction ambassador for New York Build; has been recognized as an ENR New York Top Young Professional (2019) and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) New York Young Professional of the Year (2019); and is a member of ACEC, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Transportation Research Board (TRB) and Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS).
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
Pittsburgh (March 10, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, announced today that Dan Kieny has joined the firm’s Executive Leadership Team as Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Kieny is a seasoned Information Technology (IT) leader with comprehensive knowledge of engineering and construction, energy, water and manufacturing industries. In his new position, Mr. Kieny will lead the Information Technology Services Organization, which is responsible for all facets of the firm’s technology. He assumes the role from Martin J. Miner, who is retiring after more than three decades in the industry.
“Dan comes to Michael Baker with 30 years of experience in IT, including several prominent leadership positions within our industry,” said Brian A. Lutes, Chief Executive Officer at Michael Baker. “With an impressive background spanning all aspects of IT, including technology, innovation and cybersecurity, Dan will be a valuable partner to us as he helps advance our technology and IT operations.”
Mr. Kieny previously spent 12 years at MWH Global as the firm’s Global IT Director and Global Innovation Director before serving four years at Black & Veatch as Senior Vice President and Global Chief Information Officer. He was then asked to lead the spin-off of Pivvot, a software company that delivers intelligent asset management systems to infrastructure organizations, and to serve as the company’s CEO and President. Earlier in his career, Mr. Kieny held posts at Applied Theory, Infoimage, Mincom USA, IBM/Tivoli Systems and First Data Corporation.
Mr. Kieny earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His leadership credentials include being ITIL certified and PROSCI Change Management certified, and he has served as a member of The Wall Street Journal CIO Network and numerous client advisory boards, including Hewlett Packard Enterprise and DXC Technologies.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, now celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
Pittsburgh (February 21, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is pleased to announce that two of the firm’s iconic bridge projects – the Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) Bridge in Pittsburgh and the Winona Bridge in Winona, MN – have won Prize Bridge Awards from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA). The biennial Prize Bridge Awards honor significant and innovative steel bridges constructed in the U.S. Recognizing innovative design and engineering, the award is the highest honor bestowed on bridge projects by the U.S. structural steel industry. The projects will be honored at the 2020 AISC World Steel Bridge Symposium, taking place in Atlanta, April 22 – 24.
“For 80 years, Michael Baker has remained at the forefront of bridge innovation and is highly regarded as an industry leader in bridge design and construction,“ said Scott Roux, Senior Vice President and National Practice Lead, Bridge at Michael Baker International. “The Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) and Winona Bridges are shining examples of the dedication of our team to rehabilitate historic and iconic bridges that serve as the backbone of our nation’s infrastructure. Each of these bridges is a community landmark and thanks to the hard work of our engineers, our clients and the many who contributed to these projects, they will continue to serve their communities for decades to come.”
The Andy Warhol (Seventh Street) Bridge is one of a trio of historic, side-by-side identical bridges in downtown Pittsburgh, collectively known as the Three Sisters Bridges. Michael Baker was selected for preliminary engineering, final design and construction-phase services for the rehabilitation of each of the 90-year old historic bridges – owned and maintained by Allegheny County. This bridge is the first to be completely rehabilitated and is fully open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The bridge was honored as the National Award Winner in the Steel Bridge Rehabilitation category.
The rehabilitation of the Winona Bridge represented the most complex historic truss bridge rehabilitation ever undertaken by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). To extend the bridge’s life another 50 years, the team performed an extensive bridge analysis, evaluation and rehabilitation that preserved the historical integrity of the 75-year-old structure. The bridge was honored as the Merit Award Winner in the Steel Bridge Rehabilitation category.
The winning projects in the Prize Bridge Awards were selected based on innovation, aesthetics, economy, and design and engineering solutions by a jury of five engineering and construction professionals.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]
Louisville, Ky. (Feb. 20, 2020) – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, announced today that Aaron Stover, P.E., S.E., has been promoted to Regional Practice Lead – Bridge for the firm’s Great Lakes Region. Mr. Stover will lead regional efforts to grow the Bridge Practice by broadening the office’s existing capabilities, expanding into new markets and ensuring quality standards, technical expertise and project excellence for new and existing Bridge clients.
“Aaron’s new role is an extension of his successful two-decade career with Michael Baker,” said Kent Zinn, Great Lakes Regional Director at Michael Baker. “His passion for helping others through the projects we have the privilege to work on is evident and inspiring to our team members in the Louisville office and across the Region.”
Mr. Stover brings 23 years of Structural Engineering and Project Management experience to his new position and has executed several of the largest and most complex bridge design and rehabilitation projects in Michael Baker’s recent history, including the Ohio River Bridges Project, the Milton-Madison Bridge and the Land Between the Lakes Replacement Bridges. He also has significant project leadership experience in traditional bid-build and alternative delivery projects, including complex and long span bridge design, agency coordination and public involvement.
Mr. Stover earned a Master of Science degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering/Structures from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International, now celebrating 80 Years of Making a Difference, is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country. To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.
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Contact: Julia Covelli
Email: [email protected]