9/21/2017 12:00:00 AM
Pittsburgh (September 21, 2017) - Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that James E. Koch, Ph.D., P.E., has joined the firm as Senior Vice President and Regional Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region. Dr. Koch will be based in Michael Baker’s Alexandria, Va., office, which will now serve as the firm’s hub for the Mid-Atlantic Region.
In his new role, Dr. Koch will expand Michael Baker’s focus on international and federal work while protecting and growing business with local and state government agencies. He brings more than 40 years of military and engineering firm experience, including a rich background in federal civil programs and international responsibility.
“Jim’s background will help Michael Baker expand our focus in the Mid-Atlantic region to align with the growing business opportunities with local and state government agencies,” said Dale R. Spaulding, Chief Operating Officer at Michael Baker International. “Michael Baker has supported the U.S. Government for more than 70 years in various critical capacities, and Jim’s leadership of a key federal market will help Michael Baker continue to proudly provide world-class engineering solutions to help meet complex challenges.”
Dr. Koch spent the first half of his career with the United States Army, progressing through various positions where he commanded an engineer construction battalion and task force in Central America. His final assignment was with the U.S. Army Engineer School as the Director of the Department of Tactics, Leadership and Engineering. He retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel prior to his career in the private sector.
Following a period working in the non-profit sector, Dr. Koch joined Hill International in 2004 as Program Manager for Stanley Baker Hill. In this role, he was responsible for the architectural engineering and construction management services contract for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers efforts associated with the Iraq Reconstruction Programs. Additionally, during his tenure at Hill International, Dr. Koch served in numerous roles, including the Senior Vice President, Washington D.C. Regional Manager and Director of the Federal Services Group, where he provided oversight for projects funded by U.S. Government agencies and all Hill projects in the region. He was also the firm’s Senior Vice President for Bahrain and Kuwait, managing all operations within the countries. Most recently, Dr. Koch served as Senior Vice President, Federal Civilian Programs, for AECOM.
Dr. Koch is a Fellow in both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Society of American Military Engineers. He is also currently a member of the Lean Construction Institute, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Army Engineer Association and the Construction Management Association of America.
Throughout his career, Dr. Koch has received numerous awards, including the United States Department of Defense Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Engineer Association Bronze and Silver Order of the de Fleury Medals.
He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce from Washington and Lee University, a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering and the Degree of Engineer in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University. He also earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri - Rolla.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com
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