Michael Baker International Names John Whiteford as Chief Operating Officer

Industry Veteran Rejoins Company in Executive Leadership Role

12/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

Pittsburgh (December 30, 2015) - Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting, planning, technical and professional services, today named John D. Whiteford as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
 
Whiteford brings to the position more than 30 years of experience as an operations executive. He was most recently vice president and group executive for Wabtec Corporation, headquartered in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Wabtec in 2010, Whiteford held a number of leadership positions with Michael Baker International.
 
Tom Campbell, Chairman, Michael Baker International said, “Our goal at Michael Baker International is to continuously enhance our ability to make a difference for our clients, employees and the communities we serve.  John has extensive operating experience and in-depth knowledge of our company. I know that he will immediately begin to contribute to our goal.”
 
“We look forward to John returning to Michael Baker International. He has built an extremely successful operations career enhancing growth and improving profitability for the companies he has served.  We are confident his experience and perspective will significantly add to our ability to grow our company and enhance our operational efficiency,” said Kurt Bergman, Chief Executive Officer, Michael Baker International.
 
During his 27-year career at Michael Baker, Whiteford led initiatives to grow the company through diversification and innovative management solutions.  While at Michael Baker, he managed several key elements of the corporation, including the energy and environmental practices. From 2000 to 2006, he was one of two senior operating executives responsible for the company’s engineering segment.
 
“I am proud to rejoin Michael Baker International,” said Whiteford. “It is truly a unique opportunity to return to an organization with outstanding people and an exceptional reputation in the marketplace. I am extremely impressed with the strides the company has made during the last two years, both in terms of its renewed focus on customers and employees and the expansion of its capabilities. Michael Baker International is well positioned for growth both domestically and internationally.”

Whiteford succeeds Jeffrey S. Hill, who had been Chief Operating Officer since 2013. “Jeff had a meaningful impact on the business during his 27-year tenure with Michael Baker,” said Campbell. “His assistance with reorganizing and repositioning our company is complete and has placed the company on a solid foundation for future growth.  We cannot thank him enough for all of his contributions and wish him well in his new ventures.”
 
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.

# # #

Contact: Brian Peiritsch

Thought Leadership

Krista Stippelmans Harnesses the Potential of Women in Rope Access

Kirsta Stippelmans is breaking down barriers for women in the rope access community.

FULL ARTICLE

Reaching New Heights in UAS Innovation

As Michael Baker's UAS program manager, Alicia McConnell, P.E., sUAS, and her team of operators employ practical and creative uses of UAS for clients across the country, helping to minimize risks, improve safety and keep infrastructure projects on track.

FULL ARTICLE