ODOT Names New Head of Public Transportation Division
SALEM -- ODOT has a new leader for the newly-formed Public Transportation Division. Karyn Criswell steps into the role of division administrator February 1, 2020. "We are excited to tap into Karyn’s experience bringing diverse interests together to forge partnerships that improve the public and active transportation system as an integral part of our state’s transportation system," said Cooper Brown, ODOT’s Assistant Director for Operations. Criswell will oversee the passenger rail and tran...
Brennan Named WSP USA Regional Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Texas/Mountain Region
Andrew Brennan has joined WSP USA to lead the firm’s transportation alternative delivery projects in the Southwestern U.S. HOUSTON — WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, has hired Andrew Brennan as Texas/Mountain region’s director of strategic initiatives for alternative delivery projects. Based in the firm’s Houston office, Brennan will manage the pursuit and execution of alternative delivery projects covering various markets, including highways, tra...
John "JB" Byrd Recognized for1 5 Years of Service at JMP&A
(1-r) Paul Miller, John "JB" Byrd, John Palatiello" FAIRFAX, VA- John "JB" Byrd was recognized today on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of his employment with John M. Palatiello & Associates, Inc. (JMP&A), a government relations and association management firm. Since joining JMP&A in January of 2005, Byrd has built a reputation as a trusted and effective advocate for the firm's clients, and has become a recognized subject matter expert on issues related to the surveying and geosp...
Howard Simpson, Co-Founder of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, Dies at 97
WALTHAM, Massachusetts – Howard Simpson, a founder and first president of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH), died on 23 January 2020. Dr. Simpson established SGH in 1956 along with Frank Heger and Werner Gumpertz. His expertise in structural engineering and mechanics as applied to precision structures – such as radars, antennas, and radio and optical telescopes – and development of computer models of significant structures led SGH to quickly become one of the leading firms for solving complex engin...
Celal Kirandag joins HNTB’s national tunnel and underground team
SANTA ANA, Calif. – Celal Kirandag, PE, joined HNTB Corporation’s national tunnel group as senior project engineer. Based in Santa Ana, he serves as an accomplished resource to the firm’s clients and projects across the nation. “Our clients in the tunnel and underground industry recognize Celal as a technical expert and an authority for complex continuum analyses for both underground and bridge structures. He is an expert in the 3D analysis of segmental tunnel linings subject to seismic force...
Transit-Planning Expert Todd Hemingson Brings New Mobility Outlook to HDR
OMAHA, Neb. — Todd Hemingson has been hired as a senior transit consultant for HDR, bringing with him a wealth of experience and leadership in mobility issues. A veteran of multiple transit agencies, he brings a deep understanding of client needs at agencies of all sizes. He most recently was executive vice president for planning and development at Capital Metro in Austin. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with organizations to plan and develop more livable communities,” Hemingson said. “...
Growing WSP USA Water Business Names National Practice Leads
Prominent professionals on WSP’s national water services team have been tapped to lead the strategic development of diverse disciplines in 2020. NEW YORK —WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, has announced the appointments of six staff to guide the nationwide growth and strategy of specific practice areas within the firm’s water business. Stephen Rupar, Connecticut water supply engineering practice leader, brings more than 30 years of experience in the...
Open Source Wood Innovation Award given to an active member
Metsä Wood’s Open Source Wood is an initiative to share knowledge and innovations in the field of wood construction between construction professionals globally. The platform’s first ever Innovation Award has been presented to engineer and architect Paul Esombi Ekema for his achievements in advancing the idea of Open Source Wood. Paul Esombi Ekema, owner of Peekplan Architects located in Hamburg, Germany, first got in touch with Open Source Wood when it was launched in 2017 and has been an acti...
Bauer Joins WSP USA as Master Planner for Federal, Military Projects
Accomplished planner brings planning and programming experience, including key projects for all U.S. armed forces branches. COLORADO SPRINGS — Rudy Bauer has joined WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, as a senior level master planner for the firm’s U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) projects. In his new role, Bauer will function as part of an integrated team for planning significant planning and asset management projects for the DOD and other Federal a...
Marcus Curry joins LEEA board
Marcus Curry, Managing Director of George Taylor Lifting Gear – one of the premier brands of lifting, hoisting and mechanical handling products – has joined the Board of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). “I am proud to be joining the LEEA Board at such an important time for the Association,” said Curry, who brings tremendous experience to the Board – including 20 years of purchasing and selling all over the world but particularly in Africa, the Middle East and the Far East....
Stormwater Interview with Robert Page, P.E., Vice President, HNTB
TriMet’s Banfield Type 1 Substation Replacement Project
February Issue 2026
