Lochner

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our National Aviation Practice, Texas Market Lead and Senior Project Manager, Chris C***s, PE. Chris joins our aviation team, bringing with him over 25 years of experience and expertise in aviation design and operations.

Chris has a vast portfolio of project experience, his career spanning a variety of roles including project management, engineering, and planning assignments at more than 50 commercial service, general aviation, and military airports across the United States. He emphasizes collaboration and client relations, believing in a partnership mentality to deliver quality work on schedule and within budget.

We're honored to have Chris on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our team and the continued success of Lochner's aviation projects. Join us in extending a warm welcome to Chris!



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Lochner proudly sponsored and attended the 2024 Conference Of Minority Transportation Officials - COMTO National Conference, themed 'Transportation Equity: Meeting the Moment,' held last week in Houston, Texas.

Each year, COMTO hosts its National Meeting & Training Conference, the foremost gathering for transportation professionals nationwide. Lochner's Taiwo Jaiyeoba, BRT & Transit Planning Director, Min Zhou, California Regional Manager, and Ruby Bueno-Garcia, Project Manager, engaged in four days of learning, training, and networking with leaders across all transportation sectors.

Unfortunately, Lochner’s Board Director and Transit & Rail Principal, Jonnie Thomas, PE, who serves on the COMTO Colorado Chapter Board of Directors, and West Coast Regional Manager, Marvin Thomas, who serves on the COMTO Washington Chapter Board of Directors, were unable to attend due to Hurricane Beryl. We extend our best wishes to those affected by the hurricane.

As a proud national partner of COMTO, Lochner wholeheartedly supports their mission to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and certified MWDBE businesses. This commitment is upheld through leadership training, professional development, scholarship and internship funding, political advocacy, partnership building, and networking opportunities.



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Please join us in welcoming Mark F. Herber, PE to the Lochner team. As Senior Project Manager for Lochner, Mark will be based in our Round Rock office and will work on design projects throughout Texas.

After serving the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for nearly 30 years, Mark has a breadth of experience in transportation engineering from rural to metropolitan areas, combined totaling 230 centerline miles worth over $1.1 billion. His management experience includes both schematic and PS&E experience on over 50 projects consisting of roadway, bridge, innovative intersection, safety, and other enhancements in the Austin area. His design experience ranges from “Super Twos” in rural areas to multiple projects on IH 35 in Central Texas.

“We are thrilled to have Mark joining our Lochner team in Texas. His vast experience in both low density and high-density areas will help us diversify our capabilities and enhance the level of service we provide our clients.” said Phil Russel, PE, JD, Senior Vice President of Operations

Last week, the COMTO Colorado Chapter celebrated a significant milestone with their 20th anniversary. Founded by Jonnie Thomas, PE, Lochner's Board Director and Transit & Rail Principal, and Phil Washington, Chief Executive Officer of Denver International Airport, the chapter has been at the forefront of promoting inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, and identity in the transportation industry.

At the anniversary event, attendees paid tribute to the visionary leadership and contributions of Jonnie Thomas and Phil Washington. The event also marked the eagerly awaited return of the Scholarship program, demonstrating COMTO's commitment to supporting future minority leaders in transportation. President of COMTO Colorado, Rico Nelson, and Board Member Kelli Kelly expressed gratitude for the founders' enduring legacy and highlighted the chapter’s ongoing efforts to foster diversity and inclusion in the transportation sector.

We are excited to announce that Taiwo Jaiyeoba has joined Lochner as the National Transit Planning Director. Tai brings to the role 30 years of public and private sector experience overseeing bus rapid transit (BRT), light rail (LRT), and streetcar/urban circulator initiatives across the US, as well as comprehensive land use plans, transit master plans, corridor plans, and unified/land development ordinances.
Tai most recently served as City Manager for the of Greensboro, NC, where he established the municipality’s first transit department and launched a 20-year mobility plan. Prior to Greensboro, he held the role of Director of Planning and Assistant City Manager for the of Charlotte, NC, providing oversight for transit systems and mobility initiatives. He also brings A/E industry experience with two Engineering News-Records top design firms, managing major public transit projects and programs in the Midwest and Southeastern US.

Gary Thomas, Lochner’s National Transit and Rail Director said, “Many American cities are looking at cost effective ways to quickly upgrade and expand their public transit offering and make critical infrastructure improvements in the process. Tai’s unique blend of hands-on City Manager experience and successful BRT/LRT/Streetcar delivery experience can help urban leaders plan, fund, and execute public transport solutions that connect people and places and enhance quality of life.”

Congratulations to K Friese + Associates Senior Engineer Austin Messerli for his recent graduation from the City of Georgetown, Texas - Government Leadership Program.

Hosted by the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, this nine-month program develops community leaders by helping them understand local dynamics and the vital role of leadership in long-term success. Participants engage in monthly sessions that explore team building, Georgetown’s government, education, economic development, service organizations, regional issues, health services, and public safety. They also learn and practice essential skills for working with volunteers and community groups.

Austin's participation in the Georgetown Leadership Program exemplifies Lochner's mission to improve the lives of people and their communities. Great work, Austin!



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We are pleased to announce that Jason Cavness, PE has joined Lochner as CEI Program Director for our Texas Region.

As a highly experienced and dedicated professional, Jason has had a distinguished career with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and recently retired as North Travis County Area Engineer in TxDOT’s Austin District where he managed a workload of over $1 Billion in active construction contracts. Jason’s expertise encompasses managing multimillion-dollar construction projects, coordinating with local governments and stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Jason’s construction experience includes over $400M of toll road projects on Lp 1 and SH 45, the construction of the US 281 segmental Bridge over Lake Marble Falls, the construction of $133M IH 35/US 183 Interchange and development of key elements of the $4 Billion IH 35 Capital Express program.

“Jason’s experience and relationships will be influential in the continued growth of Lochner’s CEI program in the state of Texas. We are very excited to have him on our team and look forward to the leadership that he will bring to our Texas Region.” said Phil Russel, PE, JD, Senior Vice President of Operations



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In honor of Women in Engineering Day, we proudly highlight Tampa Project Manager Kara Van Etten, PE, who has been a valued member of the Lochner team throughout her career. Over the past four years, she has served as a consultant at District 7 Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), acting as an in-house GEC Project Manager representing Lochner. In this role, she managed an array of projects ranging from pavement-only resurfacing projects to segmental viaduct design-build projects. Kara also has extensive experience in Structural Engineering, with expertise in new construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation designs for concrete and steel bridges.

In her recent return to Lochner from FDOT, Kara secured her first project win, the Dale Mabry Highway Rehabilitation project, which involves rigid pavement rehabilitation and minor highway design. We celebrate Kara’s accomplishments and all the talented women on the Lochner team whose contributions help us achieve our mission of improving life in the built and natural world.

Please join us in congratulating K Friese + Associates's Transportation Engineering Associate Alex Magdaleno, for being selected as an Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Young Leader to Follow for 2024.

The ITE Young Leaders to Follow program recognizes individuals who are beginning to make a substantial impact on ITE at the chapter, section, district, or international levels, highlighting their professional achievements and introducing them to the broader ITE community.

As President of the South Texas Section of ITE, Alex has made significant contributions at the International, District, and Section levels. His dedication to the transportation industry, active participation in ITE Councils and Committees, and leadership in supporting ITE members have distinguished him as one of ITE’s best young leaders.

Congratulations on your well-deserved achievement, Alex!

Alex Magdaleno Selected as Institute of Transportation Engineers Young Leader to Follow - Lochner Please join us in congratulating KFA’s Transportation Engineering Associate Alex Magdaleno, for being selected as an Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Young Leader to Follow for 2024. The ITE Young Leaders to Follow program recognizes individuals who are beginning to make a substantial i...

Last week, Lochner's National Transit & Rail Lead Gary Thomas and West Coast Regional Manager Marvin Thomas had the pleasure attending the 2024 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Rail Conference held in Cleveland, Ohio alongside Praedico's Chief Operating Officer, Lewis Hillman.

The conference brought together industry experts, including professionals from rail and paratransit systems, managers, planners, board members, contractors, suppliers, manufacturers, and consultants from all over the country. Attendees participated in technical sessions covering topics such as technology, operations, safety, planning, finance, projects, and workforce development, fostering discussions on the future of public transportation.

Lochner has recently partnered with Praedico, a global technology company, to deliver digital twin and asset management solutions for passenger and freight rail clients across North America.

Learn more about the partnership: https://bit.ly/3R3oWqI

ATX Mobility Partners Lochner, Mace Group, and Mott MacDonald, applaud Austin Transit Partnership’s (ATP) commitment to shaping the City’s future by prioritizing diverse and local inclusion in building Austin’s light rail line that’s . Today, we are a step closer to helping ATP fulfill that promise and give thanks to the local business trailblazers who joined us last week at our team’s networking event to learn more about the ATP Delivery Partner opportunity. We believe the best mobility projects are founded on inclusive partnerships, delivering world-class transit and equitable opportunities for all. Our commitment is true partnership, focused on both upward mobility and exceptional transit solutions.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3KEDjOF

Please join us in congratulating Office Engineer Rich Cohen, PE, on his election as the 2024-2025 President of The Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers - CSCE. Having previously held key positions within CSCE, including President Elect, Vice President, and Secretary, Rich brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role.

Rich has been a valuable member of our Connecticut CEI team for over eleven years, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and project management skills. He has successfully overseen some of our largest and most complex projects.

In his role as CSCE President, Rich will lead the Connecticut section of American Society of Civil Engineers, overseeing all board and technical meetings, committees, the Young Member Group, student chapters, outreach activities, and the annual ACE Awards ceremony.

Congratulations, Rich!

Rich Cohen Elected as Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers President - Lochner Please join us in congratulating Office Engineer Rich Cohen, PE, on his election as the 2024-2025 President of the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE). Having previously held key positions within CSCE, including President Elect, Vice President, and Secretary, Rich brings a wealth of experi...

Senior Project Manager, Matt Jacobs, PE, was honored to attend Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's ceremonial signing of House Bill 2498, alongside other distinguished members of the Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) Board of Directors.

House Bill 2498 is a significant milestone for the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP). Managed by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Division of Aviation, the bill triples annual funding from $5 million to $15 million.

Matt is a dedicated member of KAA, serving as their Corporate Representative for the Board of Directors. KAA played a key role in backing House Bill 2498 by providing testimonials and letters to the House Committee on Transportation. They also worked with KDOT Aviation on research that was conducted through a joint task force effort to highlight the urgent need for increased funding.

We are excited to see the significant increase in available funding to public airports across the state of Kansas which will further modernization and address critical infrastructure needs.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3yInDao

We are excited to announce that Lochner has partnered with Praedico, a global technology company, to provide digital twin and asset management solutions for passenger and freight rail clients across North America.

For rail asset and maintenance managers, having a digital twin of the entire network provides visibility into the performance of infrastructure assets – from the big picture to the smallest detail – with the ability to monitor and compare the performance of tracks, stations and rolling stock.

“What differentiates Praedico in the marketplace is their deep railway domain knowledge,” said Lochner’s Transit & Rail Market Director Gary Thomas. “With their digital twin solution, they have set a new standard of railway asset management and maintenance across light rail, commuter rail, subways, intercity and high-speed passenger rail, and freight rail networks.”

Added Praedico CEO Marc Maathuis, "We are thrilled to partner with Lochner, combining our trusted expertise in the transit and rail industry. This collaboration brings together rail professionals who truly understand the market and are committed to delivering outcome-focused solutions.”

Gary Thomas and Praedico’s COO Lewis Hillman will be attending the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Rail Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, June 2-5, 2024.

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Lochner Adds Praedico's Digital Twin Platform For Rail Networks to Technology Service Offering - Lochner Lochner has partnered with Praedico, a global technology company, to provide digital twin and asset management solutions for passenger and freight rail clients across North America. Praedico integrates operational data and asset management information into a simple and intuitive software platform. B...

We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to several clients for their recent well-deserved recognitions on various projects.

During the 2024 Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Conference in Galveston, TX, the City of Temple's Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport received the National/Regional Airport of the Year Award. Meanwhile, Madisonville Municipal Airport was named State Airport of the Year, recognizing their transformation and contribution to regional growth.

Additionally, the Arizona Department of Transportation presented Show Low Regional Airport (SOW) with the 2024 Airport of the Year award. Since 2011, Armstrong Consultants, Inc., a Lochner Company has collaborated with SOW on initiatives such as an Airport Master Plan, runway rehabilitation, South apron reconstruction, and the ongoing helicopter parking construction.

We're proud to see our clients recognized for their dedication and excellence, with improvements benefiting both their operations and the communities they serve.

Congratulations to all for your continued, exceptional work!

Lochner’s Pittsburgh Team received the 2023 Outstanding Highway Engineering Award in the $2.5M or less category from ASHE Mid-Allegheny for their work on the SR 3016 Over Two Lick Creek bridge replacement project.

Located in Center Township, Indiana County Pennsylvania, the SR 3016 bridge replacement over Two Lick Creek on Jacksonville Road was an important infrastructure project that connected residents north of Homer City to downtown, parks, and the Hoodlebug Trailhead just south of the bridge. Lochner was selected to design a new bridge to replace the old 105-foot, 2-span rolled steel beam bridge. The new design features a 145-foot, 2-span continuous prestressed concrete bridge with integral abutments and a wall pier on rock foundation. The project also included roadway reconstruction, drainage and guiderail upgrades, and a thorough analysis of traffic control alternatives.

From the start of preliminary engineering, our project delivery focused on mitigating project challenges such as maintaining connectivity of adjacent residences/neighborhoods, navigating hydraulic constraints, and coordinating impacts to numerous utilities. To provide pedestrian connectivity during construction, Lochner included provisions for a 150-foot temporary ACROW bridge located immediately downstream. The new bridge was constructed in 7 months using traditional construction methods.

Congratulations to the project team for their quality engineering on this project!



Read more: https://bit.ly/3QOCE0H

We are proud to announce that Danielle Smith, PE, Front Range Regional Manager, has been elected as 2024-2026 Treasurer for the WTS Foundation Board of Directors. This announcement was shared last week at the 2024 WTS International Conference in New Orleans, LA. Also recently honored as WTS Colorado's Woman of the Year, Danielle’s election to the national board demonstrates her outstanding leadership within our organization and the transportation industry.

Team members from Lochner and Triunity, Inc. joined in attending the conference, where they gained invaluable insights into the latest industry trends shared by transportation leaders and experts. As a National Advocate Partner of WTS, Lochner is deeply committed to advancing women in transportation, understanding the significant impact of organizations like WTS on our industry.

As we celebrate National Transportation Week, we recognize Danielle's achievement and the collective efforts of our team in enhancing the transportation infrastructure across the country. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of our work and the critical role transportation plays in connecting people and communities.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3V0tD6Y

Lochner’s Chicago team attended the Diversity Programs Quarterly Outreach Event hosted by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in Chicago, IL. During the event, our team engaged in discussions about potential employment opportunities with individuals, networked with certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms, and gained insights into upcoming contracting opportunities with the CTA.

At Lochner and our family of companies, we are dedicated to fostering positive change in the industry. We actively participate in a variety of local and national initiatives and programs that promote equity and inclusion within our industry.

Thank you to the CTA for hosting this fantastic event! We look forward to participating next quarter.

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We're thrilled to announce that Doug Wright, PE, has joined Lochner as Oklahoma Market Lead. Doug brings extensive experience in consulting and professional engineering, with a diverse background in project management, civil engineering, strategic planning, business development, and P&L management. Reporting to Evan Ludwig, Oklahoma Office Manager, Doug will be instrumental in expanding Lochner's presence in municipal and field services across Oklahoma.

“Doug has established himself within the Oklahoma civil engineering community by developing and fostering relationships with a variety of projects and clients,” said Ludwig. “We are excited to have Doug on our team to further enhance new market and service lines within Oklahoma."

Welcome to the team, Doug!

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Lochner and K Friese + Associates (KFA) proudly sponsored and participated in the WTS Heart of Texas Chapter 20th Annual Scholarship and Awards Gala. This fundraising event benefits the WTS Heart of Texas Foundation, providing scholarships to young women pursuing careers in the transportation industry within the surrounding communities.

In addition to our sponsorship, Lochner and KFA, alongside other Central Texas consultants, contributed to raising $26,000 during the live auction. Thank you to everyone who supported the event, and congratulations to the scholarship recipients!

We’re also thrilled to share that our team is attending the WTS International Conference in New Orleans this week. We look forward to connecting with fellow industry professionals there!

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Congratulations to Marvin Thomas, West Coast Regional Manager, on being elected second vice president of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Washington Chapter! Marvin has been a dedicated supporter of COMTO, now serving in this third COMTO Chapter including Boston, Denver, and now Washington.

As a proud national partner, Lochner wholeheartedly supports COMTO’s mission to ensure opportunities and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and certified MWDBE businesses. This commitment is upheld through leadership training, professional development, scholarship and internship funding, political advocacy, partnership building, and networking opportunities.

Congratulations Marvin! We are grateful for your contributions to COMTO.

Lochner’s Austin team recently participated in Williamson County’s annual Learn to Fish Day at the Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander, TX. This event serves as a platform to unite the community and educate the next generation of anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Local experts join forces to teach children and their parents essential skills such as knot tying, tackle assembly, casting, and safety measures, all with the goal of helping them catch their first fish. Commissioner Cynthia Long expressed her hopes that Learn to Fish Day would encourage family bonding over outdoor activities and instill a lasting interest in fishing among children.

As a tradition upheld by our KFA colleagues since 2015, we're excited to join this event, contributing to our local community while fostering connections and promoting outdoor education.

Learn more about Lochner Cares and our commitment of supporting our communities: https://bit.ly/3TCwKAi

We are thrilled to share that Lochner has been named #103 on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms in 2024, climbing 25 spots over the last year. This leap forward demonstrates our commitment to excellence, strategic growth, and the dedication of our incredible team.

We are honored to be recognized among industry leaders, and we look to the future with excitement as we continue our mission of growth, diversification, and expanded services.

Lochner proudly served as a Gold Sponsor at the 2024 Design-Build Institute of America Transportation Aviation Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio. The conference provided the nation’s best design-build resources and networking opportunities for the transportation and aviation sector. Attendees learned from industry leaders and discussed nationwide projects, while also connecting with national and regional contractors to explore upcoming opportunities and partnerships.

A special thank you to our Triunity colleagues and Lochner staff for their participation in the conference, actively contributing to spreading awareness of Lochner's brand, mission, and alternative delivery services.

Please join us in congratulating Office Manager Scott Simmons, PE, and Roadway Engineer Lauren Squillacote, PE, for their recent recognition with multiple awards by their peers and engineering associates through the Tallahassee Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE Tallahassee Branch).

Scott, who joined Lochner as an intern in 2001, has been awarded Engineer of the Year for his commitment to community-benefiting projects, exceptional client service, and mentorship of junior engineers. In addition, Lauren, former President of the ASCE Tallahassee Branch, was honored with the Faculty Advisor of the Year award for her unwavering support and guidance to engineering students at the FAMU FSU College of Engineering.

Congratulations Scott and Lauren, on these well-deserved accomplishments!

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We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our National Aviation Practice, Daniel Tompkins, PE. Daniel joins our aviation team as the South Texas Aviation Lead and Senior Project Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in airport operations and design.

With over 23 years of dedicated service to the industry, Daniel has a vast portfolio of accomplishments. His career spans a variety of roles, including project management, engineering, and planning assignments at more than 30 commercial service, general aviation, and military airports. He has played pivotal roles in over 60 airport rehabilitation, improvement, and expansion programs in the United States and the Middle East, collectively amounting to nearly a billion dollars in infrastructure.

We're honored to have Daniel on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our team and the continued success of Lochner's aviation projects!

Read more: https://bit.ly/4b8vQm5

Daniel Tompkins Joins Lochner's National Aviation Practice - Lochner We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our National Aviation Practice, Daniel Tompkins, PE. Daniel joins our aviation team as the South Texas Aviation Lead and Senior Project Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience and expertise in airport operations and design. Daniel’s jour...

Happy Earth Day! Today, we take a moment to reflect on our ongoing commitment to making meaningful contributions to our planet through both our work and volunteer efforts. At Lochner, our mission is to improve the lives of people and their communities. We believe in doing what is right for our environment, striving to create a sustainable future by striking a balance between project requirements and the preservation of ecosystems and our communities.

Discover more about Lochner’s comprehensive suite of environmental services: https://bit.ly/3UtWel5

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This week, Lochner's Oklahoma team sponsored and actively participated in the Oklahoma Airport Operators Association (OAOA) Annual Conference. The event gave attendees the opportunity to establish invaluable connections with industry leaders from organizations like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA: your freedom to fly), where they discussed and exchanged ideas on airport operation and management topics.

Lochner Planner Keenan English presented on our ongoing project involving the relocation and construction of a new airport for the city of Atoka, Oklahoma. This process has involved completing a Master Plan and completing a site selection. Lochner has worked hard to identify economical solutions for this major community project as well as positioning the community for continued growth into the future.

As a benefactor sponsor, we were honored to support a range of exciting activities, such as hosting the arcade and sponsoring a team for the wiffle ball tournament held during Monday night’s event.

Read more: https://www.hwlochner.com/2024/04/lochner-sponsors-and-attends-oaoa-annual-conference/