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Leadership

VHB’s Executive Team works collaboratively to drive the strategic direction and lead the operations of the company. Select an Executive Team member to learn more about them.

Executive Leadership Team | Board of Directors

Executive Leadership Team

Mike Carragher is VHB’s President and CEO.

Mike Carragher, PE

CEO & Chairman of the Board

Mike is a visionary leader with a passion for advancing not only VHB, but the entire AEC industry as together we face unprecedented opportunities and challenges, from diversifying our workforce to advancing more sustainable, equitable communities. In his ten years as CEO, he has steered the company through a transformational period of strategic growth, geographic expansion, and technological advancement.

Fun fact: A proud Blue Hen, Mike was inducted into the University of Delaware Alumni Wall of Fame in 2022.

Man wearing dark suit and tie in an office setting

Bill Ashworth, PE, ENV SP

President

Bill drives strategic growth and guides VHB through rapid industry change and emerging opportunities. He champions the thoughtful integration of technology and innovation to accelerate impact while strengthening our generational, people-focused culture. A well-recognized and respected leader, Bill’s career reflects a deep commitment to service, collaboration, and building lasting partnerships that advance client success and foster resilient, sustainable communities.

Fun fact: With a love for the ocean and the “Ocean State,” Bill spent his first 18 years at VHB working out of the Providence office. He and his family lived on a boat on Block Island, RI, during most summer weekends for more than 15 years.

Mike McArdle is a Senior Vice President at VHB and serves as Chief Development Officer.

Mike McArdle

Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, Vice Chairman of the Board

Mike leads high-level strategic planning and growth initiatives that position VHB for future success, including shaping companywide priorities and partnerships. He plays a critical role in shaping the firm’s direction by identifying opportunities, aligning teams, and responding to industry and economic trends.

Fun fact: As a devoted camping enthusiast, Mike cherishes the serenity of outdoor living, the crackling charm of an open fire, and the peaceful ambiance that only the wilderness can provide.

Keri Kocur is a Senior Vice President at VHB and serves as Chief People Officer.

Keri Kocur

Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

Keri leads VHB’s People+Culture Team, a diverse group of professionals responsible for enhancing the employee experience, promoting an inclusive culture, and strengthening our brand. She has created innovative human resource programs and policies and is a leading voice in promoting a culture of inclusion and belonging throughout the AEC industry.

Fun fact: Keri proudly claims the spot as the 11th out of 27 first cousins. Being part of this large and lively family has helped shape her perspective and taught her the art of balancing different viewpoints and motivations, enriching both her personal and professional life.

Eric Hartmann is VHB’s Chief Financial Officer.

Eric Hartmann

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

A dynamic financial leader, Eric directs all financial and fiscal management aspects of VHB. He provides leadership and coordination for financial administration, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts and plays an important role in charting VHB’s strategic planning, growth, and performance.

Fun fact: Eric is a proud Villanova Wildcat. He and several classmates have gathered annually for an ice fishing trip to Maine—25 years and counting!

Kris smiling in a navy blue jacket.

Khristopher Gregoire, Esq.

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

Khris oversees VHB’s Legal Department and is responsible for all legal activities including compliance with applicable laws and regulations, dispute resolution and litigation, contract negotiations, applicable state and federal registrations, and mergers and acquisitions. He provides strategic legal counsel and business advice to other members of the corporate leadership team and the Board of Directors on various topics, including corporate governance. Separate from his CLO role, Khris provides leadership on VHB’s internal sustainability and ESG efforts and serves on the ESG Oversight Committee.

Fun fact: Khris worked in the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Program, serving as a lead engineering supervisor on a fast attack submarine and as a nuclear engineering instructor at one of the Navy’s training prototypes, concluding his naval service as a naval intelligence officer. 

Tom Jackmin smiling in a baby blue shirt.

Tom Jackmin, PE, ENV SP

Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

Tom leads VHB’s regional and office operations, collaborating with Regional Managers to drive consistency, sustainable growth, and effectiveness of VHB’s operations. A forward-thinking and creative leader, Tom encourages and fosters innovation—welcoming ideas, big or small, from across our footprint.

Fun fact: Tom hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world.

Greg Bosworth is a Senior Vice President and the Chief Information Officer at VHB.

Greg Bosworth, PE

Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer

Greg oversees VHB’s information technology program, leading strategic efforts to advance the firm’s data-informed and technology-enabled activities. He is responsible for guiding IT services, network operations, and business solutions, while delivering platforms, securing VHB’s digital assets, and steering the firm through an ever-changing technology landscape.

Fun fact: Greg is an avid cyclist and appreciates firsthand VHB’s commitment to creating safe and equitable bike infrastructure. In the last 10 years, he has ridden more than 40,000 miles, climbed 2 million+ feet, and completed a 124-mile gravel race around a volcano in Iceland.

Meredith Avery smiling in a Dark gray blazer.

Meredith Avery, ENV SP

Senior Vice President, New England Regional Manager

With exceptional leadership qualities and a broad, strategic perspective, Meredith is focused on developing and maintaining quality client relationships while helping VHB expand market presence across all of the region’s services. She is also a well-respected and highly sought after environmental policy consultant and has worked on some of VHB’s largest and most complex projects, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. 

Fun fact: An environmental scientist and avid traveler, Meredith has been within striking distance of venomous snakes on five continents.

Nancy Barker is a Senior Vice President at VHB, and serves as both the Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager and Federal Market Leader.

Nancy Barker, PWS, PWD

Senior Vice President, Federal Market Leader

Nancy works closely with Federal agencies to support projects that advance infrastructure, preserve our nation’s history, and strengthen communities. She supports federal agencies and their individual missions—whether preserving public lands and monuments, enhancing transportation networks, or strengthening federal facilities and military installations.

Fun fact: Nancy has visited more than 235 official units of the National Park System, which includes parks, seashores, historical parks, rivers, memorials, monuments, and more.

Matt Lamb is Southeast Regional Manager at VHB

Matt Lamb, PE

Senior Vice President, Southeast Regional Manager

Matt leads VHB’s Southeast regional operations, delivering best in-class, sustainable, context-driven integrated services to public and private sector clients. He is committed to developing and maintaining quality client relationships and expanding market presence across all services throughout the region.

Fun Fact: Matt has a passion for volunteering and giving back to the community. He serves on the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Maitland, Florida, helping to prepare it for the future while confirming its historic charm and cultural significance will be cherished by residents for years to come.

Steve McElligott is a Senior Vice President at VHB and serves as the Transportation Agencies Market Leader.

Steve McElligott, PE

Senior Vice President, Executive Markets Lead

Steve leads VHB’s Market Leader Organization, including Transportation Agencies, Real Estate, Institutions, Energy, and Federal Markets as we continue to address our clients’ most complex and connected challenges. He is also responsible for advancement of market expansion initiatives, and continual elevation of our client focus efforts to shape meaningful outcomes for our communities.

A well-recognized leader in the industry, Steve’s focus throughout his career has been on addressing complex infrastructure challenges with innovative, sustainable solutions.

Fun fact: If you use public transit, you’ve more than likely benefitted from Steve’s work. He has participated in projects with more than 40 different transit or rail systems across North America.

Rob Smedberg smiling, wearing a navy blazer.

Rob Smedberg, PE

Senior Vice President, Institutions Market Leader

Rob strategically guides our institutions practice across our footprint, developing and implementing the framework for growth within the market. He collaborates with our regional leaders to execute our integrated services approach, and partners with clients to deliver sustainable healthcare and educational facilities.

Fun fact: As a past president of his fraternity and an executive team member of its housing corporation, Rob maintains close ties with his fraternity brothers who represent a breadth of industries across the nation.

John Classe smiling at the camera

John Classe, PE

Senior Vice President, Real Estate Market Leader

A trailblazer in creating vibrant places where we live, work, and play, John is responsible for strategic real estate market growth across our footprint. He brings a wealth of design and development experience to game-changing projects in the residential, retail, hospitality, and themed entertainment markets, leading interdisciplinary teams at the intersection of land use, transportation, infrastructure, technology, and the natural environment.

Fun Fact: John is a sports enthusiast and enjoys everything from cycling and coaching his daughter’s softball team to a round of golf with clients and friends. Growing up, he played first base in baseball and made it all the way to the Senior Little League World Series, ending the tournament as National Champions.

Julie Johnson is the Vice President of Human Resources at VHB.

Julie Johnson

Senior Vice President, Human Resources

Julie leads VHB’s HR team within the organization’s People+Culture Team, a diverse group responsible for enhancing the employee experience, inspiring and promoting a connected and inclusive culture, and strengthening VHB’s brand. She oversees talent acquisition, internal communications, employee engagement programs, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and learning and development. Julie is responsible for driving HR programs forward that have a positive impact on VHB employees.

Fun fact: Julie loves live music, whether it’s a favorite band or someone new, and enjoys traveling to different cities to experience local live music scenes and going to unique venues.

Beth Freeman is a Vice President and the Director of Marketing & Business Development at VHB

Beth Freeman, CPSM

Senior Vice President, Marketing & Business Development

A strategic thinker, Beth oversees VHB’s business development and marketing efforts, leading our Development+Strategy Team. She has a successful track record of creating and implementing effective programs, strategies, and best practices that support our teams in developing solutions that elevate client experience.

Fun fact: An advocate for people with varying abilities, Beth applied her professional expertise in marketing to establish and serve as President of Rock the 21, a non-profit corporation dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals with Down syndrome.

Kris Dramby, wearing a white shirt and plaid blazer, smiles in the office.

Kris Dramby, CWB, PWS, CE

Senior Vice President, Energy Market & Practice Leader

Kris is responsible for leading our overall energy market strategy, as well as VHB’s Energy Evolution Practice, helping guide our clients and communities as they transition to a cleaner, greener future—from multimodal transport to renewable energy power to climate-positive buildings. His drive for creative problem-solving has enhanced VHB’s ability to deliver innovative, integrated energy solutions and diverse alternatives to clients.

Fun Fact: Kris promotes sound land management methods, focusing on early successional and meadow habitats for keystone species, including pollinators, birds, and bats. This affection is echoed in his passion for upland bird hunting and competing in upland bird dog field trials alongside his wife, two girls, and their bird dog, “River.”

Joe wearing a navy blazer and blue shirt in front of a blurred background.

Joe Pizzurro, PE

Senior Vice President, Northeast Regional Manager

Joe drives strategies that enhance client relationships, project delivery, and key pursuits across markets in the NYC metropolitan area. He is known in the NYC transportation market as a strong leader with next-level service for his clients and his team. A civil/structural railroad engineer, Joe has worked on many transformational rail and transit projects across the metropolitan region spanning both public and private clients.

Fun fact: Long before leading the charge in the bustling NYC transportation sector, Joe served as an omelet chef for the Marriott. This early culinary venture not only developed his precision, timing, and multi-tasking skills, crucial to his current role, but also ignited an enduring passion for cooking and serving others—including chef’s hats.

Joe Wanat outside in a suit and light blue shirt

Joe Wanat, PE, PTOE, ENV SP

Senior Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager

Joe drives growth, fosters strategic partnerships, and leads operations across VHB’s Mid-Atlantic Region, spanning Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. He continues to advance regional growth while delivering exceptional service to our clients. His experience includes advancing equity in transportation, complete streets initiatives, regional multimodal planning, and healthy community design.

Fun fact: Joe has served over 30 years with the U.S. Army Reserve and is a Colonel and transportation logistics advisor at the Pentagon.

Fabricio Ponce, PE

Fabricio Ponce, PE

Senior Vice President, Piedmont-Atlantic Regional Manager

Fabricio leads VHB’s Piedmont-Atlantic Region, guiding the strategic growth and direction of our Georgia and North Carolina operations. He brings a deep understanding of evolving market and industry trends, paired with strong, trusted client relationships that position the region for long-term success.

Fun fact: Fabricio's favorite pastime is hiking the miles of beautiful trails throughout Georgia State Parks. The diverse topography of this southern U.S. state reminds him of growing up and enjoying the rivers and mountainous regions of his home in Cordoba, Argentina.

Piotr Swietuchowski is the Land Development Service Line Chair at VHB.

Piotr Swietuchowski, PE

Senior Vice President, Executive Service Lead

Piotr leads VHB’s Service Leader Organization, advancing the integration of technology, expanding the skills and capabilities of our people, and strengthening how we deliver connected, multidisciplinary solutions. An action-oriented leader, he brings a client-first perspective shaped by guiding complex work across markets and geographies. Piotr is focused on aligning experience, innovation, and execution to deliver high-quality outcomes that create lasting value for our clients and communities.

Fun fact: Whether he's roasting his own coffee, smoking homemade sausages, or tearing apart an engine with nothing but YouTube and determination, Piotr's kids will tell you he can fix anything—and that there's always another project just around the corner. When he's not solving the unsolvable, you'll find him traveling and making memories with the people he loves.

Andy Gillespie smiling at the camera.

Andrew Gillespie, PE, Peng

Senior Vice President, Corporate Transportation Market Leader

Andy works across VHB’s footprint to drive growth and innovation with Departments of Transportation (DOTs), transit and rail agencies, aviation clients, and port and toll authorities, advancing VHB’s vision of being a trusted advisor and integrated partner to transportation agencies across the East Coast and beyond. He partners with regional market and service leaders to help clients navigate funding, regulatory, operational, and technology challenges while delivering projects that improve mobility, enhance state of good repair, and advance environmental stewardship.

Fun fact: Andy is always striving for self-improvement, whether it’s through leadership training, perfecting his sourdough bread, mastering the art of a smoked brisket, or shaving a few strokes off his golf handicap.

Board of Directors

Mike Carragher is VHB’s President and CEO.

Mike Carragher, PE

CEO, Chairman of the Board

Man wearing dark suit and tie in an office setting

Bill Ashworth, PE, ENV SP

President

Mike McArdle is a Senior Vice President at VHB and serves as Chief Development Officer.

Mike McArdle

Senior Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer, Vice Chairman of the Board

Carolyn Groobey, Independent Director

Carolyn Groobey, Independent Director

Advisor & Executive Coach

Keith Parker, Independent Director

Keith Parker, Independent Director

President & CEO of Goodwill of North Georgia

Beth Freeman is a Vice President and the Director of Marketing & Business Development at VHB

Beth Freeman, CPSM

Senior Vice President, Marketing & Business Development

Nancy Doon outside wearing a black blazer.

Nancy Doon, AICP

Managing Director, New York City

Piotr Swietuchowski is the Land Development Service Line Chair at VHB.

Piotr Swietuchowski, PE

Senior Vice President, Executive Service Lead

Piotr leads VHB’s Service Leader Organization, advancing the integration of technology, expanding the skills and capabilities of our people, and strengthening how we deliver connected, multidisciplinary solutions. An action-oriented leader, he brings a client-first perspective shaped by guiding complex work across markets and geographies. Piotr is focused on aligning experience, innovation, and execution to deliver high-quality outcomes that create lasting value for our clients and communities.

Fun fact: Whether he's roasting his own coffee, smoking homemade sausages, or tearing apart an engine with nothing but YouTube and determination, Piotr's kids will tell you he can fix anything—and that there's always another project just around the corner. When he's not solving the unsolvable, you'll find him traveling and making memories with the people he loves.

M. Gayle Packer in a blue dress and white blazer with necklace

M. Gayle Packer, Independent Director

President & CEO of Terracon

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