VHB is pleased to announce that Chief Operating Officer Bill Ashworth, PE, ENV SP, has been selected as the firm’s next President & CEO. Bill is an instrumental partner on VHB’s leadership team and has played a key role in positioning VHB to scale, grow, and thrive to meet the needs of our clients and communities as we work to create a more sustainable future.
Bill has been making a positive impact at VHB since joining the firm early in his career as a traffic engineer 29 years ago in our Providence office. His career progression is a reflection of his commitment and leadership. He advanced through various roles within our Rhode Island office, including Transportation Director, before being named Managing Director. Bill then served as our New England Regional Manager before being appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2017.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have been given opportunities to grow my career at VHB alongside incredible colleagues over the past 29 years. I truly love this company, and I care deeply about our people, our purpose, and our future,” shared Bill. “It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead our Generational Company.”
A true steward of VHB, Bill’s unwavering commitment to our people, clients, and our future is always evident. “During the interview process for the President & CEO role, Bill outlined a very compelling, future-focused Vivid Description for achieving VHB’s Vision and success, demonstrating his deep and thoughtful consideration of the rapid pace of change and looking out longer-term,” said Mike Carragher, President & CEO.
VHB’s leadership transition process underpins the strength of the firm’s Generational Company philosophy—to provide opportunities for everyone to fulfill their greatest potential and pass the company on to the next generation of leaders.
Bill and Mike will be working closely to execute a transition plan over the next several months. Mike will remain President & CEO for the remainder of 2025. Bill will officially take on his role as President in January 2026, working closely with Mike until his full transition into the President & CEO role in July 2026. Mike will continue to serve as VHB Chair for the next several years.
Learn more about VHB’s Generational Company philosophy.
