OAKLAND, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2010) – HNTB Corporation announced the addition of two key water resource experts to its California roster. Rob Vining, national water resources practice leader, has relocated from Louisiana to California to focus firmwide attention and resources on the region’s burgeoning water resource challenges. Retired Col. Thomas Chapman, former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District Commander, has joined HNTB to support the firm’s expanded focus on the California water market.   

Vining will continue to lead the firm’s nationwide work with federal, state and municipal clients to restore and rebuild America’s water infrastructure, including leadership of the firm’s post-Hurricane Katrina efforts in the Gulf Coast and consultation with the City of Dallas for its Trinity River levee system. He joined HNTB in 2005 after a long tenure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he served as the chief of the civil works programs management division. In this capacity, he managed 38 civil districts and eight regional division offices with approximately 5,000 personnel. Vining is a recognized leader on water resource issues and policy, regularly advising governments, associations, organizations and committees. Vining maintains his national role operating from HNTB’s Roseville and Irvine, Calif., offices.

Chapman retired from the U.S. Army last summer, where he served as the 29th District engineer for the USACE Sacramento District since 2007. Other notable assignments during his 26-year career include service as assistant engineer for the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Italy, chief engineer for NATO’s International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan and commander for the USACE Philadelphia District.

This announcement follows the addition earlier this year of 30-year water resource veteran Michael O’Hagan, who leads the firm’s regional HNTB Federal water resource business development efforts.

“From water conveyance and environmental restoration to flood risk management, California faces real and acute challenges on how to develop and secure water resources essential to our rich economy and its rich ecology,” said Bob Stromsted, HNTB Corporation CEO. “This investment is a clear indication of HNTB’s commitment to focus our best national resources to help California clients overcome the difficult environmental, engineering, political and funding challenges that face the state’s water resources.”

HNTB Corporation is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. With nearly a century of service, HNTB has the insight to understand the life cycle of infrastructure and the perspective to solve the most complex technical, financial and operational challenges. Professionals nationwide provide award-winning planning, design, program management and construction management services. For more information, visit www.hntb.com.