Baker brings nearly 20 years of experience on major Los Angeles transportation projects
LOS ANGELES – (Oct. 19, 2026) – HNTB Corporation has named Sarah Baker as senior project manager for environmental planning in its Los Angeles office. In this role, she will oversee environmental documentation under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for complex transportation projects, helping clients move efficiently through environmental review.
“Sarah’s environmental expertise and leadership help guide our clients through environmental strategies that balance community and operational objectives,” said Yoga Chandran, PhD, PE, GE, HNTB Los Angeles office leader and senior vice president. “Her leadership as a contract and project manager helps shape winning strategies and build long-term client relationships.”
With nearly two decades of environmental planning experience, Baker has supported the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) and other transportation agencies across the region. She is highly skilled at securing approvals from environmental permitting agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Most recently, she led environmental planning and permitting for public agency clients at a major infrastructure firm. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years with Caltrans District 7, which serves Los Angeles and Ventura counties, as lead biologist on several large projects.
Baker earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.