Pittsburgh – Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that H. Daniel Cessna, P.E., has joined the firm as Senior Vice President and Pennsylvania Headquarters Regional Director. In his new role, Mr. Cessna will oversee all engineering, business, marketing and financial operations related to the firm’s Allentown, Fort Washington, Harrisburg, Middletown, Moon Township and Philadelphia offices. He also will leverage Michael Baker’s comprehensive capabilities and talent base in Pennsylvania to support the pursuit and execution of new work across the United States within state, private and federal markets in the areas of planning, engineering, architecture and GIT. Mr. Cessna will be based in the firm’s Moon Township, Pa., office and will report to Dale R. Spaulding, P.E., Chief Operating Officer.
“Dan is well-known in this industry and brings to Michael Baker broad leadership experience and expertise related to planning, design, construction and maintenance of state transportation systems and projects,” said Mr. Spaulding. “We look forward to the positive contributions Dan will have on our organization and to supporting his efforts as We Make a Difference in the Pennsylvania region through a focus on cross-function collaboration and levering our collective expertise for clients.”
Mr. Cessna brings 24 years of industry experience in transportation planning, design, construction management, asset planning and management, and public involvement to his new role. During the last 12 years, he served as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) District Executive for District 11, serving the Pittsburgh metro region, which is one of the largest and most complex districts in Pennsylvania. With PennDOT, he led a team of 800 professionals and tradespeople and was responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the state’s transportation system, including: 1,802 bridges; 2,576 miles of highway; and four tunnels in Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence Counties. His experience also includes the delivery of a $3.7 billion capital program, construction management of new alignment highway projects, and leading community-based infrastructure enhancements, and statewide asset management and materials testing teams. Prior to his role as District Executive, Mr. Cessna held numerous roles of increasing responsibility with PennDOT including: Assistant District Executive; Assistant Construction Engineer; Jefferson County Maintenance Manager; and as a Civil Engineer.
“I am honored to join Michael Baker in this important position and have always had a deep respect for the organization and its people,” said Mr. Cessna.” I look forward to putting my years of industry experience to work for the firm’s clients and to collaborating across the organization to create and implement the most innovative and effective solutions to address the challenges facing these communities.”
Mr. Cessna is an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering in Pittsburgh, Pa. He also supports numerous causes through membership and volunteering his time as President of the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania, as a member of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Highway Engineers, Pittsburgh Section, and as Vice-Chair of the Industrial and Professional Advisory Council for the Department of Civil Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. In addition, he serves as a Trustee of Shadyside Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Cessna holds a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pa., and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business in Pittsburgh, Pa.
About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.
