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John Vaterlaus Promoted to General Counsel at DEA

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Sep 15th, 2023

We are pleased to announce that John Vaterlaus has been promoted to General Counsel at David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA). John is succeeding Erin Austin, who retired after 26 years of dedicated service.

“I am honored to take on this new role and look forward to working with DEA’s outstanding team of professionals,” said John Vaterlaus, DEA’s General Counsel. “Together, we will continue DEA’s tradition of delivering excellent service and advice to our clients.”

Since joining DEA in February 2022 as Senior Counsel, John has been instrumental in reviewing and negotiating highly complex alternative delivery contracts. He has also provided invaluable legal advice to executive management on risks and strategies related to complicated technical issues on major projects.

With over 17 years at HDR, Inc., John Vaterlaus developed extensive legal expertise that will serve him well as the new General Counsel of DEA. In his new role, John will establish governance policies, advise on legal and business matters, deliver legal training, draft contracts, ensure regulatory compliance, lead ethics training, and manage disputes. His experience and knowledge of the industry will prove invaluable as DEA continues expanding its business.

“We are delighted to welcome John to his new role as General Counsel,” said Cindi Polychronis, DEA’s Chief Administrative Officer. “His expertise in construction and engineering law and commitment to excellence will be tremendous assets to our legal team and the entire organization.”

In addition to his professional credentials, John has published several articles on law and public policy in academic journals. He earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Creighton University School of Law, a Master of Laws in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brigham Young University, with honors.

Originally from Utah, John lives with his family in West Bountiful, outside of Salt Lake City. As General Counsel, he will work from both DEA’s Salt Lake City and Portland offices.

We look forward to John’s ongoing contributions and leadership in his new role as General Counsel. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved promotion.

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Al Barkouli Appointed Chair of Portland State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees

Portland State University Foundation / Aug 18th, 2023

David Evans and Associates, Inc. congratulates Al Barkouli, PhD, PE, Chairman and CEO, on his appointment as Chair of the Portland State University Foundation’s Board of Trustees. His leadership and dedication will play an important role in advancing the university’s mission to serve our city through academic opportunity and community engagement.

The PSU Foundation is committed to supporting Portland State University through fostering relationships, community connections and philanthropy. Barkouli has been a dedicated trustee of the PSU Foundation since 2014.

Comprised of a diverse group of volunteer community leaders, the PSU Foundation Board of Trustees brings together individuals with unique skills and varied life experiences. Their collective belief in the transformative power of higher education for Oregon serves as the driving force behind their efforts.

“I am truly grateful and honored by this appointment as PSU Foundation Board Chair,” said Barkouli. “This opportunity allows me to give back to my alma mater and make a positive impact on the Oregon community.”

“We are so pleased to have Al extend his commitment to PSU in such a meaningful way,” said PSU Foundation President Sarah Schwarz. “His expertise, community connections and deep understanding of PSU’s vital mission make him an ideal partner. I am honored to work with him and to learn from him.”

Barkouli earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in civil engineering from Portland State University.

To learn more about the PSU Foundation and explore a complete list of its leadership volunteers, please visit the PSU Foundation website.

Photo of people surrounding a computer reviewing plans.

DEA Honored by DJC for Building Diversity in the A/E-Industry

DJC Oregon / Mar 30th, 2023

The Daily Journal of Commerce (DJC) recently celebrated and recognized outstanding individuals, companies, and projects actively championing diversity and fostering growth in the A/E-industry. DEA was chosen as an honoree because of our unwavering commitment to several key pillars:

  1. Leading the A/E Industry in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  2. Helping to Diversify the A/E Industry
  3. Advancing Economic Opportunity and Resiliency

Specifically, DEA was recognized for its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to increase its workforce diversity, advance educational opportunities for students from underrepresented populations, and promote economic revitalization of the economy by supporting small businesses in urban and rural areas.

DEA makes the DJC Oregon's Power List. Photo includes a collage of project images, including a tunnel, roadway, and two bridges.

DEA Makes the DJC Oregon’s Power List

DJC Oregon / Feb 2nd, 2023

We are thrilled to announce that DEA has been listed on DJC Oregon’s Power List! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We’re committed to continuing to provide exceptional service and support to our clients and community.

Drone photo of the Better Naito project. Featuring trees, a shared use path, and intersection improvements

Better Naito Forever project wins ACEC Oregon’s Best in Transportation Award

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Jan 31st, 2023
The Better Naito Forever project wins the ACEC Oregon’s Best in Transportation Award! What started as a community-driven, temporary trial to improve safety for walking and rolling along Portland’s Waterfront Park during the summer months turned into an engaged and collaborative effort to formalize the reallocation of vehicular space and to innovative multimodal access to the SW Naito Parkway for all to enjoy.
Congratulations to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and our project partners, Mayer/Reed and Global Transportation Engineering!
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Al Barkouli – 2023 Legacy Award

ENR Northwest / Jan 24th, 2023
We are thrilled to announce that chairman and chief executive officer of David Evans and Associates, Inc., Al Barkouli, PE, PhD, has been selected to receive the Engineering News-Record Northwest 2023 Legacy Award for the Pacific Northwest region!
This honor is awarded to those who have made significant lifelong contributions to the industry and their chosen professions. A big congratulations to Al and thank you for your dedication to the field.
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SES Software Accreditation for Power System Grounding and Electromagnetic Interference Analysis

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Jan 18th, 2023

Congratulations, Patrick Oswald, PE, and Tao Lyu, PhD, PE! Patrick and Tao are a part of our Energy Business Unit and recently completed their SES Software Accreditation for Power System Grounding and Electromagnetic Interference Analysis. They both passed the CDEGS Level 1 and 2 certification process. This program recognizes the most exceptional technical professionals who have honed their craft over the years and continually strive for excellence.

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Bentley Premier Scholar

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Dec 5th, 2022

Congratulations, Kaitlyn Irwin! Kaitlyn is an Engineering Designer in our Transportation Business Unit who recently completed the Bentley Premier Scholar Accreditation Program for OpenRoads Designer. This program recognizes the most exceptional technical professionals who have honed their craft over the years and continually strive for excellence.

Happy Holidays. As we celebrate the season of thankfulness, please enjoy a Harvest Scavenger Hunt.

Happy Holidays from DEA

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Nov 22nd, 2022

Thankful! We are beyond grateful for our employees, clients, and colleagues. In this season of thankfulness, may you have a bountiful harvest of peace, good health, and happiness with loved ones. Join us in celebrating the season of thankfulness.

Realistic rendering of a transit tunnel with tracks and a round opening

Happy GIS Day!

David Evans and Associates, Inc. / Nov 16th, 2022
Happy GIS Day! Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a powerful information tool facilitating the development of data-based solutions. GIS professionals use this tool to translate complex data into powerful visualizations.
On behalf of the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority (CPSRTA), DEA performed a 3D laser scan survey (LIDAR) of the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel from King County Metro to the CPSRTA. Our GIS and survey professionals created a Revit model (BIM) directly from the laser scans and developed an interactive webmap for viewing of the 360 photos taken throughout the 1.4 mile long tunnels and multi-leveled facility.
The webmap proved to be one of the most useful tools for the owner and project team. The project resulted in saving valuable time on site visits by providing the ability to look around the facility from their desktop computer and mobile device.
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