CDM Smith has hired several client services leaders to support its transportation business and support strategic growth for our clients. These leaders bring impressive portfolios that include planning, environmental, permitting and design work.
Joe Balskus, PE, PTOE: Balskus, a dynamic transportation industry leader in New England, has joined the Hartford, Connecticut office to further expand and enhance our services as transportation and parking merge in the new era of complete streets and transit-oriented development. Balskus’ 26 years of expertise spans the transportation spectrum, including modern roundabouts; complete streets; separated bike lane/cycle tracks; urban signal systems; intelligent transportation systems; and, parking facility systems. His recent successes include design and construction of modern roundabouts in New Haven, Danbury and Trumbull, as well as designing complete streets projects in New Haven.
Russ Critelli, PE: Critelli joins the firm as senior project manager in the Cleveland office with more than 29 years of project management, engineering and design experience that includes 15 years with New York State Department of Transportation. He has extensive knowledge and training in environmental planning and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting processes, as well as the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and Environmental Action Plan. Active in several professional organization at both the state and regional chapter levels, Critelli is the current Ohio chapter president and state board member of the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Brandie Cookston, PE, CPESC, CPSWQ: Cookston joins the firm as a project manager in the Chattanooga, Tennessee office. Her background includes geometric roadway design, hydraulics and hydrology, drainage, project quantity and cost estimation. She has developed erosion and sediment control plans, stormwater pollution prevention plans and various permit applications. She is versed in stakeholder coordination, environmental permit compliance, construction site inspections and personnel management, corporate health and safety plans, risk assessment and emergency procedures. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, International Erosion Control Association and American Society of Highway Engineers.
Michelle Gottschalk, PE: With 18 years of high-level public and private experience, Gottschalk joins as a client service leader based in Indianapolis, Indiana. She brings 18 years of experience in high-level public and private roles, including Indiana DOT, where she managed several large projects including the I-465/I-69 Northeast corridor in Indianapolis, which included the construction of added capacity and auxiliary lanes on the interstate; full interchange reconfigurations at Keystone Avenue and Allisonville Road; and, the replacement of multiple overpass bridges. Her projects have drawn top honors at all levels, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ Top Ten Projects of 2013 award for the innovative I-465 and Allisonville Road Single Point Urban Interchange project.
Dino Lucarelli, PE: Located in the Maitland, Florida office, Lucarelli joins as a project manager focused on strengthening our roadway design capabilities. Over 27 years, he has established a track record of project management, technical expertise and strategic business-planning skills across central Florida. He is known for his skill in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Through his many collaborations with the Florida DOT, Mr. Lucarelli has demonstrated impressive roadway and utilities experience that will allow CDM Smith to grow its strong relationships in the state.
Mark Pierce, PE: As senior project manager in the Raleigh, North Carolina office, Pierce will leverage his strong NEPA expertise to lead environmental permitting services in support of CDM Smith’s design work for state clients. He has served the public and private sectors in the eastern United States for 35 years as a civil engineer and environmental consultant. His experience includes residential, commercial and industrial site development; utility/transportation infrastructure and permitting; and design, surveying and construction administration. Pierce has contributed to several large highway projects, such as the 40-mile NC 24 Widening Project in Cumberland, Sampson and Duplin counties.
Camille Tsao, AICP: Tsao joins the San Francisco office as a senior project manager with 16 years of experience leading large projects and complex programs in building transportation planning with a focus on transit and rail. She has developed strategic and capital plans, coordinated with partner agencies and worked with elected officials and executive staff. Her project highlights include the SamTrans Strategic Plan 2014 for the San Mateo County Transit District; eBART Rail Activation Plan for the Bay Area Rapid Transit District; Metrolink Antelope Valley Line Infrastructure Improvement Strategic Plan for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority; and Caltrain 2025/Peninsula Rail Program for the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. Camille is a member and former vice president of the Women’s Transportation Seminar San Francisco Chapter, secretary for the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Intercity Passenger Rail and a member of the American Planning Association.
