Michael Baker International's Chad Harden Named to Engineering News-Record California's "Top Young Professionals"

Honor Recognizes Engineer Making a Difference in Bridge Design Across the Country

Irvine, Calif. (March 9, 2017) - Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, today announced that Engineering News-Record (ENR) California magazine recently recognized Chad Harden as a “Top Young Professionals” honoree. Mr. Harden, a senior associate and project manager in Michael Baker’s Irvine, California, office, and one of the company’s rising stars, earned the accolade as an up-and-coming industry leader based on his career progress, commitment to his community and involvement in landmark and sustainable projects.
 
In his role with Michael Baker, Mr. Harden manages both local and national bridge projects. He has successfully collaborated with his cross-office Michael Baker colleagues in Chicago, Milwaukee, Phoenix and Irvine on such notable projects as the Oso Creek Bridge widening in Mission Viejo, California, the Hoan Bridge project in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the API Gateway Conveyor Bridge in Calexico, California. Recently, Mr. Harden served as the bridge engineer and task manager on the Interstate 5 widening project, segment 2 from Oso Parkway to Alicia Parkway in Orange County, California. The $2 million project included the widening or replacement of four bridge structures, retaining walls, sound walls and drainage improvements.
 
“Chad brings a creative approach combined with sound engineering judgment to project solutions and structural engineering design,” said Anna Lantin, senior vice president and West Region director for Michael Baker International.  “His ability to bring value to the process to ensure efficient project delivery and position team members for success based on their individual strengths demonstrate why he is so deserving of the ‘Top Young Professional’ honor.”
 
Mr. Harden also brings a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education to his “The Art of Engineering” podcast. Merging his engineering proficiency with an interest in technology, the podcast explores the overlap of art and engineering, and the evolution of a career in engineering from the varying perspective of college level to senior design engineers.
 
“Since joining Michael Baker more than 13 years ago, the firm has supported my academic endeavors and provided me with opportunities to put theories into practice on major bridge design projects,” said Mr. Harden. “Taking what I’ve learned and giving back to others who are interested in pursuing and/or growing their career in engineering has always been a passion of mine, so to have those efforts recognized by ENR is a major honor. This would not have been possible without the wealth of excellent and talented engineers I have worked with at Michael Baker, and the company’s continued vision and support of professional development.”
 
Mr. Harden is involved with several standing committees of the Transportation Research Board (TRB), a division of the National Research Council. Most notably, he is working to fund research on seismic performance of retaining walls with the GeoSeismic and Foundations of Bridges and Other Structures committees. He also serves as the chair of the Orange County Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and lends his time to advocate STEAM teachings at his three daughters’ schools.
 
ENR profiled Mr. Harden and the other Top Young Professionals honorees in a recent edition of the magazine.
 
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