Baker Hires Former Head of Texas Department of Transportation Michael Behrens

Michael Baker Jr. Inc., an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Alternext US: BKR), has hired Michael W. Behrens as director, National Transportation Programs. In this capacity, he will provide advice and guidance on project delivery methods to Baker’s long list of transportation clients. In addition, Behrens will be active in numerous Texas transportation advocacy groups.

"Mike will be participating in some national initiatives as well,” said John Kurgan, executive vice president and Transportation business line manager. "His experience with Texas DOT is critical in embracing innovative ways to approach our nation’s transportation infrastructure during this important juncture.”

Most recently, Behrens was executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and was responsible for managing, directing and implementing TxDOT policies, programs and operating strategies. He represented TxDOT before the Texas Legislature and other entities and was instrumental in leading Texas into a new era of project delivery through legislation enacted which enabled Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in the TransTexas Corridor.

Behrens earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and began his career with TxDOT as an engineering assistant in the Yoakum District as an area engineer, district planning engineer, assistant district engineer and finally district engineer for the 11-county district of Yoakum. In 1998, he became the Department’s assistant executive director for engineering operations in Austin.

Behrens is a member of the Transportation Research Board Executive Committee and the board of directors of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). He is past president of the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO). Currently, he serves on the Civil Engineering Council for Texas A&M University and on the Texas Transportation Institute Advisory Council. He and his wife, Karen, have two sons and a daughter.

Michael Baker Corporation (http://www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering and operations and maintenance services for its clients’ most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are aviation, defense, environmental, facilities, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, pipelines & utilities, transportation, water, and oil & gas. With more than 4,000 employees in over 50 offices across the United States and internationally, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.