Daniel Jeon, PE, PMP, ENV SP

My passion for large-scale projects and their societal impact has driven my interest in program management. Over time, my focus naturally shifted toward water management, which I view as a modern-day wonder. Water is essential to our communities, and ensuring its safety and accessibility presents both complexity and critical importance.

In the water sector, program management involves more than overseeing construction—it’s about protecting public health and preserving the environment for future generations. The field’s dynamic nature, from navigating regulatory frameworks to integrating new technologies, keeps me engaged. Each project presents unique challenges that require strategic planning, collaboration, and a long-term vision to ensure reliable, resilient water systems.

What keeps me passionate is the opportunity to make a real difference—ensuring that the systems we build today will provide clean, safe water for decades to come. This sense of responsibility, coupled with the ever-evolving technological and environmental landscape, makes program management deeply fulfilling.

The need for safe water has never been more urgent. While access to clean water and functioning sewer systems is a fundamental human right, many communities still struggle to meet this need.

My work is closely aligned with federal and state regulations that protect public health, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. These laws govern water quality standards, from limiting pollutant discharges to ensuring drinking water safety.

A large part of my role involves working with local governments to modernize water infrastructure, introduce new treatment technologies, replace aging pipelines, and build systems that are resilient to future challenges. Collaboration with municipalities is crucial for securing funding, aligning on community-specific needs, and integrating innovative treatment solutions that meet both local and federal standards. These efforts help secure safer, more reliable water supplies for communities today and for generations to come.

As a father of two teenage sons, my work feels deeply personal. Everything I do is motivated by a father’s love, passion, and care for the world they will inherit. It’s not just about solving today’s problems but building a future where they—and their generation—can thrive.

One of the most rewarding experiences in my career was managing the city of Baltimore’s $2.6 billion sanitary sewer consent decree program. I oversaw more than 30 design and construction projects aimed at rehabilitating and replacing the city’s aging sewer system. This complex role involved budget management, compliance with state environmental requirements, and strong client relationships to ensure project success.  

Additionally, I contributed to New York City’s $1.2 billion Advanced Wastewater Treatment Program, providing process planning for biological nitrogen removal projects. These efforts helped meet stringent discharge limits for the East River and Jamaica Bay. My responsibilities included developing a comprehensive project management plan in accordance with ISO 9001:2008 standards and managing a $14 million project management contract budget. 

One of the most significant changes is the accelerated push to remove lead pipes in the U.S., as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This initiative requires a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local governments, transforming how we approach infrastructure upgrades. Removing lead pipes will not only improve public health by eliminating a major contamination source but will also lead to a major overhaul of water distribution networks. 

Another key development is the establishment of maximum contaminant levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As regulations around PFAS tighten, water utilities face increasing pressure to adopt advanced treatment technologies. Meeting these new standards will require significant investments in filtration systems and emerging technologies. 

As these challenges emerge, the need for experienced program managers with both project management and technical expertise will only grow. Utilities and governments will require trusted partners to help navigate the complexities of infrastructure upgrades and regulatory compliance. 

I’ve long admired the firm’s technical expertise and rich history. After graduating, I applied to the company because of its reputation for delivering impactful infrastructure solutions. Although I didn’t join at that time, my respect for the organization grew over the years. When the opportunity arose later in my career, it felt like the perfect fit to contribute to meaningful projects with a company that shares my commitment to innovation and excellence.

I’ve had the privilege of coaching my sons’ baseball, soccer, and basketball teams. Being involved in their sports has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to bond with them and support their growth through competition. Outside of coaching, I enjoy playing golf. It’s a challenging yet relaxing sport that constantly pushes me to improve, making it the perfect way to unwind.