CDM Smith Welcomes Karen Counes as Program and Construction Management Leader

NEW YORK, N.Y.—CDM Smith is excited to welcome Karen Counes as a principal and the firm's program and construc­tion management practice leader. Counes, who has specialized in public works facilities over her 24-year career, joins the firm's New York City office. Her areas of expertise include program, project and construc­tion management, as well as water resources, dam safety and civil and structural engineering. Most recently, Counes was with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) as a director of civil and structural engineering and dam safety. In this role, she planned major programs up to $1B, provided alternative contract delivery methods and managed a team of 12 engineers to prepare design and construc­tion documents for NYPA assets.

"We're excited for Karen to join us!" said Firas Makarem, CDM Smith senior vice president and program services group director. "Her combination of experience provides unique insights into under­stand­ing and solving our clients’ most complex problems, which will help grow our program and construc­tion management practices."

Counes is passionate about helping clients achieve their goals in an organized manner, using program management to address clients’ greatest challenges with control and optimism. She also appreciates the steps of the construc­tion management process, finding satis­fac­tion in providing safe and economical solutions to both planned and unplanned challenges in the field. With experience as a client, consultant, manager, design engineer and program manager for both private- and public-sector orga­ni­za­tions, Counes brings an impressive wealth of knowledge and experience to CDM Smith.

“CDM Smith has a long, established reputation as an exceptional AEC firm,” said Counes. “I have been a client, partner or competitor of CDM Smith throughout my career, and I am thrilled be a part of this employee-owned company.”

CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construc­tion firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, trans­porta­tion, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world’s envi­ron­men­tal and infra­struc­ture challenges.