LOS ANGELES, CA — HNTB’s Michelle Dippel has been named President of the firm’s Western Region, overseeing vital and complex infrastructure programs in growth markets in 13 states. She will be based in the firm’s downtown Los Angeles office.

“The Western Region, with its enormous market opportunities, is a critical contributor to HNTB’s ongoing success,” Dippel said. “With a fantastic team of office leaders, division leaders, and excellent talent, I am very excited for what is in front of us as we continue to work closely with our clients to solve their most complex transportation challenges, open up new and expanded opportunities for staff, and build an equitable and inclusive culture in our offices.”

As Western Region president, Dippel is responsible for leading operations and strategic planning in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado and overseeing 10 offices, numerous field offices and more than 800 professionals. She actively represents HNTB in civic- and industry-related associations, helps recruit talent to the firm, and fosters relationships with clients and thought leaders.

Dippel succeeds John Friel, PE, who will transition to a new part-time role as Senior Project Executive.

Dippel first joined HNTB in 2005. Most recently, she served as President of the firm’s Mid-Atlantic Division where she oversaw complex infrastructure programs, business operations, and more than 500 HNTB professionals from Pennsylvania to South Carolina.

Dippel’s commitment to the community and industry goes beyond critical infrastructure projects. She is a Founder and At-Large Board Member of Soaring Spirits International, a nonprofit providing peer-based grief support to widowed people. She served on the founding board of the Heart of Texas Chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar and on the board of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, where she was the Incoming Mobility Committee Chair. She also is active with the Transportation Research Board and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

Dippel earned her Master of Arts in anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in archaeological studies from The University of Texas at Austin.