CHICAGO, IL — Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) announces that Jim Gower, PE, has joined the firm’s Water and Wastewater team in Chicago, Illinois, as a Technical Leader specializing in valve applications, design, and installation.

Gower brings more than a decade of engineering and leadership experience in the water and wastewater industry, with a particular focus on valve design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Before joining LAN, he served as Director of Engineering at a valve manufacturer, where he led a team of 10 engineers responsible for product design and quality. During his tenure, he launched the company’s first thermoplastic air valve, coordinated major production efficiency initiatives, and led long-term research aimed at improving plug valve quality and reducing waste.

His expertise spans the full life cycle of valve products, from initial concept and technical drawings to manufacturing and field support. He has a track record in cross-functional communication, change management, and process optimization. Gower is also skilled in root cause analysis, business analysis, and advanced engineering methods.

Gower holds a Master of Science in civil and environmental engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and geological sciences, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Illinois.