OLYMPIA, WA — Rachel Bernhard, PE, CVS, has been promoted to HDR’s Director of Value Engineering and Project Risk Management. Based in Olympia, Washington, she will lead the firm’s value engineering and risk professionals as they work with clients to identify project risks and alternatives that add value through improved performance, cost savings, or both.

A key part of that effort is project workshops such as HDR's cost risk assessment and value engineering, value engineering, or cost and schedule risk analysis workshops. Bernhard has led or been a team member of more than 130 workshops for agencies and municipalities across North America. For example, as part of recent work for one state Department of Transportation, Bernhard led a value engineering team that identified 15 alternatives on a $573 million highway project. Led by Bernhard, the team identified more than $50 million in cost savings opportunities, and it improved performance by 54 percent by combining several recommendations into a more comprehensive value engineering strategy.

As Director, Bernhard will help set the strategy for HDR's value engineering program while applying her technical expertise as an active facilitator in project and program work. Prior to joining HDR’s value engineering and risk group, Bernhard was a Designer for numerous local and national roadway and stormwater projects and was a Construction Inspector for rail and water projects.

“Rachel’s engaging energy, leadership qualities, and her technical experience as a certified value specialist make her an excellent fit for this role,” HDR Advisory Services Director Janet González Tudor said. “Value engineering is a critical tool for infrastructure owners, and the experience of Rachel and our team will provide valuable assistance as agencies move forward community-changing projects and programs.”