HOUSTON, TX — Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) announces that two of its leaders have been appointed to significant positions within the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) state and local chapters. President Wayne Swafford, PE, will serve as President-Elect for the 2024-2025 ACEC Texas Officers, and Chief Operating Officer Steve Gilbreath, PE, will serve as Director for the 2024-2025 ACEC Houston Board of Directors. Swafford and Gilbreath will bring their extensive expertise and leadership to their respective roles.

“We are incredibly proud of Steve and Wayne for their appointments to the ACEC Texas Officers and ACEC Houston Board of Directors,” LAN CEO Ed Benes said. “Their leadership and dedication to the engineering industry will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and advancement of ACEC’s state and local chapters' missions.”

Swafford, a structural engineer with more than 30 years of experience, is responsible for the direction and operation of LAN. His career includes managing operations and finances for several organizations, including his previous role as Vice President of Facility Operations at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., where he oversaw $4 billion for the planning, design, and construction of medical facilities. He also was Senior Vice President at AECOM Technology Corp., managing the planning and design of transportation infrastructure across multiple U.S. regions. In addition, Swafford serves on the Civil Engineering Alumni Board of Advisors at the University of Illinois and has leadership roles in various professional organizations.

With over 25 years of diverse experience in the civil engineering industry, Gilbreath currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of LAN, where he oversees the firm’s day-to-day operations. His leadership encompasses program management, engineering planning, design, and construction-related activities for various critical infrastructure projects, including water and wastewater facilities, drainage and stormwater management, and port and marine projects. Gilbreath's comprehensive approach ensures the efficiency and functionality of LAN’s business operations, driving sustainable growth and innovation.

ACEC is the business voice of America’s engineering and design services industry. ACEC Texas is a statewide organization representing over 300 member firms in the engineering industry. This organization promotes the business interests of engineering companies, advocating for legislation and policies that create a favorable business environment, and providing a platform for professional development and networking.