Howard to Lead Blacksburg Engineering-GIS Dept

Carolyn A. Howard, P.E., has joined the Town of Blacksburg as Director of Engineering and GIS. Howard attended Valparaiso University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1992, followed by her Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For over 30 years, she has specialized in economic and sustainable site development projects, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, and stormwater management design. She combines this technical expertise with exceptional team and project management, and communication skills.

Howard comes to Blacksburg from Fairfax, Virginia‐based Dewberry Engineers where she held the position of Senior Associate / Program Manager / Economic Development Initiative Leader for the past two years. Prior to her time at Dewberry, she spent over 17 years in numerous leadership positions at the former Blacksburg‐based engineering firm, Draper Aden Associates (DAA). At DAA she was Senior Associate and Regional Manager for the Site Development and Infrastructure Division.

“My goal is to inspire excellence every day and to collaborate with Town staff to meet and exceed internal and external expectations,” said Howard of her upcoming work as Engineering and GIS Director.

As Director of Engineering, Howard will be responsible for supervising the engineering services that support the town’s public infrastructure systems. Additionally, she will manage the GIS operations, which provide comprehensive mapping services, land and topography data, and address management, and serves as the repository for development plan information.

She is presently a member of the Virginia Economic Developers Association and Chair of the local economic development non‐profit, the Blacksburg Partnership. Additionally, she has worked alongside town staff as a member of the Stormwater Stakeholders Advisory Group, and most recently the Town of Blacksburg Business Relations Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome the town’s new Engineering and GIS Director, Carolyn Howard, who brings extensive experience leading public and private sector economic development and infrastructure projects,” said Town Manager Marc Verniel. “She has a strong track record of
community involvement and excellent leadership skills. We are fortunate to have her on our team and look forward to the innovative ideas she will bring to the Town of Blacksburg.”