People Spotlight: Meet Mark Kauffman
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a vice president and federal account manager from our Environment business in the United States and providing insight into their inspiration and work.
Mark Kauffman is Program Manager for the U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic CLEAN contract, delivered through the AECOM and EnSafe joint venture, Resolution Consultants. This multi-disciplinary team supports complex environmental restoration initiatives across the Navy’s Atlantic area of responsibility. Drawing on more than 20 years of progressive leadership on Navy environmental programs, Mark oversees strategy, planning, and successful program execution.
Based on his NAVFAC Atlantic expertise, Mark was asked to support NAVFAC Pacific in Honolulu in early 2022. After a 6-month period of helping to establish technical leaders and processes, Mark returned to the U.S. East Coast to help advance NAVFAC Atlantic programs. He was appointed NAVFAC Atlantic CLEAN Program Manager in 2023. Mark is a registered Professional Engineer, a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)-certified Small Business Liaison Officer, and a trained facilitator in formal partnering and consensus-building techniques.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, I was exploring potential career paths before pursuing a more-specific master’s degree. I learned the environmental restoration field was largely staffed by civil engineers but had a growing need for chemical engineers. This demand stemmed from advancements in technology, a shift towards more complex treatment systems, challenging site conditions, and high-tech restoration methods. The opportunity to apply my background to these specialized challenges was compelling, and I’m glad I pursued it.
I learned the environmental restoration field was largely staffed by civil engineers but had a growing need for chemical engineers. This demand stemmed from advancements in technology, a shift towards more complex treatment systems, challenging site conditions, and high-tech restoration methods.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
One of my favorite projects was when I was asked to manage a high-profile expedited environmental response action for an energy company at their New York headquarters. The company discovered that a Little League baseball field on their property contained mercury exceeding residential and child-based regulatory standards. They needed a prompt and comprehensive response to avoid delaying opening day!
Our team investigated the source and determined it was caused by an anti-fouling coating on commercially purchased grass seed, which was intended to prevent mold but contained substantial levels of mercury. We quickly selected and mobilized a remediation team to excavate the entire field and replace it with clean material. The replacement was unique in that it not only had to meet residential environmental standards, but also conform to the official soil and grass specifications required by Major League Baseball for Little League fields.
Working under a tight deadline and in close coordination with numerous stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, we completed the project two weeks ahead of the Little League opening day parade. The successful delivery met environmental, safety, and performance standards, while also earning strong appreciation from the local community.
Working under a tight deadline and in close coordination with numerous stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, we completed the project two weeks ahead of the Little League opening day parade.
What do you enjoy most about working with the Navy’s CLEAN Program?
What I value most about working with the Navy is the strength of the relationships and the shared sense of purpose. The CLEAN program combines discipline, structure, and organization with a high level of collaboration, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. I appreciate the process of aligning teams toward the same goal – advancing the regulatory process despite constraints from differing regulatory objectives or complex site conditions. This often requires regrouping, troubleshooting, and applying sound engineering structure to develop creative solutions rather than being limited by obstacles. I am proud to contribute to such a forward-thinking, solution-oriented environment.
The scale and diversity of the CLEAN program is also unique. The portfolio is large and multi-dimensional with more than 200 simultaneous projects across more than 25 states, which provides opportunities to apply best practices and integrate lessons learned across multiple projects. We implement consistent processes, streamline documentation, and maintain strong technical leadership with a fantastic array of diverse technical disciplines and leaders. This depth and breadth allows us to deliver work more efficiently and effectively.
What I value most about working with the Navy is the strength of the relationships and the shared sense of purpose. The CLEAN program combines discipline, structure, and organization with a high level of collaboration, which makes it both challenging and rewarding.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
I am really proud of our team’s work supporting a variety of clients as their upfront interface with local communities. When water supplies are found to exceed regulatory drinking water thresholds, our teams work closely with our clients to prioritize areas at greatest risk and take immediate action. This includes coordinating public meetings and information sessions, as well as engaging government officials such as senators, congressmen, and local leaders, so they can respond accurately to community questions.
The whole process – from public outreach to providing alternative or protected water supplies – is executed rapidly so that residents have safe drinking water without delay. Our team’s multi-disciplinary capabilities are critical in this effort. Experts within our Water business line have long-term relationships with the local water purveyors, which allow us to quickly navigate permitting, design requirements, and technical solutions. Being part of a collaborative effort that combines regulatory compliance, engineering expertise, and community engagement is extremely rewarding. The successful outcome for each community demonstrates the tangible benefits of integrating large-scale program resources and expertise to support public health.
When water supplies are found to exceed regulatory drinking water thresholds, our teams work closely with our clients to prioritize areas at greatest risk and take immediate action. The whole process – from public outreach to providing alternative or protected water supplies – is executed rapidly so that residents have safe drinking water without delay.
Share a piece of career advice for those interested in program management.
Focus on consistent behaviors and accountability. It’s important to follow through on commitments, ask questions as the process evolves, and take a proactive approach to achieve effective solutions. Strong communication attributes are critical for professional growth and advancement, as well as building high-performing and collaborative program teams.