Our people

John serves as Vice President and Managing Principal for AECOM’s Buildings + Places team in New Jersey, as well as Higher Education Lead for the New York Metro region. In his 25-plus years of industry experience, John has played a pivotal role in delivering infrastructure and higher education projects, including state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. He is deeply committed to understanding client needs and fostering innovation through his leadership of the region’s architects, in addition to AECOM’s commercial, education and technology practices. His oversight also includes collaborations with state and local agencies. A passionate mentor, John dedicates himself to developing the next generation of architects and engineers while ensuring that every project reflects AECOM’s commitment to excellence.

Aneesh leads our energy market in New York and New Jersey, overseeing project delivery, strategy and growth, and client relations. Over the past decade, Aneesh’s professional progression includes roles as an energy engineer, project engineer and project manager. He has delivered multiple energy projects and programs, including collaborations with the New York Housing Authority and the New York Power Authority. He focuses on energy optimization and efficiency, grid modernization, transportation decarbonization, and adoption of renewables and future fuels. In centering his work on energy transition, decarbonization and conservation, Aneesh is dedicated to embracing forward-looking energy practices. engineering department. A champion of equitable engagement and inclusion, Denise serves on AECOM’s global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) Steering Committee, in addition to serving on boards and committees with WTS International; the Women Builders Council; Columbia University’s Center for Buildings, Infrastructure and Public Space; and the New York Institute of Technology’s School of Architecture & Design.

Chris is a senior vice president responsible for our Program Management services across New York and New Jersey. His 30-plus years of diverse experience includes the management and implementation of design and construction for major capital programs in the region, spanning the buildings, transportation, water and environmental markets. As his career progressed from resident engineer to project manager and senior program manager, along the way he developed expertise in program management, design development, construction management and inspection — all with an eye on ensuring attentive client delivery. Chris is a registered professional engineer, a designated Design/Build professional and a LEED-accredited professional.

Sam leads our transportation market for New York City, New York State and New Jersey. He is responsible for growth opportunities, innovative strategies for optimal project delivery and client relationships across all sectors, including highways and bridges, rail and transit, ports and marine, and aviation. Prior to joining AECOM, Sam spent 20 years with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, rising through the ranks as a chief engineer, director of engineering and operations, deputy executive director and, ultimately, executive director. He has also held various leadership roles with industry and community associations, and he received the 2013 Senator Walter Rand South Jersey Award from the New Jersey Alliance for Action for his years of business leadership in the region. Sam is a lifelong resident of Salem County, New Jersey.

Paul leads our water market in New York and New Jersey, where he is charged with nurturing our client relationships and determining our strategy and growth goals for the water business. Paul is also the Client Account Manager for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the agency responsible for supplying over one billion gallons per day of drinking water to the city and treating over a billion gallons per day of wastewater through its 14 wastewater treatment plants. In his career spanning over 35 years, Paul has worked on many noteworthy water and wastewater projects, including the Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant, the centerpiece of the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority’s program to protect Boston Harbor; the F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center in Atlanta, a tertiary treatment facility; and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s expansion of the wastewater collection system in Alexandria, Egypt.