Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

125 items
wastewater treatment plant
Big Questions

How can water and wastewater utilities achieve long-term sustainability?

Sustainability is no longer optional — it’s essential. Jacobs’ Lead Sustainability Specialist Dawn Lesley has dedicated over three decades to shaping how communities, industries and municipalities manage their most vital resource: water. Dawn’s experience combines technical expertise, visionary leadership and a values-driven approach to deliver measurable environmental and economic benefits across North America. A career rooted in sustainability Dawn earned a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Chicago and a master’s in bioresource engineering from Oregon State University, along with credentials as a professional environmental engineer. From the start, her focus has been clear: reduce waste, optimize processes and create ecologically responsible systems that minimize ratepayer costs. Pioneering energy initiatives Prior to joining Jacobs, Dawn initiated sustainability programs that pushed the boundaries of traditional engineering. She developed waste-to-energy initiatives, planned long-range infrastructure investments and identified opportunities for energy efficiency, renewable energy development and effluent reuse. The programs helped wastewater plants across the country achieve an average of 7% in annual energy savings, with one plant reaching 23%. Her influence spans more than 100 water and wastewater facilities, where she’s driven reductions in energy waste, improved effluent quality and fostered long-term operational resilience. Leading change at Jacobs As lead sustainability specialist for Jacobs’ Operations Management and Facilities Services practice, Dawn is driving innovation across water, wastewater, industrial and municipal facilities in North America. She trains operators, identifies efficiency opportunities, implements new technologies and fosters culture change to be sure sustainability is not just a technical upgrade, but a long-lasting mindset

Dawn Lesley
Water treatment facility with multiple tanks and filtration systems
Big Questions

How can municipalities address emerging contaminant concerns in biosolids?

With over three decades in environmental services and a singular focus on biosolids management, Drew has become a trusted leader in one of the most challenging areas of the wastewater industry. As a biosolids specialist for Jacobs’ wastewater operations portfolio, he combines technical know-how, strategic insight and practical solutions to guide an industry that continues to evolve and struggles with increasing disposal costs and emerging contaminant concerns. A career built on residuals and results Drew’s decades-long journey in the biosolids field includes leadership roles at some of the nation’s largest residual management firms specializing in biosolids and industrial sludge. This history and knowledge connect him to a unique group of people who have a specialized skill set for solving biosolids challenges. With this diverse experience — from dewatering and disposal to beneficial reuse and Class A marketing — Drew has established himself in every facet of the biosolids lifecycle. His philosophy is straightforward: apply best practices while driving efficiency. Whether it’s optimizing field surveys for pre-operational planning or developing creative reuse strategies for dredge materials, Drew’s approach is always rooted in measurable, real-world results. Business acumen meets environmental expertise With a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Delaware, Drew translates complex processes into strategic opportunities. His background enables him to clearly communicate the value of biosolids programs to various stakeholders — from municipal clients to consulting engineers. Combining practical field knowledge with strong analytical skills, he has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in residuals management operations

Drew Mearns
Aerial View of Two Environmental engineers work at wastewater treatment plants
Big Questions

How can utilities build maintenance teams that deliver long-term value?

John Loucks-Powell brings an experienced hand to Operations Management and Facilities Services (OMFS) with a focus on the challenges our clients face every day: aging infrastructure, rising operational demands and the pressure to keep essential water and wastewater systems running without interruption. With 45 years in utility operations and maintenance, John brings the knowledge to help clients strengthen the reliability and performance of their critical water and wastewater infrastructure — the backbone of the communities they serve. A foundation in skilled trades John’s career began in the skilled trades, spending 20 years developing expertise in industrial maintenance, machinery installation and precision mechanical work. His experience shaped his commitment to safety, craftsmanship and operational integrity, which continues to influence how he strengthens essential infrastructure. Leading one of the nation’s most complex wastewater systems Before joining Jacobs, John spent more than a decade at one of California’s largest municipal utility agencies, managing a highly complex combined sewer system and leading a team of 135 across technical and operational disciplines. He oversaw the health and safety program, the maintenance budget and played a key role in major capital work — including a sewer system improvement program and biosolids digester facilities project — helping the team work more safely and manage resources more effectively. He also drove the early adoption of mobile and reliability-centered maintenance technologies to help operators identify issues earlier, respond faster and make more informed decisions about where to invest time and resources. Delivering excellence at Jacobs John joined Jacobs in

John Loucks-Powell
water treatment facility
Big Questions

How is water reuse shaping the future of resilient communities?

As water scarcity intensifies and climate impacts place increasing pressure on traditional supplies, communities around the world are rethinking how water is sourced, treated and reused. In response, more utilities are embracing water reuse practices and the principle that all water has value. Advances in treatment technologies now allow wastewater to be cost-effectively reclaimed and repurposed as a high-quality, resilient water supply — increasingly for drinking water purposes. These solutions help communities strengthen water security while adapting to regulatory, environmental and infrastructure constraints. Navigating direct potable reuse regulations As more states adopt or advance direct potable reuse (DPR) regulations, Global Water Reuse Principal and Vice President Melanie Holmer works closely with utilities to translate regulatory frameworks into practical, implementable solutions. With California’s DPR regulations now in effect, she supports clients in planning treatment technologies, monitoring strategies, operational requirements and governance approaches that align with regulatory expectations while strengthening long-term water resilience. Her work helps communities move from uncertainty to action, enabling them to confidently integrate potable reuse into their water supply portfolios. Water reuse in action Melanie is supporting high-profile potable reuse initiatives including the Donald C. Tillman Advanced Water Purification Facility in Los Angeles. The project will produce up to 45 million gallons per day of purified water to recharge local groundwater basins, supplying water for up to 500,000 residents. Through her involvement, Melanie helps align advanced treatment, regulatory requirements and stakeholder engagement — supporting a collaborative model that brings together multiple agencies to increase regional water resiliency. A full-circle return to Jacobs Melanie’s leadership in water reuse reflects a full-circle

Melanie Holmer
Aerial view of the chemical plant's wastewater treatment facility
Big Questions

How can integrating engineering into operations improve water and wastewater treatment?

In a constantly evolving world, municipalities and water facilities are under increasing pressure to improve performance, extend asset life and deliver reliable service to residents and customers. Engineering Manager Liie Hill is helping them do just that. Her role was designed specifically to strengthen the connection between daily operations and the engineering expertise that keeps complex water treatment systems performing at their best. Bridging operations and engineering for better performance Liie describes her work as being both “the glue and the grease” — keeping things connected while helping processes move smoothly. She supports operations and maintenance (O&M) projects across the U.S., working with operators and clients to be sure they have access to the technical resources they need, whether it be troubleshooting process inefficiencies, planning a capital upgrade or responding to unexpected conditions. Integrating engineering expertise into daily operations provides a major advantage: operators can quickly pinpoint root causes and address issues proactively. Liie plays a central role in this process by scoping engineering needs, overseeing technical reviews and being sure solutions are implemented effectively. This approach gives clients confidence that their facilities are operating safely and meeting regulatory requirements. Delivering cost-effective, reliable solutions This model isn’t just effective; it’s cost-conscious. Liie leads innovation workshops with clients to improve efficiency and uncover long-term savings through data-driven process improvements. In Wilmington, Delaware, she tailored a workshop to the city’s challenges: aging infrastructure and new regulations. As a result, Jacobs developed a programmatic approach to the city’s capital improvement plan, improving process

Liie Hill
wastewater treatment plant
Big Questions

How do wastewater leaders deliver reliable services as infrastructure ages?

Wastewater treatment is more than a technical discipline — it’s a public service essential to community health, environmental protection and long-term resilience. Without it, communities risk public health emergencies like the spread of disease, contaminated drinking water and sewage backup into homes. Jacobs’ Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Consultant Aleksey Reznik works to be sure those risks don’t become a reality. With more than 40 years of experience in wastewater treatment and environmental engineering, Aleksey’s career is defined by technical excellence and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. Today, he supports the O&M of the 134-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant in Wilmington, Delaware — one of the region’s most critical wastewater facilities supporting both the City of Wilmington and a large portion of New Castle County — equipping operators with the training, tools and support they need to deliver reliable service to the community. A global journey shaped by engineering and purpose Aleksey’s path into the water sector began in Kiev, Ukraine, where he launched his career as an environmental engineer at the city’s municipal wastewater treatment plant. He learned the fundamentals of sludge digestion, pumping systems and facility operations. His next chapter designing water purification and wastewater treatment systems, selecting equipment and overseeing installation and startup activities deepened his understanding of how treatment facilities are built, optimized and sustained. Leading Wilmington’s O&M program When Aleksey immigrated to the United States, he became a licensed plant operator at the Wilmington wastewater treatment facility. Working in various roles, he immersed

Aleksey Reznik
Aerial top view of circular sedimentation tanks in modern water treatment plant facility
Big Questions

How do you navigate the engineering, regulatory and operational demands of modern water infrastructure?

With 28 years of experience in wastewater treatment, conveyance design, water supply, biosolids and effluent reuse, Quitterie leads complex infrastructure programs that integrate environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance. Based in Portland, Oregon, she brings a powerful combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership to every engagement — from planning biosolids reuse programs to managing half-billion-dollar treatment expansions. Her work consistently aligns infrastructure investment with regulatory certainty and system reliability. Collaboration defines her approach. She builds and leads high-performing multidisciplinary teams, guiding subconsultants, stakeholder engagement efforts and permitting negotiations across federal, state and local agencies. Her ability to navigate complexity while maintaining alignment keeps large programs moving forward through open communication and thoughtful organization. Quitterie’s experience spans municipal, industrial and agricultural systems across the western United States and South America. From feasibility studies and engineering design to construction management, Quitterie applies innovative thinking to solve complex client challenges and strengthen long-term outcomes. In Oregon, she played a central role in managing the City of Portland’s $500 million Secondary Treatment Expansion Program from planning through design and construction. The program met critical regulatory deadlines while positioning the city for sustained system performance. Across her portfolio, she has advanced capital improvements that enhance reliability, strengthen operations and maintenance strategies, and support biosolids land application, treated effluent discharge and natural treatment systems. Having lived and worked in France, Thailand, South America and the United States, Quitterie brings a global perspective to local infrastructure challenges. She understands how water systems operate within

Quitterie Cotten
PFAS-Podcast-Graphic
Podcast

Navigating PFAS: Pioneering solutions for a healthier tomorrow

How are PFAS affecting your work and our world? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Many PFAS don’t degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment. They can be found worldwide in water, soil, air, plants, animals and even our bloodstreams. We’re still uncovering the full impact of these chemicals on the health of humans and our environment, but here’s what is clear: it’s a complex challenge at scale to remediate these so-called “forever” chemicals. Our guests are defining the solutions for clients and the industry: Sharon Minchak, former Global Solutions Director for Remediation and Regeneration at Jacobs, and Dr. Russell Ford, Global Director for Drinking Water & Reuse Solutions at Jacobs.

Aerial view of Water Treatment tank
Big Questions

How can water utilities navigate infrastructure funding in the face of uncertainty?

For water utilities across the U.S., the funding landscape continues to evolve. Traditional funding sources can change or become less reliable, creating uncertainty for water utilities working to deliver critical infrastructure improvements. For Tahne Corcutt, navigating that complexity is about more than securing funding — it’s enabling utilities to build more efficient and sustainable financial systems for capital improvements. As the leader of Jacobs’ Water Infrastructure Funding and Grants consulting practice, Tahne is a nationally recognized subject matter expert on the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFIA) programs. Over the past 18 years, she has supported water projects in all 50 states, serving as a prime contractor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water and advising clients across federal, state and local government. Her work has helped secure more than $1 billion in funding for critical water infrastructure — enabling communities to advance essential projects with confidence. Reimagining how water projects are financed Tahne is known for thinking beyond conventional financing models. With a background in policy and law, she interprets statutes and regulations in unique ways that unlock opportunity. She has led innovative water infrastructure financing pilots in 15 states, advancing watershed-based strategies and community-based public-private partnerships. These approaches include: Programmatic financing Conduit lending Sponsorship lending Green banking Credit enhancements Linked deposit programs These models have helped address water quality and public health challenges while aligning the needs of utilities and funding agencies. Her work includes the conceptualization of a comprehensive, multi-year funding

Tahne Corcutt
2026-01-Cyber-Podcast
Podcast

Resilience by design: Safeguarding water utilities from cyber threats

According to Check Point Research and Reuters, cyberattacks on U.S. utilities in 2024 increased nearly 70% compared to the year before, leading to an average of 69 attacks every week. In 2025, the trend continued, in the U.S and globally. What can water utilities do to protect themselves from these digital threats? The OT environment at Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is a success story as it protects one of the largest regional water and wastewater utilities in the U.S., servicing more than 20 counties and cities and 1.5 million people. Thanks to its signature program of embedded visibility, governance and consequence-driven planning, it can serve as a blueprint for water utilities globally.

coastline port
Big Questions

How can integrated adaptive planning shape coastlines and ports of tomorrow?

Climate change is reshaping coastlines faster than traditional ports and shoreline defenses can keep up. To stay ahead, nations need integrated adaptive planning — a smarter, system‑wide approach that blends coastal science, engineering and long-term risk-modeling. It layers solutions across scales, from regional coastal systems to local catchments and individual assets, creating strategies that adapt to changing conditions. This is where Jacobs Project Manager Jia Hann makes a real difference — bringing extensive experience at the intersection of coastal science, maritime engineering and climate adaptation. With integrated adaptive planning at the core of his approach, Jia Hann leads multidisciplinary teams to tackle some of the Asia Pacific region’s most urgent coastal challenges. such as flooding, wave overtopping, coastline erosion, port downtime and climate driven operational risks. Across national coastal protection studies in Singapore, coastal masterplans and major port developments globally, he supports organizations in making high impact decisions on tidal gates, pumping systems, shoreline protection strategies and critical marine infrastructure. Whether he’s designing coastal protection measures for vulnerable shorelines, advising on inland drainage measures for coastal developments or planning ports for future environmental conditions, Jia Hann brings deep insight into how water, infrastructure and the environment interact, and how to adapt them for tomorrow’s conditions. Jia Hann brings over 12 years of coastal engineering, port consulting and climate resilience experience with expertise in breakwater design, port layout planning, berthing and mooring analysis, navigational design and nautical studies. His professional foundation is built on technical training and active industry leadership. He

Jia Hann Tan
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Webinar

Many approaches to OneWater: Implementing integrated water management regionally

Within watersheds and across community boundaries, utilities are tackling complex challenges in sustainably, equitably, and safely managing water. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, collaborative solutions that are specific to the regional watershed, beneficial to local communities, and rooted in the context of the global water cycle. Integrated or OneWater approaches are not a one size fits all. In this webinar we will learn how two utilities – the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District – are addressing very different water quality and water quantity challenges. These organizations demonstrate how water connects us and affects us all, and how integrated solutions require systems-based thinking and regional partnerships and collaboration. Whether you’re grappling with too much water or too little water, implementing a OneWater approach allows for a tailored solution. Presenters: Susan Moisio, Global Vice President & Global Water Director, Jacobs Joseph Danyluk, Principal Technologist & Global Lead for OneWater, Jacobs Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District David Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Administering Agent, Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority Katie Bollmer, Senior Project Manager, Jacobs

  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

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    Future-Foundations