Michelle Rau

Michelle Rau is an environmental planning leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure, energy and environmental programs across the U.S and internationally. As director of operations, she provides strategic and operational leadership for more than 220 environmental practitioners, engineers, historians and scientists in environmental planning and permitting in the Eastern U.S. 

Michelle supports clients navigating complex regulatory requirements, stakeholder engagement and evolving program priorities, keeping projects moving forward and advancing resilient, sustainable infrastructure solutions that support communities nationwide. . She plays a key role in strengthening Jacobs’ delivery practices and mentoring future leaders. She is known for building collaborative teams that balance technical rigor with practical delivery. Her experience spans environmental planning, permitting and compliance programs supporting federal agencies, commercial enterprises, state and local governments, and energy development.