ASCE Names Ahearn Distinguished Member
The American Society of Civil Engineers has named Ret. Maj. Gen. Joseph A. "Bud" Ahearn, P.E., Dist.M.ASCE, NAC, a senior executive with CH2M HILL in Denver, a distinguished member of the organization, according to a June 16 release.
Distinguished membership is the society's highest accolade and recognizes those who have achieved eminence in a branch of engineering. Ahearn—who is being honored for his demonstrated leadership in the design and construction industry, his advocacy for innovation as a means to improve industry productivity, performance and quality, and his dedicated military service—will be formally inducted Nov. 6 at ASCE's Annual Civil Engineering Conference in Pittsburgh.
In his current position at CH2M HILL, Ahearn serves as the executive sponsor for the $11-billion U.S. Forces Korea Relocation program. During his 16-year tenure with the company, he has served as transportation business group president, eastern region manager and senior vice president, federal programs director and principal-in-charge for two major transportation corridor projects in California. In addition, he has served as vice chair of the board, where he worked in collaboration with senior executives to effectively represent the firm and was responsible for strategic planning, governmental affairs, strategic communications, and leadership development.
Ahearn served in the military for 34 years, retiring with the rank of major general of the U.S. Air Force. As the Air Force civil engineer, he was responsible for the war fighting readiness of combat engineering forces and for shaping financial strategy, developing budgets, and executing infrastructure programs totaling more than $10 billion annually.