Thomas Joins Gannett Fleming to Lead Water Services in Texas

Charles Thomas, PE, CCM

Underpinning a commitment to client resources in the Lone Star State, Gannett Fleming is pleased to welcome water infrastructure expert Charles Thomas, PE, CCM, as Texas Water Leader.

Based in the Dallas office, Thomas will cultivate and strengthen client relationships while overseeing comprehensive water resources programs, including dams, hydraulics, and water/wastewater, as well as environmental and regulatory and compliance solutions. He will collaborate with public and private clients to deliver comprehensive solutions that address some of the biggest challenges facing Texas’ water systems, such as rapid population growth, extreme weather events, regulatory changes, and aging infrastructure.

Thomas brings over 30 years of experience in engineering, program management, construction management, and business development for water and wastewater infrastructure initiatives across the U.S. and internationally. Most recently, he served as vice president of operations at Jacobs Engineering, where he was instrumental in delivering significant projects like the $430 million Back River Headworks improvements in Baltimore, Maryland, and the $100 million infrastructure improvements for the District Department of Transportation’s Malcolm X Interchange in Washington, D.C.

His dedication to advancing top-tier infrastructure solutions and maintaining a strong safety and quality record has earned him several awards, including an Engineering News-Record Regional Best Project for the Tres Rios Water Treatment Plant improvements and upgrades in Pima County, Arizona, and the Construction Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Project Achievement Award for the Historic Fourth Ward Park environmental restoration project in Atlanta.

“Charles’ enthusiasm for tackling his clients’ toughest water infrastructure challenges is contagious,” said Daven Oswalt, Gannett Fleming’s executive vice president and executive director of the Water, Energy & Environment Corporate Business Group. “His can-do outlook, exceptional teambuilding skills, and drive to deliver technical excellence make him the ideal leader to continue our growth and innovation in the Texas water market.”

“I am excited to join Gannett Fleming and look forward to leveraging my expertise to support the company’s water sector growth in Texas and beyond,” said Thomas. “The importance of water supply and water quality to communities is immeasurable, and I’m eager to contribute to best-in-class solutions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of this precious natural resource.”

Thomas is a CMAA Certified Construction Manager and a professional engineer in multiple states. He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and interdisciplinary science from Clark Atlanta University.

Water is essential to community well-being and economic stability. As Texas communities grow and commerce expands, the demand for safe and reliable infrastructure to support them will also increase. Gannett Fleming is answering the call. Our growing Texas-based team of industry-leading infrastructure professionals is supported by national subject matter experts, all united in their dedication to delivering excellence.

Reflecting our commitment to serving our clients and supporting the state’s growth, Gannett Fleming recently acquired DEC, a civil engineering firm headquartered in Houston. DEC’s 200 employees bring deep technical expertise in water, wastewater, and hydrology to federal, state, local, and private sector clients.

Gannett Fleming is well-positioned to address Texas’ water needs from its seven office locations across the state, including Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, McAllen, and San Antonio.

Are you passionate about sustainable development and innovative solutions? Join our dynamic Gannett Fleming team and help create a better future, together. Explore open AEC positions in Texas and across North America.