Kevin Wright
West Granby,Connecticut
Summary
Forward-thinking Environmental Protection Specialist with 14+ years experience managing environmental compliance and engineering processes for major federal infrastructure projects. Strong interpersonal communication skills with a keen ability to connect with others. Highly proficient in project management, public engagement, public speaking, inter-agency coordination, and process improvement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Railroad Administration
Washington, DC
06.2016 - Current
- Managed environmental reviews for a diverse portfolio of large-scale rail infrastructure projects, including drafting and reviewing National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, developing mitigation measures, facilitating public hearings, and fostering inter-agency and project stakeholder coordination
- Prepared and delivered briefings to top officials at FRA and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation (OST) on high-profile environmental reviews, ensuring comprehensive and legally sound project overviews
- Managed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process and public involvement for the top-priority Dallas-Houston High-Speed Rail project, presenting at numerous high-attendance public hearings and crafting responses to over 25,000 public comments
- Served as acting supervisor for Major Projects during a six-month rotation, leading a team of environmental protection specialists in the execution of complex Environmental Assessments (EAs) and EIS projects
- Represented FRA at the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) Conference, delivering a presentation on NEPA project management for private-public partnerships
- Developed and reviewed project scopes, schedules, and budgets, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and organizational goals
- Conducted environmental readiness reviews for hundreds of competitive FRA grant applications, ensuring a more informed and effective grant selection process
- Led a multidisciplinary team to develop a detailed Environmental Assessment template, enhancing regulatory compliance and reducing project timelines
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Highway Administration - MA Division
Cambridge, MA
12.2013 - 06.2016
- Directed the statewide environmental program and project portfolio for Massachusetts, including the high-profile Connect Historic Boston initiative, which successfully integrated bike and pedestrian infrastructure with historical landmarks under an accelerated NEPA process
- Led Section 106 consultations with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and key stakeholders, ensuring compliance and addressing impacts to historic resources
- Conducted comprehensive field reviews for numerous projects to validate adherence to environmental mitigation requirements, maintaining regulatory compliance and project integrity
- Negotiated and executed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with federally recognized Tribes, streamlining consultation processes for projects within Tribal areas of interest
- Collaborated with the Massachusetts DOT to develop a comprehensive guidebook, enhancing the clarity and accessibility of environmental documentation
Area Engineer
Federal Highway Administration - NY Division
Albany, NY
07.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed NEPA and engineering compliance for a diverse portfolio of high-impact highway infrastructure projects, ensuring adherence to federal regulations and project specifications
- Conducted thorough reviews of project plans, specifications, and estimates, verifying alignment with federal highway engineering standards and project requirements
- Monitored construction progress through on-site inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans, quality standards and environmental mitigation measures
- Led public engagement efforts, including facilitating and presenting project updates at public hearings to inform and address concerns of stakeholders and community members
- Pioneered the transition from paper-based to electronic filing systems within the NY Division, piloting a system that enhanced project documentation efficiency and tracking capabilities
Generalist Engineer PDP
Federal Highway Administration - CO Division
Lakewood, CO
11.2010 - 07.2012
- Performed comprehensive engineering and environmental reviews for complex highway infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and project objectives
- Supported community engagement initiatives in a high-profile environmental justice area as part of the I-70 East Viaduct Project, fostering collaboration and addressing community concerns
- Completed a six-month rotational assignment as an on-site construction inspector, meticulously documenting and overseeing daily construction activities to ensure alignment with federal construction standards
- Designed and delivered an Environmental Justice Training Course for State DOT and FHWA staff, leveraging hands-on project experience to enhance organizational understanding and implementation of environmental justice principles
Education
DOT Aspiring Leaders Program
American University
Washington, DC03-2023
Bachelor of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA05.2010
Skills
- Public and Stakeholder Engagement
- Public Speaking
- Environmental Policy & Compliance
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Written Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Project Management
- Interpersonal Skills
Certifications
Engineer in Training (EIT)
Issued by the Virginia State Board of Professional Engineers, License #0420061701
Timeline
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Railroad Administration
06.2016 - Current
Environmental Protection Specialist
Federal Highway Administration - MA Division
12.2013 - 06.2016
Area Engineer
Federal Highway Administration - NY Division
07.2012 - 12.2013
Generalist Engineer PDP
Federal Highway Administration - CO Division
11.2010 - 07.2012
DOT Aspiring Leaders Program
American University
Bachelor of Science - Civil and Environmental Engineering
Virginia Tech