VHB has promoted Andrew Burkholder to the role of National Structures Service Leader. As a new leader of this pivotal team, Andrew will integrate and advance the structures service line across VHB’s footprint, actively engaging regional and local teams while continuing to enhance the company’s diverse talent base.
Since joining VHB in 2012, Andrew has displayed exceptional dedication and vision, particularly in his most recent role as Director of Structures – Massachusetts. Andrew’s innovative mindset and collaborative spirit have solidified his reputation as a true champion of our integrated approach. He has consistently worked to connect individuals within various structures teams, leveraging their collective experience and skills to support new growth and seamless project delivery across different markets and regions.
Andrew has been instrumental in several high-profile projects:
- MBTA Bridge Bundle: Andrew was the Structural Lead responsible for managing the design of six commuter rail bridges for this $90M design-build project. His role included coordinating and leading the design squad for each bridge and conducting weekly bridge design coordination meetings with the squad leaders to provide direction, guidance, and a forum for sharing ideas and lessons learned. This approach delivered consistency and standardization across multiple bridge designs while allowing VHB to effectively compress the design schedule.
- MaineDOT, Bridge Inspection and Load Ratings: Andrew played a critical role as lead inspection and rating engineer for the evaluation and rating of 59 bridges throughout Maine, many of which are vital structures carrying Interstate 95. His hands-on approach provided detailed and accurate load ratings for each bridge.
- MassDOT, I-495/I-90 Interchange Reconfiguration: Currently, Andrew is the Lead Structural Engineer overseeing this critical interchange improvement project for MassDOT with teaming partner Barletta Heavy Division. This ambitious project aims to reduce congestion, queuing, travel time, and crash risk along the I-495 and I-90 mainlines and ramps. It involves the complete replacement of the interchange, designing and building new ramps, and replacing existing bridges—a total of 13 bridges and 33 walls.
In his new capacity, Andrew will be partnering closely with regional managers, managing directors, and service and market leaders to identify and implement strategies to drive growth, foster innovation, enhance collaboration, and provide consistent delivery of high-quality structural services.
“Andrew has continually demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and unity within our team,” commented Mike McArdle, VHB’s Chief Development Officer. “His leadership is instrumental in elevating our structures services and enhancing VHB’s technical excellence. I am confident that under his guidance, we will make significant strides in setting new benchmarks in structural engineering.”
Concurrently, Brent Richard has been promoted to replace Andrew as Director of Structures – Massachusetts. Brent will lead VHB’s 35-person structural group in Watertown, MA, which includes a diverse set of bridge engineers, designers, and inspectors, as well as a growing number of vertical/building structural designers.
Brent is a long-time trusted leader within the structures team. During his 16-plus years at VHB, he has led some of the company’s largest and most complex design-build and heavy infrastructure projects, including the Rt.79/I-195 Interchange design-build and the Rt. 44 over 24 Interchange design-build—all while spearheading the growth of VHB’s burgeoning vertical structural design practice. Brent’s thoughtful, collaborative leadership style, unwavering commitment to innovation, and exemplary client delivery have earned loyalty and respect from not just members of his team, but everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him.
