In a move to enhance the firm’s site design service offerings, Urban announced the promotion of Mike Thomas, PE, to national practice leader for site/land development and the hiring of George Cressman, PE, as a senior project manager. Mr. Thomas was elevated to his new role after successfully serving as deputy practice leader and senior project manager at Urban over the last eight years. Mr. Cressman recently joined the firm as a Professional Engineer and retired military officer with more than 30 years of experience.

“We could not be more excited to announce the hiring of industry expert George Cressman, and the in-house promotion of Mike Thomas to lead our site design practice,” said Chris Gubeno, PE, an Urban vice president and the general manager for aviation and site/land development. “These personnel moves enhance what was already a very capable department, and strengthen it to improve the quality of service we provide for our valued clients.”

A licensed Professional Engineer in seven states — including Pennsylvania and New Jersey — Mr. Thomas is a graduate of Villanova University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 2007. He specializes in land development and site design for commercial, residential, institutional, industrial, and recreational clients spread throughout the continental United States. Mr. Thomas is highly skilled in stormwater management; erosion and sedimentation control; utility coordination and relocation; land development planning, design and permitting; and construction administration. His successful performance in the site/land development department at Urban has led to several award-winning projects. Additionally, Mr. Thomas was previously named to Billy Penn’s “Who's Next: Real Estate and Housing" list which consisted of 18 honorees under 40 who were making valuable contributions to Philadelphia’s growth.

Mr. Cressman is a retired Colonel in the Army Reserves and a licensed Professional Engineer in four states. He has managed a wide range of civil engineering design, construction, and remediation projects throughout the world. Specific types of projects he has worked on include residential, retail, commercial and industrial development, higher education, pharmaceutical site expansion, as well as Superfund remediation. Mr. Cressman is results and team-oriented with particular strengths in leadership, organization, strategic planning, team-building, and mentoring. He is a graduate of the Valley Forge Military College, as well as Drexel University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, and a master’s degree in civil/geotechnical engineering.

A well-designed site is a vital component for the development of any public space. Urban’s site design group provides commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional clients with a full spectrum of services to meet their needs. The firm’s multi-disciplined staff works in close coordination with clients to identify problems; navigate complex municipal and environmental permitting regulations and codes; and plan, design, and deliver a successful project.