Urban announces the addition of two new members to the firm’s Board of Directors:

• Bob Higgins, PE, Principal and Founder of Thrivence, who served as former President and CEO, Barge Design Solutions, Inc. and
• Brian McBride, PE, Associate Vice President, Assistant Construction Department Manager, Urban Engineers.

“We are pleased to welcome Bob and Brian to Urban’s Board,” said Dianne L. Semingson, Board Chair. “Bob brings a wealth of corporate leadership experience and a forward-thinking perspective to help guide Urban Engineers’ long-term strategy. Brian’s deep institutional knowledge and proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure projects on behalf of Urban make him an invaluable internal voice. Together, they strengthen our commitment to excellence as we continue to grow Urban.”

“I am delighted that both Brian and Bob are joining Urban’s Board of Directors,” said President and CEO James A. Bilella, II, PE. “Brian’s experience leading teams and delivering multi-million-dollar, multi-stage projects will strengthen the Board’s ability to continue the growth of our CM/CI operations. We also look forward to the valuable AEC industry insight and expertise Bob will bring to the Board. We’re confident his perspective will be an asset to Urban as we continue to evolve and expand our impact.”

Mr. Higgins is a notable professional within the AEC industry, having served as President and CEO of Barge Design Solutions, an employee-owned, multidisciplinary civil engineering consulting firm founded in 1955 in Nashville, TN. A licensed Professional Engineer in Tennessee and Kentucky, he started his career at Barge as an intern and progressed through a variety of roles, including project engineer and project manager. Today, Mr. Higgins is the Founder and Principal of Thrivence, working with company leaders and boards to support strategy, operations, and technology-related initiatives.

In addition to his leadership experience, Mr. Higgins has been active in the engineering profession throughout his career. He is part of the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering's Council of Advisors; previously served on the board of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Nashville Chapter; and is involved with both the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Mr. Higgins served in the 5th Mobile Combat Communications Group during Desert Shield/Storm, overseeing mission-critical communication systems. He was later recognized with the Nashville Business Journal Veterans Award for his contributions to both the military and business communities.

“I’m honored to join Urban’s Board of Directors,” said Mr. Higgins, who will serve as an Independent/External Board Member. “Urban has built a strong reputation for technical excellence and client service, and I look forward to working with the leadership team to help shape the firm’s strategic direction and support its continued growth in an evolving industry.”

Mr. McBride has more than 17 years of experience at Urban, starting as an intern and progressing to Associate Vice President and Assistant Construction Department Manager. He is an accomplished Construction Engineer responsible for leading numerous multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects across the region for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Delaware River Port Authority, and City of Philadelphia. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Mr. McBride played a key leadership role on the $160 million I-95 Betsy Ross Bridge/Aramingo Avenue Interchange Reconstruction in Philadelphia, overseeing inspection and construction operations for multiple six-bridge structures, including new structures, replacements, and widenings. He was responsible for the structures team and oversaw CM/CI.

He also served critical roles on several other important regional projects, including US-322 (Conchester Highway), I-476, and I-76 in Delaware and Montgomery counties, and US-1 in Chester County. He currently leads two bridge replacement projects, the PA 420 Wanamaker Avenue Bridge and the Boot Road Bridge over Amtrak in Chester County. These multi-million-dollar projects include roadway reconstruction, bridge repairs and replacements, drainage and stormwater upgrades, traffic signal modernization, and safety enhancements.

Mr. McBride is involved in professional and community organizations, including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia, and the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE), where he mentors colleagues. He also serves the Philadelphia community as a board member of the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, supporting local initiatives.

“It’s a privilege to serve on Urban’s Board after more than 17 years with the firm,” said Mr. McBride, who is filling a Non-Independent/Internal Board position. “Urban has played a significant role in my life’s journey, and I’m excited to help guide its future while continuing to deliver impactful infrastructure projects and opportunities and growth for Urban’s employees.”