BREA, California — Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering and construction firm, has named Jerry Dehn general manager of California Water.

In this role, Dehn will lead all regional water operations, focusing on people, clients and the communities. Priorities will include helping clients address water supply reliability, water and wastewater treatment, water reuse, aging infrastructure, climate resilience and regulatory requirements.

He will work with municipal agencies, regional water districts and private utilities to support infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction. Working alongside the firm’s engineering and construction professionals, Dehn will support water, wastewater and stormwater projects through both traditional design-bid-build delivery and collaborative delivery models like design-build. He will also guide the team’s regional strategy, pursue new opportunities and oversee project delivery and financial performance.

“California water providers have to balance long-term supply and treatment needs with the immediate demands of operating and improving their systems,” says Pablo Lorenzo, vice president and general manager of California for Burns & McDonnell. “Jerry brings experience in water infrastructure and a strong understanding of how teams deliver complex projects. His leadership will help us expand our California team and support clients as they plan and build infrastructure for their communities.”

Dehn has 35 years of experience in engineering and infrastructure delivery. He has experience across the project lifecycle, including project management, planning, engineering and design, programming, construction management, field testing and commissioning. He has also led initiatives involving digital tools and design automation to help project teams improve efficiency and quality.

“Understanding a community’s needs is the foundation of every water project.,” Dehn says. “I look forward to building relationships and collaborating with California water providers and delivery partners to bring innovative solutions that best address community needs. There is meaningful work ahead and an opportunity to help communities make lasting investments in their water systems.”

The California team is consistently ranked among the region’s top design and construction firms by Engineering News-Record. It has also been recognized among the Best Places to Work by the Los Angeles Business Journal, San Diego Business Journal and Orange County Business Journal. As the firm expands, it is actively hiring to support continued growth across the region.

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.