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Barr Engineering Co. Names New President and CEO with Deep Experience in Michigan

Barr Engineering Co. recently named Ward Swanson as president and CEO of the employee-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Barr has Michigan offices in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, as well as remote employees working on projects across the state. Swanson, previously a Barr vice president and senior environmental scientist, has played a direct role in advancing Barr’s work in Michigan, including projects to preserve and restore the environment.

 A 23-year employee of Barr and a leading expert on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Swanson previously led Barr’s Assessment and Remediation business and has worked with every one of Barr’s business and industry sector. Swanson’s expertise on PFAS has connected him to Barr’s work in Michigan as teams look to identify and mitigate PFAS impacts. A nationally recognized expert, Swanson has presented on PFAS in Michigan and throughout North America. 

Outside of his PFAS work, Swanson served as a technical leader in environmental chemistry and led business development efforts for key service areas, as well as internal initiatives related to staffing and recruiting. A member of Barr’s board of directors, Swanson has served as a coach and mentor to dozens of Barr employees over the years. 

In 2015, Swanson facilitated Barr’s acquisition of Horizon Environmental, an environmental engineering consulting firm in Grand Rapids. The acquisition increased Barr’s staff capacity and technical expertise for projects across the state of Michigan. 

A board-appointed CEO selection committee chose Swanson for the role, and the committee’s decision was approved by Barr’s board of directors earlier this summer. Swanson succeeds John Lee, who led the company as president and CEO for the past eight years. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Barr team as we continue to help our clients solve some of the most complex challenges they face,” Swanson said. “Thanks to our outstanding employee owners, as well as John Lee, the board of directors and management team, Barr is in a very strong position as we prepare to make this leadership transition.” 

Lee remains with the company as a senior vice president after stepping down from the CEO role, carrying on a longstanding tradition of former Barr CEOs who have remained with the company and continued to contribute to its success in a range of capacities. Since Lee became CEO in 2013, Barr has grown significantly, expanded geographically, and successfully integrated six acquisitions, including the 2020 acquisition of Michigan-based King & MacGregor Environmental Inc. and its integration into the Michigan team. 

“Barr is known for delivering exceptional client service, fostering a highly engaged internal culture, and bringing employees’ passion for excellence to all aspects of our work,” said Board Chair Tina Pint. “We are confident Ward will do an exceptional job in sustaining the Barr our clients know and trust, even as we continue to evolve and innovate to meet the future needs of the industries we serve.”

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About Barr   
Barr Engineering Co. is an employee-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm incorporated in 1966. Barr solves complex challenges and delivers comprehensive solutions in mining, fuels, power, the public sector, and manufacturing. Barr’s nearly 900 employees serve clients across North America and worldwide from offices in Minneapolis, Duluth, and Hibbing, Minnesota; Calgary, Alberta; Denver, Colorado; Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, Michigan; Jefferson City, Missouri; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Salt Lake City, Utah; and from satellite offices in Reno, Nevada; Rock Springs, Wyoming; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Fort McMurray, Alberta.

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