Pittsburgh, PA - The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) welcomes Rachael Beam as its new Chief Engineering Officer. In this essential new role, Rachael will assume responsibilities for providing strategic and operational leadership, steering the direction, and ensuring the overall effectiveness of PWSA’s engineering and construction operations.
“The Chief Engineering Officer will ensure that we continue to deliver vital infrastructure improvements that will support public health and the environment,” said PWSA CEO Will Pickering. “We’re delighted to add Rachael to our impressive team of engineering professionals who are focused on delivering an improved water system now and for future generations of Pittsburghers,” he continued.
Rachael will oversee both short- and long-term strategic planning and execution of all engineering and design activities conducted by PWSA. She will play a crucial role in the design and construction of water, sewer, and stormwater systems and serve as a strategic business partner to expand contracting opportunities to a diversity of businesses. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping the management and development of our ambitious $1.8 billion capital program.
“I am thrilled to join PWSA in this new role and look forward to working with the engineering team on the implementation of critical infrastructure projects that will improve service reliability for our customers,” Beam stated.
Rachael brings a wealth of experience to PWSA, having served in various capacities, including senior project engineer, engineering project manager, and most recently, as an engineering manager for the Pennsylvania American Water Company. In her previous role, she led a team of nine engineers, delivering $500 million in water and wastewater capital projects over five years in southwestern Pennsylvania. Leveraging her deep knowledge of the water and wastewater industry, regulatory landscape, and commitment to core organizational values, Rachael played a pivotal role in modernizing design standards while facilitating environmental sustainability and lasting business practices while at PA American.
Her areas of expertise encompass design and project management, water and wastewater engineering, capital plan development and delivery, as well as employee development and mentorship.
Rachael earned her Bachelor of Science degree in civil and environmental engineering, as well as her Master of Engineering in Engineering Management, both from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. She holds a Professional Engineering license from the Pennsylvania Department of State and is a Certified Water Operator Class E, certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Actively involved in professional associations, Rachael is a member of the American Water Works Association and has contributed to the Pennsylvania Southwest District Committee, where she served as the past chair.
PWSA is confident that Rachael Beam's leadership and expertise will play a key role in advancing our capital program while guiding our vision to transform Pittsburgh’s water systems for current and future generations of customers.
