GEI Consultants, Inc.

On this #WorldWaterDay, Renée Lanza, P.E.'s blog looks at what drinking water suppliers should consider when revisiting risk and resilience assessments and emergency response plans. https://ow.ly/IMJY50VmxF3 #Sustainability #WaterStewardship

#TeamGEI hit the slopes this month! Our West team gathered at Eldora Mountain Ski Resort in Eldora, CO, for a day of skiing, snowboarding, and bonding on National Employee Appreciation Day. The group of 36 represented our Fort Collins, Golden, DTC (Denver), and Salt Lake City offices and included several remote team members. All enjoyed a beautiful sunny day on the mountain starting with breakfast in the lodge, followed by some thrilling runs on the slopes, and wrapped the day with an outdoor group lunch. The team enjoyed making connections at every stop, celebrating their successes and future collaboration. A special shoutout to Adisa Husejnovic for organizing this incredible day! Nate Soule, PE, PG #EmployeeAppreciation

We're celebrating excellence in collaborative #leadership! #TeamGEI congratulates our Rachael Orellana, PE, MS, MEd on receiving the Col Carl Morrison Collaborative Leadership Award! This prestigious award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of #collaboration and leadership in #floodriskmanagement, and Rachael’s impact speaks for itself. During her tenure as the #SilverJackets USACE Coordinator for CA, NV, and UT, she expanded interagency projects across the entire Sacramento District, leading efforts on more than 80 projects in just eight years! Rachael’s dedication to #teamwork, #resilience, and partnership-driven solutions truly sets her apart. As she steps into her new role as Program Manager, we are honored to have such a passionate and accomplished leader on our team. Congratulations, Rachael! We look forward to seeing your continued impact at GEI and beyond.

#TeamGEI is proud to have supported this project in the effort to enhance #floodmanagement and potentially benefit water supply at New Bullards Bar and Lake Oroville through Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations (#FIRO). By integrating advanced weather forecasting, real-time data, and reservoir operations modeling, FIRO helps optimize water releases ahead of major storms while maintaining critical water storage, potentially benefiting water supply for drier periods. GEI has been a key partner in: By integrating advanced weather forecasting, real-time data, and reservoir operations modeling, FIRO helps optimize water releases ahead of major storms while maintaining critical water storage, potentially benefiting water supply for drier periods. GEI has been a key partner in: • Coordinating program efforts among partner agencies to enhance data sharing and decision-making • Developing reservoir operations strategies that improve real-time forecasting and response • Conducting engineering studies to evaluate flood control benefits and support key #infrastructure improvements, including the development of the design for the new ARC Spillway at New Bullards Bar • Facilitating stakeholder collaboration through briefings, workshops, and technical support • Assessing and recommending a decision support system platform for implementing FIRO in coordination with updates to water control manuals for New Bullards Bar and Lake Oroville   With the release of the FIRO Final Viability Assessment, this effort marks a significant step forward in strengthening climate resilience and protecting the Yuba and Feather River communities. Learn more about GEI’s role in this pinnacle project: https://lnkd.in/em_JZH7C #ClimateAdaptation

Infrastructure planning is more than pipes and treatment plants—it’s about building resilient communities, protecting water resources, and balancing diverse needs. As part of #TeamGEI’s Women in Water series, we’re featuring Laura Verhaeghe, P.Eng., a Senior Project Manager in #Infrastructure Planning, whose work helps shape the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. Laura’s expertise lies in process and #civilengineering design, developing long-term strategies to ensure growing communities have access to clean water and sustainable sanitation. Her work also involves public engagement, collaboration with government agencies, and ensuring First Nations treaty rights are respected in infrastructure decision-making. Through careful planning and #riskassessment, Laura helps communities move critical projects forward while considering climate change, environmental impacts, and future needs. Check out her photo essay to see her in action! Join us in celebrating Laura and all the women making a difference in water! #WomenInWater

Is your community prepared for the next big storm? In his first blog, #TeamGEI's Satish Mantha, EIT, CFM outlines how proactive stormwater management can protect infrastructure, reduce flooding, and pave way for resilient growth. Read his blog to learn how your community can implement cost-effective solutions and access funding to build a stronger, more sustainable future: https://ow.ly/1YzR50VkXjA And visit Satish at GEI's booth at the Texas Floodplain Management Association's 2025 Annual Meeting next week to learn more.

Water is life and for Renée Lanza, P.E., a Senior Consultant specializing in #water utility infrastructure, ensuring communities have safe, reliable, and sustainable water systems is at the heart of her work. Renee partners with water utilities to improve the quality, delivery, and #resilience of this essential resource—helping utilities balance regulatory compliance, infrastructure needs, and affordability for ratepayers. Her goal? To make sure future generations have access to clean water. One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is seeing the direct impact of projects on communities—from improved treatment plants to better service reliability. Her contributions to the industry have earned her recognition, including AWWA’s 5 Under 35 and NEWWA’s Younger Member of the Year Award for her #leadership and #mentorship. Renee also reminds us: It’s critical to stay informed through trusted sources rather than headlines or online speculation—your local water utility is there to answer your questions! Join us in celebrating Renee and all the women making waves in water and learn more about Renee on our website: https://ow.ly/6GN750VkFnB #WomenInWater #WomenMakingWaves #TeamGEI #WaterInfrastructure

Sustainability starts with innovation, collaboration, and bold leadership. As part of #TeamGEI’s Women in Water campaign, we’re featuring Cindy Tejeda, a Senior Water Resources Planner in Sacramento, whose work is shaping a more resilient future for water management. Cindy is leading efforts with the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency, helping break through technical and policy barriers to enhance system #resilience in the face of climate change. With a deep commitment to #watershed planning, she champions sustainable, community-driven solutions to today’s most complex water resource challenges. For Cindy, being a Woman in Water means paving the way for the next generation of scientists and engineers. Early in her career, women in her field were rare—but today, she’s proud to see greater representation, knowing that diverse voices drive better outcomes for our #environment and communities. Join us in celebrating Cindy and all the #WomenMakingWaves in water! To learn more about Cindy, flip through the graphic below and check out her bio on our website: https://ow.ly/xF5m50Vk5Qg. #WomenInWater

From March 5 – 7, #TeamGEI’s Jessica Mason, P.E. and Dacota Griffin attended the Georgia Association of Floodplain Management Association's Annual Conference in Savannah, GA. Our team had a great time meeting new and old friends and partners and participating in the great social events and sights around the city, including a Pedal & Pub event and seeing the Forsyth Park Fountain be dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. Congratulations to the winner of Buc-cee’s gift card raffle! #GAFM2025 #FloodplainManagement #JoinGEI

As we close out #NationalGroundwaterAwarenessWeek, we reflect on its mission—to educate, inspire, and advocate for the protection and sustainable management of this vital resource. To do so, we asked a few of our #groundwater specialists what got them into careers and why it matters to them. Lauren Gordon, P.G. Chris Petersen Solidea Bonina, Ph.D. Tom Daigle, P.G.