Baxter & Woodman appoints new president/CEO

Crystal Lake, Ill. — Baxter & Woodman, Inc. appointed John V. Ambrose, P.E., as president and CEO. The board of directors and shareholders approved the appointment at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting on April 15, 2015.

Ambrose is only the seventh president to lead the 70-year professional engineering firm and succeeds retiring President Steve Larson.  The firm employs more than 180 professional engineers, technicians, and support staff who are located in six offices throughout the Midwest. 

Ambrose joined Baxter & Woodman in 1984 and has 34 years of civil engineering experience, with specific expertise in the planning and design of transportation facilities. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Marquette University and is a registered Professional Engineer in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

Under his leadership, the firm’s transportation department grew in technical application, municipal and county government assignments, and design and construction services of major infrastructure for the Illinois and Wisconsin Departments of Transportation and the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.  His efforts have led to more than one-third of the firm’s annual revenue realized from transportation-related services.

Over the past 10 years, Ambrose has been a strong proponent for the firm’s expansion. He initiated the strategic opening of two new office locations to efficiently serve Baxter & Woodman's growing list of Chicago metropolitan area clients.

Throughout his career, Ambrose has served in executive, managerial, and technical roles related to public works infrastructure projects.  He is the chairman of the Risk Management Committee for the American Council of Engineering Companies.  Ambrose also helps industry professionals through participation on the DuPage Mayors and Managers Transportation Technical Committee, McHenry County Council of Mayors Methodology Review Committee, and the McHenry County Council of Government Transportation Committee.

“John has performed well in progressively responsible leadership positions since joining B&W,” said Larson. “John’s election to president/CEO is well-earned and I am confident in his ability to continue the  legacy of a firm that values its employees, clients, and an improved environment for future generations.”

“I am honored to have been selected as president.  Working with the many talented B&W staff members, industry peers, and our clients is a privilege.” stated Ambrose.