2025 Rising Stars in the AEC Industry: Kaitlin Wright, PE

Assistant Department Manager – Water Infrastructure 

Baxter & Woodman, Inc. 

Crystal Lake, IL 

Bio: Kaitlin Wright, PE, is a standout leader in civil engineering, known for her technical expertise and community-driven approach to water infrastructure. Since joining Baxter & Woodman in 2014, she has advanced from an engineering intern to the assistant department manager of the Infrastructure Department.   Kaitlin leads multimillion-dollar projects while mentoring engineering students and the young professionals on her team.  A respected speaker and educator, Kaitlin has grown as Baxter & Woodman’s expert on the state and federal laws that are put into place to maintain safe drinking water for communities. Kaitlin regularly delivers seminars on lead service line compliance and regulatory updates. Through her leadership on the Board of B&W Cares, NFP and other outreach programs, she demonstrates a profound commitment to public service, environmental health, and professional mentorship. 

Projects & Accomplishments:  

Lead Service Line Replacement Programs across 30+ Illinois communities helping communities maintain safe drinking water;  

Emergency Response Plans for 36 communities helping ensure water utilities are prepared in an unexpected water outage scenario;  

Presenter about state and federal laws impacting the replacements of lead service lines at multiple Village Boards and Associations including recently the ISAWWA’s  2024 Illinois Water Regulatory Update and 2025 WATERCON ;  

2025 Illinois American Water Works Association’s Women’s Hydrant Hysteria Champion representing Illinois at the American Water Works Association conference ACE in June 2025. 

Board member for Baxter & Woodman’s charity B&W Cares and instrumental with the development of annual goals and initiatives supporting charity donations of over $100,000 a year while encouraging employee engagement and volunteering at charity events. 

Founding member of Baxter & Woodman’s Young Professional leadership committee whose goal is to provide leadership training and networking opportunities for nearly 190 young professionals. 

Active volunteer at multiple community events including United Way, Habitat for Humanity,  Block Build MKE and Northern Illinois Food Bank 

Professional & Community Involvement:  

Board Secretary, B&W Cares 501 (c ) 3 Non Profit;  

Committee Member, ISAWWA Sewer Collection Committee;  

Annual volunteer judge, ISAWWA Water Model Competition;  

Competitor, ISAWWA Hydrant Hysteria Women’s Team.