Louis Berger names Dr. Ernest Portfors as new chairman

Morristown, N.J. — Louis Berger announced that Ernest Portfors, Ph.D., P.Eng., will assume the role of chairman of the board of directors effective July 1, 2016. Dr. Portfors, who has been a member of the Louis Berger board since 2008, was voted in as chairman by the board following the retirement announcement of outgoing chairman Nicholas Masucci last month.

“Ernest is an exceptional leader who is highly respected both by the board and within our industry,” said Jim Stamatis, Louis Berger president and CEO. “As a long standing member of our board and as the former chairman of one of our affiliate brands, Ernest has both a deep knowledge of our industry and of Louis Berger. He was a natural selection to assume the chairman role.”

Dr. Portfors has helped facilitate two executive transitions – in 2010 and in 2015 – as a member of the board of directors. As a member of the audit committee, he oversaw the company’s extensive post-2010 modernization and reform efforts. Previously, he served as chairman of Klohn Crippen Berger from 2006 to 2011.

Dr. Portfors held leadership positions within Klohn Crippen Berger as president and CEO, senior vice president of engineering and vice president for the Pacific region. During his tenure as chairman at Klohn Crippen Berger, Dr. Portfors led the company to be one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. He holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and has more than 45 years of experience in technical reviews, project management and designs for major water resources, hydroelectric, mining and transportation projects worldwide.