VHB Announces Next President & CEO, Bill Ashworth

Ashworth will be the fourth President & CEO in firm’s 46-year history.

Watertown, MA — VHB proudly announcesthat Chief Operating Officer Bill Ashworth, PE, ENV SP, has been selected as the firm’s next President & CEO. Ashworth is an instrumental partner on VHB’s leadership team and has played a key role in positioning VHB to scale, grow, and thrive to meet the needs of clients and communities as VHB works to create a more sustainable future.

Ashworth has been making a positive impact at VHB since joining the firm early in his career as a traffic engineer in the firm’s Providence, RI, office. His career progression reflects his commitment and leadership. He advanced through various roles within the Rhode Island office, including Transportation Director and Managing Director. Ashworth later served as New England Regional Manager before being appointed as Chief Operating Officer in 2017.

“I’ve been fortunate to have been given opportunities to grow my career at VHB alongside incredible colleagues over the past 29 years. I truly love this company, and I care deeply about our people, our purpose, and our future,” shared Ashworth. “It’s an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead our Generational Company.”

A true steward of VHB, Ashworth’s unwavering commitment to VHB’s people, clients, and future is always evident. “During the interview process for the President & CEO role, Bill outlined a very compelling, future-focused Vivid Description for achieving VHB’s Vision and success, demonstrating his deep and thoughtful consideration of the rapid pace of change and looking out longer-term,” said Mike Carragher, President & CEO.

VHB’s leadership transition process underpins the strength of the firm’s Generational Company philosophy—to provide opportunities for everyone to fulfill their greatest potential and pass the company on to the next generation of leaders. 

Carragher will remain President & CEO for the remainder of 2025. Bill will officially take on his role as President in January 2026, working towards his full transition into the President & CEO role in July 2026. Carragher will continue to serve as VHB Chair for the next several years.

About VHB VHB’s 2,200 inspired and innovative professionals include engineers, scientists, planners, and designers who partner with public and private clients in the transportation, real estate, institutional, and energy markets, as well as federal, state, and local governments. Together, they work to improve mobility, enhance communities and economic vitality, and balance development and infrastructure needs with environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.vhb.com.