VHB opens South Portland, Maine office

WATERTOWN, MASS. — Planning, transportation, land development, energy and environmental services firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. (VHB) opened its newest office in South Portland, Maine. The new location comes after serving Maine clients for 30 years and further solidifies VHB’s dedication to the state as a true member of the Maine community.

“The opening of the South Portland office advances our strategic goal to continue to grow our northern New England practice — now comprised of more than 100 employees in offices in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine,” said Executive Vice President and New England Regional Manager, Frank O’Callaghan, PE. “We’re very happy to finally call Maine home. Establishing a strong local presence in the state allows us to better serve our existing clients and continue to help shape the future of the state.”

VHB provides consulting services in Maine to many state and federal agencies, municipalities, institutions and private businesses including, the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Turnpike Authority, the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System, Acadia National Park and the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority.

With the opening of the new office, VHB welcomes Gil Paquette and George Campbell, who will help the firm grow its practice in the state. Paquette, formerly of TRC, has joined VHB and will manage the South Portland office and direct the firm’s energy and environmental services in Maine. Paquette has 20 years of experience in energy and natural resources, and is well-known and respected by the Maine utility industry, state and federal regulators, and others. His expertise includes planning, permitting and compliance, and program management for clients engaged in electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, hydro power relicensing and compliance, and renewable energy.

“Paquette’s experience, coupled with VHB’s established energy practice, will help us grow our energy and environmental services in Maine,” explained O’Callaghan. “We’re also eager to begin expanding upon our strong transportation practice in the state and provide our clients with accessibility to local resources.”

Campbell has a long history of serving Maine, having been Commissioner of Transportation and Mayor of Portland. He also served as President of the Maine Municipal Association and CEO of CBRE/The Boulos Company.

VHB’s Tim Bryant, PE, will lead the delivery of transportation services in Maine, relocating from the firm’s Bedford, New Hampshire office. Bryant joined VHB 20 years ago and has worked extensively in Maine throughout his career.

Paquette said, “We’re looking forward to continuing to team with clients and partners to help shape the economic future of Maine and we’re excited for the opportunity to work with new clients on new projects that meet Maine’s needs.”