Dewberry names VP, business development director

Jay Harper joins the Fairfax-based engineering consulting firm

Published September 17, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Fairfax-based engineering consulting firm Dewberry announced Wednesday it has hired Jay Harper as vice president and business development director in the company’s federal group.

With more than 15 years of experience, Harper is the former senior adviser to the administrator with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In his new role, he will work with Dewberry’s federal clients, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey and FEMA.

Harper has also previously worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and during his career has focused on emergency management, government affairs, federal procurement, strategic communications, grants management, regulatory compliance, private-sector engagement and interagency coordination. He earned his bachelor’s degree in general business studies from Louisiana State University.

Founded in 1956, Dewberry offers engineering, geospatial, survey, mapping, environmental and construction services to government and commercial clients. The company employs a total of 2,000 people across more than 50 locations. Last year, it reported $470.8 million in revenue. In late July, the company announced it would provide quality assurance services for the entire $3.8 billion Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) project — the largest construction project in Virginia and the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) history.