James E. Koch

James E. Koch, Ph.D., P.E., is President, Federal Programs and Services for Michael Baker International. In this role, he is responsible for maximizing the company's portfolio and capabilities in Federal markets, including expanding relationships with Federal Civilian agencies. He also sets the tone for the company's approach to capturing more of the Federal market and promotes closer collaboration among our Federal team, Federal Centers of Excellence (FCOEs) and other areas of Operations.

Dr. Koch has more than 40 years of military and engineering firm experience with a rich background in federal and international programs. He spent the first half of his career with the United States Army, progressing through various positions in all aspects of engineering operations before serving as a Battalion and Joint Task Force Commander in Central America. His final assignment was as the Director, U.S. Army Engineer School’s Department of Tactics, Leadership & Engineering. Dr. Koch retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel before starting his career in the private sector. Prior to joining Michael Baker International, he served in senior leadership positions where he managed and led projects, programs and operations across the United States and in numerous other countries.

Dr. Koch is a Fellow in both the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and the Society of American Military Engineers. He is also a member of the Lean Construction Institute, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Army Engineer Association and the Construction Management Association of America. Throughout his career, Dr. Koch has received numerous awards, including the United States Department of Defense Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster and the Army Engineer Association Bronze and Silver Order of the de Fleury Medals.

Dr. Koch holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from Washington and Lee University. He earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering and the Degree of Engineer in Construction Engineering and Management from Stanford University. He also has a Ph.D. in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri - Rolla. In 2020, Dr. Koch was selected as an ASCE Fellow, a prestigious honor held by only three percent of ASCE members.