Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International on Sept. 29 announced that the firm has welcomed Mike Salmon as Regional Practice Lead – Design-Build. In this role, Salmon will collaborate with the firm’s Operations teams to “promote Michael Baker’s Design-Build capabilities, build winning teams for project pursuits and engage with contractors and owners to position the firm for success.”
“Michael Baker has a long-standing commitment to innovation and collaboration in the Design-Build space, delivering tailored solutions that solve complex infrastructure challenges, accelerate project completion and drive cost savings,” said Eric Ostfeld, President, Design-Build Services at Michael Baker International. “Mike brings deep experience delivering mega projects for public and private clients to his new role, and his leadership will be key to advancing our Design-Build practice. I look forward to partnering with Mike as we position Michael Baker for continued growth and reinforce our reputation for excellence in alternative delivery methods.”
Salmon is a Design-Build leader with more than 30 years of experience managing $500M+ alternative delivery and infrastructure projects. He is an expert in RFQ/RFP strategy, risk management, project pricing and proposal development. Salmon joins Michael Baker after nearly 15 years with Graham Contracting, Ltd., where he was District Manager in Colorado. Earlier in his career, he was a Project Manager / Design-Build Construction Manager with Tri-State Construction in Washington.
Salmon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences from Washington State University.
G&W
G&W recently announced via LinkedIn that Philip Sylvester, General Manager of the company’s Georgia Southwestern Railroad (GSWR), Heart of Georgia Railroad (HOG), Valdosta Railway (VR), and Columbus & Chattahoochee Railroad (CCH), has been inducted into the 2025 FAMU Hall of Fame, “honoring his rise from HBCU student-athlete to leadership in the railroad industry.”
On Sept.26, 2025, Sylvester, who was a former running back for the FAMU football team, joined a distinguished class of 15 elite honorees recognized for their contributions and record-breaking performances.
As a civil engineering graduate, Sylvester became the General Manager of GSWR and several short line railroads throughout Georgia, “proving that with resilience, new paths can lead to exciting adventures,” stated FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, the joint college of Florida A&M University and Florida State University, in a LinkedIn post. “Just like in football, it’s all about teamwork. Our mission is to deliver safe, reliable service, which is important for our economy,” Sylvester said.
“His success story exemplifies the value of HBCU engineering education and the career pathways available to graduates who leverage both their technical training and leadership experience gained through athletics,” the college said.
