Press Release

GEI’s Ira Beer, Jim Nickerson, and Ben Sawa Promoted to Vice President

February 13, 2018

Boston, MA – GEI Consultants, Inc., one of the nation’s leading geotechnical, environmental, water resources, and ecological science and engineering firms, announced today that Ira Beer, Jim Nickerson, and Ben Sawa were appointed to Vice President by GEI’s Board of Directors.

“I would like to congratulate Ira, Jim, and Ben for their continued commitment to GEI’s success. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a proven ability to grow our business” said President Ron Palmieri.

Ira Beer, PE – Vice President

Ira is a Professional Engineer with more than 22 years of experience. Ira’s areas of expertise include excavation support systems, caissons, micropile foundations and computer modeling of structures and soil-structure interaction. He is proficient in structural engineering design with a focus on designing temporary works for contractors including design of column load transfers and, resupport systems, underpinning, cofferdams and trestles. His critical thinking skills are essential during project construction to help resolve unexpected conditions as they are encountered.

He was a member of Technical Committee and the Subcommittee on Soils and Foundations responsible for preparing the 2014 revision to the NYC Building Code. He is currently serving on the same committees for the upcoming 2019 revision of the NYC Building Code.

Ira holds a M.S in Structural Engineering, Stanford University and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Jim Nickerson, PE – Vice President

Jim is a Professional Engineer, Branch Manager, and Senior Project Manager in GEI’s Boston, MA office. Jim has 18 years of experience specializing in evaluation, planning and design of a dam and flood control projects throughout the United States.  Jim is an expert in leading multi-disciplinary teams of engineers and scientists. He has a strong technical background with emphasis on geotechnical engineering and seismic stability. Jim served as Project Manager for several seismic improvement designs at dams and coal ash ponds. He also served as the Engineer of Record for several floodwall and setback levee design projects in and for multiple levee system Improvements in East including seepage cutoff walls, sheet pile bulkhead replacements, closure structure renovations and pump station repairs. He was the Lead Geotechnical Engineer for the design of a 6-mile setback levee in Marysville, CA.

Jim holds a M.S. in Civil Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Union College and is a licensed professional engineer in CT, MA, IA, TN, VA, WA

Ben Sawa – Vice President

Ben Sawa is the Director of Marketing in GEI’s Boston, MA office. Throughout his fifteen years at GEI he has held various positions within the firm including roles in geotechnical engineering, geology, corporate finance and accounting, mergers and acquisitions, operations and marketing. In his current role Ben oversees all marketing functions including strategic planning, client positioning, market research and analysis, account management, strategic pursuits, and external communications. Recently, Ben has overseen the launch of GEI’s new website, a brand refresh, and the expansion and restructuring of the marketing department throughout multiple GEI offices.

Ben is a former President of SMPS Boston and remains active in several industry organizations and is currently on the Board of Directors of PWC Boston.

Media Contact:

Leann Gebhardt
Marketing Communications Manager
400 Unicorn Park Drive
Woburn, MA 01801
lgebhardt@geiconsultants.com