Carollo Engineers Appoints Farhan Shaikh As Vice President, Retains Alan Roberson As Water Policy Consultant

Leadership additions strengthen Carollo’s digital water capabilities and federal regulatory expertise

As water utilities navigate increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure and comply with evolving federal regulations, Carollo Engineers is strengthening its capabilities in both areas with two strategic appointments. The firm announced today that Farhan Shaikh has joined as vice president and senior strategic advisor for digital transformation and solutions. Alan Roberson, a nationally recognized leader in drinking water policy and regulation, has also been retained to support policy and advocacy efforts.

Shaikh brings deep experience in helping utilities deploy SCADA systems, asset management platforms, and data analytics tools that improve operational efficiency and decision-making. Roberson's more than three decades of experience developing federal drinking water regulations strengthens Carollo's ability to keep clients ahead of anticipated regulatory requirements and develop cost-effective compliance strategies.

“Farhan guides utilities in translating digital water concepts like real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integrated data platforms into implementation plans with clear timelines and measurable outcomes,” said Carollo Managing Director of Client Services Scott Hoff. “With Alan’s decades of experience shaping national drinking water policy, we help utilities anticipate and prepare for upcoming regulatory changes—from PFAS standards to Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Together, they strengthen how we support clients from early planning through implementation.”

Farhan Shaikh, vice president and senior strategic advisor
Atlanta-based Shaikh has almost 30 years of experience delivering solutions across the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. In his new role, Shaikh will work with clients to assess their digital readiness, identify technology solutions aligned with their operational goals, and facilitate implementation alongside Carollo’s Digital Water Technical Practice Lead Jennifer Steffens. He will coordinate with technology vendors to provide Carollo's clients with access to proven digital tools and emerging solutions.

As a senior strategic advisor, Shaikh will also help drive Carollo’s overall service offerings and creative solutions to new and existing clientele as part of the firm’s continued growth.

Most recently, Shaikh served at Jacobs as vice president and data and digital sales director, where he led strategy for data and digital solutions across the firm's North American infrastructure business. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Georgia State University.

"I'm passionate about helping utilities navigate their digital transformation journeys—whether that's implementing advanced SCADA systems, deploying predictive analytics and AI, or integrating operational data to make faster, more informed decisions,” said Shaikh. “Carollo has an outstanding reputation for solving the water industry's toughest challenges, and I look forward to collaborating with teams across the firm to deliver practical digital solutions for our clients and the communities they serve."

Alan Roberson, water policy and advocacy consultant
Based in Washington, D.C., Roberson is the former executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators and has more than 34 years of experience in drinking water policy and federal regulatory development. In his role at Carollo, Roberson will help utilities anticipate and prepare for upcoming regulations, represent clients in meetings with federal and state agencies, and develop regulatory compliance strategies for emerging contaminants and water quality standards.

Roberson developed much of his policy expertise during a 25-year tenure at the D.C. office of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). He has served on the Fairfax Water Board of Directors for over 16 years, providing governance direction and decision-making for the largest water system in Virginia, serving over 2 million people. In 2024, the AWWA Virginia Section honored him with the George Warren Fuller Award for distinguished service in the water supply field. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech, and is a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia.

"I'm excited to guide Carollo’s clients through the evolving regulatory landscape," said Roberson. “My relationships across EPA and state agencies will help utilities stay ahead of compliance requirements and translate new regulations into cost-effective implementation strategies that protect public health.”

About Carollo Engineers
For more than 90 years, Carollo Engineers has provided a full range of innovative planning, design, and construction management services to address the water needs of municipalities, public agencies, private developers, and industrial clients. Carollo develops robust water management strategies that leverage collaboration, provide multi-benefit solutions, and achieve sustainability and resilience. Carollo has 1,900 employees located in more than 60 offices across North America. For more inforamtion, visit www.carollo.com