Gebriel Brings Texas Flood Mitigation Expertise To WSP USA

A 24-year career managing water resource and floodplain management projects statewide provides Alem Gebriel distinct knowledge of the region’s flood control challenges and broad experience in meeting them.

Water resource and flood planning expert Alem Gebriel has been hired as the Texas water resources technical lead for WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy.

Based in Houston, Gebriel will leverage significant local knowledge and specialized expertise to help clients advance critical flood mitigation efforts. He will manage WSP’s technical teams, lead client partnering and civic engagement activities and deliver integrated water resources projects to WSP’s regional clients.

“Texas’ constant challenges with extreme and recurring flooding are well-known,” Gebriel said. “What’s unique about Texas right now is the focus that local, state and federal leaders are placing on advancing holistic solutions that will make communities more resilient. It’s important to me to help make these solutions a reality, and with WSP’s capabilities in flood planning, hazard mitigation and resilient design, I believe we can.”

Gebriel specializes in hydrology and hydraulic studies related to water supply, surface water quantity and quality control and floodplain analysis. He is well-respected for designing cost-effective solutions for water infrastructure improvement, flooding recovery and reduction programs, river basin water management, and stormwater runoff pollutant evaluation.

Prior to joining WSP, Gebriel spent nine years with Harris County Flood Control District in Houston as project manager and hydrology and hydraulics section manager. Earlier he served as a Houston-based water resources engineer for a private consulting firm, and for the Tarrant Regional Water District.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Alem joining our team in Texas,” said Chin Lien, director of water for WSP USA. “His exceptional experience and technical leadership sharpen our understanding of the region’s most pressing water-related issues and provide considerable value to our clients in their flood control planning and mitigation efforts.”

Gebriel earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Addis Ababa University, master’s degree in agricultural engineering from Iowa State University, and doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from Texas Tech University.

He is active in professional organizations such as the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Association of State Floodplain Managers and involved in various capacities in the Houston community and the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

About WSP USA
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 9,500 employees in 150 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. For more information, visit wsp.com.