Carlson Named WSP USA Northern California Environmental Planning Manager

Environmental veteran’s responsibilities include oversight of firm’s Northern California environmental planning efforts.

SAN FRANCISCO  — David Carlson has joined WSP USA, a leading engineering and professional services consultancy, as the firm’s Northern California environmental manager. He will lead development of the firm’s growing environmental planning practice in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Sacramento.

Carlson brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation, sustainability, environmental policy development and program implementation to his new role based in the firm’s San Francisco office. He will collaborate with WSP staff assigned to the California High-Speed Rail program, ensuring that the capabilities of the firm’s environmental planning staff are best applied to meet the client’s needs and explore opportunities to expand the firm’s service offerings. 

“David has developed strategies to market environmental and sustainability services to transportation clients, as well as delivering transportation sustainability plans and programs,” said Sam Morrissey, WSP planning and environmental manager for California and Nevada. “With key relationships across California, the Western U.S. and nationally, David is a welcome addition to some of our most high-profile pursuits and projects.”

Carlson has built climate adaptation programs and practices, developing climate adaptation strategies for municipal and regional clients using his knowledge of multiple environmental programs and regulations, innovative sustainability and climate adaptation strategies.

He recently served as transportation and climate adaptation planning director for a California environmental services practice, involved in sustainability and climate change mitigation, as well as adaptation for transportation and community development projects. Previously, he was vice president and director of sustainable development for a U.S.-based engineering services firm.

Carlson began his career in federal service, first as a life scientist and program management specialist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, followed by service as a team leader and environmental protection specialist with the U.S. Department of Transportation. In those roles, he coordinated and performed environmental analysis and reviews of more than 150 transportation projects and plans, from transit to highways, bridges and tunnels, ports and airports.

Carlson is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Transportation Research Board, American Public Transportation Association, the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, and is a board member of the Bay Planning Coalition.

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. wsp.com