Michael Baker International Introduces the GovTech Vertical Leadership Team

Firm continues to add high-impact talent and forms Innovation Accelerator Lab and Technology Committee

6/18/2025 12:00:00 AM

PITTSBURGH (June 18, 2025) –  Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, consulting and technology services, is expanding its team with high-impact technology talent across all areas of the business as it grows its differentiated capabilities and market presence.  This continued investment in top-tier people underscores the firm’s commitment to industry leadership and delivering exceptional value to clients.

These investments reinforce Michael Baker’s position as the trusted partner for federal, state and local governments through its offering of a unique combination of national experience with local capabilities through its three strategic business units—Infrastructure, Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) and GovTech. The company also formed its Technology Committee to drive the strategic technology roadmap and the Innovation Accelerator Lab to transform concepts into high-impact solutions including AI, Cloud, Digital Modernization and Cybersecurity.

Over the past two years, the firm has accelerated the growth of the GovTech vertical through targeted investments and strategic acquisitions, resulting in three differentiated solution areas: Public Safety Solutions, Digital Government Solutions and Tech-Enabled Solutions. These focus areas enable the delivery of seamless, secure and citizen-centric digital services in support of Michael Baker’s full continuum of solutions. The table below further outlines the distinct capabilities within each of the three GovTech solution areas:

"By integrating our expertise in infrastructure, program and construction management and cutting-edge technology, we aim to provide governments with a seamless, turnkey experience—one that is defined by expertise, efficiency and ease of use,” said Brian A. Lutes, CEO at Michael Baker International. “Our vision is to be the advisor of choice through the full lifecycle of our clients’ needs. The continued growth of the GovTech team will enable us to deliver a full continuum of solutions that truly Make a Difference in the communities our clients support.”

The company has assembled a dynamic, high-energy GovTech leadership team composed of seasoned experts from across the technology landscape. This team approach ensures agile leadership, deep bench strength and a platform for future growth as Michael Baker continues to expand its GovTech team:

• The firm welcomes Juliane Swatt as President, GovTech. Ms. Swatt brings more than 25 years of technology industry experience across multiple leading providers including Maximus, Amazon Web Services, Conduent, Xerox Services, IBM and HP Enterprise.
• David Knigge and Stefano Esposito, Co-founders of AstreaX, bring more than 60 years of combined experience in the technology field with a diverse range of experience from executive to consultant to IT project delivery. They will lead the development and growth of the firm’s Digital Government Solutions, with significant value-add to clients through their Portal, Licensing & Permitting and Digital Factory capabilities that can deliver powerful digital solutions in a robust, efficient and timely manner.
• Mitch Pinkston, Chief Executive Officer of DATAMARK Technologies. He is an industry veteran in the public safety technology industry and spearheads the growth of the integrated public safety product suites, expanding the client base and leading strategic growth initiatives. He is supported by veteran members of DATAMARK Technologies: Bob Murphy, Chief Revenue Officer; Leigh Tewinkle, Chief Operating Officer; Ashley Buzzeo, Chief Technical Officer and Justin Armbrust, Chief Financial Officer.
• Tim Jenkins, Chief Strategy Officer of DATAMARK Technologies, joined the firm with 40 years of experience leading large-scale businesses in the public safety and wireless communication industries and held leadership positions at Comtech Telecom Corporation, General Dynamics Information Technology and Intrado Life & Safety. Alongside Mr. Pinkston, Mr. Jenkins fosters client relationships and strategic partnerships, evaluates key growth opportunities and guides strategic planning and initiatives.
• Chris Grollnek, Vice President, Public Safety Indoor Mapping, joined the firm as an internationally recognized expert in preventing active shooters and countering domestic terrorism. Grollnek is driving the expansion of the integrated indoor mapping platform solutions and overseeing the technology innovations to advance the firm’s mission and deliver tailored solutions including digital twin and school safety.
• Jason Padgett, as the Senior Vice President of Operations for GovTech, is responsible for driving operational excellence through the implementation of efficient and effective systems, processes and financial management to enable the delivery of outstanding services to Michael Baker’s clients. He brings more than 25 years of information technology and service industry leadership experience with public technology companies including Kyndryl and IBM.
• Kermit Maynard joined Michael Baker as Vice President, Corporate Development for GovTech. With nearly 20 years of technology and sales experience across leading technology businesses including DevRev, Intel and Amazon Web Services, Mr. Maynard drives business growth, manages strategic projects and builds strong client relationships that leverage the full suite of Michael Baker’s GovTech offerings.

About Michael Baker International
Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering, consulting and technology services spanning three distinct Verticals: Infrastructure, Integrated Design and Advisory (IDA) and GovTech. The firm’s Practices encompass all facets of infrastructure, including design and civil engineering for diverse bridge, highway, water, rail and transit and aviation projects, as well as planning, architecture, environmental and construction and program management. For 85 years, the company has been a trusted partner to clients, providing comprehensive services and solutions, delivering expertise and quality, and embracing emerging technologies and the latest innovations – like intelligent transportation, engineered models and public safety software as a service (SaaS).

The company has more than 5,100 employees across more than 90 office locations. Michael Baker’s Wolf Pack is committed to Making a Difference for clients and communities through a culture of innovation, collaboration and technological advancement while evolving its business to become a full-service engineering and consulting firm.

To learn more, visit https://mbakerintl.com/.

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