WHAT’S NEW & WHO’S NEWS
Westchester Hires Consulting Firm to Design Westchester County Airport’s Modernization
WHITE PLAINS —Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced on March 4 the selection of Kansas City, MO-based HNTB to lead the comprehensive feasibility study and concept design for the modernization of the terminal at Westchester County Airport (HPN).
The selection marks a significant milestone in the county’s effort to reimagine the decades-old terminal and deliver a more modern, efficient and passenger-friendly experience, while maintaining full county ownership and operational control of the airport.
Mr. Jenkins said: “We all deeply value flying out of Westchester County Airport, but the reality is the currently terminal is not functional for basic needs like having a cup of coffee, sitting down on a chair or going to the bathroom. When flying out of HPN, we want our passengers to be safe and comfortable. Selecting HNTB with industry-leading expertise in airport planning and design is an important step toward delivering that experience. This is not expansion this is modernization–and we desperately need it.”
The selection follows a procurement process conducted by the county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation that included national research to identify firms with demonstrated expertise in terminal concept planning and aviation design.
As part of the feasibility study, HNTB will work with county and airport leadership and engage stakeholders to develop and evaluate distinct terminal modernization concepts. The study will focus on reimagining the existing terminal configuration while aligning the facility with current industry standards and today’s passenger expectations.
Chair of the Airport Advisory Board Nick Hartman said: “The passenger terminal at HPN has served our community for decades, but it’s time to bring the customer experience in line with what travelers expect in 2026 and beyond —within the operational limits that define HPN’s unique character. The Airport Advisory Board is eager to partner with the county in shaping what comes next for this vital gateway for our region.”
A Pre-Qualification Board convened in August, followed by review by the Professional Selection Board in September. Eleven nationally recognized firms were approved to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process. After careful evaluation of submissions, interviews and technical review, HNTB was recommended to the County Executive for final approval.
The RFP called for a comprehensive feasibility study that will produce distinct terminal modernization concepts. The study will include:
- Maintaining the existing terminal footprint, while fully reimagining the current 96,000/sf, three-level structure and its 700-linear-foot frontage.
- Evaluating adjacent areas that may be repurposed, including frontage roadways, loading dock areas and rental car quick-turn and ready lots.
- Aligning the redesigned terminal with current industry standards and passenger expectations.
Throughout the study and all future phases, the county will uphold all Terminal Use Regulations (TUR), including the 240-passenger-per-half-hour operational limit. The county will continue to engage the Airport Advisory Board and stakeholders as the project advances.
Most recently HNTB supported Garden City Regional Airport in the delivery of a new terminal and currently serves as the program manager for the John F. Kennedy International Airport Redevelopment Program. HNTB also served as architect- and structural engineer-of-record on the Des Moines International Airport’s 22-gate expansion project.
Skanska Adds Recruiting, Precon Talent to Firm’s Advanced Technology Operating Unit
NEW YORK— Skanska recently announced the appointment of Jeff Smoker to senior VP of Preconstruction and Bill Fowles to senior talent acquisition partner for its building operations. Both will support Skanska’s Advanced Technology operating unit, which serves mission-critical and semiconductor infrastructure.
“As investment surges across data center and semiconductor markets, the ability to execute with speed and precision matters more than ever,” said Anita Nelson, executive officer of Skanska Advanced Technology and Skanska Integrated Solutions for Skanska USA Building. “Our investment in top-tier talent like Jeff and Bill reinforces our capacity to adapt to solve complex challenges and deliver certainty at a time when skilled leadership and talent are the ultimate differentiators.”
Mr. Smoker was promoted after serving as VP of Project Planning in Cincinnati, OH, since 2018. During his tenure, he led more than $1 billion in preconstruction volume, supporting the organization’s robust business strategy, and overseeing planning, estimating and preconstruction efforts for large scale national projects from Ohio. His leadership brings deep expertise in risk management, strategic growth and operational excellence, capabilities that are vital to Skanska Advanced Technology’s continued success. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of Cincinnati and is based in Ohio.
Mr. Fowles joins Skanska with over 15 years of global experience in recruiting construction and engineering talent for data centers, semiconductor and battery production facilities. Most recently, Mr. Fowles was key in driving innovative, hands-on recruitment mapping strategies for a global contractor, particularly recruiting high-demand Mechanical, Engineering and Plumbing (MEP) talent across North and South America.
Mr. Fowles’ career has taken him through progressively strategic recruitment roles in the technology industry, with stints at IBM, Red Hat and BAE Systems, giving him a deep knowledge of the supply-and-demand challenge for skilled talent in the data center market. Mr. Fowles will continue to source high impact talent for Skanska’s national mission-critical projects. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University and is based in North Carolina.