Client Services Director, Jim Frank, and GIS Technician, Chantal Sisko, collaborated on an article about the value for municipalities in using GIS Mapping that appears in the February edition of Pennsylvania Borough News. The monthly magazine is published by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs (PSAB). Jim also provided a second article in the publication with helpful tips for municipalities considering infrastructure projects. A digital version of the magazine is available to subscribers at: https://boroughs.org/diginews.php.
Donald Fix, IV, E.I.T. – PA Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2025
Donald L. Fix, IV, E.I.T., Bridge Inspection/Structural Field Services Director, was selected for PA Business Central’s Top 100 People for 2025. Don began at the firm in 2007. Don started as a Designer I and advanced to Bridge Inspection/Structural Field Services Director.
Don’s experience includes performing structural design on highway and bridge projects including single and multi-span structures of various material makeups. In addition to preparation of structural drawings, specifications, and quantity estimates, he is skilled in construction designs including temporary excavation support and protection systems, jacking schemes, falsework, erection plans, and shielding, as well as demolition analysis and procedures. He is a CBSI (Certified Bridge Safety Inspector) and analyzes bridge structures for load capacity ratings. As Director, Don collaborates with company leadership to compliment, coordinate and manage client recommendations.
Most importantly, Don is married to wife, Stacy, along with his beautiful children; daughter Paisley and son, Donnie. Don enjoys coaching youth baseball and spending time snow skiing with his family.
We are so proud to have Don as part of our PJL Team! Congrats Don!!
Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Government: It’s Your Business
Our firm was the proud title sponsor of the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Government: It’s Your Business. The event was held on January 24th in Bedford, PA. The key speakers were Mike Stiles, JR Winck, and Deb Baughman; Bedford County Commissioners. Jim Frank, Client Services Director of our firm, also gave a brief presentation. Staff participating in the luncheon, along with the Bedford County Commissioners, are pictured from left to right: Ryan Granville, Highway Engineer IV; Betsy Lehman, Special Projects Director; Jim Frank, Client Services Director; JR Winck, Bedford Co Commissioner; Deb Baughman, Bedford Co. Commissioner; Joe Lehman, President; Mike Stiles, Bedford Co. Commissioner; Ken Szala, Land Development/Municipal Services Director; Scott Klingenberg, Environmental Services Director; and Dave Butterbaugh, Survey and Geospatial Services Director.
Chantal Sisko, Environmental Scientist & GIS Technician II, Receives Certification
Our firm would like to extend our congratulations to Chantal Sisko, Environmental Scientist & GIS Technician II. In November, Chantal took 3 days of training in Penoni, Mechanicsburg, PA. After the final exam held on January 21st, she obtained her certification as a licensed Lead Inspector. Great job!
UPMC Altoona Foundation Winter Splendor
Several of our staff, and their family and friends, were able to partake in the UPMC Altoona Foundation Winter Splendor. The event was held on Fri. Jan. 17th at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA. Festivities included Healthcare Honor Awards, Gift Basket Raffles, 50/50, a delicious dinner and a unique “Silent Disco”.
“Raise the Barn” for Dreams Go On!
As part of the December 5th Groundbreaking, our firm is involved in an exciting Holiday Raise the Barn Campaign! Please see details and reach out to Betsy Lehman, Special Projects Director. There are many opportunities to get involved.
Robert D. “Bob” Bryant, P.E., new role as Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Adviser
P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., Consulting Engineers is pleased to announce that Robert D. “Bob” Bryant, P.E., will be transitioning into a new role as the firm’s Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Adviser. Bob, of Hollidaysburg, is also a Partner in Lehman Engineers and has been a Project Engineer in the firm’s Highway Department for an incredible 50 years. In his new responsibilities, he will be central to overseeing the firm’s strategies and objectives to ensure high quality project outcomes and processes are met. The role includes enhancing current company procedures and policies while collaborating with all teams to uphold quality industry standards.
Bob was hired in June 1974 following his graduation from Penn State University with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Water Resources. He earned his Professional Engineering license in Pennsylvania in 1981 and has managed hundreds of transportation projects across the state for Lehman Engineers during his career. These include the recent $28-million Sideling Hill Service Plaza Parking Expansion in Fulton County for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and the S.R. 601 Bridge Replacement over the Turnpike in Somerset.
“We are thrilled to have Chuck and Bob assuming these new, key leadership responsibilities at Lehman Engineers,” Company President Joe Lehman, Jr., P.E., said. “For decades, both (Chuck Meyers and Bob) have displayed exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to the success of our firm. I am confident they will excel in these new roles, which will position us for even greater success in the future.”
Charles R. “Chuck” Meyers, P.E. to serve as new Transportation Services Director
P. Joseph Lehman, Inc., Consulting Engineers is pleased to announce the promotion of Charles R. “Chuck” Meyers, P.E. to serve as its new Transportation Services Director. Chuck, of Altoona, is a Partner in Lehman Engineers. He will be responsible for leading and managing the transportation services department, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of transportation projects and services. The role involves strategic planning, project oversight, business development, technical expertise, and collaboration with various stakeholders.
Chuck joined the firm in 1997 after graduating from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and earned his Professional Engineering license in Pennsylvania in 2002. During his 27 years with Lehman Engineers as a member of its Highway Team, he has worked on numerous transportation-related projects across the state as a Project Manager, Lead Highway Engineer and Project Engineer. Among the transformational projects he has managed include the U.S. 22 Frankstown Intersection Safety Improvements in Blair County, and the 7th Street Bridge Replacement in the City of Altoona. Chuck is a member of the American Society of Highway Engineers and serves on the Blair County Chamber’s Transportation Committee.
Kiwanis Annual Christmas Party
Betsy Lehman, Special Projects Director, and Joe Lehman, President, helped spread some Christmas cheer on 12/11/24. They both attended the Kiwanis annual Christmas party and had a visit from Santa. Betsy has been an active member, as well as past president, for many years in Kiwanis. She has been actively spreading community awareness and involved with organizational projects such as the annual pancake breakfast. This event, however, Joe said, “It’s all about the kids! Tis the season!”
Dreams Go On Barn Groundbreaking Ceremony
We are proud to work with partners and leaders in our community on the New Barn project for Dreams Go On! The groundbreaking, held on December 5th, was well attended—and a bit chilly!
P. JOSEPH LEHMAN, Inc. Consulting Engineers is providing overall project management including grantsmanship services, site design, and site inspection for the project. Bowman Excavation, Paving & Concrete Construction is performing all site work. The general contractor for the barn construction is Lawruk Builders. Inc. Joseph A. Oricko Architect & Associates, P.C. is providing barn design and inspection. Reliance Bank has provided financing for the unfunded liability.
A $1 million PA state grant to support the Dreams Go On, Inc. Therapeutic Riding Center was among several Blair County projects approved on March 16, 2023, for financing from the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The CFA approved the Dreams Go On, Inc. grant from Local Share Account (LSA) funding, which uses gaming revenue, not tax dollars, to support projects in the public interest across the commonwealth. Through the LSA Program, grant sponsor Frankstown Township, of Blair County, PA was awarded $1 million on behalf of Dreams Go On, Inc., for construction and engineering costs associated with building a new barn and indoor riding facility. Thanks to Rep. Gregory and Senator Judy Ward for helping to make the million dollar facility a possibility with the LSA Grant!
Since the $1 million LSA grant will not cover the entire cost of the new facility, Dreams Go On, Inc. has begun fundraising. The group hopes to raise multiyear commitments from local supporters for the $400,000 in unfunded liability through naming sponsorships and fundraisers. Interested donors should contact the DGO Barn Fundraising Chairperson, Betsy Lehman at BLehman@LehmanEngineers.com or 814-381-5527. Lehman will also meet with large and small groups interested in conducting fundraisers for Dreams GO On, Inc. Unfilled horse stall rental will also become a source of additional revenue. Donations to support the “Raise the Barn” fund can be made online at: https://www.dreamsgoon.com/donations or mail checks payable to Dreams Go On, Inc. (Memo: Raise the Barn Fund), c/o Betsy Lehman/ Brenda Fix 311 Heather Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602.
Partners in Dreams Go On Barn Groundbreaking Ceremony(From Left to Right): Joe Lehman, P.E., President of P. JOSEPH LEHMAN, Inc. Consulting Engineers; Jim Frank, Client Services Director, P. JOSEPH LEHMAN, Inc. Consulting Engineers; Rick Bowman, Owner of Bowman Excavation, Paving & Concrete; Joe Oricko, Joseph A. Oricko Architect & Associates, P.C.; Blair County Commissioner: Dave Kessling; Morey A. Lawruk, Vice President of Lawruk Builders, Inc.; Sarah Stanley, DGO Instructor; Senator Judy Ward of PA’s 30th District; “Rocky” DGO Horse; State Representative Jim Gregory of PA’s 80th District; Cory Tubo, Senior Vice President of Reliance Bank; Deb Kelly, DGO Program Manager; Tracy Pellegrino, DGO Steering Committee Chairwoman; Dana Gority, DGO President of the Board of Directors; and representatives from Frankstown Township: Manager H.T Fownes, Board of Supervisors Chairman George Henry, and Vice Chairman James Callahan.