RALEIGH — WSP, a leading engineering, environment and professional services consultancy in the U.S., hired Damien Graham as local business leader for the Carolinas, a role focused on driving operational growth and team leadership for public and private sector clients within both states.
“Damien will play a pivotal role in helping us strengthen our presence and impact with our clients in growth markets across the Carolinas,” said Claudia Bilotto, senior vice president and southeast district leader at WSP. “His people leadership and public affairs acumen is a tremendous asset.”
Graham brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications and public affairs, plus grassroots organizing and community outreach. Most recently, he was communications director for the City of Raleigh, where he managed city-wide communications for an organization of 7,000 employees with a $1 billion budget. He also collaborated with top city officials on messaging, crisis response and public engagement.
Notably, his career background also includes nine years with the Go Triangle Family of Transit Services, where he served as director of marketing, communications and public affairs, and his focus included strategic political strategy, messaging and outreach to local, state and federal officials. He also led the state’s successful passage of NC HB 148, known as “The Intermodal Bill,” a landmark local funding option bill for public transportation as well as the branding of the Go Triangle family of transit services.
From January 2002 through April 2006, he served as a congressional aide in the U.S. House of Representatives for North Carolina’s Brad Miller. In addition to directing and managing operations at the congressman’s district office in Greensboro, he served as a liaison within the community, constituent services, business relationships and civic engagement.
Graham is a graduate of the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. He holds a certificate in executive influence and persuasion from The Wharton Business School.
WSP employs more than 700 professionals in the Carolinas and has worked on many transformational projects in the region, including:
- I-485 Managed Lanes design-build project, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina;
- NC-540 Triangle Expressway Southeast Extension design-build project, in Wake and Johnson counties, North Carolina;
- I-40/I-77 Interchange design-build project, in Statesville, North Carolina;
- NC 73 Widening, in Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Counties, North Carolina;
- Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) Silver Line program development;
- Wake Bus Rapid Transit program development;
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport – Taxiway F Extension, deicing pad, South Crossfield Taxiway and Yorkmont Road realignment project;
- I-20 Savannah River Bridge design-build replacement and road widening project, South Carolina;
- Topsail Island Bridge Replacement Project, Pender County, North Carolina;
- Marc Basnight Bridge Reconstruction Project, Outer Banks, North Carolina;
- American Tobacco Trail and Pedestrian Bridge, Durham County, North Carolina;
- Arthur J. Ravenel Jr. Bridge construction, designer, Charleston, South Carolina; and
- South Carolina Port Expansion Program, program management, planning, design and construction management services.
WSP offices are located in Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Mooresville, New Bern and Raleigh, North Carolina; and Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina.
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About WSP in the U.S.
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering, environment and professional services firms. Recognized in 2023 on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list, WSP is driving social impact and commitment to ESG. WSP in the U.S. brings together engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals who are dedicated to collaborate in the best interests of serving local communities. WSP designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With approximately 14,000 employees in 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with its clients to help communities prosper. wsp.com
