WSP Federal Programs Leadership Transition

Leadership transition strengthens WSP’s focus on federal growth, client relationships and long-term continuity.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 - United States

WASHINGTON, D.C., August 20, 2026 — To support continued growth in its Federal Programs business while maintaining stability, continuity and momentum for employees, clients and partners, WSP has appointed Jess Commerford business line executive for Federal, succeeding Todd Semonite, who was named Federal regional executive.

In his new role, Commerford oversees WSP’s Federal Programs business across the U.S., supporting strategic growth, operational performance, client relationships and collaboration across business lines.

Commerford most recently served as senior vice president, regional operations for WSP’s Federal Programs business. He brings more than three decades of experience delivering planning, architecture-engineering, environmental, program management and operations services for U.S. federal agencies. He previously served in leadership roles for Louis Berger from 1990 through its acquisition by WSP in 2019, including chief of strategy and development and U.S. director of corporate development.

“Jess is a proven leader with deep knowledge of our business, our clients and our people,” said Joe Sczurko, WSP U.S. region president. “His appointment reflects the strength of our internal leadership pipeline and provides strong continuity for our Federal team as we continue to expand our impact in a rapidly evolving market.”

Jess Commerford

WSP’s Federal Programs team collaborates with federal agencies to deliver mission-critical energy infrastructure, engineer highly functional and secure facilities and government assets, foster sustainable communities and protect natural resources.

Semonite has served as the WSP Federal business line executive since joining the firm in 2021. He will now transition to Federal regional executive. In this strategic, market-facing role, he will focus on advancing growth across the Federal business, strengthening relationships with government clients and industry partners and supporting WSP’s global defense initiatives.

“Todd has been instrumental in shaping WSP’s Federal business and elevating our position in the market,” Sczurko said. “His distinguished career, both in military service and at WSP, reflects a commitment to our nation and its most critical missions that is unmatched. His experience and deep understanding of client priorities have made him a trusted advisor across the Federal sector. He will continue helping our clients and business navigate the opportunities ahead.”

He previously served as the 54th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where he advised the Secretary of the Army on engineering, construction, public infrastructure and natural resources matters, and oversaw 36,000 civilian employees, 800 military personnel and a $68 billion project portfolio. In 2020, he led the Army Corps of Engineers’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, including the construction of 38 alternate care facilities that created 15,000 beds for COVID-19 patients across the U.S.

Todd Semonite

At WSP, Semonite has played a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening the Federal business, including establishing the U.S. Federal business line, building a strategic key account program focused on federal and defense clients, supporting defense opportunities across WSP’s global operations and fostering a culture of performance, professional development, training and compliance.

"This transition gives WSP the best of both worlds: Jess’s proven operational leadership and Todd’s continued strategic focus on growth, relationships and market opportunities,” Sczurko said. “Together, they position our Federal business to build on its strong foundation while preparing for the opportunities ahead.”

WSP's Federal business supports complex and consequential projects, serving clients across defense, infrastructure, environmental, energy and emergency management sectors. The firm has helped plan and deliver military installations, healthcare and research facilities, resilient energy systems, disaster recovery programs and environmental restoration initiatives, while providing program management, engineering and technical services that advance critical federal missions in the U.S. and abroad. Projects have included the U.S. Madawaska Land Port of Entry; Federal Emergency Management Agency hurricane emergency response; wildfire recovery services for the California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery; and integrated emergency power support and long-term resilience planning for Guam.

About WSP in the U.S.

WSP is one of the world's leading engineering, science and infrastructure solutions firms, uniting its multidisciplinary expertise to shape communities to advance humanity. From local beginnings to a globe-spanning presence today, WSP operates in more than 50 countries and employs approximately 83,000 professionals, known as Visioneers. WSP in the U.S.’s team of approximately 27,000 professionals pioneer solutions and deliver innovative projects across the transportation, infrastructure, environment, building, energy, water, and mining and metals sectors.

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