Interview with Stormwater and Tae Kwon Do Expert Jim Lenhart

James Lenhart, P.E., D.WRE, M.ASCE is currently the Chief Technology Officer, Stormwater for Contech Engineered Solutions LLC in Portland, Oregon. Jim serves as Chair of the EWRI Urban Water Resources Research Council, is also a member of the WEF Stormwater Institute’s Advisory Committee and serves as the Liaison to the EWRI.

Jim’s 25 years of hydrologic and hydraulic design experience is complemented by his extensive knowledge of computer programming and systems design. He has a strong background in hydrologic and hydraulic theory and statistical analysis, which was enhanced by his position as adjunct professor of civil engineering at Portland State University. Jim gained experience by working on a broad array of water resources projects, including data collection, statistical analysis, drainage design, pipeline design and analysis, detention/retention pond design, permitting, instrumentation systems and wetlands investigation and design.

Jim received his B.S. in Agricultural Sciences/Plant Sciences from the University of Arizona, Tucson, a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering and his M.S. in M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering from Oregon State University in Corvallis.

Prior to his current role, Jim was Vice President of Research and Development, Stormwater Management; engineer at W & H Pacific, Portland, OR, Water Resources; production manager at AGM Electronics, Tucson, AZ; and research assistant at the University of Arizona, Department of Soils, Water, and Engineering.

Jim is a registered Professional Agricultural and Environmental Engineer in Oregon and Washington. He achieved his D.WRE Board Certification in 2009 and in this feature, Jim talks of his career path, experience starting up his own company, stormwater, leadership, and being a Tae Kwon Do master.