A Community-Forward Approach By Luke Carothers
Jon Kramer joined OHM advisors 30 years ago in 1993. Although he had a background in environmental engineering, Kramer joined the firm as a part of their municipal engineering practice, which he describes as a “collection of road, water, and sewer” work. Since joining OHM as an intern, Kramer has risen through the ranks, becoming CEO of the firm two years ago. In his three decades with the firm, Kramer has seen OHM Advisors grow from an 80-person firm with one office to its current state with 650 employees working out of 18 offices. One of the key factors behind OHM’s growth is their belief and dedication to the idea that diversity drives innovation. Kramer points out that this comes to fruition through their continued efforts to ensure that diversity and inclusion are “intrinsic to the fabric of the company.” This approach hinges on the fact that, when DEI is reflected throughout an organization, they benefit from a variety of insights and are better prepared to meet the needs of the populations they serve. For OHM, this includes efforts to address the talent gap by encouraging careers in STEM through things like mentorship and internship programs as well as outreach to various schools. Further, OHM demonstrates this commitment through investments in their annual diversity scholarship program. Kramer has also demonstrated this commitment by signing the CEO Action for Diversity Pledge. Kramer points out that this level of commitment has been difficult in some management areas, but the results have far exceeded any difficulties. OHM’s commitment has “empowered [their] employees to be the best versions of themselves.” In turn, Kramer says that this has ultimately led to OHM providing the best solutions for their clients and communities while having employees who value their work. When it comes to discussing climate change resilience and sustainability, Kramer believes that these topics are inherently tied into their commitment to people and communities and describes OHM as the “community advancement firm.” OHM Advisors’ mission of Advancing Communities is a summation of their role of working hand-in-hand with clients to create innovative solutions for building sustainable communities. On a project basis, this means making their clients' challenges into their challenges, and delivering solutions that clients and communities may not know they need. Kramer notes that this requires treating each community individually, which means there are “no cookie cutter solutions” for the challenges they face. This community-forward approach has had a substantial effect on a number of communities in which OHM has completed work. One example of such a community can be found in Newark, Ohio. Stemming from an EPA mandate to separate the sewer systems from stormwater runoff systems, the initial
revitalization project began as a $30 million sewer separation project, totaling nearly 10 city blocks. However, the project ran into challenges, as the streets around the downtown square would need to be demolished. Demolition of the streets around the square would have potentially affected the historic Licking County Courthouse, which was built in 1878 and designed by architect Henry E. Myer of Cleveland in the Second Empire style. This American vernacular centerpiece eventually became the focus of revitalization efforts and recently completed a $9.2 million Phase I restoration. With forward-thinking leadership, the City of Newark recognized the opportunity to turn a traditional infrastructure project into a placemaking and economic development strategy. They turned to OHM Advisors to lead an extensive community planning
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csengineermag.com
June 2023
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