Karen Wiemelt Joins Lochner's Board of Directors to Enhance Leadership in Energy Sector

Lochner Welcomes Karen Wiemelt to Its Board of Directors

Lochner, a prominent company in the engineering landscape, recently made headlines by appointing Karen Wiemelt to its Board of Directors. Wiemelt, a veteran executive with more than 35 years in leadership roles within the nuclear and energy sectors, is set to bring a wealth of experience and insight to the company’s strategic vision.

This notable appointment was made public on February 13, 2026, during a press release that emphasized the depth of Wiemelt’s expertise in various areas, including program management, environmental remediation, and nuclear operations. Her extensive background is expected to significantly benefit Lochner as it seeks to enhance its operational excellence and foster sustainable growth in the U.S. market.

Terry Ruhl, CEO of Lochner, expressed his enthusiasm about Wiemelt’s addition to the board, acknowledging her unique perspective and experience in managing complex, mission-critical programs. "Karen’s experience leading complex initiatives and governing global organizations makes her an exceptional addition to our Board," Ruhl stated.

A Leader in the Nuclear Sector

Wiemelt's previous roles reflect her prominence in the energy industry; she has served on various influential boards, including the Energy Facility Contractors Group and the Idaho Environmental Coalition. This breadth of experience uniquely positions her to guide Lochner and its parent company, Egis, as they expand their technical capabilities in response to ever-evolving market demands.

Wiemelt shared her pride in joining the Lochner Board of Directors. She highlighted the company’s legacy of technical excellence and public service, expressing her eagerness to collaborate with the leadership team to advance the firm’s strategic objectives and deliver impactful infrastructure solutions that will serve communities effectively.

Prior to joining Lochner, Wiemelt had a notable tenure at CH2M, which was acquired by Jacobs in 2017. She rapidly ascended through the ranks to become the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Jacobs' Energy, Security, and Technology business unit. Here, she managed a global portfolio exceeding $1.5 billion in annual revenue, overseeing operations and business growth, and focusing on talent development across a workforce of more than 8,000. Her expertise is particularly relevant to Egis' focus on next-generation nuclear technology, including small modular reactors and fusion reactors.

Lochner and Egis: A New Chapter

Founded in 1944, Lochner has established itself as a leader in providing comprehensive planning and engineering services for transportation and water clients across the United States. Following its merger with Egis Group in July 2025, Lochner has been positioned as the cornerstone for Egis’ expansion efforts in the U.S. market. Egis itself is a global consultancy renowned for its advanced architectural and engineering solutions, operating in over 100 countries with a dedicated workforce of 22,000.

The company is currently ranked No. 98 in Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 Design Firms, reflecting its strong reputation within the industry. With Wiemelt’s addition to the board, Lochner is poised for a bright future as it navigates the complexities of the energy sector while continuing to deliver quality infrastructure solutions.

In summary, Karen Wiemelt's appointment to Lochner's Board of Directors not only exemplifies the company's commitment to excellence in the energy sector but also reinforces its strategy for innovation and growth in a dynamic industry landscape. Her leadership is expected to enhance Lochner's standing in the market and improve its strategic capabilities, setting the stage for continuing success.