Arup Enhances Urban Development Initiatives with New Leader Jee Mee Kim-Diaz
Arup's New Appointment: Jee Mee Kim-Diaz
Arup, a renowned global consultancy focused on the built environment, has unveiled the appointment of Jee Mee Kim-Diaz as the Americas East Geography Leader. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Jee Mee is set to bring her wealth of experience in urban development and infrastructure projects to reinforce Arup's operations in the Eastern United States.
Based out of New York, she will oversee a significant team comprising over 600 professionals situated across major offices in New York, Newark, Boston, Washington D.C., and Chicago. Her leadership is expected to steer one of Arup's largest business divisions, thus enhancing the firm’s capacity to meet client demands, lead in market trends, and nurture talent within the industry.
Jee Mee's career has primarily revolved around assisting municipalities in addressing intricate challenges at the junction of infrastructure, mobility, and economic development. With her profound market insight, she is poised to advance Arup's impact and reputation across critical areas such as transportation, energy, and community development.
Scott Russell, Arup's Americas Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm about Jee Mee's arrival, noting that her previous roles demonstrate a distinctive blend of public and private sector experience. This combination positions her perfectly to guide the firm's objectives in shaping urban landscapes.
"I'm exhilarated about the opportunity to tackle the pressing, interconnected challenges impacting our densely populated and economically pivotal region," said Jee Mee upon her appointment. She outlined her commitment to addressing critical topics such as aging infrastructure, climate change, affordability, and the seamless transition to sustainable practices.
Before joining Arup, Jee Mee held a prominent position at Arcadis as the executive responsible for the New York City metro area. Her career in urban development includes championing extensive projects like the Gateway Hudson Tunnel Program, Fifth Avenue redesign, and the Brooklyn Tech Triangle. Notably, her role as Chief Strategy Officer at the NYC Department of Transportation under Mayor Bill de Blasio showcased her ability to drive significant urban policies, including the establishment of 30 miles of protected bike lanes.
Moreover, Jee Mee remains an influential voice in civic discourse, actively participating in organizations like the Regional Plan Association and the Urban Land Institute New York. Her robust engagement in the community reflects her dedication to enhancing urban competitiveness and advocating for efficient transportation and infrastructure funding.
As she steps into her role, Jee Mee Kim-Diaz will collaborate with clients from various sectors to cultivate the next generation of resilient and sustainable communities throughout the Eastern U.S. Her vision is to integrate technical excellence with creativity and purpose, reaffirming Arup's commitment to enriching urban life through impactful design and innovation.
About Arup
Founded in 1946, Arup stands as a leader in delivering innovative solutions in the built environment across more than 130 countries. With its roots in the UK and an expanding presence in the Americas, Arup combines local acumen with global expertise to foster adaptable cities and communities. This commitment to navigating complexity ensures that Arup helps clients make informed decisions that contribute to lasting improvements in urban infrastructure and societal welfare. By focusing on design excellence and sustainability, Arup is poised to lead the transformation of urban environments, helping them tackle the challenges of tomorrow.