Timothy Vail Joins HDR to Lead Water Practice in Texas Gulf Coast

Col. Timothy Vail has joined HDR as our area water manager for the Texas Gulf Coast, bringing 25 years of experience and leadership in coastal resiliency efforts in the Lone Star State. In this role, he will lead our rapidly expanding water practice, overseeing the day-to-day operations including project execution, quality management and staff development. He will work closely with local and regional leadership to expand HDR’s brand and market share across the area. 

Vail is a veteran of the U.S. Army, having most recently served as commanding officer of the Corps of Engineers Galveston District. As both a commander and lifelong Coastal Texan, he brings extensive relationships and a deep understanding of the needs of Texas coastal communities.

During his tenure with the Galveston District, Vail delivered $7.4 billion on project agreements for coastal storm risk reduction, flood risk reduction, waterborne navigation improvements and environmental restoration. He also oversaw completion of the Coastal Texas Resiliency and Restoration Study, the Army’s largest civil works engineering recommendation to Congress in USACE history. Additionally, he was instrumental in bringing about the next generation of flood risk reduction methods across the watersheds of Harris and Galveston counties. 

Vail’s career experience also includes nearly a decade with USACE overseas. He served as the deputy Arabian Gulf Region engineer for military construction oversight in Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Bahrain. He was also a military advisor to the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, supporting policy oversight and responsibilities for the entire Corps of Engineers.

“Col. Vail’s diverse experiences in the public sector and his servant leader mindset will bring valuable insight to the Texas Gulf Coast Area,” said Rod Brauer, central region water operations director. “At HDR, we develop and deliver solutions that improve the resiliency of our coastal communities. We are thrilled to bring him on board to help us deliver on this mission.”