Julie L. Labonte

“I am passionate about guiding multidisciplinary program teams and helping clients identify ways to deliver projects better, faster and more cost-effectively.”

Julie has dedicated the majority of her 34-year career to the management of complex water programs across the United States and abroad. She directs our global water program management practice, which includes a broad range of multidisciplinary services that can be adapted to address emerging industry trends and the specific requirements of each water infrastructure program. Julie thrives on working closely with clients to identify programmatic solutions to their infrastructure needs and provides strategic advice on all aspects of mega-project and program delivery. Her experience working for one of the nation’s largest utilities for half her career gives her a unique understanding of our client’s needs.

With a track record involving the successful delivery of water, wastewater, and recycled water programs valued at more than US$20 billion, Julie is widely recognised as one of the water industry’s top program management experts. She has led the implementation of some of the largest and most complex water capital infrastructure programs in North America, both as an owner and consultant. In 2013, the American Society of Civil Engineers acknowledged Julie’s contribution to the infrastructure industry by recognising her with the Public Sector Engineer in the U.S. Award. 

Beyond her work in service to public utilities, Julie has a passion for service that extends to the developing world. As part of Water For People, she has taken on multiple volunteer assignments in Africa, leading teams to develop water systems in Rwanda and Malawi. Julie is also a member of the UC Berkeley Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisory Council. As a council member, she provides input on Berkeley’s CEE educational and research programs, which are recognised as some of the best in the world.