April 11, 2003 -- HDR, the nation's 20th largest architecture/engineering/consulting firm, has created HDR Security Operations, Inc. Based in HDR's Orlando, FL, office, HDR Security Operations is headed by senior vice president W. Douglas Fitzgerald, a counter- and anti-terrorism expert with more than 25 years of experience including security analysis and design for 67 American embassies, more than 25 embassies and consulates for a NATO allied country, American and NATO military facilities and U.S. state capitols and courthouses. He heads a team of 15 security experts, analysts and other professionals located throughout the U.S.
HDR added security services three years ago with the acquisition of Fitzgerald Consulting, but saw demand increase drastically after September 11, 2001.
"Because the need for security-enhanced design crosses all business classes and industry categories, it made sense for us to create a separate group dedicated to that effort," said George Little, president, HDR Engineering, Inc.
"Our clients in the healthcare and justice industries have always recognized the need for security. Unfortunately, conditions today have made clients in all categories realize that security should be integrated into everything they design," added Robert Cavigli, president, HDR Architecture, Inc.
For example, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 requires utilities and water systems to conduct vulnerability assessments. In addition to performing these assessments, HDR is part of the Westin Engineering-led team responsible for development and operation of the Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a Web-based early-warning system for the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA).
Founded in 1917, Omaha, Neb.-based HDR is one of the largest U. S. employee-owned firms providing architecture, engineering and consulting (A/E/C) services. HDR employs more than 3,000 architects, engineers, scientists, planners and other professionals in more than 70 cities worldwide and is ranked the nation's 20th largest A/E/C firm by Engineering News-Record magazine. Learn more about HDR services and projects at www.hdrinc.com.
