Hill International, Inc. is pleased to have participated in the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) Pledge Signing and Reception, held in Seattle, WA, on August 29. On behalf of the company, Hill President, Americas Mike Smith signed the EIP pledge, confirming Hill’s support for EIP’s mission to create more prime, joint-venture, and equity contracting opportunities for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). Mike was one of six pledge signers at this event that included the following distinguished Seattle leaders:

• Dow Constantine, Executive, King County, WA
• Bruce Harrell, Mayor, City of Seattle
• Goran Sparrman, Chief Executive Officer, Sound Transit
• Steve Metruck, Executive Director, Port of Seattle (Seaport and Airport)
• Ric Ilgenfritz, Chief Executive Officer, Community Transit

“We, at Hill International, are very excited to be part of the EIP initiative,” says Mike. “We bring with us a track record of partnering with a variety of HUB firms because we believe these partnerships are key to growing our industry and enriching the lives of future generations. This is a win/win for everyone.” In addition to Mike, Hill was represented by Senior Vice President Rail and Transit Sector Leader Tom Spearing, Senior Vice President, Western Region Manager Greg Heinz, First Vice President Becky Blankenship, Business Development Director Noelle Brooks, Vice President, Aviation Andres Garcia, and Vice President Cathy Spillars.

As a major supporter of the EIP Coalition, which now numbers 74 signatories, Hill pledges to increase the number, size, and percentage of HUBs growing to prime contractors in joint ventures or as equity participants by:

• Increasing the number, size, and proportion of contracting opportunities going to HUBs, as well as the number, size, and proportion of contracting opportunities going to HUBs as prime contractors.
• Streamlining administration of contracting with HUBs to centralize certification.
• Improving payment time and standardizing transparent data collection.
• Expanding the number of signatories to this pledge.

Hill Chief Executive Officer Raouf Ghali and Rail and Transit Sector Leader Tom Spearing will serve as standing members on EIP’s Advisory Council to support EIP’s mission to change how the infrastructure sector does business.