Dillon Lennebacker brings a powerful blend of environmental planning expertise, regulatory insight, and project leadership to his role as Environmental Project Manager and Planner specializing in National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) impact analysis and regulatory permitting for projects across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dillon’s work spans transportation and wetland restoration projects, including serving as environmental lead on the multi-benefit State Route 37 Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project that includes Strip Marsh East Enhancement, and supporting the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) through environmental on-call contracts as Contract Manager and Technical Lead. From the largest tidal wetland restoration on the West Coast, the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration, to the Bay Bridge replacement, Dillon’s focus is on delivering projects that strengthen the connection between communities and the environment they call home, now and for generations to come.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

My journey began with a love for Bay Area landscapes, an interest in environmental law, contributing to improving our perspective to better incorporate resource protection into infrastructure projects that was sparked by a book, Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner, and studying environmental planning with a focus on conservation and restoration at Sonoma State University. The exposure this gave me to coastal prairie, shoreline, grassland, and coastal forest habitats sparked my passion for balancing development with environmental stewardship.

My first major project with ArchTam — the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge replacement — gave me invaluable experience in regulatory permitting and collaboration with stakeholders and environmental agencies. This work showed me that I excel at addressing challenges that lie at the intersection of infrastructure and ecology. Since then, I have led CEQA and NEPA analyses and managed transportation and utility projects across the Bay, overseeing permitting for restoration projects like the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration and the Bradmoor and Arnold Restoration Projects in Suisun Marsh, and worked closely with agencies to deliver projects that protect the Bay while supporting community needs.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of my proudest contributions was helping transform the remnants of the old east span of the Bay Bridge into a public asset. Our team partnered with landscape architects to design public access features that invite people onto the remaining piers, creating spaces where visitors can walk out over the water and experience the Bay up close. We added interpretive signage to share the bridge’s history and its role in connecting communities. For many residents, especially in Oakland and East Bay Area, where industrial development limits shoreline access, these spaces offer a rare and meaningful connection to the Bay.  This design is dedicated entirely to the public, linking past and present while opening new opportunities to enjoy the incredible resource that is the San Francisco Bay.

Talk to us about a project that has been a major highlight of your career.

One of the most exciting projects is one I’m working on now — the State Route 37 Sears Point to Mare Island Improvement Project (SR 37 SPMIIP). This effort strikes a rare balance between transportation improvements and wetland restoration — two priorities that often compete for space and resources and two specialties that I have focused my career on, so it is a unique opportunity to apply the full breadth of my knowledge to support our client.

The State Route 37 corridor faces significant congestion and flooding challenges, and our solution integrates the congestion relief required by roadway users while enhancing sensitive habitats. It’s an opportunity to apply lessons I’ve learned from extensive experience in transportation projects and tidal marsh restoration projects across the San Francisco Bay Area and Suisun Marsh, bringing together transportation access and ecological restoration in one design.

How does the unique culture and character of the Bay Area influence your approach?

Living and working in the Bay Area has shaped my approach to every project. This region’s culture values innovation, environmental stewardship and community access, and that perspective drives how I plan and deliver projects. For me, the Bay has always felt like home. After moving to Santa Cruz in high school and later settling with my family in the East Bay, I developed a deep appreciation for its unique character and the responsibility we share to protect its beautiful landscapes while supporting thriving communities.

The Bay Area’s identity is deeply tied to its environment, so every project invites consideration of those valued resources, and challenges project proponents to ask: How can we do this better than before? That means embracing green infrastructure, avoiding and minimizing impacts first, and integrating habitat restoration wherever possible and appropriate. Transportation and utilities are essential for a thriving population, but so is a healthy Bay. My role is to help clients step back and see the big picture, finding solutions that meet project needs while contributing to the region’s ecological resilience.

Share a piece of career advice.

For those starting out, say yes to opportunities, even the ones outside your comfort zone. The path you think you want may not be where you end up, and that’s okay. Every experience builds your skillset and perspective and will lead you to where you truly want to be. Stay curious, stay adaptable and keep looking for ways to make a positive impact.

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Leighton Wong manages the Comprehensive Long-Term Environmental Action Navy (CLEAN) contract for the Pacific Region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering science. With more than 45 years of experience in environmental restoration and engineering that includes senior leadership roles at Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific, he has helped advance the United States Navy’s environmental mission. Following his retirement from NAVFAC Pacific, Leighton served as Senior Project Manager and Business Development Lead at CH2M, working with Navy, Army, Air Force, and federal agencies across the Pacific. At ArchTam, he brings a unique perspective shaped by having served as both a client and contractor.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I originally joined the environmental industry because it was a growing field that interested me, with opportunities right out of school. I interned on a hazardous waste project in Waterloo, Iowa, and they could see the pending environmental regulations and had me help to start their program. That experience directly led to my next step: when I applied for a job with the Navy, they brought me on to work in hazardous waste just as regulations were coming into effect. I got in on the ground floor, and it was a great opportunity to make a real impact and improve the quality of life for everyone.

 I still remember my second day working with the Navy. I was asked to join two University of Hawaii researchers on a boat. As we entered the harbor, debris floated around us and the water smelled. It was a clear sign that work needed to be done.

Nearly 20 years later, I returned to that same harbor — this time with the Regional Commander, hosting a congressional staff member. As the boat moved, water splashed on my face. I looked down and saw something remarkable: clean water and fish swimming below. I even ate my lunch right there, despite the splashing. That moment stayed with me. It was truly full circle to witness how much progress had been made, as the Navy’s cleanup efforts had transformed the harbor and returned property for productive use by both the Navy and other organizations.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

A project that stands out to me is one of my first after joining ArchTam, during the pandemic. We had teams sent to Guam for fieldwork, but there was a 14-day quarantine. That meant arriving, staying in a hotel, and not being able to leave. It was challenging, not just logistically, but for keeping projects moving. We pushed our teams to think differently, asking if some could remain longer on Guam to take care of follow-up work so we wouldn’t have to send new personnel and restart the quarantine. It was about keeping work going and minimizing costs for the client, and it took a lot of problem solving.

Eventually, I reached out to a contact from my Navy days to ask if exemptions to the quarantine were possible. While none had been granted to date, when we discussed the specific project, he told me, “That’s on my radar. It might be the most important project right now in the entire Pacific.” We solved the problem together and got the project done successfully. That experience taught me the value of thinking outside the box, solving problems creatively and building strong relationships.

What makes working on the Navy’s CLEAN program unique compared to other projects you’ve been part of?

I worked with the Navy’s CLEAN program for many years, and even after retiring from the Navy, I’m fortunate to continue that work now with ArchTam. It’s rewarding to keep contributing to a program that makes a real difference and to support the Navy’s mission of environmental stewardship. The Navy has always felt like part of my family, and being able to continue advancing their work is something I truly value.

The CLEAN program began around 1990, when Congress began funding all the services to investigate and clean up environmentally challenged sites. Prior to that date, there were no environmental laws like we have today. Now, we understand how contamination affects people, wildlife and the environment. The Navy is committed to meeting today’s environmental standards and properly managing hazardous waste. CLEAN funding allows us to return to those older, potentially contaminated sites, investigate them and clean them up, so they are safe for the environment and for the people who live and work there.

For me, CLEAN is about more than compliance. It is about leaving a lasting, positive legacy. We’re always learning about new emerging chemicals and constituents. The good news is that as technology evolves, we can deliver cleaner air and water to everyone. Every generation gets better at improving quality of life and providing safer water and air for all. I’m proud to have worked on it for decades and honored to keep contributing to it today through ArchTam.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is to embrace every opportunity. This work is fantastic because it allows you to contribute to something bigger — helping improve the standard of living for everyone in the world.

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With over 35 years of environmental program management experience, Darlene brings deep expertise to ArchTam’s Environment business. As operations manager, she focuses on process improvements that enhance efficiency and strengthen delivery under the CLEAN (Comprehensive Long-Term Environmental Action Navy) Pacific contract for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Pacific. This critical initiative provides environmental and restoration services across the Pacific, and Darlene’s regional experience is key to its success. Her work strengthens processes, improves reporting efficacy, and positions the program for long-term success. Darlene’s career includes 24 years with NAVFAC Pacific, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar programs in Hawaii and Guam, including leading environmental efforts for the $8.7 billion Defense Policy Review Initiative. Most recently, she directed environmental programs at Nakupuna Consulting, a Native Hawaiian–owned business, before bringing her leadership to ArchTam to drive impactful work at scale.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

When I started with the Environmental Restoration Program at NAVFAC, the field was still very new, and I was excited by the opportunity to build something meaningful that could make a real impact on the environment. I didn’t originally study environmental work — I earned a degree in civil engineering and began my career doing design work for NAVFAC. After five years, I realized my strengths and passions lay elsewhere, so I moved into planning for a couple of years within NAVFAC.

That’s when the head of NAVFAC Pacific Environmental, Mel Waki, approached me about joining the new Environmental Restoration Program.  He didn’t know me personally, but he knew of my work and thought I’d be a good fit.  I’m so glad I made the move. Over 30 years later, I’m still energized by the work — environmental restoration is such a broad field, and there’s always something new to explore and learn.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite efforts at ArchTam so far has been leading process improvements across the CLEAN program. Over the past five months, I’ve focused on enhancing the quality and efficacy of our monthly progress report packages — ensuring narratives align with schedules and forecasts.

With over 200 active projects and many Contract Task Order (CTO) managers involved, this is a large and complex program. My role is to connect with different managers month by month, offering support and helping improve project performance. These improvements have already enhanced efficiency, strengthened consistency, and positioned the program for long-term success under the CLEAN contract. It’s a rewarding challenge, and I truly enjoy finding ways to streamline processes, strengthen communication, and contribute to ArchTam’s mission.

What makes working on the Navy’s CLEAN program unique compared to other projects you’ve been part of?

The Navy’s CLEAN program is unique because it’s been around for over 25 years and has a well-established culture and set of processes. ArchTam has built a strong foundation for how the program runs, and improving collaboration within that structure has been both challenging and rewarding.

With such a successful program, people are naturally used to doing work in a certain way. As Operations Manager, I’ve built strong relationships through consistent one-on-one conversations, helping others see the value in improving processes such as reporting and automation. My goal is always to save time while enhancing the quality and reliability of the information we provide. Clear, consistent records help everyone make better decisions and respond more effectively.

At this point in my career, I’m focused on making a difference. Across such a large program, there is always room for process improvement, and that’s what keeps me engaged. I’ve been fortunate to work with great teams and supportive leaders throughout my career, and that’s made all the difference.

How have you seen the CLEAN program evolve over time, and what excites you about its future?
The CLEAN program has grown rapidly in recent years due to several factors, including emerging contaminants like PFAS. That growth makes the work both interesting and challenging. As the program expands, we are navigating new technical and regulatory territory, and that’s what excites me most — helping shape solutions in uncharted ground. Being part of the CLEAN program means we can influence and adapt to evolving regulations, positioning us at the cutting edge of environmental protection. Once regulators align on the right approach, I believe we’ll be able to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the environment.

Share a piece of career advice.
I believe a successful career comes down to effective collaboration and communication, paired with a solution-focused mindset. Many people can communicate and collaborate, but without a focus on solutions, progress stalls. Staying solution-oriented is what helps move projects forward and achieve meaningful results.

I’ve also found that building strong one-on-one relationships is essential. Those personal connections foster trust, and once trust is established, people are more open to change. That sense of connection is what makes the work feel meaningful, and it is a big part of why I have stayed in this field for so long.

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