Torin Johnson
Gannett Fleming, Assistant Project Manager
WRADRB, Young Leaders Co-Chair
“When a respected, 40-year seasoned manager says “Hey, I think this would be a good idea for you,” you say “Yes sir, I’ll get right on it.” — this is what Torin Johnson recalls as his first push to get involved with the Water Resources Association of the Delaware River Basin. Since Scott Hughes, Manager in the Water/Wastewater Department of Gannett Fleming, inspired Johnson to get involved, he hasn’t looked back.
Torin Johnson, Assistant Project Manager at Gannett Fleming, has been all-in on water resource management since his graduation from Temple University in 2016. Water main relay, lead service line replacement, implementing new sustainable materials, and the inspection, renovation, and redesign of plants only begin the list of ways that Johnson is improving water systems around the Philadelphia area.
When Hughes said he wanted some “new blood” at Gannett Fleming, Johnson was given the task of finding young professionals around Philadelphia who are interested in water resource management. With Gannett Fleming and the WRA having a longstanding relationship, it was a no-brainer that Johnson would use the WRA’s extensive reach to fulfill this goal.
Johnson, having been in the game for just under nine years, has extensive leadership experience in the water resource management scene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Johnson provided training and guidance to the new generation of engineers; Johnson wanted them to be able to invest in themselves as well as the company they work for. Translating this mindset to the WRA, Johnson is working with the Young Leaders team to develop a seminar for young professionals where they can perfect their elevator pitch and get comfortable working with more seasoned professionals. Johnson also helped with the WRA’s Annual Gala, setting up a buddy system for young professionals at the event, pushing them to network.
“I was really happy to be a part of that,” Johnson noted. He has found the WRA to be a unique outlet for contributing to the grander scheme of water resource management, specifically with introducing WRA members to Gannett Fleming.
Regarding the impact that the WRA has had on him personally, Johnson appreciates how his involvement has helped him grow professionally, too. Despite being a relatively new member, he feels that being part of a group holds him accountable on deadlines, keeping his word, and teamwork has benefited him greatly.
“There’s a great resonance with what they’re getting done as a coalition,” said Johnson. The WRA has a phenomenal presence in the greater Delaware Valley, and a fantastic footprint in the grander scheme of the water industry. Through his involvement with the professional development of WRA members and contribution to the Annual Gala, Johnson knows no other organization doing what the WRA does. “We love water. We love improving our water resources. We aim to build on the impact each of us creates individually and work together to achieve even greater outcomes.”