Benjamin Annen, PE

President

Ben has more than 16 years of experience, all with HLA, and serves as the firm’s President. Over the course of his career, he has worked closely with public agencies throughout the region to navigate complex infrastructure challenges with practical engineering solutions and a clear understanding of local priorities. Ben remains closely involved in project planning and client strategy, working alongside communities to move important improvements from concept through construction. His experience includes transportation, utility, site development, schools, railroad coordination, and city-wide infrastructure systems, giving him a broad perspective on the technical and operational issues clients face.

Known for his responsive approach and practical mindset, Ben regularly assists clients with project scoping, capital planning, funding strategy, cost evaluation, and long-term infrastructure decisions. He has led numerous water system plans, capital facilities plans, and municipal planning efforts that help agencies identify needs, establish priorities, and build realistic programs around available funding. His background in utility financial planning and annual capital budgeting also allows him to understand the larger picture behind engineering recommendations, balancing community needs with available resources. Through years of ongoing collaboration with City staff, elected officials, and local stakeholders, Ben has built strong working relationships across the region and continues to help shape projects that support the communities HLA serves.