SEH Board of Directors named Sam L. Claassen, PE, as the new President, effective July 1, 2010.

SEH, a professional services firm owned by its employees, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. and comprised of more than 600 engineers, architects, planners and scientists. The company serves its clients from nearly 30 offices located across six states.

The Board of Directors selected Claassen based on his proven executive and leadership experience. A long time SEH employee and well-respected leader within the company, Claassen has served as a Vice President, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Wastewater Leader for the entire company. Claassen also served for 10 years as the Vice President and President for Reike, Caroll and Mueller (RCM) — a 110-person engineering firm that merged with SEH in 1999.

Current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Kraemer will continue to lead SEH through FY 2011 (which concludes June 30, 2011). Upon launch of FY 2012 (July 1, 2011), Claassen will serve as both the CEO and President.

"Sam's extensive executive experience coupled with his proven ability to lead and grow sectors of the business will serve SEH clients and employees well," said Mike Kraemer. "Sam's dual ability to develop opportunities to best serve our clients and employees coupled with his strategic ability to develop the road map that will get us there uniquely positions us to respond to the marketplace and to develop innovative and creative solutions for our clients."

"My focus will be to better understand what our clients need, so we in turn provide the services, funding solutions and delivery methods they require," said newly appointed President Claassen. "As I take on this new role, I serve on behalf of the employees who own SEH, and am humbled and honored to be named their President. Together, we can continue to be successful."