Eric L. Keen found his calling in civil engineering during his years at the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1979. For him, engineering was never just about numbers on a page. It was about creating strong, useful structures that connect people and stand the test of time. That idea stayed with him throughout his career.
From Iowa to Alaska
In 1993, Eric joined HDR’s office in Alaska. The work there was demanding. Building in the state’s rough climate and across its wide landscapes pushed him to think differently. He began leading transportation projects that introduced new ways of working, such as public–private partnerships and design-build methods. These approaches saved time and gave communities better results. Alaska shaped him not just as an engineer but also as a leader who could handle complexity and deliver solutions.
Building a Bigger Role
By 2004, Eric’s steady leadership earned him the role of director of HDR’s transportation business group. He didn’t just manage projects, he helped expand the company’s services into planning, program management, and consulting. He also played a key role in HDR’s acquisitions across the United States, Canada, and Australia. These moves doubled the company’s size and allowed it to take on larger, more ambitious projects.
Taking the Helm at HDR
In 2017, Eric became CEO of HDR after serving as president and chief operating officer. His time as CEO was marked by growth. Under his direction, HDR nearly tripled in size, driven by eight acquisitions and the addition of new talent and expertise. But growth was never only about numbers. Eric made sure HDR kept its culture of employee ownership and collaboration.
He believed that people do their best work when they feel proud of their company and connected to their community. Even after announcing his retirement from the CEO role in 2024, Eric chose to remain as chairman of HDR’s board. In this role, he continues to guide the firm and ensure its values remain strong.
Projects That Speak for Themselves
Eric’s career is tied to projects that changed landscapes and lives. He worked on the Whittier Access project in Alaska, which opened new connections in the region. He contributed to Utah’s Legacy Parkway, designed to balance modern transportation needs with environmental care.
In South Carolina, he was part of the team behind Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, a striking landmark over the Cooper River. And perhaps most famously, he played a role in the Hoover Dam Bypass project, an engineering feat that has become an icon worldwide. These projects reflect both his technical skill and his vision for progress.
Giving Back Through the HDR Foundation
In 2012, Eric helped launch the HDR Foundation, an employee-funded nonprofit that supports education, health, and the environment. For him, it was important that HDR’s success also benefit communities. Through the foundation, employees across the company donate and support causes close to their hearts. It became another way Eric tied HDR’s work to its people and their values.
Service Beyond HDR
Eric’s leadership extended well beyond his company. He has served on several boards, including Nebraska Medicine, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Military Support Committee, Bellevue University, and the Design Professionals Coalition of the American Council of Engineering Companies. These roles show his commitment to building stronger communities, not just stronger companies.
His alma mater also recognized his impact. In 2019, the University of Iowa inducted him into the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Academy, honoring his work in both engineering and leadership.
A Glimpse Into His Life
Away from his professional roles, Eric has simple joys. He once shared that he looks forward to spending more time with novels, especially medical mysteries, when life slows down. It’s a reminder that behind the executive titles is someone who values quiet moments and stories that spark curiosity.
A Career of Lasting Impact
Eric Keen’s career is a story of growth rooted in values. He began as a young engineer focused on bridges and highways. Over four decades, he became the leader of one of the world’s top design and engineering firms. Along the way, he built more than structures, he built teams, strengthened communities, and left a company culture that will last long after him.
His path shows that leadership doesn’t have to mean losing touch with people. For Eric, success came from a balance of technical skill, business growth, and human care. Even as he steps back from daily duties, his influence remains steady, like the bridges he helped create, built to endure and connect.
