Mike Ulekowski

Mike Ulekowski brings large infrastructure program leadership to the BioGroup as Senior Program Manager.  From planning and construction of public infrastructure projects and buildings, to managing large Superfund sites, Mike has directed work on multi-million dollar projects and facilities in the U.S. and abroad.  In all he has managed almost $2 billion in project budgets working as an A/E/C contractor and also as a government representative.  When the Army Reserves activated him after 9/11, he was responsible for directing all contract construction on facilities and bases in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and started the Iraq Area Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as directing all construction on facilities and bases in the 25-country Central Command area in Southwest Asia during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mike’s problem solving skills and ability to think out of the box makes him the person people turn to when faced with difficult projects.  As the first Corps of Engineer Contract Construction Authority in Iraq, Mike moved the first civilian element of the Corps of Engineers into Baghdad in April, 2003.  His first task was to get the power, water, and sewer up and running in the Al Faw Palace.  This palace complex, later known as Camp Victory, would be the Coalition Forces Headquarters for the Iraq Campaign.  With just a handful of military personnel, civilians, and contractors, the Iraq Area Office looked at the extensive damage left by the U.S. Air Force and lack of regular maintenance on the palace infrastructure.  The bridge across the moat around the palace had sustained two direct hits.  (see photo) Unfortunately, all power, water, and sewer lines crossed at this bridge.  To make matters worse, the pumps providing running water to the city were also out, resulting in no water pressure. And, there was no power coming through what few transmission lines were left in the city.  Since the Air Force had also taken out the power generation building, that just added to the problem.  Using only the materials that were in the area and thinking completely out of the box, Mike’s crew developed a number of ingenious ways to provide all of these essential infrastructure requirements and accomplished the mission in 48 hours.  “It was an incredible time.  I’m lucky that I had the people on my team to be able to perform impossible tasks in a very austere environment.”

As a Registered Professional Engineer in four states and a Certified Construction Manager, he brings his extensive engineering, environmental, and construction experience to Bioengineering Group to share in the firm’s enthusiasm to make real environmental improvements.  His experience makes Mike the perfect choice for overseeing the firm’s federal programs as well.  Mike states,  “I’ve spent a lot of my career working in foreign countries building and repairing their infrastructure following wars or other problems, and by being part of the Bioengineering Group, I've got an opportunity to use my engineering and construction experience to help my own country design and build the levees that will protect the inhabitants of the Gulf Area for generations to come. Building structures, especially ones that last for many, many years, is always something that civil engineers enjoy.  Doing this work here in New Orleans and its surrounding communities, with the political minefields that exist, is especially gratifying.”

Mike started his career on active duty with the U.S. Army after graduating from West Point with a degree in Engineering.  Completing his military commitment, he decided to stay in the Army Reserves while he worked in the civilian engineer and construction field.  He was activated twice to serve in various foreign missions over the last ten years.  His last active duty service was for two and a half years immediately following 9/11.  Returning to the civilian world, Mike wanted to continue utilizing the engineering skills he had fine-tuned during his time with the Army.  His overwhelming desire to make a difference and apply green solutions to engineering tasks led him to the Bioengineering Group.  “Now, why would I choose to work for the Bioengineering Group?  One of the main things that appeals to me about this company is the high level of enthusiasm of its employees in really enhancing environmental functions on project sites, while still focusing on meeting the clients’ objectives.  We appeal to the better instincts of the public and private sectors by showing them that doing the right thing in making for environmental productivity doesn't have to be a "financial black hole". Not only do we focus on green solutions and keep our customers' facilities from looking like typical big-box retail store parking lots, but we make them cost-effective at the same time.  In fact, I was amazed the first time I saw how the company had developed design guidelines for engineering big-box parking lots that use vegetation in shallow swales to treat and process stormwater—attractively and practically!  Also, for me, performing much of my work with the Army Corps of Engineers is an added benefit as it allows me to draw on many years of experience working within the Federal Acquisition Regulations.  I realize that sustainable design is new to many and I am pleased to add my large project skill set to my team to help us succeed.”

Mike resides in Florida with his wife, Pam.  He has two grown children, both currently serving in the Army – one flying attack helicopters at Ft. Rucker, AL and the other serving as a combat engineer in Ft. Hood, TX.  “I’m proud of my boys and even prouder that they feel the same commitment to serve that I feel.  Doing design and construction in the Federal Government arena is an extension of that service and it’s something that I want to do.”  When Mike isn’t doing this work, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his new granddaughter.