WithersRavenel is excited to announce the promotion of Cathleen Saunders, PE, to Director of Water/Wastewater Master Planning.
Based out of WithersRavenel’s Powells Point office, Cathleen brings 21 years of industry experience to her new role. She joined WithersRavenel through the firm’s 2024 acquisition of Quible & Associates, further strengthening the firm’s water and wastewater expertise in the region.
Her background includes water supply, treatment, and distribution, wastewater collection and conveyance design, pipeline rehabilitation, stormwater management, erosion and sedimentation control, and permitting.
A licensed Professional Engineer and previously NASSCO-certified professional, Cathleen has worked on sanitary sewer pipeline rehabilitation projects from analysis through design and construction. Her experience also includes helping communities manage infrastructure systems, support compliance efforts, and plan for long-term needs.
Cathleen’s experience and leadership will help WithersRavenel continue supporting communities as they plan for the future of their water and wastewater systems. Her background brings valuable insight to projects that help clients make informed decisions about essential infrastructure people depend on every day.
“I appreciate the opportunity to take on this role and continue growing with WithersRavenel,” Cathleen notes. “Helping communities plan for resilient, reliable water and wastewater systems is work that matters, and I’m excited to support efforts that focus on long‑term success.”
In addition to her professional experience, Cathleen is passionate about outreach and STEM education. Through the Society of Women Engineers, she mentors college-aged engineering students at universities along the East Coast and previously served as a professional counselor to Virginia State University and Virginia Commonwealth University. She has also helped plan and organize numerous K-12 events that introduce students to opportunities in engineering. In 2018, SWE recognized her with the Distinguished New Engineer Award. In addition to SWE, she also mentors young professionals through the AWWA/VWEA annual mentorship program.
To learn more about how WithersRavenel supports communities through water and wastewater planning, design, and engineering, visit our Water & Sewer Utilities service pages.