James E. Walsh, who earned his Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the college in 1977, was recently selected by the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts (HBAM) to receive its Legends of the Industry Award. Dr. Walsh is a partner at Valley Planning, Inc., and the owner of WLC Consultants, Inc. This prestigious award is presented to a member or retired member of the association who has significantly contributed to the progress of both the association and building industry during the course of his or her career. The award is presented to one member from each of the local associations across the state.
According to the award announcement and a bio of Dr. Walsh from the HBAM:
For more than 35 years, James E. Walsh has epitomized the essence of dedication, determination, and service. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree from Springfield College. He also has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering and a Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts. Jim, along with Carlos Carranza who’s also a UMass Graduate, is the founding partner of Baystate Environmental Consultants Inc. (BEC), which has been in business for over 30 years providing environmental and civil engineering services throughout the region. In 2007 BEC merged with GZA GeoEnviromental, Inc. Jim is also a partner in Valley Planning, Inc., which has developed several residential and commercial projects in the Greater Springfield area over the past 30 years. At BEC he provided management, civil engineering, and environmental services throughout the Northeast on a wide range of residential and commercial site planning and development projects, as well as major public works.
As a member of the Home Builders & Remodeling Association of Western Massachusetts for almost 25 years, Jim has left an indelible mark on the association. He has served on a bevy of association committees including Chairman of the Home Builders Institute; Educational Programs Committee; Building Site Search Committee; Long Range Planning Committee; Scholarship Committee; Budget Committee; and Chairman of the Western Mass Home Show Committee.
Through his years of service to the association, Jim has demonstrated his leadership abilities and was elected the association’s president for 1990-1991. In 1997, Jim was honored by the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts when he was named the Associate Member of the Year. Jim continues to be instrumental in the vision and leadership of the association. He was elected to receive the highest honor given by the local association when he was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
Outside of the association, Jim is a member and former chair of the Board of Trustees at Springfield College and is active in various civil engineering associations. He has been a key link in keeping the association apprised of issues affecting the building community. Jim lives in Longmeadow with his wife, Claudia, and they both enjoy golf and skiing. They are the proud parents of three daughters, Kim, Kathy, and Anne, and five grandchildren. (January 2012)
