Chris Billak, BS '13, MS '20
Chris Billak is the Mid-Atlantic area manager for Spiniello Companies, which specializes in the replacement and rehabilitation of underground utility infrastructure. He oversees an organization of 250 employees, with $50 million in public and private projects each year.
Describe your experiences after graduation.
After graduating in 2013, I began working in the construction industry, starting in the New York City area but moving back to Baltimore in 2014. I am currently the Mid-Atlantic area manager for Spiniello Companies, which specializes in the replacement and rehabilitation of underground utility infrastructure. I oversee an organization of 250 employees, with $50 million in public and private projects each year. I am also a board member of the Greater Remington Improvement Association. This past spring, I designed and managed a project to plant 68 street trees along Howard Street. This fall we are planting an additional 60 trees in Remington with funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust. I have plans for larger street tree-planting projects in the works for 2024.
How did your degree from EHE prepare you for your career?
My degree from EHE prepared me for my current position by teaching me to solve problems as an engineer, understanding every facet and approaching in a step-by-step manner. It also taught me to work collaboratively as a team.
What was your favorite thing about attending Johns Hopkins?
My favorite aspect of attending Johns Hopkins was all the brilliant and interesting students around me who certainly shaped my personality and interests. Many of them are still close friends today. The City of Baltimore has become my home and I’ve connected deeply to the people, the music, food, and art culture. I especially love attending Bike Parties, playing baseball for the Hell Birds, and frying crab cakes for my friends.
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