History
It started with a vision.
From one founder’s vision to an employee-owned enterprise spread across the western U.S., Herrera has maintained an uninterrupted throughline: a belief in the power of science-driven impact.
Our beginnings...
In 1980, Carlos Herrera founded the firm through work on drinking water and solid waste projects for the City of Seattle. Herrera grew to deliver a range of projects in the 1980s and 1990s that formed much of the region’s foundational work on stormwater impacts to ecosystems, water quality treatment design, recycling, waste management and disposal, and restoration. From the start, Herrera emphasized interdisciplinary expertise, hiring scientists and engineers in equal measure to encourage diverse perspectives and problem-solving.
Growing leaders from within.
Many of Herrera’s current leaders began their careers here, mentored by Carlos and others who believed that skilled, dedicated people can achieve anything when they collaborate. Current CEO Mike Spillane first joined as a college student, gaining hands-on experience (aka literally sorting through solid waste) that grew into three decades of practical expertise and client-focused leadership. Today’s leadership continues this legacy, with a commitment to mentorship and growth.
A culture of ownership.
True to his values, Carlos sold the firm to its employees in 2005, creating a 100% employee-owned ESOP. This step strengthened our collaborative culture and fostered a sense of shared responsibility across the company. Employee ownership remains central to who we are today, a model that ensures decisions are guided by what we believe.
It warms my heart to see that new generations of Herrerains have continued our legacy of engineering innovation, scientific integrity, and environmental and social ethics.
Carlos Herrera Founder
Our future...
Herrera remains dedicated to the creation of high-performing, nature-based infrastructure in our communities. As we expand across the western U.S., we stay close to our Pacific Northwest roots, advancing design for people and environments alike.