Karen Rico, PE

Vice President of Infrastructure Assessments | Astrophile/Stargazer | Workplace Empowerment Committee Co-chair

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14 years of industry experience
NASSCO Certified for PACP/MACP/LACP

If there is magic on the planet, it is contained in Water.” 
– Loren Eiseley, The Immense Journey

Karen is inspired by all things outer space. As an engineer and data scientist, she finds the vastness of space fascinating and instructive about how rare and precious our water-planet is in the universe. Unearthing the infrastructure unknowns and bringing issues to light so essential water and sanitation services can be maintained is akin to her astrophile thirst. She is passionately motivated to help communities protect and maintain water infrastructure. It is one of the most essential ingredients of life and requires just as much study as the forces at play in our universe.

The experience that sets her apart

Karen’s approach to assessment starts by gathering asset data through various methods and using modern, time-saving capture technology to gain a comprehensive view of the system. Her repeated successes stem from empowering and enabling the community to implement comprehensive data-collection initiatives. When community leaders, city planners, Public Works crew, and engineers work together, you have a larger pool of motivated talent all focused on transforming its infrastructure and addressing aging pipe challenges. By employing methodologies such as flow monitoring, hydraulic modeling, condition assessments, and asset management, the whole team, under Karen's leadership, shares a vision to obtain critical insights that enable the team to identify the underlying causes and prioritize rehabilitation projects based on urgency and cost-effectiveness.

Credentials & Certifications

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas
  • BS in Civil Engineering/Mathematics from Southern Methodist University
  • NASSCO PACP/LACP/MACP Certification
  • OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification  

Meet RJN Experts

Paul Costa

President & CEO

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Elizabeth Aguin, PE

Senior Vice President of Operational Support

Asset Management, Capacity Analysis, I/I Mitigation
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Kraig Moodie

Senior Vice President

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Daniel Jackson, PE

Executive Vice President

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