September 21, 2026

Practice Leader David Briggs Brings Broad Utility Perspective

David Briggs, PE, has taken his career from technical design and project management to business development, manufacturing and industry leadership.

Now, as Freese and Nichols’ new Transmission and Utilities Practice Leader, he brings those experiences together to support clients, grow the practice and mentor future leaders in our Austin, Texas, office and across the firm.

The water industry drew David to a career focused on work essential to communities. He started his engineering career working part-time while in college. He then spent almost 30 years in the industry, advancing from project engineer to project manager and client service leader. He later pivoted to join Victaulic, where he gained a new perspective on utilities’ needs from the manufacturing side.

David is looking forward to resuming the role of engineer alongside a team and helping clients solve broader infrastructure challenges here at Freese and Nichols.

David is passionate about supporting the people who keep water systems running and our water safe through his volunteer work with the Water Environment Federation (WEF)’s Operations Challenge. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the National Operations Challenge Committee, a role that allows him to advocate for the operators he considers the first and last line of defense in protecting water quality and the environment.

He has also served as an officer of the Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT) at both the state and local levels and continues to serve on WEAT’s Board of Directors.

This range of experience gives David a perspective that spans the industry. He understands the responsibilities of engineers and consultants, the priorities of manufacturers and contractors, and the challenges utility owners and operators face.

“Not only is David a great culture fit, but he brings such a well-rounded depth of experience to the table,” Practice Director Alan Hutson said. “He understands the technical side, knows how to manage projects and has built strong relationships with clients and teams throughout his career.”

“I think it makes me a good consultant and teaming partner, internally and externally” David said. “I have a better understanding of what it takes to deliver and address clients’ concerns.”

He understands the technical side, knows how to manage projects and has built strong relationships with clients and teams throughout his career.

For David, the future of the water industry depends on investing in the people who will lead it. Throughout his career, David has enjoyed mentoring younger engineers and helping them see possibilities they may not yet recognize. He values the exchange of ideas with all team members, the debate with experienced professionals, the excitement of younger employees bringing fresh perspectives, the challenging of assumptions, the offering of guidance and the sharing of the load.

“To me, mentoring is not always from old to young, it’s from peer to peer,” David said. “If someone comes to me and expresses interest in something, I want to encourage them. You can be nervous or anxious, but you can’t let that stop you. I want people to know that I have their back.”