April Newsletter – Celebrating WLAM, ACEC Awards, and a New Round of SS4A Funding
April 28, 2026
Celebrating World Landscape Architecture Month
April is World Landscape Architecture Month, and this year’s theme, “Landscape Architecture in Action,” reflects the impact of BETA’s landscape architects across the region. From parks and schoolyards to streetscapes and waterfronts, their work helps shape spaces that support health, resilience, and connection.
For over 40 years, BETA has partnered with communities across New England to improve spaces that people rely on. Our landscape architects collaborate closely with our engineers and scientists, blending creativity with technical know-how to bring projects from concept to reality with a focus on long-term community value.
Curious what that looks like in action? Watch the video to hear directly from our landscape architects about what they’ve been working on lately.
Vote for Parker’s River Landing for the EBC Community Choice Award
We’re excited to share that Parker’s River Landing Park and Boardwalk has been named a finalist for the EBC Community Choice Award, part of the prestigious EBC APEX Awards!
This transformative project turned a former drive-in theater site in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, into a vibrant public park that reconnects the community with nature while restoring critical ecological habitat. With features like a scenic boardwalk loop, playground, kayak launch, shared-use paths, native plantings, and enhanced public access to Parker’s River, the project is already making a meaningful impact for residents and visitors alike.
Voting is quick—just click here to review the finalists and submit the form at the bottom of the page. Thank you for your support!
Chris Brainard Honored with ACEC/MA Young Professional Award
BETA’s own Chris Brainard, PE, has been recognized as a 2026 ACEC/MA Young Professional Award winner, highlighting his leadership, technical excellence, and commitment to mentorship. From advancing water/wastewater projects to strengthening engagement across the firm, Chris continues to make a meaningful impact.
Please join us in congratulating Chris on this award!
BETA Projects Earn ACEC/MA Engineering Excellence Awards
BETA is proud to have partnered with the City of Worcester and the Towns of Mansfield and Norton on two award-winning projects recognized by ACEC/MA. From transforming a key downtown space into a vibrant public plaza to expanding regional trail connectivity, these projects reflect the shared vision and commitment of our clients to create lasting community impact. Read more here.
Safe Streets and Roads for All Funding Now Available
The FY 2026 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Notice of Funding Opportunity is now available! With nearly $1 billion in funding, this program supports communities working to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries through planning and implementation efforts. Grants are available for planning and demonstration as well as implementation projects.
BETA frequently works with communities to develop actionable plans and advance safety-focused infrastructure improvements. Learn more about our services, and start preparing your application before the May 26 deadline.
Welcome Christopher McDermott, PE, LSP, as Vice President, Director of Business Development
Chris McDermott, PE, LSP, joins BETA as vice president and director of business development, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in engineering consulting and strategic growth leadership. He previously led client account management programs and growth initiatives for environment and infrastructure sectors, managing major public-sector clients such as Amtrak, MassDOT, MBTA, and Massport. At BETA, Chris will lead firmwide growth efforts, focusing on strengthening client relationships, expanding partnerships, and pursuing opportunities across municipal, agency, and private sectors.
Join us in welcoming Chris to the team.
Welcome to the Team!
Jeannette Jensen joins BETA’s accounting group as an accounts payable administrator. Jeannette has over 20 years of accounts payable experience. Most recently, she was an accounting associate at Boston Nutraceutical Science in Providence, RI. In that role, Jeannette performed accounts receivable deduction recovery, inventory invoice processing, goods receipt, landed cost, and various other accounting duties.
Sierra Salisbury joins BETA’s environmental group as a staff scientist. Sierra’s previous experience comes from an environmental engineering firm where she was an assistant project manager and an environmental scientist. In that role, Sierra supported environmental site assessments, property condition assessments, and remediation activities for commercial properties. Her experience includes groundwater and soil sampling, environmental data analysis, and preparation of technical reports in accordance with Massachusetts DEP standards and ASTM guidelines.
Ready to join our award-winning team?
BETA will challenge you with interesting work and offers the potential for growth and advancement. We are currently looking for talented staff across many of our disciplines in offices throughout New England. Browse our current job openings.
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