GALVESTON, Texas – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Galveston District, announced the selection of Pete G. Perez, current chief of USACE Galveston’s Engineering and Construction Division, as its new deputy district engineer for programs and project management – the highest attainable civilian position in the district.

Perez, a 19-year veteran of the Corps, succeeds Arthur J. Janecka, who retired earlier this month after 47 years of federal service to the nation.

“Mr. Perez brings with him a wealth of design and construction knowledge and Corps experience which will allow for a seamless transition,” said Col. Christopher W. Sallese, USACE Galveston District commander. “His leadership will undoubtedly serve the district well as we carry out our mission of providing vital public engineering services to strengthen our nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.”

In his new position, which he will assume July 31, Perez will oversee approximately $350 million in projects and services that span across 50,000 square miles, encompasses the Texas coast from Louisiana to Mexico and includes 48 counties, two parishes and 16 congressional districts.

“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to accept this leadership role in an organization that I've had the pleasure to serve for over nearly two decades," said Perez. “These are extraordinary times for the Corps as we’re entrusted with maintaining the health of the nation’s navigation system.”

As the chief of the Engineering and Construction Division, Perez served an eight-month tour in Afghanistan Engineer District-South. Prior to this position, he was the former chief of Construction Operations at the Alaska District, held the position of an area engineer in the Southern Area Office, was a resident engineer in the Central Resident Office, and was an engineer in the USACE Far East District in Korea. He began his career with the Corps as a project engineer in the Fort Worth District’s San Antonio Area Office.

A registered professional engineer in Texas, Perez earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 1985 from Texas A&M University, a Master of Science in 1997 from the University of Texas at San Antonio in Environmental Management, and is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act Level II certified. In 2002, Perez was recognized with the Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award, earned a 2002 Professional Achievement Award from Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Conference, received a Department of the Army Superior Civilian Award in 2008 and 2010, and earned the prestigious Bronze de Fleury Medal in 2008.

With its rich heritage in Texas history, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District plays a key role in America’s well-being by keeping waterways open for navigation and commerce and serves the nation as part of the world’s largest public engineering, design and construction management agency.