Pete Fleszar, PE – Building Communities Through Engineering and Service

Behind every successful project is a team of professionals committed to making a difference. At JHA Companies, we're proud to recognize Project Leader Pete Fleszar, PE, whose career has been defined by service, mentorship, and a passion for helping communities thrive through safe and sustainable infrastructure.

Pete grew up in a rural area between Cortland and Ithaca, NY. His educational path laid the groundwork for a career in infrastructure and environmental engineering.

"My bachelor's in engineering is from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, and I have a Master of Engineering from Penn State Harrisburg. After I graduated from Syracuse, I moved out to Iowa for a couple of years and then moved to Pennsylvania and have been working with communities throughout rural Pennsylvania."

Today, Pete works closely with clients to develop and maintain critical infrastructure systems that protect public health and support growth.

"I help communities and facilities develop safe drinking water and clean wastewater treatment systems. There are many requirements that any community or facility needs to meet to implement their vision, and we help with that. We identify the resources that they need to complete the project, and we maintain compliance with the regulations that the state and federal governments impose."

His passion for this work began long before his professional career.

"Ever since high school, I've been fascinated by the hidden foundations of communities. Water and wastewater. I find it very interesting."

Throughout his career, Pete has developed a wealth of technical knowledge and practical experience. One of the most rewarding aspects of his role is sharing that knowledge with the next generation of engineers.

"I'm very privileged to work with younger folks who are just coming into the profession. They need a little more perspective before they can succeed and help our clients succeed. They are good people, they're well oriented to succeeding, but there's a lot of aspects to these projects. I share my experience with them and guide them into serving better."

Outside of work, Pete’s passion is the outdoors. He has dedicated countless hours to hiking, trail maintenance, and helping expand recreational opportunities throughout the region.

"I hike and maintain foot trails. I've been privileged to work with a volunteer group to develop a hiking trail crossing all of Tioga County, Pennsylvania 75 miles and then continuing 45 miles into Steuben County, New York. Currently, I'm assisting with the development of two 300-mile loop trails, one on the Pennsylvania wilds, the other in the Till Rock Country, South Central Pennsylvania. I like being outside. I like escaping into nature. I also like using the skills and background that I've developed professionally to help others get outside and enjoy nature as well."

Pete's commitment to research, learning, and service extends beyond his own career and can be seen throughout his family. His wife works as a research scientist for a major confectionery company, and his daughter is training to become a biomedical researcher.

Whether he's helping communities improve essential infrastructure, mentoring young professionals, or supporting outdoor recreation initiatives, Pete remains focused on making a positive impact.

"I am very glad to have used the skill that I’ve developed to help people grow and succeed."

See the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW5f1TKrFVc&t=8s