John Echternach:  

The one minute update follows. After graduating from Syracuse, Jean Ann and I settled in Boston, Ma. 3 years at Raytheon was followed by 7 at C.T. Main, a consulting Engineering firm. Our son, Ethan was born in 1973. We sold our historical register cottage in Wellesley, and with our 6 week old, moved to Portland, Or. on a company transfer. Left C.T. Main to join CH2M Hill, Inc, a then Oregon corporation with 1800 employees, again consulting engineering in nature. Along came our daughter, Heather. Jean Ann continued her community involvement, serving a president of everything from Episcopal Church foundation to Symphony society, while raising two kids, and sub teaching somewhere in between. John commenced his 23 year career as a high school and college football referee. I thought that was not enough, so added soccer to the agenda, rising to the professional ranks in the old North American Soccer League. With kids in activities everywhere, I commenced a 6 year stint as baseball, softball, soccer and basketball coach. It was a joy to watch the kids progress. Ch2M underwent a terrific growth, often being chosen as one of the top one hundred places to work in America. It sprang from one of the founders, Jim Howland, priciples of leadership. He would often say, "If you do not want to read about it it tomorrow's paper, doggone it, don't do it". That humble advice permeates CH2M's operating philosohy even to this day. The firm has risen to the Fortune 500 ranks, and is often cited for the best place to work in America. John was fortunate to be paired with some of the firm's eng...Expand for more