National leader in infrastructure development adds technical and executive leadership to advancing the clean energy transition
The Great Plains Institute (GPI) announced today that John Lee, retired president and CEO of Barr Engineering Co., has joined its board of directors. Lee brings more than four decades of leadership and engineering experience, including overseeing Barr’s transformation into a 1,000-person firm known for its technical excellence, collaborative culture, and commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmental innovation.
Given GPI’s own rapid growth into a national organization, with over 80 professionals spread across 23 states and a Washington, D.C., office, Mr. Lee’s experience navigating that kind of growth comes at just the right time.
“GPI’s meteoric growth and work to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy aligns with many of the challenges and opportunities I’ve seen throughout my career,” Lee said. “I’m excited to help guide an organization that approaches the clean energy transition with technical rigor, pragmatism, and a deep respect for people and communities.”
Lee served as Barr’s president and CEO from 2013 to 2021, leading the firm through a period of significant growth. During his tenure, he oversaw the company’s first diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative and guided its evolution to a hybrid workplace model. Earlier in his career, Lee held multiple leadership roles at Barr, including vice president of finance, director of business development, power market sector lead, and board director.
“John understands that progress isn’t just about technology—it’s about people,” said Rolf Nordstrom, GPI’s president and CEO. “He’s led teams through growth and change with integrity, humility, and an eye for collaboration. That combination of steady leadership and technical insight will be invaluable as GPI continues building common ground for uncommon progress.”
A civil engineer by training, Lee led numerous environmental permitting, site engineering, and infrastructure projects during his tenure at Barr, including work on renewable energy and power generation.
“John’s combination of executive leadership, technical depth, and values-driven management aligns closely with GPI’s mission and culture,” said GPI Board Chair Priti Patel. “We’re so pleased to welcome him to the board and look forward to the perspective and guidance he’ll bring.”
Lee’s three-year term on the GPI board of directors officially began in September.
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