James A. Besha

James A. Besha became a Trustee in June 2007, after being nominated by Governor Eliot Spitzer and confirmed by the New York State Senate to a five-year term.

Besha, a licensed professional engineer, is president of Albany Engineering Corporation and has been involved with the planning, development, design, construction management and operation of hydroelectric projects both in the U.S. and internationally.  In addition, Besha has provided engineering services for numerous hydroelectric, flood control and water supply dams.

Besha has been in private engineering practice since 1971.  Throughout his career, he has spearheaded wide-ranging public works projects involving water resources, energy conservation and electric generation.  He has received recognition for his innovative designs for environmentally sound hydroelectric projects and his commitment to creating new sources of clean power.

His numerous professional affiliations include the American Society of Civil Engineers, New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Society of Mining Engineers and the United States Society on Dams.  He has been honored with the Young Engineer of the Year Award from the NYSSPE and the New York State Consulting Engineers Council Award for Engineering Excellence.

Besha graduated from Syracuse University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

He is a resident of the Town of Berne in Albany County.

He is married to the former Joyce Beaudett, and they have three children.