PHILADELPHIA -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Philadelphia District ushered in new leadership as Lt. Col. Ryan A. Baum assumed command of the organization from Lt. Col. Jeffrey M. Beeman during a July 16th ceremony in the Wanamaker Building's Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia.
Baum became the 63rd commander in the District's 159-year history.
Brig. Gen. John P. Lloyd, Commander of the North Atlantic Division, presided over the ceremony. He said Baum is well suited to lead the organization.
“Ryan, I know you will continue the tradition of excellence your predecessors have brought to commanding the Philadelphia District, and I heartily welcome you and your family to the North Atlantic Division team,” said Lloyd. “Lieutenant Colonels Jeffrey Beeman and Ryan Baum are proven commanders who solve problems and take care of their people. Philadelphia is known across the Corps for running an exceptional program, and I have every confidence it will continue to thrive under Lieutenant Colonel Baum’s leadership.”
Lloyd added that Beeman accomplished much during his two-year tenure, including the obligation of $1.2 billion in critical projects; the contract award for the design and construction of the Dredge DONNELLY; the completion of an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Dover Air Force Base; and the deck replacement for St. Georges Bridge in Delaware.
Beeman reflected on his time with the Philadelphia District, and thanked his family, friends, and teammates for their support.
“The last two years was the culmination of a career goal that started when I was 18 years old,” said Beeman. “The Philadelphia District rises to the challenge – it’s an organization comprised of exceptionally talented individuals who deliver engineering solutions to our Nation’s most challenging problems.”
Beeman offered words of support to Baum.
“Ryan, over the last couple months it has been abundantly clear that you are undoubtedly the right man to lead the Philadelphia District,” said Beeman. “In fact, you’ve already brought fresh ideas to the organization, and I have no doubt that you’ll continue the tradition of meeting challenges head on, building our next generation of leaders, and solving and delivering engineering solutions to our Nation’s most challenging problems.”
Baum now oversees a workforce responsible for managing the water resources of the Delaware River basin; building facilities for the Army and Air Force; and providing engineering and environmental services for other federal agencies.
Originally from Carlisle, Pa., Baum was commissioned as a second lieutenant from Drexel University ROTC in 2007. His education includes both a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering from Drexel. He is a Project Management Professional and a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri. His military education includes the Ranger Leader Course, Sapper Leader Course, Air Assault School, Airborne School, and Winter Mountain Warfare School.