Worcester Business Journal

30 Worcester Business Journal | March 15, 2021 | wbjournal.com F O C U S H A L L O F F A M E Hegemann's ecological impact is widespread across Central Mass. F or 40 years, Ingeborg E. Hegemann has devoted her life's work to the conservation of wetlands as an ecological scientist storming the industry with her insight, leadership, professionalism and overall passion to the field. "It's a wonderful career. I drive around Massachusetts and see evidence of my work all over. It is kind of fun," Hegemann said. "I remember monitoring the construction of Route 146 to the Mass Pike to minimize impact on the Blackstone River." e Route 146 project – a $16-million dollar project embarking in 1995 and ending in 2007 – is only but a small project in the Hegemann portfolio. Her dedication has shined on some of Massachusetts' most notable revitalization projects, including BY GISELLE RIVERA-FLORES Special to the Worcester Business Journal the environmental restoration and permitting for municipal parks in Athol, Orange and Hudson. In Worcester, Hegemann has her hands in all projects near and dear to the Heart of the Commonwealth. With the restoration of Union Station, rehabilitation plan at the Auburn Mall, and improvements to the former South Worcester Industrial Park area, it is no surprise Hegemann played a vital role in the city planning for the Worcester Red Sox's development of the new $160-million Polar Park. Now, aer starting a career in 1981 in ecological science, Hegemann is heading into retirement. During her time in the field, she ascended to be the principal of the 56-year-old Boston and Worcester firm BSC Group and just recently stepped down as chair of its board of directors. In addition to her many accomplishments in the field, she led diversity and family- friendly initiatives at BSC Group, which is now 30% female owned in a traditionally unbalanced industry. "Ingeborg has blazed a trail for women in science and engineering, mentoring colleagues at both BSC Group and within the industry," said Lee Curtis, vice president and principal at BSC Group. "Even 20 years ago, when BSC Groups' Worcester team was in development, her leadership and reputation attracted women in the industry … Before formal policies and practices were in place, Ingeborg mentored and promoted women at BSC and through external organizations and volunteer work." Although the Hegemann portfolio is impressive, the nature of her work ethics and viewpoints surpass the expectations of any anticipated result, helping create more than a simple redevelopment of an area. Hegemann creates a universal experience between life and its relation to its physical environment. When contributing to economic revitalization projects, Hegemann hopes to achieve and maintain significant results with each project. For Hegemann, a revitalization project is the epitome of a golden opportunity. "Redevelopment can be a blank slate for environmental improvement," said Hegemann in an email interview. "For example, if redeveloping a closed big box store or strip mall, there are opportunities to improve stormwater quality before it runs off a site … consider putting in solar panels over the parking areas; improve pedestrian access; plant more trees; and integrate facilities to blend with WBJ Hall of Fame Ingeborg E. Hegemann Senior consultant BSC Group, Inc. Company locations: Worcester, Boston, Andover, W. Yarmouth, Glastonbury, Conn., and Manchester, N.H. Her birthplace: Munich, Germany Making honey: Hegemann is a beekeeper. PHOTO/MATT WRIGHT

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