Jan Auman, U.S.
“Every development effort, every project, and all the work we do around the world is unique. There is nothing cookie-cutter about it. You must understand the entire breadth of the project — cultural, socio-economic, religious, and political. Every project must involve people with the technical expertise and project management skills to facilitate local solutions to local problems.”
Jan Auman, Tetra Tech’s International Development Services President, started with the company 27 years ago, following ten years with the Peace Corps and a few years in the non-profit world. His passion for international development began when he won a rotary scholarship to study in Brazil before attending Pennsylvania State University. Witnessing the extreme wealth and poverty in Brazil, Jan gained a new understanding of his purpose and passion — to be of service in empowering people to live free of poverty and injustice. From there, he finished his degree in political science and international affairs, and then embarked on a decade-long term of service with the Peace Corps, holding a variety of roles from volunteer to Country Director in three countries.
Following ten years of service to the Peace Corps, Jan gained overseas experience in Africa, the South Pacific, the Middle East, and the Caribbean. He was first recruited by Tetra Tech (formerly Associates in Rural Development) in 1992 to run the USAID Community Natural Resources Management Project as Chief of Party in Lesotho. From there, Jan was asked to join the home office as a Senior Associate in the Environment and Natural Resources sector. He continued to move from the home office to the field and back again, serving as Chief of Party first in Jamaica and later in West Bank and Gaza, and as the home office Vice President of Operations and later Vice President for Business Development and Outreach.
“Moving from the home office to the field and back allows you to understand the entire ecosystem of international development project management. To be effective in the field, you need the support of the home office. To be successful in the home office, you need to empower the field teams. It is a symbiotic relationship, strengthened by the experiences of each.”
In 2007, Tetra Tech made its first major move into international development work through the acquisition of Associates in Rural Development (ARD). As part of the acquisition, Jan was promoted to President of the new Tetra Tech company, ARD, and found himself at the starting line of what would be an extraordinary journey of growth for Tetra Tech’s International Development Services practice.
“When I look back and reflect on what Tetra Tech has provided me, they gave me unlimited support — to help build a global and diverse international development service capable of providing the complete range of technical services to serve our clients and beneficiaries in tackling the world’s most complex challenges.” He reflects fondly on the people he’s had the pleasure of working with both overseas and at home, and attributes his last 27 years of professional growth and most cherished moments to these collegial experiences. He is inspired by his fellow colleagues understanding of complex technical subjects, diverse cultures, as well as their passion, intelligence, and integrity.
Each new opportunity throughout Jan’s career triggered a desire to learn and grow, whether it was a new country, technical subject matter, or a new position. This led him to embrace change on a regular basis, moving every two to three years to take on new and exciting roles with the company. With each change came new challenges and learning, building on his base of knowledge and experience. “Every development effort, every project, and all the work we do around the world is unique. There is nothing cookie-cutter about it. You must understand the entire breadth of the project — cultural, socio-economic, religious, and political. Every project must involve people with the technical expertise and project management skills to facilitate local solutions to local problems.”
As a leader, Jan’s style is founded on the principles of teamwork, collaboration, empowerment, educated risk taking, and professional and business growth. As a Chief of Party in the field and in various home office roles, Jan quickly learned the value of empowering people, letting them take risks, and investing in their growth as professionals. He is passionate about being a leader that holistically understands people’s expectations and goals.
Jan has watched the world of international development progress, grow, and change through the years. On his trips to visit Tetra Tech field offices and projects, Jan appreciates the incredible work people do at the local level, often under challenging circumstances. He is proud of how much the development profession has evolved over the years and how much Tetra Tech’s approach and presence in the development community has grown with it. His professional development was possible because he gained early field experience and persevered, was open to all possibilities, took risks, and embraced change. Over the past 37 years, Jan’s partner Janet joined him on his journey, sharing and often leading their search for new adventures.
Jan’s advice to young professionals:
“Development is a complex business due to all the components that go into creating positive outcomes. There are going to be challenges. You will experience failure. Learn from your mistakes and realize it takes time, perseverance, critical analysis and thinking, and field experience to be a well-rounded development professional. In my career, I have learned to be patient. You can’t solve things overnight, especially in the development field. It’s a life-long process of learning and growing.”
