July 2026
The Walsh Group names Jeff Polak as Chief Operating Officer of Central Water
Irving, Texas – The Walsh Group, one of the largest construction services providers in the United States, has named Jeff Polak as Chief Operating Officer of Central Water. In this role, Polak will provide overall leadership for the Central Water business, working closely with company ownership and customers while overseeing project performance, management systems and staff across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado.
"Jeff's promotion is a testament to both his exceptional leadership and the tremendous growth our Central Water business has achieved over the years," said Duane Petersen, president of The Walsh Group’s water division. "For more than three decades, Jeff has played an instrumental role in building strong relationships, developing talented teams and delivering complex water infrastructure projects for our clients. His experience, expertise and commitment to our core values make him the ideal leader to help guide the continued success and strategic growth of our Central Water operations."
Polak brings more than 40 years of construction industry experience, including 32 years with The Walsh Group. Most recently, he served as Vice President for Central Water operations. His recent portfolio includes executive leadership of the $296 million South Mesquite Creek Regional WWTP Peak Flow Management Project in Mesquite, Texas, the $377 million Arcadia Lake Water Treatment Plant Improvements project in Edmond, Oklahoma, the $177 million Hutto South Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, and the $240 million Denton Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility in Roanoke, Texas.
Throughout his career, Jeff has helped secure and deliver critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects that support the growing communities within the region. His extensive industry knowledge and proven leadership have been instrumental in the continued expansion of The Walsh Group’s water operations.
About The Walsh Group
Founded in 1898, The Walsh Group is a fourth-generation family-owned business providing construction services in the water, building and transportation markets. The Walsh Group operates as Walsh Construction and Archer Western Construction across 21 regional offices and is among the top-ranked firms in the water/environment sector. The Walsh Group is ranked as the second largest builder of wastewater treatment plants and the second largest builder of water treatment and desalination plants, the third largest sewerage and solid waste systems builder, and the fourth largest water supply constructor in the United States, according to the Engineering News-Record's 2025 rankings.