West Yost Expands into Nevada with Local Water Leadership 

By Abigail Madrone, Business Development Director, Vice President

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West Yost’s expansion into Nevada reflects our long-term commitment to building strong, water-focused leadership and partnership across the West. As we continue expanding our presence, we are focused on building strong local leadership rooted in technical excellence and long-term commitment to the communities we serve.

I am proud to introduce Jonathan Lesperance, PE, Principal Engineer II and our Geographic Lead for Nevada.

Jonathan brings 17 years of experience delivering municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects. His expertise spans master planning, hydraulic modeling, treatment facilities, storage, pump stations, asset management, and long-term capital planning. He has led complex programs ranging from dam rehabilitations and transmission mains to advanced treatment facilities and regional wastewater planning efforts.

What stands out most about Jonathan is not only his technical depth, but his sense of purpose.

“He is passionate about mentorship, developing emerging professionals, and building a culture grounded in high expectations and meaningful public service.“

A Nevada native, Jonathan is committed to restoring and strengthening local technical expertise in the region. Our shared vision is to build a Nevada Center of Excellence, a thriving team of  water professionals who live and work in the communities they serve. He is passionate about mentorship, developing emerging professionals, and building a culture grounded in high expectations and meaningful public service.

Nevada faces significant challenges. Rapid growth, water scarcity, groundwater decline, emerging contaminants such as PFAS, and increasingly stringent treatment standards all demand integrated, forward-thinking solutions. Jonathan sees this complexity not as a barrier, but as an opportunity.

His leadership experience includes wastewater and water master planning for agencies such as Eureka County, Carson City, and Gardnerville Ranchos GID, reservoir resilience projects supported by FEMA funding, large-scale transmission and booster facilities, and advanced treatment upgrades addressing nitrogen limits and water quality compliance. He understands both the technical and financial realities that utilities face, particularly in rural communities with limited resources.

“With Jonathan leading our Nevada efforts we are investing in local leadership, long-term partnerships, and a lasting legacy in water infrastructure.”

Jonathan chose West Yost because of alignment. Our exclusive focus on public water infrastructure, our high-end water and wastewater expertise, and our long-term commitment to the public good create the right environment for him to do his best work.

With Jonathan leading our Nevada efforts, we are investing in local leadership, long-term partnerships, and a lasting legacy in water infrastructure.

Our expansion into Nevada is about investing in people, raising the bar for quality, and delivering resilient water infrastructure for generations to come.