Joe Harkins

Alum, class of 1972

Joe Harkins graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory School in 1972 and went on to earn a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Santa Clara University in 1976, followed by an M.S. in Structural Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley in 1977.

Joe began his career in San Francisco, focusing on earthquake engineering research and structural design across a variety of projects before transitioning into project management. Over his distinguished 30-year career at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), he managed the design and construction of new facilities and led major upgrades at the lab’s flagship research center, the Advanced Light Source.

In 2019, following his retirement from LBNL, Joe joined Stanford University as Director of the Project Leadership Institute — a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored program focused on developing leadership skills among project managers across the DOE complex. He has since transitioned from the director role but continues to serve as an advisor to the program.

Joe and his wife, Lindsey Tenvold, were married in 1980 and raised three children, all of whom attended Catholic grade and high schools. Joe was active in their parish, St. Joan of Arc, and coached youth soccer and baseball for many years.

In 2023, Joe and Lindsey returned to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to family and friends. He has since reconnected with Bellarmine, serving on the Facilities Committee and helping organize class reunions.