About Us

Walden & Associates - the Company, the History and the Philosophy

Walden & Associates was founded in 1975 by Dave Walden, who launched the firm from his garage with a clear mission: to provide practical, high-quality civil engineering and land surveying solutions. Dave built his reputation on maintaining close relationships with both clients and public agencies, taking a proactive approach to addressing site design challenges and regulatory requirements. His dedication to client service and technical excellence earned him widespread respect in the engineering community. As he transitioned leadership in 2001, Dave passed on these core values to the next generation of principals, ensuring that his commitment to integrity, collaboration, and quality continued to shape the firm's culture.

Current Leadership
In 2017, Marcos Padilla became a principal and currently serves as President and Chief Operations Officer. Marcos joined Walden & Associates in 2004 and brings nearly two decades of experience in civil engineering design. As the firm's lead design engineer, he oversees project development from preliminary concepts through final construction documents. His strengths lie in his ability to lead teams, foster synergy within the office, and build lasting relationships with clients. Marcos is known for his forward-thinking approach and dedication to delivering complete and efficient design packages that meet both client needs and agency standards.

DeAnne Frink, daughter of former CFO Dave Couch and niece of founder Dave Walden, became a principal in 2023 and now serves as Chief Financial Officer. Since joining the firm in 2010, DeAnne has managed a broad range of responsibilities, including finance, human resources, contracts, insurance, and IT infrastructure. Her role is essential in ensuring the operational efficiency and financial stability of the company. She is also deeply committed to preserving the close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere that defines Walden & Associates, proudly continuing the third generation of her family’s involvement in the business.

Dave Bacon joined Walden & Associates in 1981, initially working as a draftsman while still attending college. Over the years, he emerged as a key figure in the company’s engineering efforts and a steady leader at the helm. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and passion for design clarity, Dave has overseen a wide range of engineering projects, always emphasizing the importance of accuracy and buildability. As a principal, he mentored numerous junior staff members and helped maintain the firm’s high standards for engineering excellence. As he approaches retirement, Dave continues to support the firm's transition and ensure that the next generation carries forward the principles of quality and professionalism that have long defined Walden & Associates.

Jeff Walden, son of founder Dave Walden, has led the surveying department since the early 1990s and
has been with the firm since 1983. He is responsible for overseeing all mapping services, including ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, boundary surveys, and construction staking. Jeff inherited his father’s
uncompromising standards for precision and reliability, and he has carried that legacy into every aspect of the firm's surveying work. His leadership has been integral to maintaining the technical quality and integrity of Walden’s survey deliverables.

Dave Couch joined Walden & Associates in 1986 and served as Chief Financial Officer from 2001 until his retirement in 2015. In addition to managing the firm’s finances, Dave also oversaw the human resources department and maintained in-house computer systems. He played a crucial role in streamlining business operations, implementing new software systems, and managing contract and insurance agreements. His contributions provided the administrative backbone that supported the firm’s
continued growth and success.