40 Under 40 class of 2024 winners: Meet the engineers
By David Barista, Robert Cassidy, John Caulfield, Quinn Purcell
Last week, the editors of Building Design+Construction named the winners of the 19th Annual 40 Under 40 competition. Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named to the class of 2024, eight make their living in the engineering profession. Meet the engineers below.
View the entire 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. Check out the 40 Under 40 class of 2023 and 40 Under 40 class of 2022.
Interested in submitting a candidate for the 2025 40 Under 40 awards? The entry materials will be posted at bdcnetwork.com/home/news/55153978/call-for-entries-bdcs-2024-40-under-40-competition in Q1 2025. Reminders will be posted regularly in the BD+C Daily 5 newsletter. Sign up for our free BD+C Daily 5 daily newsletter.
MEET THE ENGINEERS: 40 UNDER 40 CLASS OF 2024
- Maria Campos
- Chris Deal
- Bethany Hahn
- Nick Lassek
- Stephen Reichwein
- Brandon Rich
- Mackenzie Roach
- Melissa Shea
MASTER OF AUTOMATION
AGE: 37 EDUCATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS Technical authority for the firm’s automation team of 16 engineers supporting all clients, markets, standardization, and quality efforts Certified as a Data Center Infrastructure Expert through the International Data Center Authority (IDCA) Key projects: Navistar campus, Lisle, Ill., which entailed renovating 1.2 million sf of buildings in one year; the 1.2 million-sf Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago; and multiple hyper-scale data centers for confidential clients Inaugural member of ESD’s internal innovation team (ESDi) EXTRACURRICULARS Past board member, current committee member, ASHRAE Illinois chapter OFF THE CLOCK Makes homemade wine, tomato sauce, and Sicilian delicacies Active alumni board member, University of Illinois SECRET LIFE WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Maria Campos, LEED AP, DCES
Principal, Automation Discipline Lead
Stantec
Chicago, Ill.
Bachelor of Science, Systems Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Advanced from intern at ESD (now part of Stantec) to Automation Discipline Lead for the entire Buildings practice globally in 14 years
Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
The first robotics coach at Northside College Prep High School, Chicago, where she mentored students for five years after school. Currently, she assists with teaching modeling software, instructs how to use power tools, and explains proportional-integral-derivative (PID) loops, as well as marketing and teamwork skills
Her great aunt was the first women in her hometown of Castronovo, Sicily, to own and drive a car
Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, a rehab facility in Chicago. “I was encouraged and supported to lead the automation design for this project. I was mentored along the way and learned a lot from my colleagues leading the MEP design. To this day, I refer to the design strategies from this project and continue to use it as an example. I have been personally impacted by this facility, seeing my father treated following his heart surgery and seeing my nephew volunteer there during his physical therapy schooling.”
“Listen before speaking, no matter the scenario. I have found it extremely important to not make assumptions or jump to conclusions without first trying to obtain all the information and viewpoints possible from all individuals. This has been a valuable lesson that has helped me work through difficult discussions and situations.”
ENGINEER/FARMER
Chris Deal, PE, CEM, LEED AP BD+C
Partner
MODUS Engineering
Des Moines, Iowa
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Education, Rockhurst University
Master of Science, Renewable Energy, Makerere University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Created and implemented Modus’ hiring, recruitment, and training programs
Has guided over $1 billion worth of projects for universities, schools, hospitals, and government and commercial facilities
Forty Under 40, Des Moines Business Record (2023)
EXTRACURRICULAR
WISE intern advisor, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Member, Association of Energy Engineers
Board of Directors, Iowa Center Community College Foundation
Advisory Board, Christian Conference Center
OFF THE CLOCK
Co-manages Deal’s Orchard in Iowa City, Iowa, a fourth-generation family business that draws over 100,000 visitors annually
Founder and manager of Jefferson City View Properties LLC, East State Street Properties LLC, and related real estate development projects
Owns and operates Chris & Tracy Deal Farms, that grows corn and soybeans using sustainable farming practices
Cofounder and advisory board member of Cova/EOS International, which provides safe drinking water solutions in Nicaragua and Honduras
Created BOOST, a community event the celebrates students and teachers, and raises funds for the Jefferson, Iowa, school district
SECRET LIFE
USA Today All-USA Academic Second Team (2008)
Spent a year studying and volunteering in Uganda, via an internship with a local MEP consulting firm
Has restored several historic buildings in his hometown to apartments, offices, and retail spaces. Next up: a restaurant
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Say “yes” to unexpected opportunities. “If we take off the blinders, there’s a world of opportunity awaiting.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Forming lifelong friendships with people in the AEC industry
DIVERSITY CHAMPION
Bethany Hahn, MPA
Chief Operating Officer
Apex Engineers
Kansas City, Mo.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, University of Missouri – Kansas City
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Truman State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Moved up career ladder at Apex starting as a part-time administrator
Since assuming HR responsibilities (2011-2023) Apex’s headcount increased 535% to 50-plus employees, and its sales growth 1000%
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-Chair, Education Committee, Deltek Ajera Users Association
OFF THE CLOCK
Board of Directors and Treasurer, Missouri Organic Association
Business Advisory Board, Project Lead the Way
Treasurer and Hospitality Chair, Boy Scouts of America Troop 708; Committee Chair-NOVA (STEM) Coordinator, Cub Scout Packs 134 and 3297
Works on a three-acre “hobby farm” with a kitchen garden, orchard, and various animals
SECRET LIFE
Pet foster parent for various animal welfare organizations (has fostered more than 1,000 kittens)
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
“Never bring a problem to the table without a side of solutions.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Driving diversity initiatives. One-fifth of Apex’s employees is now female, 15% minority, and in 2025 the company will move one of its first female employees into Associate roles
SUSTAINABLE DISRUPTOR
Nick Lassek, PE, CBCP
Associate, High-Performance Design Engineer
LEO A DALY
Omaha, Neb.
AGE: 29
EDUCATION
Master of Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Bachelor of Science, Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Helped increase the firm’s gross square footage modeled to 81.91% in 2023, from 10.13% in 2020
One of the firm’s youngest members promoted to Associate
Developed the framework and scope of his current position
EXTRACURRICULARS
Serves on the board of Project StaSIO (Standard Simulations Inputs and Outputs)
Contributing member of “Sustainable Design Leaders” peer group within The Building Green
Active member in ASHRAE and the Nebraska Society of Healthcare Engineers
OFF THE CLOCK
Has volunteered at Green Omaha Coalition’s annual Earth Day, and its Zero Waste Program
Hobbies include growing and caring for Bonsai trees, refinishing furniture, and training his puppy to be a skilled hunting companion on weekend waterfowl outings
Since 2018, has mentored students through his alma mater
Volunteers with Keep Omaha Beautiful public outreach events and its stormwater program that develops educational materials
SECRET LIFE
Despite his work on healthcare facilities, he fears going to a doctor’s office
Italian was his second language growing up
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
From his father: “If you are going to do it, do it right, or don’t do it at all.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Serving on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Sustainability Task Force. “As a [20-member] committee we were able to positively impact a large institution’s sustainable design goals and guidelines.”
ACCOMPLISHED ENGINEER
Stephen Reichwein, PE, SE
Principal
Severud Associates
New York, N.Y.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University
Bachelor of Architectural Engineering, Penn State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Served as the Project Director for the structural design of Sphere at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nev.
His first major project, The Madison Square Garden Transformation, received the highest engineering excellence awards in its category from ACEC, SEAoNY, and NCSEA.
Served as lead project designer for TSX, designing the world’s largest post-tensioned concrete transfer structure as well as the sequencing and high-level logistics of raising a 100-year-old existing theater 30 feet above its foundations
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-Chair, Programs Committee, Structural Engineering Association of New York (2015–Current)
Member, ASCE Chapter 26 Wind Loads on Buildings Committee, Structural Engineering Institute (2017–2021)
Guest Lecturer, Penn State College of Engineering (2020)
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite sports include golf, running, and trapshooting
Loves cooking for the family, especially grilling in the summertime or making pasta from scratch in the wintertime
SECRET LIFE
Initially wanting to be an architect, Stephen changed his mind and switched to structural engineering because of his love for math and physics
Grew up on a rural dairy farm in northeast Pennsylvania that has been in operation for almost 150 years
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Something that made Stephen realize a project is more than just nuts and bolts was an accolade from a superintendent on one of his first major projects:
“You not only make impressive 3D models of complex structures that wow the audience in a meeting, but you also come to the site and draw them on the back of a bag (of cement) for us folks here on the site. You might not realize how important that latter skill is right this moment, but I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I’ve never seen anyone solve problems and explain the solutions like you do.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Stephen’s biggest achievement is completing Sphere in Las Vegas. He was part of the project from its infancy in design, until the last bolt was set and the last ounce of concrete was cast
“Getting to see U2 perform live for the first time after it opened to the public was existential for me.”
ACTIVE VOLUNTEER
Brandon Rich, PE, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, WiredScore AP, Fitwel Ambassador
Principal, Alvine Engineering/IP Design Group
Alvine and Associates
Omaha, Neb.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska – Omaha
Bachelor of Science, Architectural Engineering, University of Nebraska – Omaha
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Honor Award in Engineering Excellence, from ACEC Nebraska, for Brickline at The Mercantile project (2024)
Best Urban Open Space finalist, Urban Land Institute International (2024)
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member of the Architectural Engineering Institute, USGBC (Flatwater chapter), Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Urban Land Institute, Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, and Illuminating Engineering Society
Member and Guest Speaker, ASHRAE
Guest Lecturer for University of Nebraska Architectural Engineering Program
OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteers for organizations that include Miss America Scholarship, Junior League of Omaha, Habitat for Humanity
Participant in activities that include United Way of Midland fundraising campaign, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Wellcom Trek up the Tower
Project design mentor and freshman mentor, University of Nebraska Architectural Engineering Design Team program
Family traveling and biking
Drone photography
SECRET LIFE
Umpired baseball from age 12 through college
Joined and expanded his family’s panoramic photography business
Has been a licensed realtor since he was 19, and was one of the first LEED-certified real estate agents in Nebraska
Brandon’s father, a dentist, and his mother developed one of the first automated toothbrushes, called Brush-Rite. They also worked with another inventor on a filet board that sold 20,000-plus units in 10 minutes on QVC
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Stay curious, and be open to learning about new ideas
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
The ability to continuously learn, and then use that experience to help less-experienced designers, engineers, and students through formal and informal mentoring and guidance. Also, Being named University of Nebraska Architectural Engineering Program’s Outstanding Alumni in 2020
FIRE SAFETY EXPERT
Mackenzie Roach
Senior Consultant, Senior Fire Protection Engineer
Arup
Los Angeles, Calif.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
Master of Science, Fire Protection Engineering, California Polytechnic State University
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, California Polytechnic State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Arup’s Americas Representative for City Fire Resilience
Has developed guidelines related to the fire engineering aspects of site vulnerability
Earlier this year, was the project manager for a study about the state of Colorado’s wildfire mitigation efforts
Recent projects include serving as Fire/Life Safety Consultant for the five-story, 85,000-sf children’s museum in El Paso, Texas; and in the same capacity for the 180,000-sf Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center in L.A.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Member, Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Heavily involved in presenting and recruiting at conferences
Regional leader for Arup’s Connect Women Employee Resource Group, overseeing 20 leaders in 12 offices
Sits on Arup’s EDI Executive committee, and oversees the firm’s Los Angeles sports and social events committee
Guest lecturer at USC School of Architecture on life and fire safety
OFF THE CLOCK
Learned woodworking from her uncle, which she has used to make centerpieces and party favors
Has built carnival games for a fall event hosted by a local church
SECRET LIFE
Mackenzie is a classically trained pianist who has been playing since the age of seven
Has leveraged her crocheting and sewing skills to create and donate blankets to Project Linus, which provides blankets to seriously ill or traumatized children
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Be kind and respectful to everyone you meet. “You never know when that person may re-enter your life, and in what capacity.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Mentoring peers and investing in others. “Being a mentor is a valuable way to give back to the industry.”
OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER
Melissa Shea, PE
Principal, Senior Project Manager–Structures Group
Walter P Moore
Washington, D.C.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
Master of Structural Engineering, Desing Construction Integration, Stanford University
Bachelor of Science, Physics and International Relations, The College of William & Mary
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to Principal at age 35
Championed a prototype project for an internal working group dedicated to developing productivity tools that enhance efficiency and optimize decision making processes
In 2020, cofounded Walter P Moore’s Women in Engineering Group-Northeast
As Structures Group’s Operations Manager in Washington, its engineers expanded to 24 in 2024, from six in 2014
EXTRACURRICULARS
Co-chair of firm’s DEI Council, focusing on recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in AEC industry
Co-Leader of Ignite Moore Mentorship Task Force
In 2024, served as a panelist for ACEC Metropolitan Washington Inaugural DEI&B committee; and named cohort of the SEA Metro Washington’s SE3 (Structural Engineering, Engagement, and Equity) SE Education and Development Mentorship program
OFF THE CLOCK
Leads Girl Scout troops for her two daughters
Passionate about empowering women and girls in STEM
SECRET LIFE
Melissa’s husband, a mechanical engineer in the space industry, is currently working on the safety of lunar crafts and space walks.
Melissa takes her leadership cues from her great grandmother, a suffragette who ran a real estate business in the 1910s. She was also the first woman in Atlantic City, N.J., to get a driver’s license, and she used her car to lead the Red Cross Motor Corps during World War I. The great grandmother was also an aviatrix.
WHAT IS THE BEST CAREER OR BUSINESS ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Make sure you are intentional about what you are saying “No” to when you take on something new. “I use it as a mantra and it helps me prioritize and communicate better.”
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR SINGLE BIGGEST PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?
Seeing The Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s inpatient tower and 280-ft connector bridge come to life on what is a very tight urban site. This was the first project on which Mellisa was Engineer of Record. She designed the foundation to support any of 17 options, which gave the team an additional eight months to find the best location for the bridge.
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