Engineering Works

In this episode of Engineering Works , Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi discusses how IDOT is building the future of the transportation workforce while delivering one of the state's most ambitious infrastructure programs. The conversation explores Illinois' new student loan repayment program for engineers, the significance of earning an IDOT IQ, workforce recruitment and r...

In this episode of Engineering Works, ACEC Vice President and Advocacy Counsel Matt Reiffer joins us to discuss the recently introduced BUILD America 250 Act and the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Matt shares insights on federal transportation funding, the future of the Highway Trust Fund, formula funding versus competitive grants, and the key policy issues engineering firms shou...

On this episode of  Engineering Works , we welcome back Chris Burke, President of Christopher B. Burke Engineering. Chris joins us to discuss the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Washington Award and what the honor means for the engineering profession. We also talk about the launch of the Western Society of Engineers’ new podcast,  Engineering Legends , which he hosts — highlighting the...

ACEC-IL’s podcast  Engineering Works  interviews Bria Scudder, Deputy Governor of Illinois.  Bria discusses her role as a senior advisor and now Deputy Governor in shaping two of the most impactful infrastructure measures in Illinois history, ReBuild Illinois and the transit fix, and shares insights on building consensus among passionate stakeholders and advancing critical infrastru...

ACEC-IL’s podcast  Engineering Works  interviews Trisha Thompson and Carrie Nelsen from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Trisha and Carrie explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration with the engineering community, share perspectives on addressing workforce capacity challenges, and offer insights into improving the project delivery process. They also discuss the proj...

ACEC-IL’s podcast  Engineering Works  sits down with Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, for a powerful conversation recorded live at the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference. In this episode, we dive into the Tollway’s major investments to modernize infrastructure across the region and how these projects are shaping the future of transportation. Director Rouse also shares...

ACEC-IL’s podcast  Engineering Works , interviews Molly Tuttle, National Director of Workforce Development for ACEC. We’ll talk with Molly about her work with all 50 states to address workforce challenges in the engineering industry, the recruitment issues firms are facing amid a nationwide talent shortage, and how she’s helping reshape the future of engineering to meet shifting workforc...

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. We hear about his career from aspiring engineer to leading one of the nation’s largest transportation departments. He discusses inspiring the next generation through workforce development, CDOT’s major infrastructure projects, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping a safer, more connected Chicago. Hos...

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Tanya Adams, senior vice president and director of strategic partnership for WSP and also the Treasurer of ACEC Illinois. We’ll talk with Tanya about her personal journey, the industry’s growing recognition that diverse perspectives are not only good for business but essential for smart infrastructure planning, and how she’s helping nurtur...

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Paul Gregoire, Chief Operating Officer of Globetrotters Engineering and former Chief of Construction for IDOT District 1. Named ACEC Illinois’ 2025 “Mentor of the Year,” Paul reflects on a career that bridges both the public and private sectors. We dive into his passion for mentorship, the lessons he’s passed on to the next generation, and the...

This week on  Engineering Works , host Hayley Burns sits down with Tice Cole and Joey Heger, project managers at Crawford, Murphy & Tilly. They share a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest infrastructure efforts in Kane County’s history—the Longmeadow Parkway Improvements project, led by the Kane County Division of Transportation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in...

This week on  Engineering Works , host Hayley Burns sits down with Linda Moen, President & Owner of EFK Moen and former Chair of ACEC‑Illinois. Linda is fresh off advocacy trips to Springfield and Capitol Hill, where she championed the engineering community. In this episode, she shares insights into the top issues driving policy discussions at both the state and federal levels, and how th...

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Lou Gallucci, President and CEO of V3 Companies and Board Chair of ACEC Illinois. Lou explores the rapid technological advances of the past decade, offering insights into how firms can not only keep up but strategically implement these innovations.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Holly Bieneman, Director of Planning and Programming for IDOT. Holly offers an inside look at IDOT’s Multi-Year Improvement Program (MYP) — a comprehensive, six-year, multimodal plan that spans Illinois' extensive transportation network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Erin Aleman, Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP). Erin discusses the approaching transit fiscal cliff, how we got here, and CMAP's crucial role in bridging the funding gap . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Kevin Artl, president and CEO of American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois Kevin gives an update on what's been happening in Springfield, their trip to Washington, D.C., and ACEC-IL's focus areas during this legislative session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Doug Kucia, Director of Administration of the Chicago Transit Authority, and former Chief of Staff of Chicago Public Schools. Doug discusses a unique collaboration between the CTA, CPS, and ACEC-IL that will encourage students to explore STEM fields in exciting new ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews House Republican Leader Tony McCombie. Leader McCombie discusses the exciting details of her package of bills promoting STEM education for girls introduced this session.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse, and Director Scott Paddock, Senior Vice President of External Affairs. They fill us in on some of the innovations and surprises that came out of the Stakeholder Advisory Team this session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Chris Burke, president and CEO of Christopher B. Burke Engineering and past president of ACEC-IL. We discuss the deep history of the Chicago Engineers Dinner, the Washington Award, and the Western Society of Engineers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Anne Schaeffer and Matt Murphy of Mac Strategies, ACEC-IL's government relations partner. They update us on the big wins from last session and the key industry issues coming up in the legislature this session. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Michael Bempah,  President and CEO of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, and author of " How to Become A Civil Engineer: Bridging the Gap", out last month.  Michael talks about diversity, recruiting talent, his career path, and his new book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Megan Elberts, Principal of Gasperec Elberts and ACEC-IL Engineering Excellence Awards committee chair. Megan fills us in on how the awards are judged, and highlights the frontrunners in design, innovation, economic impact, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Steve Hall, Executive Vice President of ACEC. Steve talks about the big wins our industry has seen this year, ACEC's national efforts to advocate for a fix to the Research and Development Tax Credit, what else we may see get done this year, and the presidential election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Steve Donahue, National director of ACEC Illinois and president of Horner Shifrin. Steve talks about ACEC National's efforts to advocate for a fix to the Research and Development Tax Credit, why it's a crucial issue for the industry, and a recent update that is a huge step in the right direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...