ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Annually, ACEC/MD honors the accomplishments of an engineer from a small firm and an engineer from a mid-large firm who have contributed to the engineering profession and impacted society.
2022 Winners
Aneesha Griffin
Small Firm
Aneesha has dedicated the last five years since CST Engineering Inc.’s inception to its stability and growth, as well as to advocacy efforts in the industry and K‐12 education. She wears many hats within CST, being responsible for technical duties such as the performance of traffic analyses and preparation of design plans; managerial duties such as the supervision of junior engineers and technicians, as well as billing and marketing staff; and administrative duties such as the management of financial, contractual, and marketing/proposal matters. Through her hard work and dedication, she has helped to build CST’s reputation for quality, not just for technical deliverables, but also for invoices and proposal materials. Aneesha has participated on a variety of challenging projects including implementation of innovative techniques and technologies. Her major projects include the Purple Line P3, the Congestion Relief Plan P3, and the Harry Nice Bridge Design‐Build projects. She also played a pivotal role in the preparation of two winning proposals for SBE set‐aside contracts with MDOT SHA.
In addition to her dedication to CST, Aneesha has been a champion for the concerns of the small business industry by being the chair of the ACEC/MD SBE Committee for the last four years. She also volunteers her time outside of work to advocate for STEM education in K‐12 schools, especially efforts that encourage young women and minorities to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Bharat Kumar Peddu
Mid-Large Firm
Bharat’s creative design work on the MARC Wedge Storage Yard, Purple Line, CSX Transportation MARC Capacity Expansion projects, and Lehigh Access Tracks, among many others, illustrates his strong focus on providing Rail and Transit clients with innovative solutions that overcome the complex challenges they face. Bharat started working at Gannett Fleming in 2008 and immediately took the lead track design role on the MARC Wedge Storage Yard project—a $38.5 million, multi‐phase project that provides midday storage, planned maintenance, inspection, and servicing of 46 MARC commuter railcars—winning the past MdQI Project of the Year Award.
Bharat exemplifies Gannett Fleming’s commitment to delivering excellence to clients. Bharat’s capabilities were wholeheartedly endorsed from Harry Romano, Rail Program and Policy Manager for Office of Freight and Multimodalism, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT praised Bharat’s work in a letter where Mr. Romano wrote, “I have worked closely with Bharat since September 2015 on capital projects, studies of varying complexity, and random matters that arise. His engineering experience and expertise, and enthusiasm for tasks and subject matter have proven a valuable asset.”
Bharat’s enthusiasm, engineering expertise, attention to detail, outstanding communication skills, and exceptional management skills allow him to execute engineering projects at a very high level. As demonstrated by the projects above and client’s feedback, through Bharat’s work, clients are able to continue to serve their constituents, customers and protect the environment.
2021 Winners
David R. Hoffman, PE
Small Firm
Dave is an extraordinary mechanical engineer and leader. His passion for mechanical engineering radiates from him and those working around him benefit from his willingness to share his experience and knowledge. He is “hands on” with every single project produced. He collaborates and invites others to share their engineering or construction experience, regardless of position or credentials. Because of Dave’s willingness to collaborate and share his knowledge, he was nominated and awarded the Association of Energy Engineers, National Capitol Chapter’s Energy Engineer of the Year Award in 2017.
Dave’s focus is always on “what is right for the Owner” and their facility or system. He often spearheads the research and feasibility of new technologies and examines how to apply them to our projects. He develops checklists and master templates for his colleagues regarding what will work, what won’t, and always shares his “lessons learned”. His fundamental engineering knowledge and field expertise are un-paralleled in the industry. Our owner clients seek Dave out to address their “unsolvable” issues. This shows a high level of respect, trust, and appreciation for his abilities.
Finally, Dave loves to share his passion for mechanical engineering and design. He has presented engineering topics for ASHRAE, MD Public Schools, the ACE Program, and various other organizations. He volunteers his time to meet with students, contractors, facility planners, and other engineers to share his knowledge and experience in designing mechanical and plumbing systems for public facilities.
Elrold D. Jackson, PE
Mid-Large Firm
Elford Jackson is one of RK&K’s most valued engineers and is a trusted leader and mentor to many. Elford started his career over 29 years ago as a drafter for Baltimore City in their Water Engineering Section. Since joining RK&K 22 years ago as a young designer, he has steadily progressed to his current title of Utility Manager. Elford is respected by both his peers and clients for his broad technical expertise in many disciplines including utility design, site development and transportation engineering. Elford oversees a multitude of staff and is probably best known for his enthusiasm, management style of leading by example founded on strong technical skills, and his ability to communicate and relate to other staff.
One testament of Elford’s leadership has been his ability to maintain close cohesion, high morale and productivity among departmental staff working remotely during the ongoing COVID pandemic by hosting daily virtual meetings that facilitate personal interaction and communication.
Elford is Assistant Secretary Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Chesapeake Section AWWA having served in various positions including Diversity Manager and Trustee for Membership & Demographics. Elford has served as a member of the Baltimore City Public Arts Commission and currently serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for Morgan State University’s Civil Engineering Department where holds the position of Secretary.
It is Elford’s enthusiasm about the profession and his positive relationship with the entire engineering community that establishes himself as a leader worthy of ACEC Maryland’s Engineer of the Year.