The construction and engineering industry stands at a critical juncture. As the sector grapples with an aging workforce, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence, and the urgent need for sustainable, resilient infrastructure, the next generation of leaders is stepping up to bridge the gap. Today, Engineering News-Record (ENR) Midwest is proud to announce the 2027 class of "Top Young Professionals," a cohort of leaders under the age of 40 who are not only mastering their technical crafts but are also redefining what it means to lead in the built environment.
These individuals have been selected for their extraordinary contributions to the industry, demonstrating a rare combination of technical prowess, rapid career progression, and an unwavering commitment to their communities. From managing complex multi-billion-dollar transit projects to leading disaster relief efforts in the wake of the devastating 2025 St. Louis tornadoes, these professionals represent the vanguard of the Midwest’s construction and engineering future.
Defining Excellence: The Selection Criteria and Judging Process
The ENR Top Young Professionals program is a prestigious annual recognition that spans all of ENR’s regional editions. The 2027 Midwest selection process was rigorous, designed to identify those who exhibit more than just high-level technical skills. Judges evaluated candidates based on four core pillars:
- Professional Leadership: The ability to inspire teams, manage large-scale initiatives, and foster inclusive workplace cultures.
- Career Progress: Documented advancement and the ability to take on increased responsibility early in their careers.
- Rapid Experience: The scope and complexity of projects managed relative to their years in the field.
- Community Involvement: A demonstrated commitment to giving back to the communities where they build and live.
To ensure impartiality, the judging panel comprised exclusively of former "Top Young Pro" honorees. The 2027 panel included Emily Hyland (HDR, Inc.), Abbas Kachwalla (AECOM), Cavin Berube (Moore Engineering), Nicole Franklin (Bechtel), and Shannon Zlab (Hoefer Welker). To maintain the integrity of the selection process, judges were strictly prohibited from evaluating applications from candidates within their own firms.
The 2027 Class: A Snapshot of Talent
The honorees represent a broad cross-section of the Midwest construction landscape, spanning 13 states and disciplines ranging from architectural design and civil engineering to large-scale general contracting.
The 2027 Honorees:
- Emma Albers (Kimley-Horn) – Warrenville, Ill.
- Paru Baranwal (City of Ames) – Ames, Iowa
- Sangeeta Bhattacharjee (City of Hutchinson) – Hutchinson, Kans.
- Tiffany Cartwright (Walter P Moore) – Kansas City, Mo.
- Austin Davis (Alberici Constructors) – St. Louis, Mo.
- Laura Drescher (Burns & McDonnell) – Kansas City, Mo.
- Peter Ernzen (IMEG) – Urbandale, Iowa
- Bryan Hafertepe (Connico) – Hebron, Ky.
- Zach Lang (McCownGordon Construction) – Kansas City, Mo.
- Kerry Lorts (S.M. Wilson & Co.) – Edwardsville, Ill.
- Brady Meister (Wold Architects and Engineers) – Minneapolis, Minn.
- Andrew Milkey (Ideal Contracting) – Detroit, Mich.
- Tony Nalli (Burns & McDonnell) – Chicago, Ill.
- Eric Nickeson (JE Dunn Construction) – Kansas City, Mo.
- Holden Orler (ARCO/Murray) – Downers Grove, Ill.
- Vatsal Shah (ANS) – Columbus, Ohio
- Mac Sullivan (ARCO/Murray) – Chicago, Ill.
- Kevin Vivo (Conti Federal) – Box Elder, S.D.
- Andrew Voorhis (Bechtel) – Johnston, Ohio
- Megan Zak (HGA) – Milwaukee, Wis.
A Chronology of Crisis and Recovery: The Context of 2027
To understand the caliber of this year’s cohort, one must look at the context in which they have operated over the past two years. The 2027 class did not come of age in a period of stability. They emerged during a time of significant disruption.
2025: The Year of Resilience
In the spring of 2025, a series of catastrophic tornadoes tore through the St. Louis metropolitan area, leaving behind a trail of decimated infrastructure and community upheaval. The recovery effort became a litmus test for the local construction community. Austin Davis of Alberici Constructors, a 2027 honoree, emerged as a central figure during this period. He didn’t just manage the physical reconstruction; he coordinated a unified initiative across the local contracting community to prioritize the restoration of essential services and residential stability.
2026: The Year of Scaling
Following the immediate response, 2026 saw a massive influx of federal infrastructure funding under the ongoing national renewal programs. The professionals on this year’s list spent the last 18 months navigating supply chain volatility, labor shortages, and the implementation of new, AI-driven project management tools that have since become industry standards.
2027: Recognition and Leadership
As we move into 2027, this group has transitioned from the "emerging talent" phase to "operational leadership." They are now the ones sitting in the boardrooms, directing project life cycles, and mentoring the next generation of engineers and builders.
Supporting Data: Trends in the New Generation
What does the data say about these leaders? An analysis of the 2027 class applications reveals three distinct trends that differentiate them from previous generations of industry professionals.
1. The Rise of the "Techno-Builder"
Nearly 85% of this year’s honorees cited the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and AI-assisted site safety analytics as central to their recent successes. They are not merely using technology; they are creating workflows that reduce project delivery timelines by an average of 15-20%.
2. Community-Centric Construction
The selection process emphasized community involvement, and the 2027 class delivered. Beyond the St. Louis tornado response, honorees are heavily involved in local STEM outreach, urban revitalization projects, and mentorship programs for underrepresented groups in construction. This "community-first" approach is no longer viewed as a peripheral activity; it is core to their business model.
3. Geographical Distribution and Infrastructure Focus
While the class is spread across the Midwest, a significant portion of their work is focused on civil infrastructure and energy-sector projects. This mirrors the national shift toward sustainable energy and modernized transportation hubs, particularly in states like Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio.
Official Responses and Industry Implications
The announcement of this class has drawn praise from across the industry. "The 2027 class isn’t just building structures; they are building the systems that will carry us into the next decade," said a representative from the judging panel. "Their ability to pivot—from managing massive logistical hurdles to leading community recovery—is precisely what the industry needs right now."
The Implications for Firms
For the firms that employ these 20 honorees, the implications are clear: these individuals are the key to succession planning. Industry analysts suggest that firms failing to empower these young leaders with decision-making authority risk losing them to competitors who offer greater autonomy.
The Implications for the Industry
The construction industry has long struggled with a reputation for being slow to change. The 2027 class proves that this perception is outdated. By embracing digital transformation and community engagement as fundamental components of project management, these professionals are setting a new standard for the industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Midwest Construction
As these 20 individuals prepare to be profiled in the January 2027 edition of ENR Midwest, they carry the responsibility of shaping the regional landscape. Their work will define the next phase of Midwestern development, from the revitalized urban cores of Chicago and St. Louis to the burgeoning infrastructure projects in the Great Plains.
They are the architects of the future. They are the builders of the resilient, high-tech, and community-focused infrastructure that the Midwest demands. Their success is not merely a personal milestone; it is a vital indicator of the industry’s health and its capacity to meet the challenges of the coming decades.
Congratulations to the 2027 ENR Midwest Top Young Professionals. We look forward to seeing how you continue to build the world of tomorrow.
Annemarie Mannion is the editor of ENR Midwest. Based in Chicago, she has covered the construction industry since 2022, reporting on the infrastructure, labor, and economic trends shaping the 13-state region.
