Annual Recognition
Each year, ACEC Indiana recognizes the leaders of the engineering community by presenting an Annual Recognition Awards program. ACEC Indiana accepts one submission per firm for each award. The awards presented at this event can include the following:
Annual Recognition Award Nominations
Check back Spring 2026 to nominate an outstanding individual.
Consulting Engineer of the Year
Sanjay Patel, shaped by his father BC Patel's consulting engineering wisdom, built one of Indiana's largest civil engineering powerhouses on core values: Client Focus, Trust, Knowledge, and Hard Work. His strategic foresight helped his firm become a true client partner across the state, even graduating from the federal DBE program.
Sanjay's influence extends far beyond his company. He has been a steadfast advocate for the engineering community, particularly through his extensive involvement with ACEC Indiana. He served on the Board and multiple committees, playing an active role. As ACEC Indiana President, he spearheaded the pivotal transition to a full-time staff, significantly elevating the organization's professionalism. He consistently championed member firm issues to elected officials and strongly supported the PAC.
His impact on industry workforce and education is remarkable. Over 20 years ago, Sanjay was instrumental in initiating the Engineering Leadership Program, which has since developed hundreds of successful principals and owners. He reprised this role with the Pinnacle Series, further developing future leaders. He also chaired the formation of ACEC Indiana's Workforce Development Committee, establishing workforce as a key strategic pillar and culminating in the hiring of a full-time Workforce Development Director. Currently, he chairs the newly established ACEC Indiana Education and Workforce Foundation.
Young Engineer of the Year
The 2025 ACEC Indiana Young Engineer Recognition is awarded to David Wichman, Project Engineer at Clark Dietz, for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the engineering profession.
At Clark Dietz, David is a champion of mentorship, instrumental in developing new engineers and interns through purposeful tasks and fostering a growth-oriented environment. His commitment extends to ACEC Indiana, where he has served on the K-12 Education Committee for two years and will serve as the chair in 2025. David is also a proud graduate of the 2022-23 Engineering Leadership Program.
In January 2024, David received Clark Dietz’s prestigious President’s Award, a peer-nominated recognition for his exceptional work ethic, collaboration, embodiment of firm values, and unwavering support for colleagues.
David's professional engagement includes speaking at the IWEA Annual Conference since 2019 and actively contributing to the local ASCE chapter. He proactively coordinated professional development events at the City of Evansville Water & Sewer Utility, offering peers firsthand exposure to complex infrastructure projects he helped lead.
Public Service Award
ACEC Indiana proudly presents the 2025 Public Service Award to Mark Jacob, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the engineering profession from outside ACEC's direct membership. This esteemed award honors individuals from academia or state/local government who have profoundly impacted engineering and community well-being.
A Purdue graduate and Indianapolis native, Mark Jacob has dedicated over 30 years to central Indiana's infrastructure. His career spans significant roles at INDOT, the City of Indianapolis (leading the "Building Better Neighborhood" program), and DLZ (managing the "Clean Stream Team" and contributing to "RebuildIndy").
Most notably, as Vice President of Capital Programs and Engineering at Citizens Energy Group, Mark oversaw the monumental Deep Rock Tunnel System. This ambitious project has dramatically reduced pollution in the White River, significantly improving environmental quality for the region.
Mark's unwavering professionalism and commitment to public welfare have left an indelible mark, shaping nearly every major infrastructure initiative in central Indiana for decades.
President's Award
Patrick Long is affectionately known as a "legislative junkie" for his extensive dedication to navigating policy and advocating for consulting engineering interests. He has served on ACEC Indiana's Government Affairs Committee for numerous years, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the industry.
Beyond his crucial advocacy work, Pat has been a constant presence in the engineering community. He has built countless bridges and fostered vital connections throughout his career, including his impactful tenure with the American Concrete Pavement Association of Indiana. His natural talent for business development and relationship building has been invaluable.
Pat's talents extend beyond the professional realm; he is also a skillful musician, often entertaining with his harmonica after emceeing the Engineering Excellence Awards. From the Statehouse halls to industry events, and from professional networking to playing a blues riff, Pat has consistently dedicated his energy and passion to advancing the consulting engineering profession in Indiana. His deep commitment to the betterment of the business community is evident in all his endeavors.
