In our 100th year, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) is proud to honor the projects and people who define the past, present, and future of the profession. From the preservation of historic landmarks to the implementation of nation-leading technology, these winners embody the legacy of our founder, David B. Steinman.
Centennial Project of the Year: Brooklyn Bridge Rehabilitation
Owner: NYC Department of Transportation
Project Design Firm: Parsons
In our 100th year, NYSSPE is proud to recognize a project that bridges the gap between historic preservation and modern structural resilience. The rehabilitation of the Brooklyn Bridge, specifically its majestic granite towers and approach arches, required extraordinary technical precision to meet modern safety standards without compromising its landmark status. We applaud the NYC Department of Transportation and Parsons for their stewardship of this National Historic Landmark. Their work honors the spirit of our founder, David B. Steinman, by proving that even our most historic infrastructure can be revitalized to serve the needs of a 21st-century metropolis.
Engineering Project of the Year: NYC Central Business District Tolling Program
Owner: MTA,
Partners: NYSDOT, NYCDOT and TransCore
This project has fundamentally redefined the landscape of American transportation engineering. The NYC Central Business District Tolling Program is a masterclass in large-scale system integration and inter-agency collaboration. By leveraging TransCore’s cutting-edge tolling technology to reduce congestion in the nation’s densest urban core, the MTA, NYSDOT, and NYCDOT have addressed the most pressing environmental and logistical challenges of our time. This award recognizes the engineering excellence required to transform a visionary policy into a functional, highly technical national model for sustainable urban growth.
Construction Project of the Year: Allegany County CR 26 Emergency Response & Bridge Replacement
Owner: Allegany County
Project Design Firm: LaBella Associates
Engineering is often a quiet profession, but in moments of crisis, it becomes a lifeline. When a critical structural failure on County Route 26 severed a vital artery in Allegany County, the response was nothing short of extraordinary. LaBella Associates and Allegany County launched an unprecedented, accelerated design-build mission to restore a community in limbo. This project exemplifies the “heroic” side of the profession prioritizing public safety and swift action to reconnect residents, emergency services, and school routes. It stands as a testament to how professional engineering serves as the first line of defense for our communities.
Individual Honors:
Engineer of the Year:
Catherine Sheridan, PE
President, MTA Bridges and Tunnels
A trailblazer in public infrastructure, Catherine Sheridan oversees the nine bridges and two tunnels that serve as the economic arteries of New York City. From her early days as a seasonal inspector to her current role leading the nation’s largest toll authority, Sheridan’s career is a masterclass in leadership. Her dual background as a combat engineer and a professional musician reflects the multi-faceted spirit of the modern Professional Engineer.
Professional Engineer in Government:
Diane Kenneally, PE
Chief of Staff & Chief Administrative Officer, MTA Bridges and Tunnels
Diane Kenneally is the organizational heartbeat of the TBTA. By bridging the gap between technical engineering requirements and large-scale public administration, she ensures that one of the world’s most complex transit agencies operates with precision and integrity. Her recognition underscores the vital role PEs play in the highest levels of government leadership.
Young Engineer of the Year:
Rebecca Sheely-King, PE, SE
Structural Engineer, LaBella Associates
Representing the next generation of excellence, Rebecca has distinguished herself through her rare dual licensure as a Professional Engineer and a Structural Engineer. Her work in Albany ranging from historic building preservation to industrial expansions showcases a technical depth and community commitment.
Come celebrate our 100th Anniversary and Congratulate our amazing award winners at our Gala Dinner on August 6, 2026, at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge in conjunction with the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Conference – NSPECon26.
Gala Dinner tickets only: Click Here
NSPCon26 schedule & details: Click Here
