Prestigious award recognizes distinguished leadership, technical excellence and service to the civil engineering profession
CHICAGO (Sept. 22, 2026) – HNTB’s Jim Mayer, PE, program manager and associate vice president, has been named the 2026 Civil Engineer of the Year by the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers. The award recognizes his sustained engineering achievements, service to the civil engineering profession, commitment to developing the next generation of engineers and client-focused approach to delivering complex transportation programs.
Mayer has more than 23 years of experience in the design, construction and management of transportation infrastructure. Since joining HNTB in 2003, he has helped lead the delivery of major transportation investments across the Midwest, with much of his career dedicated to supporting the Illinois Tollway’s capital programs. His experience includes key leadership roles on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) reconstruction, Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project, I-294/I-57 Interchange Improvements Project and Central Tri-State Tollway reconstruction. He currently serves as program manager overseeing HNTB’s work in support of the agency’s Move Illinois, Bridging the Future and Driving Connections capital programs, helping guide projects that enhance mobility, improve safety and strengthen regional connectivity.
“Jim has earned the trust and respect of colleagues, clients and industry partners through steady leadership and a genuine commitment to delivering infrastructure that serves communities across Illinois,” said Anne Sheahan, HNTB Illinois office leader and vice president. “This honor reflects the impact he has made throughout his career, along with the time and attention he devotes to mentoring others and strengthening the engineering profession. I’m proud to see Jim receive this well-deserved recognition.”
Beyond his work on individual projects, Mayer has advanced innovative program-delivery practices and expanded opportunities for small and diverse firms. He is an active member in several regional and national industry organizations, including ASCE, the American Council of Engineering Companies, Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association and International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association.
Mayer will be recognized during the 2026 Illinois Section ASCE Annual Awards Dinner on Oct. 1 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Magnificent Mile.