Outstanding project award winner: Silver Springs State Park Boardwalks and Pedestrian Bridge. Mead & Hunt, Inc. is excited to share that its Silver Springs State Park Boardwalks and Pedestrian Bridge project with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) was recently recognized by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida with the 2026 Outstanding Environmental Project award. From the start, this project posed unique design challenges that required creative alternatives and even a first for the project team. Mead & Hunt partnered with FDOT and the FDEP to construct 1,300 feet of timber boardwalks and a timber bridge within the park. Much of this project took place within a historical archaeological site and cypress swamp, so construction access was limited and minimizing land disturbance was a driving factor during planning. Consequently, traditional construction methods were not feasible. In consideration of the park's natural environment and its history, its team used a unique top-down construction approach, driving timber piles from atop the previously built section of boardwalk. Notably, this innovative method is believed to be a first for FDOT projects. During construction, temporary mats shielded the haul routes and staging areas, and an archaeologist monitored every pile driven to identify potential artifacts. The trail alignment was walked and flagged by hand to honor the park's delicate ecosystem. The team worked closely with park officials to identify which trees should stay to follow the park's species priorities. Ultimately, the landscape determined the final alignment. Most of the boardwalks, the bridge, and the trail were built from renewable pressure-treated timber with composite railings, complementing the park's setting. With concerns about treated piles being so close to water that received an Outstanding Florida Waters designation, the team worked with FDOT to seal each pile in a polyurea coating to make sure no preservatives leach into the nearby Silver River. Today, the improvements provide safe, connected access within the park while preserving its natural resources and history. This project exemplifies how infrastructure and environmental stewardship can work together to protect its natural spaces.

Mead & Hunt announces Laurie Whitney as Architecture & Building Engineering Group Leader. MADISON, WIS. - January 28, 2026 - Mead & Hunt has announced Laurie Whitney as Architecture & Building Engineering (ABE) Group Leader. With 11 years at Mead & Hunt and nearly three decades of experience in architecture, Laurie brings diversified market expertise, a passion for developing people and capabilities, and a vision to transform communities through inspiring, innovative design. "Laurie is a strategic thinker, and she believes when we invest in people, great results follow," said Amy Squitieri, Chief Executive Officer. "She's expanded our design and technology capabilities and built a reputation for delivering on ambitious goals. The ABE group's future is in excellent hands." As Group Leader, Laurie will focus on evolving a forward-thinking, client-focused team that blends creativity with technical excellence. She is committed to empowering teams and future leaders, fostering innovation, and positioning Mead & Hunt as a trusted partner in shaping communities. Her deep knowledge of internal and external operations has also positioned her to play a key role in driving Mead & Hunt's future-readiness initiative, guiding groups to unify processes, implement centralized systems, and support employees through change management. Before joining Mead & Hunt in 2014, Laurie built her career across healthcare, education, military facilities, residential, and retail markets, giving her a uniquely well-rounded perspective on architectural practice. That breadth of experience, combined with her background as a former firm owner, prepared her for rapid growth at Mead & Hunt, working with public and private clients to deliver military, education, research, and aviation facilities. She joined as a project manager, became department manager for aviation facilities within a year, and was selected as architectural business unit leader for the eastern region soon after. Under her leadership, she tripled her team's size and revenue, growing from delivering $20 million terminals to $200 million-plus projects. "Since I was young, I've been drawn to the beauty of architecture and the built environment. I believe I was meant to create and give back, and Mead & Hunt's values of putting people first and doing the right thing align perfectly with that purpose," said Laurie. "Today, what drives me is understanding what a client wants and developing that into a space that meets their needs while bringing joy and inspiration. Our buildings are not just about architecture. We have engineers, interior architects and designers, and technology experts working collaboratively to create compelling spaces. This is an exciting time to be part of this dynamic group, as we embrace emerging technologies, expand into new markets, and strengthen our people-first focus." Beyond Mead & Hunt, Laurie is an active leader in the architecture and engineering community. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Society of American Military Engineers, where she recently chaired the National Architectural Practice Committee. Locally, she serves on the Madison College Architecture Advisory Board, inspires the next generation of AEC professionals through the ACE Mentor Program, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. About Mead & Hunt Mead & Hunt is a national, full-service engineering, architectural, planning, and construction services firm that has been serving clients for 125 years. Since its founding, the employee-owned firm has grown significantly in size and diversity and continues to rank in Engineering News-Record's Top 100 Design Firms. Today, the company employs more than 1,400 people and works in a variety of markets, including aviation, transportation, cultural resources, food and beverage, renewable energy, water, and federal. For more information, visit www.meadhunt.com.

Mead & Hunt names Troy Pankratz COO and President. Troy, who brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the firm and serves on its Board of Directors, will partner with CEO Amy Squitieri to strengthen the company's people-first culture. Mead & Hunt has named Troy Pankratz, PE, as Chief Operating Officer and President, effective November 1, 2025. Troy, who brings more than a decade of leadership experience to the firm and serves on its Board of Directors, will partner with Chief Executive Officer Amy Squitieri to strengthen the company's people-first culture, drive operational excellence, and build on the firm's momentum as an employee-owned organization. Troy has consistently contributed to Mead & Hunt's operational strategy, turning big-picture vision into real results. His leadership has helped create a workplace where people are encouraged to take ownership, innovate, and grow professionally. Now, as COO and President, he'll have an even greater opportunity to shape how the firm operates and how its teams succeed. "Troy brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business insight, and genuine care for individuals," said Amy Squitieri, CEO. "His ability to turn strategy into results and build teams that excel makes him ideal for this position. Together, we're committed to building a company where our employees can do their best work and contribute to the advancement of our communities and the industry." Troy has been instrumental in strengthening operations across the firm. He assisted in the creation of the firm's Project Management Office, which promotes consistency, collaboration, and value in project delivery. This initiative has become a cornerstone of the firm's approach to client service, providing teams with the tools and support they need to deliver exceptional results. "I'm excited for this next chapter and look forward to continuing to build a resilient and innovative organization, staying true to Mead & Hunt's purpose and values," said Troy. "When people are doing work that aligns with their strengths and values, that's when they're most successful and most engaged. My role is to create a workplace where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential and ultimately thrive." Looking for a reprint of this article? From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today! JOIN TODAY to unlock your recommendations. Already have an account? Sign In