As a high school student, Dr. Stephen Craven, Ph.D., P.E., vowed never to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority. His father and grandfather both spent their entire careers with the agency, and in addition to the long hours required, Craven thought, “there was nothing new and cool about keeping the lights on in the Tennessee Valley.” His eureka moment came years later, when, as a third-generation TVA employee, Dr. Craven discovered how much the mission of that work matters.

For his innovative work securing TVA substations and developing improved communication architecture, Dr. Craven was awarded the 2023 Federal Engineer of the Year Award. 

Presented by the National Society of Professional Engineers, and now in its 44th year, this award is the only one of its kind to solely recognize outstanding engineers employed in the federal government. Dr. Craven earned the top honor during a luncheon ceremony on February 24 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., which celebrated 23 winners for contributions to their federal agencies.

“Every one of us in this room—every agency winner—could be pursuing bigger dollars with a commercial company,” said Dr. Craven at the event. “[They] could be living an easier life at home with their families. But we have chosen to forego that and work toward the greater good of the country and our fellow citizens.”

This year’s ceremony marked the first in-person celebration after a three-year hiatus due to COVID, during which the award was announced in virtual ceremonies. The event recognized and honored “the contributions of 23 exceptional engineers who, by their work and effort, embody the highest ideals of our profession,” said NSPE President Britt Smith, P.E., F.NSPE. “I am in awe of all of your accomplishments, and so thankful to have been able to hold this ceremony in person.”

The ceremony also highlighted 10 finalists for the award who are responsible for implementing high stakes projects around the world.

Among his accomplishments, Dr. Craven has helped secure substations against cyber-attacks, designing ways to keep critical equipment disconnected from external attackers and yet still be remotely monitored for anomalies. He was also instrumental in the development of a new communication architecture that is faster, more reliable, and less expensive than previous schemes.

Before becoming a third-generation TVA engineer, Dr Craven worked as a computer chip designer, a security researcher, and a college professor. A licensed professional engineer, Dr. Craven remains involved in academia as an adjunct professor and a member of UTC and Chattanooga State engineering advisory boards.

“At TVA I’ve found that, yes, keeping the lights on means old technology,” said Dr. Craven. “But the sense of accomplishment when you keep the lights on in a winter storm, or when you find a way to improve the resiliency of a communications system, that is a job that is truly benefiting people. I have found that to be extremely rewarding. We choose to be federal engineers because of the benefits that it brings to this country.”

A panel of judges established by NSPE’s Professional Engineers in Government selects the FEYA winner. Hailing from various federal agencies, departments, and military branches, the nominated engineers are evaluated based on factors such as engineering achievements, education, professional and technical society activities, awards and honors, and civic and humanitarian activities.