Emerging Leaders Class of 2023 | National Society of Professional Engineers

Meet the 2023 NSPE Emerging Leaders!

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is pleased to recognize fifteen talented professionals who recently completed the Society’s Emerging Leaders Program. This diverse group of young professionals was selected from around the country to take part in an intensive, unique enterprise designed to equip them as leaders in the engineering field. Read the press release.

Nicholas J. Bailey, P.E.

Nicholas Bailey is a Staff Design Engineer at Kaleidoscope Innovation in Cincinnati, Ohio. With a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and as a licensed Professional Engineer, he brings extensive technical expertise to his role. With 5-6 years of experience, Nicholas has established himself as a dedicated professional.

Nicholas believes that leadership is a combination of soft skills and technical abilities that maximize team productivity and growth. Humility is the most important leadership skill for him, as leaders prioritize their team, company, and clients. He emphasizes that leaders can be anyone within an organization who elevates collective production towards set goals. Empowerment is another crucial skill Nicholas values, as leaders empower team members to take ownership and contribute to the plan.

Effective communication is essential to Nicholas, as leaders need to convey information, goals, and vision. Listening, empathizing, and emotional intelligence help build relationships and improve efficiency. Confidence and decisiveness are qualities he deems significant, as leaders believe in their abilities to make the right decisions and keep the team moving.

As a technical leader at Kaleidoscope Innovation, Nicholas guides multidisciplinary teams and has a passion for mentoring. He focuses on building and maintaining strong project teams, improving delegation and relationship-building for quality services. Nicholas values networking with other engineers to gain diverse perspectives and learn from their experiences. Thanks to tools learned through the Emerging Leaders Program, he plans to better mentor his team members and help them develop their leadership skills.

Nicholas Bailey is dedicated to helping others grow and sees the Emerging Leaders Program as a tool to achieve that. With his expertise, passion for mentoring, and commitment to personal growth, Nicholas strives to make a positive impact within his team and organization.

Frank Block III, Ph.D., P.E.

Frank Block is a dedicated and accomplished Senior Health Scientist, specializing in biomedical engineering. He currently serves as a valuable member of the All-Hazards Readiness, Response, and Cybersecurity team (ARC) at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), located in Silver Spring, Maryland.

With a doctorate in electrical/biomedical engineering, Frank has developed a strong background in the field. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the safety and effectiveness of medical devices, aligning with the first canon for a Professional Engineer, which emphasizes prioritizing the safety, health, and welfare of the public in professional duties.

Frank firmly believes in leading by example. He believes that effective leaders should be willing to perform any task they ask of others and should provide guidance when necessary. By adopting a motivational and enthusiastic attitude, he aims to inspire his colleagues and stakeholders to strive for excellence and produce exceptional products.

In his current role, Frank leads projects that contribute to the FDA's efforts to ensure the availability of medical products and evaluate device performance to safeguard public safety, health, and welfare. He thrives on the opportunity to make a positive impact in his field and is eager to take on further leadership responsibilities in his daily work.

Recognizing the importance of continuous professional development, Frank was keen to participate in the NSPE's Emerging Leaders Program, where he enhanced his leadership skills and gained the necessary training and support to implement larger improvements on more significant projects. He aspires to utilize his expertise and passion for engineering to make substantial contributions to the field and further ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices.

Frank Block embodies the qualities of an effective leader who not only prioritizes the welfare of the public but also actively works to overcome organizational barriers to achieve excellence. With his strong educational background, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment, Frank continues to leave a positive impact on the biomedical engineering field and the broader healthcare community.

Timothy Choma, P.E.

Timothy Choma is a dedicated and driven professional engineer hailing from Iselin, New Jersey. With a strong background in mechanical engineering and a master's degree in the field, Timothy has established himself as a competent professional in the industry. Currently serving as a Principal at Engineering Driven Design, he specializes in the mechanical aspects of engineering.

Timothy's expertise extends to his previous role as a Mechanical Engineer at an MEP Consulting Firm, where he honed his skills over a period of over seven years. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen sense of leadership and an unwavering commitment to achieving goals. As a result, he has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues.

Driven by a strong work ethic, Timothy believes that effective leadership involves setting clear objectives and creating a pathway to accomplish them, both individually and as a team. He emphasizes the importance of open and consistent communication to ensure that all team members are accountable for their tasks, ultimately working towards a shared goal. Timothy believes that leading by example is crucial for building a strong team, as trust and dedication follow in the footsteps of a respected leader.

Recognizing the need to continuously develop his leadership skills, Timothy saw the emerging leadership program as an opportunity to enhance his strategic thinking, foster stronger team dynamics, and provide greater value to clients. He views this program as a chance to learn from seasoned professionals within the engineering community, with the intention of bringing back newfound knowledge to benefit his company and colleagues.

Having recently taken on the role of lead mechanical engineer, Timothy is eager to improve his communication, motivation, and integration skills within his team. His passion for engineering, combined with his commitment to personal and professional growth, sets him apart as a dedicated leader. With his strong technical background, experience managing teams, and the drive to continuously improve, Timothy is poised to make a significant impact in the field of mechanical engineering.

Courtney Cunningham, P.E.

Courtney Cunningham is a highly skilled Engineering Project Manager for Harris County Precinct 4, and previously worked as a Roadway Design Engineer for Freese and Nichols. With a strong educational background in civil engineering, Courtney has dedicated herself to making a significant impact in the transportation industry.

Courtney views leadership as a combination of influence, control, and attentiveness. She understands that effective leaders can inspire trust and create a compelling vision that motivates others to follow. Courtney believes that influencing others is crucial to guiding a group of people towards a common mission or goal, and leadership is not about dictating opinions but rather about self-awareness and understanding the limits of one's position.

Throughout her career, Courtney has actively sought opportunities for personal and professional growth. She has joined various engineering organizations such as WTS International, Texas Society of Professional Engineers, and NSBE Houston Engineers Week to connect with engineering professionals from diverse fields and serve her community. In her spare time, she has taken supplementary courses to enhance her skills and has mentored younger colleagues and engineers across Houston.

As she transitions into a supervisory role at her job, Courtney is eager to further develop her leadership skills as a professional engineer. She aims to push both herself and her team forward, striving for continuous improvement. With nine years of experience in engineering, Courtney has demonstrated her problem-solving abilities and expertise in teamwork. She aspires to achieve more and make a larger impact.

Courtney's desire to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program stemmed from her ambition to gain knowledge, skills, and meaningful connections with fellow engineers across different disciplines. She envisions herself as a leader who can inspire and guide future engineers while making a positive difference on a broader scale. Courtney's passion for engineering, dedication to self-improvement, and commitment to serving others make her a dynamic and aspiring leader in the field.

Steven T. Fox, P.E.

Steven Fox is a Senior Project Engineer and Project Manager at Energy Land & Infrastructure LLC, a multi-discipline engineering and survey company based in Nashville, Tennessee. With a master’s degree in engineering and a background in geological engineering, Steven brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

In recent years, Steven has been actively involved in infrastructure improvement and land development projects. His work focuses on ensuring the successful execution of projects while prioritizing the long-term development of his team members. Steven believes that leadership is about self-sacrifice and empowering others to achieve a common vision.

As a leader, Steven excels in relating to individuals and understanding their motivations, merging them with the overall objectives of the team. He is skilled at navigating through adversity, collaborating with others, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Steven's forward-thinking approach allows him to mitigate risks and create valuable learning experiences from mistakes.

As a volunteer, Steven actively seeks volunteer opportunities with engineering and STEM organizations. He values continuous personal and professional growth and aims to further develop his skills and expand his network within the engineering community.

Steven's dedication to self-improvement and his desire to contribute to the growth of his company and community make him an invaluable asset. He is committed to honing both his soft and hard skills and is enthusiastic about the prospect of implementing a self-improvement leadership knowledge plan. Steven's passion for his work and his dedication to fostering the growth of others exemplify his exceptional leadership qualities.

Blane Gee, P.E.

Blane Gee is a professional engineer at Freese and Nichols, Inc., a leading engineering firm based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Blane holds a master’s degree in engineering with a primary competency in transportation engineering and a secondary competency in geotechnical engineering. He has gained valuable experience and expertise in his over five years of working in the field.

Blane's approach to leadership is centered around addressing issues directly and serving as an example to others. He believes that leadership involves taking responsibility not only for his own actions but also for the group of people he oversees. Blane recognizes that failures are essential for growth and learning, and he embraces the lessons learned from his mistakes. He values self-awareness, maturity, and the drive to persevere in the face of challenges.

As a member of the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, Blane actively engages with his professional community. He seeks opportunities to learn from top professionals in his field, observing their approaches to challenging topics and difficult situations. Blane's goal is to continuously develop both technical and soft skills, including personal ownership of decisions, handling difficult people and conversations, and fostering self-awareness.

Blane's ultimate professional aspiration is to become a leader within his company, making impactful decisions that positively influence people. He enjoys the decision-making process and understands that with increased responsibility, his leadership abilities must continue to grow. Blane enrolled in the Emerging Leaders Program to gain valuable resources and opportunities to further his development as a leader, bringing him closer to achieving his professional goals.

Holly Anne Hartley, P.E.

Holly Hartley is a land development professional specializing in residential communities in the Houston area. Holly is a “Hardrocker” from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering as well as her professional engineering license.

Holly has a unique approach to business and leadership. Holly believes that effective communication, collaboration, and relationship-building are vital in building a successful business. She also emphasizes the importance of trust and integrity in all business dealings. To further her journey of learning and leading, Holly has just completed the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program.

"The NSPE Emerging Leaders Program has been an incredibly transformative journey, designed to gauge and nurture the leadership potential within each of us, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and challenging us to reach new heights," Holly reflects. "The program is rooted in NSPE's commitment to cultivating the next generation of leaders and has empowered us to envision new possibilities that will drive positive change in our industries."

Holly is a founding member of an exciting new venture called Canopy Engineering. With a deep desire to make a positive impact in the Houston area, Holly and the team at Canopy aim to provide exceptional customer service and innovative solutions for their residential land development clients, and they are growing fast. "We are a start-up, but not just any start-up. We have amazing partners providing financial security and guidance, not to mention a backlog of work! We are always looking for like-minded and talented individuals who are ready to make meaningful change to the industry and those who excel at customer service for our clients.”

With a potent combination of the NSPE Emerging Leaders Program's transformative lessons, a dedication to lifelong learning, a focus on relationships, and old-school values, Holly Hartley is set to transform the residential land development landscape in Houston and beyond.

Lingbee Chyna Lim, P.E.

Chyna Lim is a professional engineer and Project Engineer currently based in North Charleston, South Carolina. She works at Applied Building Sciences Inc., a consulting and forensics company, where she holds the position of Supervisor. Chyna has a bachelor’s degree with a primary focus in structural engineering and a secondary focus in land development.

With five years of experience in the engineering field, Chyna understands the importance of leadership and its connection to serving others. She believes that leaders have the responsibility to equip their team members with the necessary tools to succeed while meeting the needs of clients. Chyna emphasizes the importance of imparting technical knowledge, effective communication skills, and proper time management to engineers in training and other professional engineers.

Being aware of the constantly evolving technology, codes, and public needs in the civil engineering field, Chyna recognizes the significance of adaptability for a leader. She acknowledges that a leader's role can be demanding and stressful, which is why she believes in the power of teamwork and accepting the support of colleagues. Chyna values quality teamwork and understands its vital role in achieving success.

Chyna is an active member of the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers and the Charleston chapter. She is committed to professional development and continuous growth in her leadership role. Her dedication to serving others, cultivating a positive environment, and making difficult decisions with a positive attitude is reflected in her participation in the Emerging Leaders Program. Through this program, she aimed to gain a deeper understanding of leadership, address her weaknesses, leverage her strengths, and develop effective strategies to serve her team and other leaders.

Chyna’s resume showcases her passion for engineering, her commitment to leadership, and her drive to foster a supportive and growth-oriented work environment.

Brianne R. Jole, P.E.

Brianne Jole is a Senior Engineer at Xcel Energy, a power company based in Lubbock, Texas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Texas Tech University. Brianne specializes in Electrical Distribution Design and has been working in this field for the past 5-6 years.

As a professional engineer, Brianne recognizes that she is automatically placed into a leadership role, whether formally or informally. She believes that leadership is the ability to guide those around her towards a common goal. Brianne values good leadership, which involves upholding ethics in decision-making, understanding common goals, and intentionally guiding others towards them. She also believes in embracing humility and seeking guidance when necessary.

Brianne actively engages in discussions about leadership within her company and has had the unique opportunity to work with various leaders and their teams one-on-one. Through this experience, she has witnessed the impact of different leadership styles on individual success or failure. Brianne is determined to learn how to lead in a way that supports and encourages her colleagues. She aims to enhance her communication skills in effectively conveying goals and to inspire her team from within, fostering the highest level of performance.

With her passion for leadership and her company's industry being on the brink of exponential growth, Brianne aspires to be at the forefront of realizing this growth in a positive manner.

Corey Kingsland, P.E.

Corey Kingsland is a dedicated and accomplished professional in the field of civil engineering, currently serving as the Civil Engineering Section Manager at Burns & McDonnell in Kansas City, Missouri. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and over seven years of experience, Corey has established himself as a respected leader in his field.

Corey's leadership philosophy centers around modeling behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs that inspire others to follow. He believes that true leadership goes beyond job titles and is demonstrated through humble service and a genuine care for the well-being of his team. Corey is known for his ability to lead by example, motivating his followers to achieve goals beyond their perceived limitations.

In his role at Burns & McDonnell, Corey manages a team of professionals in the civil engineering sector. He is passionate about fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where every team member feels valued and supported. Corey actively engages with his team, working alongside them in the trenches and providing guidance and mentorship to help them reach their full potential.

Personally, Corey has a strong desire for continuous growth and development. He participated in a Kansas state-wide leadership seminar during his high school years and has held various leadership positions throughout his career. Now, he aims to expand his knowledge by learning from established and growing leaders across the country. Corey recognizes the value of networking with industry leaders, exchanging valuable insights, and enhancing his team's efficiency.

Corey Kingsland embodies the qualities of an exceptional leader, inspiring his team to surpass their own expectations and striving for excellence in all aspects of his work. Through his dedication to personal and professional growth, he continues to make a positive impact in the field of civil engineering.

Carter Lytal, P.E.

Carter Lytal is a dedicated professional engineer hailing from Lubbock, Texas. With a passion for engineering and leadership, Carter has made significant contributions to the field of electric distribution design as a Staff Engineer at Xcel Energy, one of the leading electric utilities companies.

“I really enjoyed the chance to hear practical advice from experienced engineering leaders,” said Carter of his experience in NSPE’s Emerging Leaders Program. “Learning valuable leadership skills has helped me broaden my abilities outside of the technical arena, and made me a more capable servant-leader.”

Carter's educational background is an impressive blend of knowledge and expertise. He holds an MBA degree, complementing his mechanical and electrical engineering qualifications. This diverse educational foundation has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the technical aspects of his work, as well as the managerial and strategic skills required for effective leadership.

Throughout his career, Carter has accumulated valuable experience in the electric utilities sector, specifically in electric distribution design. With five years of industry experience, he has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges associated with this specialized field. Carter's role as a Staff Engineer has allowed him to work closely with his team, commitment to leadership is exemplified by his belief that service is at the core of effective leadership. He understands the importance of humility and sacrifice for the benefit of the team. Leading by example, Carter emphasizes the qualities of intelligence, integrity, and compassion, recognizing their immense value in a leader.

With his strong technical background, managerial expertise, and dedication to service-oriented leadership, Carter Lytal is a remarkable professional who has made notable contributions to the electric utilities industry. As he continues to evolve as a leader, he remains committed to learning from others and leveraging their expertise to enhance his own capabilities.

Rebecca Martinez, P.E.

Rebecca Martinez is a dedicated and driven professional engineer in the field of water and wastewater engineering, currently working as a Project Engineer at Gannett Fleming in Marlton, New Jersey. With a strong academic background and extensive industry experience, she has established herself as a valuable contributor in her field.

Rebecca holds a master’s degree in engineering, specializing in environmental engineering, and a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Her expertise lies in the water and wastewater sector, where she has been practicing as a Water/Wastewater Engineer for the past eight years. Her technical knowledge combined with her passion for effective and innovative solutions sets her apart in the industry.

As a Project Engineer, Rebecca is responsible for overseeing and managing various water and wastewater projects. She strives to challenge the traditional "replace-in-kind" approach to infrastructure and leadership that often limits progress and change. Rebecca firmly believes in the power of effective leadership, which she sees as breaking the mold of the status quo and embracing growth-oriented, kind, and efficient practices.

Participating in the Emerging Leaders' Program holds great significance for Rebecca. She aims to enhance her leadership abilities and identify any obstacles that may be hindering her progress. Rebecca is dedicated to putting in the necessary effort to expand her skills and become a more effective communicator across different project spaces. She is eager to receive feedback and utilize it to create actionable plans for self-improvement.

Rebecca understands the value of networking and collaboration with like-minded professionals. She believes that the best outcomes are achieved when individuals with similar motivations and mindsets are brought together to face challenges as a collective. The Emerging Leaders' Program offered her the opportunity to connect with engineers nationwide who share her goals and aspirations.

Rebecca aims to take on increased responsibilities within her current role. Committed to personal growth and professional excellence, she is ready to embark on this transformative journey.

Alissa Neuhausen, P.E.

Alissa Neuhausen is a Reliability and Risk Analyst at the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, based in Rockville, Maryland. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in structural engineering. In addition to her academic qualifications, Alissa has a strong background in leadership and a passion for nurturing and assertive leadership styles.

With eight years of professional experience, Alissa has demonstrated her ability to lead without authority, taking initiative and creating impactful initiatives within her organization. One notable example is her role in improving the summer hiring and entry-level hiring process, where she developed a summer program to enhance the experience of interns and new hires. This experience allowed her to expand her network, establish marketing strategies, communicate with senior leaders, and share her passion for engineering with new employees.

Alissa believes that effective leadership involves considering the bigger picture and making decisions that benefit the whole organization, even if they may not align with personal interests. She values the concept of "help me, help you" leadership, where her success is measured by the success of others. However, she acknowledges the need to develop comfort with making difficult and visible decisions that are essential for effective leadership.

Motivated by her desire to continually grow as a leader, Alissa seeks opportunities to further develop her skills and gain insights from leaders outside her agency. She aims to enhance her personal ownership, motivation, adaptability, and leadership abilities to lead her agency and all her personal endeavors into the future.

Outside of her professional role, Alissa is actively involved in the DC Society of Professional Engineers, contributing to the engineering community and staying connected with industry trends.

Victor Odili, P.E.

Victor Odili is a dedicated and accomplished Project Engineer based in Conroe, Texas. He is employed by CP&Y, Inc., where he specializes in water and wastewater projects. With a master’s degree in environmental/civil engineering, Victor possesses a strong educational foundation in his field.

Victor's commitment to leadership extends beyond his professional life. As a devoted father and husband, he believes in leading by example and creating a positive environment for his family. His leadership philosophy emphasizes responsibility, integrity, and setting a high standard of behavior for those around him.

Within his workplace, Victor takes on the role of a mentor and leader to young engineers. He provides guidance, support, and shares his knowledge to help them grow in their careers. Victor actively seeks out responsibilities and collaborates with colleagues to ensure projects are completed efficiently, within schedule, and within budget. He actively participates in team meetings and client interactions, taking the initiative to ensure successful outcomes and create learning opportunities for the younger engineers.

Recognizing the importance of continuous personal and professional growth, Victor was eager to participate in the Emerging Leaders Program. By attending the program, Victor aimed to achieve his personal development goals, such as improving his ability to have constructive conversations and working towards common goals within his family. Professionally, he seeks to become a better engineer and serve as a role model for younger engineers. He aspires to build and lead strong teams that can tackle challenging tasks and achieve successful outcomes.

Victor Odili is a driven, conscientious, and dedicated professional engineer who places great importance on leadership in all aspects of his life. With his engineering expertise and commitment to mentoring, he is a valuable asset to his organization and a source of inspiration for those around him.

Skylar Wierzbicki, P.E.

Skylar Wierzbicki is a dedicated civil engineer and project manager hailing from Grapevine, Texas. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and over 7 years of professional experience, Skylar has gained expertise in various facets of the field, including land development, water resources, public infrastructure, and municipal support for development reviews. Currently employed at Baird, Hampton & Brown Inc., Skylar excels in overseeing and coordinating projects, ensuring their successful completion.

In addition to her professional achievements, Skylar is an active member of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) - DFW Mid-Cities Chapter. She has passionately volunteered for multiple positions within TSPE, demonstrating her commitment to the engineering community. Skylar serves as the liaison for the Tarleton State University Chapter, where she played a pivotal role in its establishment. Furthermore, she has dedicated her time and expertise to the Education Committee and the Young Engineers Committee, holding the position of committee chair for the state-level Young Engineers Committee.

Skylar believes that leadership is about more than just completing projects; it involves leading a group of individuals towards a common goal while fostering trust, effective communication, and personal growth. She understands the importance of setting goals and inspiring team members to achieve their own aspirations. Skylar's vision of leadership extends beyond titles, as she aims to contribute to the long-term growth and success of her firm. She recognizes the need to step outside her comfort zone and actively seeks opportunities for self-improvement.

To further enhance her leadership skills and gain new perspectives for her career, Skylar participated in the Emerging Leaders Program. She sought to develop confidence in her abilities and recognize the value of her voice in professional settings. Skylar has set her sights on becoming an associate, senior associate, and ultimately a principal, understanding that true leadership requires continuous growth and learning.

With her passion for civil engineering, commitment to professional development, and dedication to serving her community, Skylar Wierzbicki is a rising star in the field. Through her hard work, expertise, and desire to inspire others, she aims to make a lasting impact on the engineering industry and shape the future of her firm.

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