Engineering Works

On this episode of Engineering Works, we welcome back Chris Burke, President of Christopher B. Burke Engineering.Chris joins us to discuss the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Washington Award and what the honor means for the engineering profession. We also talk about the launch of the Western Society of Engineers’ new podcast, Engineering Legends, which he hosts — highlighting the stories and impact of extraordinary engineers.

ACEC-IL’s podcast Engineering Works interviews Bria Scudder, Deputy Governor of Illinois. Bria discusses her role as a senior advisor and now Deputy Governor in shaping two of the most impactful infrastructure measures in Illinois history, ReBuild Illinois and the transit fix, and shares insights on building consensus among passionate stakeholders and advancing critical infrastructure priorities across the state.

ACEC-IL’s podcast Engineering Works interviews Trisha Thompson and Carrie Nelsen from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Trisha and Carrie explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration with the engineering community, share perspectives on addressing workforce capacity challenges, and offer insights into improving the project delivery process. They also discuss the projects in their regions that excite them most, as well as those that keep them up at night.

ACEC-IL’s podcast Engineering Works sits down with Cassaundra Rouse, Executive Director of the Illinois Tollway, for a powerful conversation recorded live at the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference.In this episode, we dive into the Tollway’s major investments to modernize infrastructure across the region and how these projects are shaping the future of transportation.Director Rouse also shares how she leads through constant change, why she believes every leader must learn to get comfortable being uncomfortable, and the mindset that drives her work in one of the most dynamic infrastructure environments in the country.This interview is part of our special ACEC Fall Conference series—capturing insights from top public and private sector leaders tackling the biggest issues facing our industry today.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Acting Commissioner Craig Turner. We hear about his career from aspiring engineer to leading one of the nation’s largest transportation departments. He discusses inspiring the next generation through workforce development, CDOT’s major infrastructure projects, and how collaboration and innovation are shaping a safer, more connected Chicago.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Tanya Adams, senior vice president and director of strategic partnership for WSP and also the Treasurer of ACEC Illinois. We’ll talk with Tanya about her personal journey, the industry’s growing recognition that diverse perspectives are not only good for business but essential for smart infrastructure planning, and how she’s helping nurture an entirely new generation of talent.

ACEC-IL's podcast "Engineering Works" interviews Paul Gregoire, Chief Operating Officer of Globetrotters Engineering and former Chief of Construction for IDOT District 1. Named ACEC Illinois’ 2025 “Mentor of the Year,” Paul reflects on a career that bridges both the public and private sectors. We dive into his passion for mentorship, the lessons he’s passed on to the next generation, and the lasting impact his leadership has made across the industry.

This week on Engineering Works, host Hayley Burns sits down with Tice Cole and Joey Heger, project managers at Crawford, Murphy & Tilly. They share a behind-the-scenes look at one of the largest infrastructure efforts in Kane County’s history—the Longmeadow Parkway Improvements project, led by the Kane County Division of Transportation.