What's New
Greeley and Hansen Joins Chicago United to Further Promote Workplace Diversity
“Chicago United’s members range from emerging businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, representing some of Chicago’s brightest leaders,” said Gloria Castillo, President of Chicago United. “We’re glad to welcome Greeley and Hansen to our membership. Our members are among the nation’s thought leaders in developing sustainable diversity in a way that strengthens the corporate community, the broader economy, and society as a whole,” she added. John C. Robak, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Greeley and Hansen, said “With our long-standing commitment to cultivating a diverse employee population, Greeley and Hansen is pleased to be a part of this visionary organization and to share best practices in diversity and inclusion with other area businesses.” “At Greeley and Hansen, we view diversity as an important strategic business imperative and believe that having a broad multicultural employee base drives innovation and creativity throughout our firm by providing new perspectives and thinking,” Robak said. “We’re excited to collaborate with Chicago United to promote diversity within the Chicago business community and beyond.” About Chicago United Chicago United promotes multiracial leadership in business to advance parity in economic opportunity. Chicago United supports the business community’s need to maximize the use of corporate and entrepreneurial talent and brings together diverse senior business leaders to break through barriers to realize the benefits of diversity and inclusion. Chicago United is the premiere organization creating an environment where racially diverse CEOs and executive level management can share common experiences to promote multiracial leadership in governance, management, and business partnerships while delivering best practices for diversity practitioners and building relationships among leaders who share common values. Visit Chicago United online at: http://www.chicago-united.org/ |
National Association for Business Resources Names Greeley and Hansen as One of the Best and Brightest Companies To Work For in the Country
“Having been recognized by NABR as a 101 Best and Brightest Company to Work For in Chicago for seven consecutive years, Greeley and Hansen is now privileged to earn this distinction on a national level,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “This award honors our 18 offices across the U.S. and reflects our firm’s ongoing strategic commitment to provide outstanding benefits and HR programs, career development and leadership training, as well as interesting project work to attract and retain the best and brightest engineering and related staff. The high caliber of our staff certainly translates into direct benefits to our clients. Earning this national recognition also acknowledges our solid foundation for being a top employer, particularly as Greeley and Hansen seriously considers expansion into emerging markets beyond the U.S.” “Nationally recognized award recipients, including Greeley and Hansen, keep innovative human resource initiatives at the forefront of their company culture and make it a priority to consider their workforce as an essential aspect in their company success. Our Association is proud to recognize and honor these winning companies for this fine achievement,” said Jennifer Kluge, NABR president. Greeley and Hansen will be honored at an upcoming Best and Brightest Companies to Work For awards symposium and gala. About the National Association for Business Resources |
Greeley and Hansen Named to Chicago Tribune’s “Top Workplaces for 2011”
“Being named again as a Top Workplace is certainly a noteworthy distinction for our firm that reflects the importance we place on creating a positive, productive and engaging workplace for all of our staff,” said John C. Robak, Chief Operating Officer. “At Greeley and Hansen, we believe the key to our ongoing success and future growth is to provide an outstanding workplace environment that helps set us apart as a true employer of choice.” “While we are truly grateful that our employees think so highly of Greeley and Hansen,” said Andy Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, “receiving this top workplace recognition is really a tribute to our great staff and their genuine dedication to collaborating with our clients to create better urban environments for their communities.” To learn more about the firm’s latest recognition, please visit: http://chicagotribune.topworkplaces.com/company_survey/greeley-and-hansen_chicago/chicago_11 |
November 15, 2011 – For the second consecutive year, Greeley and Hansen has been selected as a Chicago Tribune “Top Workplace” in Illinois. The firm was selected based on employee surveys measuring key qualities including company leadership, communication, career opportunities, working environment, managerial skills, compensation, and benefits. 
October 24, 2011 – Purdue University student Jessica Rivas is the most recent recipient of Greeley and Hansen’s Elmer F. Ballotti Memorial Fellowship, which was awarded during the Purdue School of Engineering’s annual Scholarships and Awards Program on October 21, 2011.Greeley and Hansen Co-Sponsors Upwardly Global’s Chicago Passport to Possibilities Awards and Gala
As part of the awards ceremony, Greeley and Hansen’s Mushtaq Dakhil will be a presenter of the night’s most prestigious award. Dakhill was born and raised in Iraq, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Before coming to America, Dakhil was a Project Engineer and Senior Design Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers. Dakhil is part of a pilot program called Global Engineers In Residence (GEIR). GEIR is an innovative apprenticeship program designed to help engineering firms gain access to a talent pool of immigrant professionals. For the majority of professional immigrants authorized to work in the U.S., finding meaningful work is extremely difficult and many accept jobs that are below their level of training and skills sets. Prior to his apprenticeship, Dakhil was unemployed for nearly two years before accepting a position packing boxes. “We are proud to support this important event and believe our partnership with Upwardly Global in the creation of the Global Engineers In Residence program is a valuable first step towards addressing the shortage of skilled engineers and technical talent in this country,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. For more information on the Passport to Possibilities Awards and Gala, please visit: About Upwardly Global |
October 18, 2011 – For the second consecutive year, Greeley and Hansen will be a co-sponsor of Upwardly Global’s Chicago Passport to Possibilities Awards and Gala. This year’s event will feature an exhibit by Chicago photographer Christina Noel, whose works celebrate the diversity of individuals from around the world as they begin their new lives in America. Greeley and Hansen CEO to Speak on the Challenges Concerning Chicago’s Water
The program, Chicago’s Water: Protecting Our Precious Resource, will cover a variety of topics including the water quality in Chicago, the diminishing water supplies of the region, and invasive species and the balance of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Richardson will join a panel of experts representing different points of view and will discuss the potential roles played by government, industry, academia, and private citizens to better manage and sustain our water resources. “As a firm committed to designing better urban environments, we understand the importance of developing effective water resources programs that balance environmental, economic, and social factors,” said Richardson. “This event is an excellent opportunity to examine and discuss the significant changes that are occurring to the Great Lakes ecosystem. As we know, high-quality water resources are essential to sustaining urban life. We need to take the necessary steps to continue to safely manage Chicago’s water resources for the future.” The event will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. For more information please visit: Chicago Council on Science and Technology. About Chicago Council on Science and Technology About Illinois Institute of Technology |
October 11, 2011 – Andy Richardson, Greeley and Hansen’s Chief Executive Officer, will be a featured panel speaker at the Chicago Council on Science and Technology and the Illinois Institute of Technology’s luncheon program, highlighted by a discussion on the current water quality and quantity challenges in the Chicago region. Greeley and Hansen Wins PSMJ Circle of Excellence Award
“It’s exciting to be included among such an elite group of engineering and architecture firms selected by PSMJ for Circle of Excellence recognition,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Earning the Circle of Excellence Award again this year demonstrates Greeley and Hansen’s ongoing commitment to achieving the highest levels of sound financial management.” In addition to accepting the award, Andy Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, was a featured panel speaker at this year’s Circle of Excellence Conference. “The conference provided a great opportunity to share business performance insights with other consulting firm leaders from across the country,” said Richardson. “Being recognized by PSMJ is a testament to our mission of being a well-managed, responsible, and sustainable firm, which allows us to maintain strong client relationships and attract and retain top talent on staff.” To learn more about the Circle of Excellence Award, please visit the PSMJ website. About PSMJ |
October 10, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen was awarded a PSMJ Circle of Excellence Award, recognizing the highest levels of business performance in the architecture and engineering industry. The award was presented to Greeley and Hansen based on proficiency with respect to 13 key business operations benchmarks, including business development, project performance, staff utilization and overall productivity. 
October 4, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen’s summer internship program recently concluded with 12 college interns from around the country completing the 12-week program. The interns were exposed to a wide variety of projects and real-world situations designed to help them sharpen their skills in engineering, leadership, and business. Each intern was matched up with a mentor engineer, hand-picked by senior leaders, and worked along side their mentor on real projects throughout the summer. Their diverse range of assignments and projects included: design, feasibility studies, master planning, construction management, operations, and much more.
September 20, 2011 – Theresa Grace has joined Greeley and Hansen as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She has more than 25 years of broad financial management and accounting experience. 
September 7, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen announced that Dimitrios Katehis, Ph.D. has joined the firm as National Director of Process Engineering. A registered professional engineer with vast experience in water and wastewater treatment process and system design, with specialized expertise in nutrient removal and control, Dr. Katehis will direct Greeley and Hansen’s services related to process engineering for water and wastewater treatment.
August 29, 2011 – In recognition of Greeley and Hansen being selected as one of The Principal 10 Best Companies, The Principal Financial Group donated $2,500 to Water For People on behalf of the firm. Water For People is a non-profit international development organization dedicated to helping people in developing countries gain access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation.Greeley and Hansen Selected as One of The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Benefits and Financial Security
“We are truly honored to be named one of The Principal 10 Best Companies,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Greeley and Hansen. “Greeley and Hansen is committed to helping our staff build solid and secure financial futures. The firm strives to provide staff with a wide range of benefits, programs, and options to help them develop a customized plan that can best achieve their individual goals and needs.” An independent judging panel of employee benefits experts selected Greeley and Hansen, citing the firm’s three different health insurance plan options that allow employees the flexibility to select the plan that works best for their families. In addition to Greeley and Hansen paying the majority of the premiums for the plan, the panel was impressed with the firm’s strong 401k and profit sharing plan. “Greeley and Hansen faces the same challenges as other businesses. What makes them extraordinary is the priority they place on employee financial security,” said Luke Vandermillen, vice president at The Principal®. “Greeley and Hansen understands the direct connection between strong benefits, a strong workforce and a strong bottom line – in the best and worst of times.” As part of the recognition, The Principal awards a donation to a charity selected by each winning company. Greeley and Hansen chose Water For People to receive the $2,500 donation. Water For People is a non-profit international development organization dedicated to helping people in developing countries gain access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation. “Greeley and Hansen is proud to support Water For People with our donation to help with their important mission of providing reliable, safe water systems in developing countries around the world,” said Robak. The Principal Financial Group® sponsors the national program, which is now in its tenth year. It honors growing companies for their commitment to their employees’ financial security. About The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security For more information, visit www.principal.com/10best. About the Principal Financial Group |
August 15, 2011 – Mark S. Atkinson has joined Greeley and Hansen as Manager of the firm’s MEP/IC (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing/Instrumentation & Control) Engineering Group. Atkinson, who most recently served as East Region Manager of the ASMEC Facilities Design Center with global engineering firm HDR Engineering, Inc, has more than 27 years of wide-ranging engineering, construction, and project and engineering management experience in the water/wastewater, solid waste, and electric power delivery fields.Greeley and Hansen Receives Facility of the Year Award from the Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association
“We’re honored that our recently renovated headquarters was named Facility of the Year,” said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Our vision for the redesign was to create an energizing and dynamic workplace environment for our staff by focusing on improvements to promote greater employee engagement, collaboration, and connectivity. The renovation transformed our headquarters with new work areas, some of the latest technologies, and other features that allow our staff to work more efficiently and engage in collaborative problem solving, which provides even greater service to our clients.” The centerpiece of Greeley and Hansen’s recently completed renovation is the firm’s social lounge, which has become a central hub for a variety of gatherings. In addition, the firm made it a priority to implement several ‘green’ design features including energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing, as well as recycled and natural materials from local sources to help reduce the firm’s carbon footprint and demonstrate environmental stewardship. The headquarters redesign received LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The firm is the first tenant in the 50-year-old, 21-story building to earn LEED certification for its office space. Robak commented, “As an engineering firm committed to environmental design, this LEED recognition reflects our mission, culture, and brand and is an achievement that is highly valued by our staff.” “The Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association takes great pride in recognizing Greeley and Hansen for their innovative design promoting an energizing and dynamic workplace for their staff as well as their strong commitment to sustainability and the environment through their LEED certification. The bar has been set,” said Kevin M. Corrigan, President, Chicago Chapter of IFMA. To learn more about Greeley and Hansen's award-winning office space, visit http://theofficestylist.com/greely-and-hansen. About IFMA Chicago |
August 1, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen was recently presented with the 2011 Facility of the Year Award from the Chicago Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). The award recognizes innovative designs, best practices in facilities management, and projects that have a substantial, positive effect on an organization.Selected for Seventh Year as One of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For
"It’s an honor to be consistently recognized by NABR for having outstanding workplace practices and innovative programs," said John C. Robak, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Hiring and retaining the best talent for meeting the evolving needs and project challenges of our clients is our top priority. To do this, we continually strive to create a workplace that keeps our staff engaged and energized, while providing them with progressive benefit options for balancing their personal and professional lives." The award selection is based on the results of an independent research firm that evaluates each company in 10 different categories, including employee education and development, engagement and commitment, diversity and multiculturalism, recognition and retention, work-life balance, compensation and benefits, and communication. Feedback provided by staff in random surveys is a key part of the selection process. To learn more about the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, visit http://www.101bestandbrightest.com/regions/chicago. About NABR |
July 18, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen has once again been selected as one of Chicago’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR), for the seventh consecutive year.
July 11, 2011 – The Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA) selected Nicole Spieles, an Associate of Greeley and Hansen and Office Director of the firm’s Detroit location, as the Outstanding Environmental Consultant of the year at its recent Awards Program.
May 26, 2011 – Greeley and Hansen was awarded an American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Excellence in Practice Citation in the career development category for the creation of the Administrative Support Team program, a virtual knowledge group comprising the firm’s administrative staff members. The ASTD awards program recognizes exemplary practices in workplace learning and performance.Greeley and Hansen Receives Top Engineering Excellence Honors
March 31, 2011 – Several challenging projects recently completed by Greeley and Hansen have received 2011 Engineering Excellence Awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) at the state and national levels.
The ACEC of Virginia presented its highest honor, the Pinnacle Award for Engineering Excellence, to Greeley and Hansen and the City of Richmond for extensive renovations to a flow dual purpose crossover chamber (COC). The existing COC conveyed sewage flow in the normal mode and could be changed to flood control by closing and opening gates. The innovative design and construction of a new chamber allows for both pathways to function simultaneously while maintaining full flow capacity in both modes. Additional facilities now connected to the COC have increased system drainage and storage capacity, improved water quality of the James River, and mitigated repetitive downtown flooding. This project also received a National Recognition Award from the ACEC.
In addition, Greeley and Hansen and the City of Alexandria received an Honor Award from the ACEC—VA for an extensive stormwater infiltration/inflow study and design project that has significantly reduced sewer overflows and extended the life of Alexandria’s sewer system.
The innovative application of solar technology and a new standby generating system at the Chicago Department of Water Management’s and DuPage Water Commission’s Lexington Pumping Station in Chicago earned an Honor Award from the ACEC of Illinois. These facilities, which are expected to achieve LEED Gold Certification, have reduced the station’s carbon footprint and total process energy costs and have increased operating reliability as well. This project was also acknowledged with a National Recognition Award from the ACEC.
Greeley and Hansen and the City of Lafayette received an Honor Award from the ACEC of Indiana as well as a National Recognition Award for the Pearl River CSO Project – Storage and Conveyance Tunnel. A unique trenchless tunneling technology was used for this tunnel, which has dramatically reduced combined sewer overflows to the Wabash River by conveying more flow to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
“Greeley and Hansen is honored to have collaborated with our client partners on these complex and interesting projects,” said Andy Richardson, Chief Executive Officer. He added, “we believe receiving these industry awards demonstrates Greeley and Hansen’s commitment to providing all clients with creative and practical solutions and customized, personal services that best meet their unique project needs now and in the future.”
