Engineering Works

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Engineering Works is powered by the ACEC of Illinois. We will be featuring the innovators, creators, designers, and engineers who are making engineering work in Illinois and reshaping our state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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37 recent

August 13, 202624 min

Jerry Payonk

In this episode of Engineering Works , outgoing ACEC Illinois Board Chair Jerry Payonk reflects on his career in engineering, his time leading ACEC Illinois, and the changes that continue to shape the profession. The conversation explores some of the biggest shifts Jerry has seen throughout his career, memorable projects and industry milestones, the trends he believes will define engineering over the next decade, and the value of staying engaged with ACEC Illinois. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

July 13, 202617 min

Kevin Artl

In this episode of Engineering Works , ACEC Illinois President and CEO Kevin Artl discusses the latest federal and state policy developments affecting Illinois' engineering industry. The conversation covers ACEC Illinois' recent advocacy meetings in Washington, D.C., the next federal surface transportation reauthorization bill, infrastructure funding priorities, and key outcomes from the Illinois General Assembly, including legislation to improve project delivery and support the engineering profession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 25, 202625 min

Gia Biagi

In this episode of Engineering Works , Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi discusses how IDOT is building the future of the transportation workforce while delivering one of the state's most ambitious infrastructure programs. The conversation explores Illinois' new student loan repayment program for engineers, the significance of earning an IDOT IQ, workforce recruitment and retention, implementation of the Blue Ribbon Commission recommendations, and the leadership needed to prepare the next generation of transportation professionals. Secretary Biagi also shares her vision for strengthening Illinois' infrastructure system while ensuring the state has the talent to deliver it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

June 10, 202623 min

Matt Reiffer

In this episode of Engineering Works, ACEC Vice President and Advocacy Counsel Matt Reiffer joins us to discuss the recently introduced BUILD America 250 Act and the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. Matt shares insights on federal transportation funding, the future of the Highway Trust Fund, formula funding versus competitive grants, and the key policy issues engineering firms should be watching as Congress debates the next generation of infrastructure investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 13, 202624 min

Chris Burke

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 30, 20269 min

Bria Scudder

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

January 8, 202613 min

Trisha Thompson and Carrie Nelsen

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

December 5, 20258 min

Cassaundra Rouse

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 21, 202517 min

Molly Tuttle

ACEC-IL’s podcast Engineering Works , interviews Molly Tuttle, National Director of Workforce Development for ACEC. We’ll talk with Molly about her work with all 50 states to address workforce challenges in the engineering industry, the recruitment issues firms are facing amid a nationwide talent shortage, and how she’s helping reshape the future of engineering to meet shifting workforce expectations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 7, 202531 min

Craig Turner

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.