Engineers are often seen as problem solvers, planners, and designers, but their expertise extends far beyond blueprints and technical drawings. In communities across the country, engineers are playing pivotal roles as civic leaders, helping to shape the futures of the places where they live and work. Their analytical skills, experience with complex projects, and commitment to problem-solving uniquely position them to contribute to the public good through community boards, planning commissions, and other civic roles.
Engineers in Touch with Their Communities
According to recent data, engineers make up only about 2% of professionals in the workforce, but their impact on local communities can be substantial. Studies suggest that areas with high civic engagement from technical professionals, such as engineers, tend to experience a 15% improvement in infrastructure planning and efficiency. Engineers bring a wealth of knowledge about sustainable development, resource management, and long-term planning—key components of effective civic leadership.
Bobby Dietz, a BFW engineer, has served on the Murray Planning Commission Board and the Health Department Board, didn’t originally set out to become a community leader. “I wasn’t inspired,” he admits. “I was asked by the county judge if I would agree to be placed on these boards. I decided to say yes as a way of giving back to the community I’ve lived in for over 40 years. It felt like a civic duty.” His story is a common one—engineers are often called to serve due to their problem-solving abilities and capacity to provide structure and order in civic projects.
Aligning Engineering Expertise with Civic Responsibility
For engineers like Dietz, civic engagement allows them to see their work from both sides of the table. “The Planning Commission is a big part of what I do each day, not just in Murray, but all over the region. Serving on the board gives me a unique perspective on how planning departments operate and what it’s like to be on the other side of development projects.” He uses his engineering expertise to guide his decisions, such as implementing minimum design standards in the city that led to a more aesthetically pleasing commercial landscape.
Grant Willoughby, an engineer with Marcum, brings a similar perspective to his civic involvement, serving as a board member for both the City of Benton’s Planning & Zoning Board and the Board of Adjustments. “Not being originally from Marshall County, I was looking for a way to contribute to the community. Using the skills I’ve gained as an engineer seemed like the most natural way to do that.” For Willoughby, being analytical, detail-oriented, and creative isn’t just part of his job—it’s how he approaches his role in community development. “Engineers are great at thinking outside the box and coming up with new solutions to problems. That makes us valuable in any civic role.”
Leadership Through Problem-Solving
One common thread among engineers who step into leadership roles is their ability to approach civic issues from a problem-solving standpoint. Andrew Meyer, a BFW Transportation Engineer, serves on the Riverside Regional Library Board of Trustees, was initially asked by a fellow engineer to join. “He jokingly asked me, ‘Do you like books? Can you read?’ After we laughed about it, he explained that my analytical and administrative skills as an engineer would be a valuable asset to the library board.”
For Meyer, the responsibilities he faces in this civic role align closely with his day-to-day work managing transportation projects. “At the end of the day, it’s about how we can deliver the best results within the schedule and budget we have—whether that’s a road project or running a library.”
Meyer’s experience as a transportation engineer has taught him patience and perspective, especially when dealing with public feedback. “We’re a public entity funded by public money, and we have to be responsive to feedback. That doesn’t mean overreacting to criticism, but it does mean listening and learning. I’ve dealt with plenty of public meetings where people are resistant to change, but a positive attitude and a little respect go a long way.”
Why Engineers Excel as Civic Leaders
Engineers are uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of civic leadership. Their ability to break down problems, assess resources, and deliver practical solutions is invaluable in settings where public interests and technical considerations intersect. Whether it’s guiding urban development, improving local infrastructure, or managing public institutions, engineers bring a balance of logic and creativity that helps communities thrive.
Bobby Dietz, for instance, sees his role on civic boards as an extension of his engineering work. “I can see things from a technical standpoint that others might miss, and I try to make decisions that align with both the strategic plan and common sense.” His advice to other engineers? “Be committed and show up for every meeting. Offer advice that benefits the community, and don’t let public comments sway you if the development aligns with the broader goals.”
Encouraging Engineers to Get Involved
The benefits of engineers engaging in civic leadership are clear. Not only do they bring valuable skills to the table, but they also gain new perspectives on the communities they serve. For engineers looking to get involved, the advice from their peers is simple: Find a way to contribute. As Willoughby points out, “It’s not just about using your technical skills—it’s about giving back and leaving the world a little better than you found it.”
In today’s world, where communities face increasingly complex challenges, an engineer’s outlook and leadership in civic roles can make all the difference. By applying their expertise to public service, they help create safer, more efficient, and more resilient communities for everyone.
In conclusion, engineers who step into leadership roles do more than just solve technical problems—they help shape the future of their communities. Through their work on boards, commissions, and planning councils, they demonstrate that engineers are not just builders of infrastructure, but also builders of society.
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