Tampa, Fla. (November 14, 2006) -- Rafael Frias, a Black & Veatch
engineer, was recently presented with the “A. Ivan Johnson Outstanding Young
Professional Award” at the annual American Water Resources Association (AWRA)
Awards Luncheon in Baltimore, Md.
The award, established in 2000 as the Pyramid Award, was created to
recognize young professionals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements,
talents and leadership potential through professional activities in water
resources for at least two years but not more than eight years.
A project engineer based in Black & Veatch’s Tampa, Fla. office, Frias
has worked on many projects in stormwater, surface water quality and
groundwater modeling.
“Rafael is a very intelligent, personable professional, and he’s a key
member of our Florida water resources team,” said Helen Bennett, East Region
Vice President and Project Director for Black & Veatch. “We are pleased to
see him receive recognition at the national level. He truly is an outstanding
young professional.”
Before moving to the company’s office in Tampa, Frias spent five years in
Kansas City, Mo., where he was involved with several projects in the Midwestern
United States, particularly in Missouri and Kansas. He also has completed
international assignments in Puerto Rico and Honduras.
“Rafael has been very involved in our organization and in the Florida
section,” said Dick Engberg, AWRA Technical Director and Frias’ nominator. “I’m
quite sure that his professional accomplishments in Kansas City and Florida
were also major considerations in the selection process.”
Frias earned a master’s degree in 2002 from the University of Kansas and a
bachelor’s degree in 1997 from Louisiana State University. In addition to
taking an active role in AWRA, Frias is a member of the Water Environment
Federation and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
This year, the AWRA Board of Directors renamed the award the A. Ivan Johnson
Outstanding Young Professional Award in honor of a past AWRA president who was
dedicated to helping young professionals reach their potential.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch Corporation is a leading global engineering, consulting
and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy,
water, information and government market sectors. Founded in 1915, Black &
Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that meet clients’ needs and
provide sustainable benefits. Solutions include conceptual and preliminary
engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial
management, asset management, information technology, environmental, security
design and consulting, and management consulting services. The employee-owned
company has more than 90 offices worldwide.
Black & Veatch’s water business provides innovative, technology-based
solutions to utilities, governments and industries worldwide. Local project
managers work with a global team of water and wastewater treatment process
experts to address site-specific challenges through a broad range of
consulting, study, planning, design, design-build and construction management
services. Black & Veatch is ranked on the Forbes “500 Largest Private
Companies in the United States” listing. The company’s Web site address is www.bv.com.
Media Contacts:
George Minter
Black & Veatch
913-458-8001
minterga@bv.com
24-hour Media Line
1-866-496-9149
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