2013 Engineer of the Year: Reid Wronski

Reid Wronski accepting the CEAM 2013 Engineer of the Year Award at the CEAM 2014 Annual Conference

Reid Wronski, city engineer and public works director with River Falls, Wisconsin, was selected as the City Engineer of the Year for 2013. The award was presented at the CEAM 2014 Annual Conference.

Reid received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota. His professional career has included working as design engineer with the City of Rochester (1994-1998) where he incorporated technology for the first time on city projects and led the effort to update standard detail plates. In 1998, Reid moved into the position of infrastructure manager with the City of Rochester and managed several comprehensive infrastructure programs, including the waste water master plan, surface water management plan, and pavement management plan. 

Since 1999, Reid has been city engineer with the City of River Falls, Wisconsin, and was given the additional responsibility of public works director in 2011. He provides leadership and management for the public works and engineering departments, and oversees 16 full-time employees.

Reid works diligently to maintain the city's high level of service with increasingly limited resources. For example, Reid was the project lead for the Cascade Avenue Reconstruction Project, which required him to collaborate with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Through his negotiation skills, he was able to successfully relocate a state highway and secure payment from WisDOT for future construction needs.

Since 2009, Reid has been able to effectively lead his team through re-organization and reduction in staff. Even during times of uncertainty, he has been able to produce high-quality projects for the city, demonstrating his resourcefulness and commitment to working as a team player.

Reid is a member of CEAM and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Public Works Association, and serves on several of their committees. In addition, he has had several papers published in professional journals.  

His hard work has been recognized with several awards. Most recently, in 2013 he received the APWA-MN Project of the Year Award. In 2012, he was recognized with the St. Croix River Association Stewardship Award for leadership and dedication in protecting the Kinnickinnic River. And in 2008, the American Public Works Association presented him with the Professional Manager of the Year Award. 

Congratulations Reid! 

Learn more: Download presentation (pdf)

CEAM Awards Program
The City Engineers Association of Minnesota each year presents the Engineer of the Year Award and the Project of the Year Award during the CEAM Annual Conference.