2008 Engineer of the Year: Ken Ashfeld
Ken Ashfeld, City of Maple Grove |
Ken with his wife, Barb, and co-workers at the CEAM 2009 Annual Conference |
Ken Ashfeld, City of Maple Grove, received the 2008 CEAM Engineer of the Year Award
Ken Ashfeld, Maple Grove city engineer, was selected as the CEAM Engineer of the Year Award winner for 2008. The award was presented during the CEAM 2009 Annual Conference.
Since 1988, Ken has overseen the Maple Grove Engineering Department and has been a key leader in the development of the city.
Between 1990 and 2008, the city's population increased from 38,736 to more than 61,000. To support this growth, miles of infrastructure have been installed with Ken overseeing the related design and construction process, agreements with developers and other governmental agencies, as well as public hearings.
Ken has been a member of the Minnesota Department of Transportation State Aid Screening Board, American Public Works Association, and American Society of Civil Engineers. He has also been an active member and leader of the City Engineers Association of Minnesota, serving on several CEAM committees and as president.
Whether working with his City Council, department heads, other agencies, the public, his staff, or consultants, Ken is able to quickly assess the issues or tasks at hand, coordinate resources, and efffectively communicate based on knowledge, understanding, and a desire to further the public good. He is able to gain the respect of residents, business owners, and developers as he manages and negotiates city projects to their completion.
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.