Urban is pleased to announce that Kevin Brown Jr., PE, a transportation construction manager at the firm, has been selected as the 2021 Delaware Valley Young Engineer of the Year by the Engineers’ Club of Philadelphia.

The annual award recognizes an outstanding engineer who is age 35 or under, has demonstrated leadership capabilities, and has made a recognized contribution to the engineering profession within the Greater Philadelphia region. Beyond the field of engineering, the recipient must also have contributed to and participated in charitable, civic, and technical affairs. Mr. Brown will be honored during Delaware Valley Engineers Week, Feb. 18-27, 2021, which is part of a national engineering observance.

“Kevin is an outstanding candidate to represent the Delaware Valley’s extraordinary group of young engineers,” said Bob Wright, chair of the Delaware Valley Engineers Week Committee. “He demonstrates his passion for engineering in his work with Urban Engineers, but especially in his dedication to mentoring and educating the upcoming generation of engineers through his volunteerism with the ACE Mentor Program.”

Mr. Brown started his career at Urban Engineers 12 years ago as a transportation construction inspector in the transportation division. In his current role as transportation construction manager, Mr. Brown leads many projects working closely with contractors on the field and mentoring the inspection team. He recently earned a lead role in one of Urban’s major projects, managing and overseeing all aspects of the I-76 Viaduct Rehabilitation project.

To supplement his work experience, Mr. Brown is involved in professional organizations within the industry, such as the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Construction Management Association of America, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the American Society of Highway Engineers. Mr. Brown also serves on the ACE Mentor Program's advisory council in Philadelphia, an organization he participated in as a student in high school. This national program aims to excite and enlighten high school students in the fields of architecture, construction, and engineering by connecting local professionals with students in team settings.

“Volunteering is important because if it wasn't for my experience with ACE, I don't think I would be receiving this honor,” said Mr. Brown. “As a mentor, especially with the diverse groups of students we work with, I can connect with them on a level that other mentors can’t. We experienced the same things, we look the same, and we talk the same. I believe by sharing my story as a young Black man in engineering, I can open their eyes to careers they may not have known were available or feel might not be attainable for someone who looks like them.”

Having been recognized as the Delaware Valley Young Engineer of the Year, Mr. Brown said, “I know many people who have earned this recognition before me, and they have set the bar high. To see all of the great things previous Delaware Valley Young Engineers of the Year recipients have accomplished and to be a part of this elite group is an honor. I’m excited to use this platform to help and mentor others.”

A Philadelphia native, Mr. Brown grew up and currently resides in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in civil engineering – with a focus on structural – from  Widener University.

Watch Kevin's acceptance speech below: