Excellence in Action: The Chairman’s Award
We recognize those who go above and beyond for our company.
About the Award
Michael Baker International’s Chairman’s Award, our company’s highest honor, was established in 2017 to recognize employees who exemplify our Wolf Pack philosophy—that we are stronger together—and who have made exemplary contributions to our Company.
Each of the winners is a stellar member of our Wolf Pack and an example of what we mean when we talk about Michael Baker’s standard of excellence. Congratulations to this year’s winners! Note: Titles reflect each winner’s role at the time of recognition.
View Recipients by Year
Meet our Winners
In doing Federal work, you need to have the best team in place to win, and John knows how to bring the right people together, build the project and strategize for its success.
John Alberghini, P.E.
National Market Lead – Navy
John brings an impressive 30-year career, including 20 years serving in the Navy, to his position at Michael Baker, where he exemplifies our Wolf Pack Philosophy daily. He is known for his integrity and following through on his commitments, enabling him to develop stronger relationships and grow our share of the Navy market to move our Company forward. John’s broad commitment and excitement about his work are apparent, and his reach across the organization is highly impactful. Colleagues across the Company consistently praise John’s work and seek him out to work with him as a subject matter expert.
John's enduring relationships and strategic thinking have secured a trusted relationship with several Department of Defense general contractors in pursuit of large multiple-award construction contract (MACC) programs and significant stand-alone opportunities.
It is a great advantage for our Company and part of our legacy to employ veterans, like John, who know the meaning of service and the value that we bring to our military clients.
Steve is a major differentiator for Michael Baker in the transportation business, based on the reputation he has established for himself and our firm industrywide.
Steve Huff, P.E.
Vice President Business Development, West Region
Steve is held in the highest regard because of his integrity and the high standards he applies every day to his work with clients, his projects and his teams. He also is well-respected in the industry for his ability to deliver measured and direct client counsel with a constructive, solutions-oriented approach.
Steve is leading the I-10 Design-Build project — a game changer for the West Region — and led its successful pursuit with the San Bernardino County Transportation Agency in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation. This $673 million construction project win required Steve’s intense focus and dedication for more than two years. He is a recognized leader in the highway transportation industry, among his peers and the employees he has helped guide for more than three decades.
Steve has been a key mentor to countless transportation staff and has helped shape numerous successful careers during his 36 years with the Company. Colleagues want to work with Steve because everything he touches is successful and reflects our Culture of Excellence.
Our clients continue to give us new work as a result of Joe's leadership – they know he can be trusted to identify a solution to their most complex structural issues.
Joseph J. Romano, P.E.
Regional Practice Lead – Bridge
Joe is one of the largest contributors to bridge work at Michael Baker. He has a record of superior project execution and is constantly problem-solving on behalf of our clients. Often described as a “Technical Powerhouse,” he is an extremely talented Technical Manager who delights his clients with his innovative ideas and approach to solving project challenges.
Joe’s biggest contribution in 2019 was winning the Route 4 over Hackensack River project, a $12–15 million bridge replacement project where Michael Baker is introducing an innovative technique called Slide-In Bridge Construction (SIBC) for the first time in New Jersey. This innovative technique shortens the construction timeline by building a new bridge on temporary supports, usually parallel to an existing bridge, and sliding the new bridge into place when construction is completed.
Joe has contributed to nearly 40 Michael Baker projects throughout his tenure, including the I-280 Bridge Ramp Improvements, I-280/Route 21 Interchange Improvements and the Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement. He has led an impressive string of award-winning bridge projects, and it is evident that he has contributed to a legacy of excellence for the Region and the Company.