Michigan Tech’s Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering proudly welcomed eight exceptional leaders into its prestigious Academy of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering during an induction ceremony held on Monday, September 29, 2025, at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.
Established in 1993, the Academy recognizes outstanding alumni and friends of the department who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, and service in their professions and communities. Election to the Academy is among the department’s highest honors—acknowledging individuals who not only advance the field of engineering but also invest deeply in mentoring future generations and supporting Michigan Tech.
2025 CEGE Academy Inductees
Matthew Bissett (Honorary Member)
Chief Executive Officer and President, Atwell, LLC
Matt Bissett leads Atwell, LLC as CEO and President after starting as an intern 27 years ago. A licensed professional surveyor in more than 15 states, he has guided the company’s national growth in infrastructure, energy, and land development. Bissett continues to support surveying education through contributions to Michigan Tech, Ferris State, and Northern Michigan College.
Michael Erickson (’94, ’95)
Senior Vice President / Principal Engineer, Arcadis
Michael Erickson is Senior Vice President and Principal Engineer at Arcadis and a national expert in sediment management and water quality modeling. His leadership has shaped remediation projects exceeding $2 billion in construction value. Based in Calumet, he has served on CEGE’s Professional Advisory Board and the Houghton County Planning Commission.
Karol L. Grove, PS, CFM (’84)
Owner, Alpine Land Surveying, Inc.
Karol Grove is a Professional Land Surveyor and Certified Floodplain Manager, licensed since 1993 and owner of Alpine Land Surveying, Inc. With over 30 years of experience, she has served on the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Board for nearly three decades and chaired both the state Licensing Board for Surveyors and the Michigan Future City Competition. Grove received the 2025 MSPS Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mike Horan, P.E. (’75)
Owner and CEO, Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, LLC
Mike Horan founded Ajax Paving Industries of Florida, growing it into one of the state’s largest road construction firms with over 500 employees. Under his leadership, Ajax has earned more than 75 state and national awards for quality, safety, and innovation. Horan has served as president of the Asphalt Contractors Association of Florida and chair of the Florida Transportation Builders Association.
William McCarthy (’82)
President, McCarthy & Smith, Inc.
Bill McCarthy leads McCarthy & Smith, Inc., a family-owned construction firm specializing in educational and municipal projects. He has guided the company’s evolution into a respected mid-sized contractor and served as Chairperson of the Associated General Contractors of America, Detroit Chapter. McCarthy has also served 19 years on the board of Wellspring Lutheran Services, including two as chair.
Todd Schrader (’89)
Chief Executive Officer, Hardman Construction, Inc.
Todd Schrader serves as CEO of Hardman Construction, Inc., a Michigan-based bridge and foundation contractor. His leadership has advanced major infrastructure projects statewide, including the I-94/US-31 design-build bridges and Michigan Tech’s H-STEM Complex. Schrader and his wife, Julie, established two community foundation funds supporting Ludington-area initiatives and Michigan Tech students.
Ronald Staley (’77, ’80)
Retired Senior Vice President and Executive Director of Historic Preservation, The Christman Company
Ronald Staley founded Christman’s Historic Preservation Group, leading more than 200 award-winning restoration projects worldwide, including Michigan Central Station, the Michigan State Capitol, and Notre Dame’s Golden Dome. He and his wife, Linda, have long supported Michigan Tech’s Engineering and Construction Management programs, emphasizing the value of combining technical and business skills.
Kimberly Zimmer-Janeczko, P.E. (’95)
Division Administrator, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Kimberly Zimmer is the Division Administrator for MDOT’s Transportation Systems Management & Operations Division. With more than 26 years of public service, she received MDOT’s highest honor—the Director’s Award—for leadership and commitment to quality. A dedicated alumna, Zimmer has served on CEGE’s Professional Advisory Board and actively supports Michigan Tech recruitment and outreach programs.
About the Academy
The Academy of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering honors outstanding graduates and distinguished friends of Michigan Tech who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in engineering, service, and community impact. Members maintain strong connections with the University—mentoring students, supporting research, and contributing to departmental initiatives. Induction ceremonies are held biennially in the fall of odd-numbered years, with meetings alternating between in-person and virtual formats. Through ongoing collaboration and needs assessments, the Academy ensures its work continues to advance the mission and sustainability of the CEGE Department.