The Florida Engineering Society has recently conferred the title of Engineer of the Year to David L. Ricks, P.E., a seasoned professional who has dedicated a substantial portion of his life to public works and engineering. The honor, which seeks to identify and celebrate the embodiment of professional excellence within the field, was bestowed upon Ricks during the Palm Beach Chapter's September dinner meeting, a distinction he accepted with a humble acknowledgment of his colleagues at the Engineering and Public Works Department (EPW) as well as the support of the County Board of Commissioners and County Administration.
"This was a team EPW award for all the great work they do every day," Ricks stated, acknowledging the collective effort that has consistently underpinned his tenure at EPW since 2017 where he applied his expertise, after more than two decades of military service in the U.S. Navy and various government positions, that included the roles of Public Works Director in different counties, and his licensure in multiple states an accolade reflecting wider institutional success rather than individual triumph, according to the county's official announcement.
Going beyond his direct responsibilities, Ricks engages in activities that serve both his profession and the wider community; he serves as the Treasurer of the Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS), promoting the significance and scope of civil engineering to the next generation while inspiring youth to explore the field of engineering as a potential career path. A recent event hosted by the FES not only served as the venue for Ricks' recognition but also witnessed Carlos Bojorge, P.E., planner of Special Projects for Roadway Production, stepping up as the chapter's incoming secretary for the span of 2025-2026.
Evidently, it was a notable evening for the EPW on multiple fronts, three of their own joined in the ceremonious passing of the gavel symbolic of leadership transition within the chapter, namely Assistant Land Development Division Director Olive Bailey, P.E., Deputy County Engineer Joanne Keller, P.E. and Traffic Signal and Lighting Design Manager Fattoush Jafar, P.E., Ph.D., solidifying EPW's standing and active involvement within the larger engineering community's traditions and rituals — epitomizing the professional spirit and camaraderie that Ricks himself praised in his acceptance speech. More information on these events can be found on the Palm Beach County Government website.
