VHB brought home three awards at the American Council of Engineering Companies Metropolitan Washington (ACEC/MW) chapter’s annual conference, including Large Member Firm of the Year (2023-2024), as well as individual awards to Michelle Cavucci and Joe Wanat recognizing their service. ACEC/MW is considered the voice of the Metropolitan Washington’s engineering community. Founded more than 60 years ago, its mission is to serve the business needs of more than 100+ professional member firms and over 5,000 employees.
![Michelle Cavucci and Dan Lovas stand on stage at the ACEC MW conference to receive the Member Firm of the Year award.](/globalassets/news/story-content/acec-mw-3.jpg)
The Large Member Firm of the Year (2023-2024) award recognizes VHB’s exceptional performance within the region, demonstrated leadership, and a high level of involvement in ACEC/MW board of directors, events, activities, and committees. VHB Metro DC has many active ACEC members who contribute to ACEC/MW engineering education, policy, and advocacy initiatives that help promote a robust and innovative infrastructure for the region.
Michelle Cavucci, Director of Transportation Systems for Metro DC, received the Board Service Award for her contributions on the Board of Directors over a three-year term. She helped to shape strategic direction for the organization and led engagement with the Transportation and Virginia Municipal Committees to strengthen and grow the engineering consulting industry’s relationships with key clients and partners in Metro DC.
![A group of people standing on a rooftop.](/globalassets/news/story-content/acec-mw-4.jpg)
Joe Wanat, Managing Director of Metro DC, received the Annual Impact Award, as Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) Committee. The award showcases an individual who has made a significant contribution to the ACEC/MW organization with a high level of engagement, committee chair leadership, and volunteering at high visibility events that support ACEC/MW advocacy, education, and training. Joe planned events and developed resources for ACEC members, including Techstravaganza 2024, a hands-on STEM fair that attracts thousands of students of all ages and their families and friends from the Metropolitan DC area. He also served as a panelist at the 4th Annual Let's Get into Good Trouble Youth Leadership Conference.“I am incredibly grateful and proud that VHB was recognized by ACEC/MW with these three awards and share the celebration with the whole team,” said Joe. “This highlights our commitment to building smarter, more resilient communities. From transformative improvements like two-lane bike lanes in DC to our innovative CC2DCA pedestrian connection project in Arlington, our team remains unwavering in their quest for engineering excellence and making a positive impact on our region.”
![Joe Wanat volunteers with students.](/globalassets/news/story-content/acec-mw-7.jpg)
Congratulations to all winners!
Learn more about VHB Metro DC.