DENVER, CO The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Colorado presentes its annual recognition awards honoring individuals for their contributions to the consulting engineering profession, advancement of the industry and contributions to the community during its 2016 annual meeting at Lakewood Country Club.

Lauren Evans, P.E., President of Pinyon Environmental, receives the Orley O. Phillips Award for her contributions to the profession, general societal issues, and ACEC Colorado and its programs. Evans has held many ACEC Colorado leadership positions, including president, national director and chair of the Environmental and Engineering Committees, and recently completed her term on the ACEC National Executive Committee. Additionally, Evans is chair of the Colorado Water Quality Commission and serves on the board of Socially Conscious Coffee, a nonprofit organization that supports coffee-producing communities with limited access to schools, healthcare, adequate nutrition and clean water in Brazil and Ethiopia. 

ACEC Colorado honored Robert Felsburg, P.E., retired from Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, and David Merritt, P.E., of AECOM Technical Services, with its George Washington Award, which honors individuals who give their time and talents to support activities, initiatives and public outreach to advance the public image of consulting engineering. Felsburg, an ACEC Fellow and ACEC Colorado Life Member, worked with clients throughout his 42-year career to improve transportation systems. He continues to support the Council through service on the Membership Committee and has been instrumental in the development of the Council's Business Advisor Resource Program, which helps members throughout different stages of their careers. Merritt has more than 40 years of experience in water resources planning and management. He served as ACEC Colorado West Director and is a member of the Council's Water Resources Committee. Merritt has served on the Glenwood Springs City Council and as the city's mayor pro tem, has been active on many boards, committees and commissions in the water arena, and is currently serving on the Colorado River Water Conservation Board. 

Mary Andre, P.E., a Principal and Project Manager at Civil Design Consultants, was recognized as the 2016 Outstanding Colorado Woman in Engineering. Andre is a dedicated advocate of education and advancement of young women in the field of water and wastewater engineering. Andre has led teams that created innovative solutions to address water quality challenges posed by projects such as the Tree Haus Metropolitan District Water Treatment Improvements project and the Timbers Water and Sanitation District's Water Treatment Improvements project. She is acknowledged for her ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships between clients, project team members, associates, regulators and contractors by promoting genuine understanding and trust. Andre also mentors her supporting assistants and enjoys developing relatable educational programs that expose young girls to the "real science" of engineering through hands-on activities with organizations such as the Girl Scouts' science, technology and engineering program.