Bill Conway Named NSPE Delaware Engineer of the Year
The National Society of Professional Engineers Delaware Chapter (NSPE-DE) has posthumously recognized William (Bill) Conway as the 2025 Engineer of the Year, honoring his lasting contributions to the engineering profession and the State of Delaware. This prestigious award was presented at the Engineer’s Week banquet on February 17. Accepting on Bill’s behalf were his wife Kristin along with their three sons: Grant, Pierce, and Hayes.
Prior to his passing on September 29, 2024, Bill was a Senior Vice President and manager of Kleinfelder-Century’s Delaware Transportation Team. Throughout his 27-year career, Bill played a pivotal role in numerous transportation projects that enhanced safety and connectivity across the state. His work spanned highways, intersections, railroads, and bike and pedestrian facilities, including award-winning projects such as the SR1 South Frederica Grade Separated Intersection, the Georgetown to Lewes Rail to Trail Project, and the SR1 Dover Toll Plaza Highway Speed Lanes.
Bill’s expertise, leadership, and unwavering dedication made him a respected figure in the engineering community. Known for his ability to unite teams and mentor young engineers, Bill was widely regarded as the person colleagues turned to for guidance. He had a deep understanding of his field and a relentless commitment to problem-solving, always ensuring that solutions were well-founded and clearly understood by those around him.
Beyond his project work, Bill was actively involved in several professional organizations. He was a Past President of the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) and a member of the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). His contributions extended to the broader community, serving as an Honorary Commander for the Civil Engineering Squadron at Dover Air Force Base and as a former member of the Delaware Turf Board of Directors.
Scott Rathfon, Kleinfelder-Century Area Manager, reflected on Bill’s impact: “Bill was not only an outstanding engineer but also an incredible mentor and friend. His passion for engineering was evident in everything he did, and his influence will be felt for generations. While it is deeply saddening that he was not able to receive this award in his lifetime, it is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and the positive impact he had on so many.”
Bill’s legacy lives on through the projects he shaped, the colleagues he inspired, and the countless communities that benefit from his work. His contributions to the engineering profession and the State of Delaware will not be forgotten.
