The ACEC Minnesota Emerging Leader Award recognizes a member still in the early
stages of their career who has already contributed significantly to the association.
2026 Recipient
Kris Manthey, P.E.
Rani Engineering
Kris is a Senior Engineer in Rani Engineering’s water resources practice, where he
specializes in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, and water quality
work for transportation and site development projects. He has advanced through the firm from
Staff Engineer to Project Engineer to Senior Engineer, taking on responsibility that reflects
a firm investing in him as a future leader of its water resources practice.
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a member firm professional who has begun to do the work
of a leader, on projects, in a practice area, or in service to the industry. The standard is
leadership demonstrated, and Kris has met it.
Emerging Leader Award Recipients
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2025
Shan Morgen, Isthmus
-
2024
Brad Wodash, Kimley-Horn
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2023
Mario Ratnaraj, HNTB
-
2022
Ryan Vraa, Burns & McDonnell
-
2020
Lauren Piepho, HGA
-
2019
Vahid Raboodan, EVS
-
2018
Eric McElrath, Mattson Macdonald Young
-
2017
Ricky Kirchner, BKBM
-
2016
Jake Turgeon, HGA
-
2015
Tim Lamkin, Bolton & Menk
-
2014
Bridget Osborn, HR Green
-
2013
Jon Wacker, HGA
