Emerging Leader
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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.
Past Recipients
- 2025 Shan Morgen, Isthmus
- 2024 Brad Wodash, Kimley-Horn
- 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