U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District

🎙 Dr. Akilah Martin, Planner, Environmental Justice Coordinator AND Public Involvement Specialist with #USACEChicago, was a guest on a recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Headquarters podcast episode for Inside the Castle. This episode is the fifth in their “People First” series. Inside the Castle learns about the Public Involvement Specialist role within USACE with Dr. Akilah Martin (Chicago District) and Alex Smith (Mobile District). Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gRiKeVsJ "I really enjoy working with the public and ensuring that the work we do at USACE is cohesive with the community. Just thinking about the different ways we engage with the communtiy and our non-federal sponsors, the different communication styles and language, transparency, all of those different things really were interesting to me", Martin explains. ✨ Thank you, Akilah, for representing the Chicago District and for your support in your Public Involvement role. ✨

📅 SAVE THE DATE ❗ Are YOU interested in working with US? 👷♂️ 👷♀️ The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Great Lakes and Ohio River Division is hosting INDUSTRY DAY Wednesday, December 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST. Industry Day gives our contractors, industry, and partners a chance to learn about USACE’s mission, network with our regional team, and discover opportunities for FY25! Register today at https://lnkd.in/gX54jT5V... For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gjGcX6jK

Over the past week, #USACEChicago facilitated two Flood Resilience Workshop with one focusing on the South Side and southern suburbs and the other the West Side and western suburbs of Chicago. The workshop brought together Long-Term Recovery Groups (LTRG’s) represented by community members, as well as federal, state, and other key agencies involved in flood-risk management for the area. LTRG’s highlighted their recovery efforts during severe flooding events that took place in 2023 and discussed existing flooding challenges. Representatives from #FEMA, #MWRD, #IDNR, #OEMC, Department of Water Management, and Cook County discussed resources available for before, during and after emergencies. The workshop sought to lay the foundation for improved learning, communication, and engagement between local communities and government agencies to better address flooding challenges in these vulnerable areas.

👏 👏 👏 We are happy to announce the selection of Natalie Williams as #USACEChicago's Employee of the Month!👏 👏 👏 Natalie played a critical role in getting the T.J. O’Brien Lock and Dam Scope of Work #2 RFP out to the contractor this past August. Her tireless efforts not only saved several days on the schedule, but also enabled the team to address contractor questions regarding the scope. Throughout the process, Natalie remained a steady and reliable voice for the TJO Team, ensuring that all the necessary details were in place. Thank you, Natalie, for your outstanding commitment and hard work in bringing this important project over the finish line. It is dedicated employees like you who ensure the Chicago District delivers quality projects safely, on time, and within budget. 🎉

#USACEChicago has been busy this week! We hosted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division (LRD) Region Week where leadership comes together quarterly to discuss management topics concerning all districts in LRD. The Division’s Leadership Development Program Level 3 (LDP III) joined them in meetings, went on a site visit to Northerly Island, and took an architecture tour on the Chicago River. The group also received a briefing from the Army Enterprise Marketing Office (AEMO) and took a tour of their headquarters located near the Chicago District. They shared information on how they are structured and how marketing ideas go from concepts to product. LDP III is a year long leadership course involving travel to different district offices where these emerging senior leaders work together on real-world projects to support varies district concerns. They presented their projects to leadership and concluded the week with graduation. Congratulations to the following LRD LDP III participants on their completion of this leadership program: Rebecca Bennett, LRH Beth Clinton, LRH Paul Cocca, LRB Mark (Phil) Evans, LRN Glenn Hawkey, LRP Jackie Huff, LRN April Judd, LRL Shawn Kenney, LRL Natalie Mills, LRC Kelly Schroter, LRE Chuck Shea, LRC Adam Walker, LRN Ken Woodard, LRH

👀 Look! It's our latest Employee of the Month! 😃 Cory Green from the Waterways Project Office was selected for his dedication, initiative, and professionalism. As a new member of the Chicago Harbor Lock Team, Cory has repeatedly gone above and beyond expectations. During the busiest time of year at CHL, he worked extended hours and provided outstanding coverage, including taking on all but one of the firework shifts. His commitment to quality customer service and his calm demeanor when working with recreational boaters have made a significant impact. Thank you, Cory, for your hard work and dedication to the Chicago Harbor Lock!

🚧 37,000 tons of stone are being placed on the Milwaukee Harbor south breakwater over a five month period by the Lake Michigan Floating Plant assigned to #USACEChicago. The floating plant conducts stone placement mostly at Calumet, Chicago, and Milwaukee Harbors. Enhancing the breakwater will continue to help protect the Milwaukee shoreline and coastal communities from the waves of Lake Michigan. The overall project will place 470,000 tons of stone over a 15 year period.

It's employee spotlight day! Today, we are featuring Bob Paluch’s journey with #USACEChicago. What brought you to USACE, Chicago District? 📌 I came to the Chicago District in 2008 when there was an economic downturn. I first started in the private industry, and after experiencing the lifestyle that goes along with that type of work, I decided to change paths and come to work for the federal government. What type of work do you do at USACE, Chicago District? 📌 All of it! My current position is the Chief of Emergency Management, but I’ve worked as a Design Engineer, Dredging Manager, Assistant Chief of Construction and Operations, and also the Chief of Staff. If you have a degree, what is your highest level of education? What was your major? 📌 I have a Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering, with a focus in hydrology. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 📌 My greatest achievement was working the Alternate Care Facility Mission/COVID Response. While I was Chief of Staff, the District boundary realignment occurred which was immediately followed by the COVID response. While trying to manage the requirements and keep our District staff safe, we received a mission to construct the Alternate Care Facilities. That mission brought together the best of the best within government and throughout the construction industry. We had a common goal and everyone was focused and working together to meet that goal. What message/advice would you like to send to others considering employment at USACE, Chicago District? 📌 Always be willing to be flexible and innovative. As the nation turns to us to solve some of the nation’s toughest challenges, we are constantly moving into uncharted territory. It will require a diverse workforce with new and fresh ideas to continue to serve the nation and improve our society. What everone really wants to know: Cubs or Sox? ⚾ Cubs all the way! Thank you, Bob, for your hardwork and dedication to USACE and the Chicago District!

Please join us in congratulating Mike Padilla, #USACEChicago project manager, for being selected as our Employee of the Month!🎉🎉🎉 Mike demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication on numerous projects, working with outside agencies and overcoming setbacks along the way. We appreciate his expertise and dedication to the USACE mission. Congratulations, Mike!

📣 #USACEChicago is proud to announce The Summer Internship Development Team, as our team of the quarter! Maria Cieniawski, and John Paguio, went above and beyond in developing and executing the summer internship program for Chicago District students. Their tremendous efforts in planning, resourcing, and coordinating events provided students with a variety of learning experiences, mentoring opportunities, and professional development. Thank you for your dedication to people and programs in our District! 👏 👏 👏