HLR Named #1 AEC Employer of Choice® for 2025 by PSMJ Resources, Inc.

We are proud to recognize Addison Ridgely , daughter of Vice President Austin Ridgely , as the recipient of this year’s HLR Scholarship! Addison recently graduate d from Richland County High School with outstanding achievements. She earned the distinction of valedictorian, was named an Illinois State Scholar, and received the College Board National Rural & Small Town Award. Throughout all four years, she maintained the highest academic honors, a testament to her dedication and hard work. In addition to her academic excellence, Addison was deeply involved in extracurricular activities. She participated in ILMEA, Tri-M, Scholar Bowl, and student council, while also sharing her musical talents through marching band, pep band, jazz band, and honors wind ensemble. Outside of school, she demonstrated her versatility by competing in taekwondo and on the swim team. Her wide range of hobbies includes 3D modeling and printing, sewing, reading, cooking, botany, and snow skiing. This fall, Addison will take the next step in her academic journey by pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. Reflecting on this milestone, Addison shared: “I am very thankful for the role modeling I have received and feel blessed that my family has encouraged me to work hard, have fun, and give back. There is no doubt these words will live within me for the rest of my life and for that I am thankful.” Please join us in congratulating Addison on her many accomplishments. We are excited to see all that she will achieve in the years ahead!

We’re excited to share that HLR’s own Nick Halan, PE, PTOE, Project Engineer, has been named a 2025 Rising Star in the AEC Industry by Zweig Group —a national recognition that celebrates emerging leaders who are making a lasting impact in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. This award honors professionals who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, leadership, community involvement, and a forward-thinking approach to the future of our industry—and Nick checks all those boxes and more. At HLR, Nick leads with innovation and purpose. His work spans traffic studies, signal design, and Signal Coordination and Timing (SCAT) plans, as well as advancing our Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) design capabilities. He’s also been instrumental in sustainability efforts at HLR, including the implementation of an EV charging station and solar panels at our former headquarters—now home to our survey and environmental garage/office—initiatives that helped HLR earn a 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. But it’s not just what Nick does—it’s how he does it. He’s a founding member of both HLR’s Young Professionals Group and the Young Professionals Group at the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, a mentor to interns, an advocate for STEM outreach, and a dedicated volunteer in the local community. Whether he’s mentoring scouts on their path to Eagle rank or inspiring students at a career expo with his interactive augmented reality sandbox, Nick is all in—investing in people, education, and the future of our industry. Nick also plays a strategic role in shaping the future of HLR by bringing insight and energy to key initiatives and conversations that move our company forward. Please join us in congratulating Nick on this well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to work alongside emerging leaders like him who are not only shaping infrastructure—but shaping what it means to lead. Read more about Nick in his profile on Civil + Structural Engineer Media — click here .