Nick Halan Named 2025 Zweig Rising Star in the AEC Industry

HLR • May 13, 2025

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 Mediaclick here.

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