U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago District

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! 👏 👏 👏

#USACEChicago District employees John Belcik and Akilah Martin accepted the Silver Ribbon Award on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for their part in the Chicago Waterways Restoration Framework Plan. The award was presented during the annual Friends of the Chicago River's Big Fish Ball Gala held on May 29, 2024. Pictured is Bradley Roback (Chicago Department of Planning and Development), John Belcik (USACE Fish Biologist), Akilah Martin (USACE Interdisciplinary Planner), Sally Fletcher (Friends Board President) and Margaret Frisbie (Friends Executive Director). The Silver Ribbon award goes to projects that exhibit an exceptional level of sustainable practices and design excellence on multiple levels. Award winners are making intentional choices to drive innovation for the continued protection and restoration of the Chicago-Calumet River system and surrounding watersheds. 📸 by Ian Vecchiotti.

🎉🎉🎉 It's employee spotlight day! Today, we are featuring Raymond Frana’s journey with #USACEChicago. Ray was also recently highlighted as the district's employee of the month! What brought you to USACE, Chicago District? 📌 The opportunity to be the Chief of the Fox River Section. Knowing Chicago had recently taken on the Fox River Project, I liked the idea of being part of something new and the challenges that come along with it. What type of work do you do at USACE, Chicago District? 📌 I am responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of 9 dams. I supervise 4 outstanding team members making sure they have the training, tools, materials, and freedom to perform the job to the best of their ability. I ensure water regulation on Lake Winnebago is a compromise between all competing interests. Basically, it’s my job to make sure everyone is always a little mad because they didn’t get exactly what they want. If you have a degree, what is your highest level of education? What was your major? 📌 I attended Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA. I have an Ag Chemical Applications Diploma (agronomy) and took a few survey classes. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 📌 My greatest achievements have always been helping people. I deployed 3 times to Iraq working on Mosul Dam leading the automation of geotechnical instrumentation vital to monitoring the dam. My greatest accomplishment during the deployments was successfully training a team of Iraqis to design, install, program, and operate & maintain the system. I am proud to say this team is not only capable of maintaining that system but is also installing additional systems on other structures throughout Iraq. What message/advice would you like to send to others considering employment at USACE, Chicago District? 📌Chicago District is a great place to work and full of great team members. Want to join us? Learn how to apply here: https://lnkd.in/ghCgU3hS