News & awards

This year marks a meaningful milestone as two long-time principals, Jim Cicero and Rocco Gallo, step into retirement. Their careers span decades of leadership, technical excellence, and mentorship, influencing the projects we deliver and the culture we live by at Karpinski Engineering.

Jim Cicero: Powering People, Projects, and Possibilities

For more than 30 years, Jim Cicero has been an essential part of Karpinski Engineering’s history. An electrical engineer by training and a relationship-builder at heart, Jim combined technical expertise with genuine care for people. His work touched many of the region’s most complex healthcare facilities, from community hospitals to Cleveland Clinic’s one-million-square-foot Neurological Institute.

Jim’s early love of math led him to electrical engineering, but it was the design and construction side of the profession that sparked his passion. He loved that his work took him beyond the desk, onto construction sites where his designs came to life. That hands-on connection to the built environment became a hallmark of his career.

Over the years, Jim became a champion for collaboration, helping expand the firm’s use of delivery models like Design-Assist and Integrated Project Delivery. He believed that when engineers, contractors, and owners worked toward a shared goal, everyone benefited and projects improved. His approach strengthened partnerships across the industry.

As President, Jim guided the firm through periods of growth and uncertainty. His steady optimism and commitment to doing the right thing helped support staff and uphold the firm’s values.

Among his proudest moments are those that reflect both the technical and human sides of engineering. He points to helping bring Severance Hall back to life, contributing to advanced healthcare projects that support better patient care, and seeing staff share their expertise on national stages. What means the most to him, though, is the culture the firm has built, grounded in respect, mentorship, and the belief that great work happens when people enjoy what they do.

Jim’s leadership leaves a lasting effect on Karpinski Engineering, guided by passion, integrity, excellence, and service. Though he is trading project meetings for golf rounds, travel, and time with family, the foundation he helped create will continue to influence the firm and its people.

Rocco Gallo: Champion of Collaboration, Quality, and Mentorship

For nearly three decades, Rocco Gallo has been a driving force at Karpinski Engineering, transforming how the firm approaches complex projects and teamwork. Known for his expertise in electrical engineering and project delivery, Rocco has helped advance the firm’s capabilities in Design-Assist, Integrated Project Delivery, and BIM, leaving an enduring impact on both the company and the broader A/E/C industry.

Rocco invests deeply in mentoring staff, providing design leadership, and ensuring every project meets the highest standards of quality and safety. He believes the greatest project success comes when teams work together, and he has spent his career connecting clients, designers, contractors, and colleagues to the resources they need. As the leader of Karpinski Engineering’s BIM Core Team, he has guided the firm’s adoption of technology that improves efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes.

Rocco’s influence extends beyond the office and construction site. He is a recognized thought leader, sharing his expertise at conferences, professional organizations, and teaching engagements. From BIM and lean construction to Integrated Project Delivery and mentoring, Rocco has helped professionals nationwide expand their skills, adopt new technologies, and build stronger teams.

Some of Rocco’s proudest moments come from projects that leave a meaningful, long-term impact. From transforming neonatal intensive care units to leading the Cleveland Museum of Art renovation, he has seen how thoughtful engineering can support communities, improve patient care, and strengthen multidisciplinary teams.

Rocco’s leadership and passion have left an imprint on Karpinski Engineering. His focus on planning, collaboration, and quality has influenced both projects and people, fostering a culture of mentorship, innovation, and high performance that will continue guiding the firm for years to come.

Projects Top Row: Cleveland Clinic, Lakewood Family Health Center | Cleveland Museum of Art Expansion& Renovation | MetroHealth Campus Transformation | Lake Health TriPoint Heath Center
Projects Bottom Row: Cleveland Clinic, Neurological Institute | The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center | Cleveland Clinic, Marymount Hospital Surgery Expansion | Cleveland Clinic H Building Electrical Infrastructure

A Legacy Built on Values and People

Jim and Rocco’s impact goes far beyond the projects they delivered. They both helped build a culture that fosters curiosity, accountability, and genuine care for the people they work with. Their influence can be felt in the way teams collaborate, the way younger staff are supported, and the way the firm continues to live out its values every day.

Jeremy Bowers, President, sees their legacy as a steady force that continues to guide the firm’s future.

“They set a standard for how to treat people and how to do the work. Their example reminds us to lead with Passion, Integrity, Excellence, and Service as everyday actions.”