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Karpinski Engineering Announces the Retirement of Mark Harrington, PE

With 44 years of experience - 39 spent with Karpinski Engineering - the firm is celebrating the remarkable career of Mark Harrington, PE.

Joining the company in January of 1985, Harrington started as a Mechanical Project Engineer. “Back then, we were doing manual drafting for all projects,” says Harrington. “I worked my way up through the ranks and for the past 10 years, I was the Director of our New York office.”

Karpinski’s New York office was founded in September of 1984 and Harrington joined the branch in 1985. “Jim Karpinski, prior to founding Karpinski Engineering, was consulting for a Jamestown architect. That firm suggested that Karpinski open a Jamestown office,” Harrington commented.

Some of Jamestown’s first clients included Habiterra Associates, Weber Murphy Fox Architects, and William Weborg Associates – now Bostwick Design Partnership’s Erie branch.

“What I remember most about Mark is how much the clients really valued him and what he was doing as far as project management went,” says Karpinski President James T. Cicero. “They went to Mark for fee proposals and project questions that he always had the answers to. He really developed a great loyalty with the clients.”

Harrington has worked on a number of projects for clients including Penn State University Behrend, Edinboro University, Lord Corporation, Theil College, The Erie Zoo, Warren General Hospital, and many others. He has also been involved with a number of Karpinski’s hotel and hospitality projects.

“He makes it hard on us, there’s no doubt about it,” says Senior Electrical Technical Manager Kelley Moran. “It’s one of the hardest things to walk into a room and hear ‘Where’s Mark?’ because I think he was loved. Forty-four years in the business is impressive and the people just love him. I think that’s what matters.”

Harrington took over Karpinski’s New York Office in 2013 when former Principal Dennis Franklin retired. His tenure not only upheld the standards of Karpinski Engineering but launched the office to new heights of success.

“Mark’s job was to change the culture in New York and make it part of Karpinski Engineering and he really did a wonderful job,” says Cicero. “He reached out to all our regional offices and became an integral part of our team. He really was able to unify our New York office and I think that will be his legacy.”

Karpinski Engineering thanks Mark for his unwavering dedication, integrity, and thorough contributions. He has been a driving force behind the success of KE’s New York office, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy. His outstanding career and professional journey serve as a source of inspiration to all.

“I just want to say thank you to the current and former principals, the staff in New York, and all the staff in the other offices that have supported us over the years,” remarks Harrington. “It’s been a great career for me, and I can’t imagine having spent it anywhere else.”