News & awards

Karpinski Engineering has promoted two engineers, Chris Bednar, PE, and Conor Eckhardt, PE, and marketing director, Jennifer Wahl, FSMPS, CPSM to Associate. Working alongside the firm’s principals, Associates implement the firm’s strategic vision and work closely with clients to deliver successful projects.

“We are fortunate to have Chris, Conor, and Jenn as part of the Karpinski team,” said Karpinski President Jim Cicero, PE, LEED AP. “We have been strategically growing, and their contributions significantly impact the firm. With their promotions, we keep our eye on the future and add depth to our leadership team.”

Chris Bednar, PE | Associate & Director of Civil

Chris Bednar, who joined Karpinski in 2018, is the firm’s Director of Civil based in Karpinski’s Cleveland office. Chris’s experience ranges from site development to municipal infrastructure improvements. He has worked with clients as they design buildings, transform streetscapes, and upgrade utilities.

“Chris has significantly contributed to Karpinski’s bottom line,” said Principal Brian David, PE, LEED AP. “We’ve offered civil engineering for many years, but when Chris came along, he brought a determination to turn our civil department into a business unit that can both stand alone or contribute to our MEP projects. He has expanded our civil department from two to nine members and continues to increase our portfolio with new clients and projects.”

Bednar recalls joining Karpinski as the department director. He was looking for his next challenge, something he could “sink his teeth into,” and was up to the task of taking the department to the next level. Bednar was immediately drawn to the firm during his first interview, stating, “No one had ever just asked me questions about myself outside of work. Getting to know the principals more personally showed me the type of firm Karpinski is – one that cares about its staff and is an extended family. It is something I am extremely grateful to be part of.”

Under Bednar’s leadership, the civil department has staff in multiple offices and has completed various project types, such as libraries, fire stations, community centers, street rehabilitation, athletic fields, parking lots, parks, and trails. These projects are in addition to the work the team supports in our healthcare, education, hospitality, and community and public safety markets.

Conor Eckhardt, PE | Mechanical Associate

Conor Eckhardt joined Karpinski in 2014 as a mechanical engineer in our Akron-Canton office. Eckhardt brings a blend of engineering, project management, and people skills to his projects. He designs various mechanical systems, from HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection, for healthcare, higher education, and K-12 education projects.

Eckhardt is a big part of Karpinski’s culture. He demonstrates his high standard of excellence within the firm as a confident leader of internal project teams and as a trusted mentor to his fellow engineers. Eckhardt serves as a Subject Matter Expert for all areas of the mechanical department and is a member of the firm’s BIM Core Group and the Karpinski Training Core Group.

“Conor is a driving force behind our growth at KE. His commitment to mentoring and teaching and his efforts in developing training tools and processes empower our team to work more efficiently and effectively,” said Principal Jeremy Bowers, PE. “By exceeding client expectations and coordinating across disciplines, Conor enhances our projects and elevates those around him, creating a culture of excellence and collaboration.”

Eckhardt earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Grove City College, currently serving as the ASHRAE Akron Chapter President, and spearheaded its 2023 regional conference.

Jennifer Wahl, FSMPS, CPSM | Associate & Director of Corporate Marketing Strategy

Jenn Wahl joined Karpinski in 2014 and is the firm’s Director of Corporate Marketing Strategy. Wahl leads the firm’s marketing efforts across all six regional offices. She advises firm leadership and leads a comprehensive marketing approach, including project capture strategies, proposals, thought leadership, and digital marketing, all of which contribute to a robust firm presence leading to new work.

“Jenn is the first marketer we have elevated to Associate,” said President Jim Cicero, PE, LEED AP. “This shows how committed we are to being a well-rounded company that values both technical and non-technical teams, which we must be if we want to continue to grow and excel in this industry. Jenn’s leadership in our project pursuit strategies has secured some of the largest projects in our history. She has been able to position us for the work we want.”

Wahl has a deep knowledge of marketing and strategy in the industry, having worked in all three letters of AEC—architecture, engineering, and construction. She championed Karpinski’s recent rebrand and new website, has taken the firm’s thought leadership strategies to new heights, showcasing our expertise and knowledge, and is responsible for the firm’s largest and most high-profile project capture strategies.

Wahl holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Cleveland State University. She is a Fellow of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and a Certified Professional Services Marketer. A founding member of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of SMPS, Wahl has been an active member for many years. She currently serves on various committees within SMPS and is also a member of the ACE Cleveland Advisory Committee.